The 16 best documentaries of 2025

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With so many streaming services, documentaries are plentiful and relatively inexpensive to make. While people enjoy true stories, not all documentaries are well-made.

The documentaries and series that truly stood out this year didn’t just entertain – they offered fresh insights. They either taught us something new about a topic, a person, or a different way of looking at things, or they presented a familiar story in a new light. These films focused on everyone from well-known figures to everyday people who achieved incredible feats, and even those who faced hardship.

Best is a matter of perspective, but these titles are certainly notable and 100% worth your time.

‘Pee-wee as Himself’

This documentary focuses on the creation and impact of Pee-wee Herman, notably without prominently featuring the name of its creator, Paul Reubens (though Reubens himself points out Pee-wee has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he does not). Reubens, a quiet contrast to his energetic character, participated in 40 hours of interviews but later distanced himself from the project, leading to a playful back-and-forth with director Matt Wolf over how the story would be told and his artistic reputation – a battle he ultimately seems to win. Beyond celebrating the simple happiness Pee-wee brought to audiences and his resilience through personal challenges, the film explores Reubens’ life, including the societal pressures that led him to hide his true self, and the groundbreaking creativity of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” which championed diversity, acceptance, and love on Saturday mornings. (Read the review | Watch on HBO Max) – Robert Lloyd

Television

A new two-part HBO documentary, ‘Pee-wee as Himself,’ directed by Matt Wolf and debuting this Friday, offers a compelling look at Paul Reubens, the man behind the famous Pee-wee Herman persona, and how he often stayed hidden from public view.

‘Being Katharine Graham’

Katharine Graham was a true champion for journalism. Though born into wealth and initially unprepared for the role, she unexpectedly became publisher of The Washington Post after her husband’s death. Many underestimated her, especially as the first woman to lead a major media company, assuming she’d simply follow the lead of the men around her. However, as a new film details, she proved to be instrumental in the paper’s success. She bravely published the Pentagon Papers, fiercely supported her reporters during the Watergate scandal, and consistently prioritized informing the public above all else. As she put it, maintaining the paper’s integrity always came first, even when dealing with those in power. (Read the review | Watch on Prime Video) — Mary McNamara

‘My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow’

‘My Mom Jayne’

Mariska Hargitay, known for her role on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” lost her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, in a car accident when she was just three years old. A new documentary, “My Mom Jayne,” offers a surprisingly intimate look at Hargitay’s quest to understand her mother and the reality behind Mansfield’s glamorous public image. The film reveals that Mansfield was very different from the “bombshell” persona she portrayed, and this discovery has a profound impact on Hargitay. It’s a moving and emotional story with unexpected turns – you might want to keep some tissues nearby. (Read the review | Watch on HBO Max) — Greg Braxton

Television

I was so moved by Mariska Hargitay’s documentary about her mother, Jayne Mansfield. It was incredibly personal and honest, and it really showed the impact of losing her mom at such a young age – Mariska was only three when it happened. It was a really powerful film.

‘Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will’

There’s something deeply comforting about listening to Juan Gabriel, whether you’re belting out a heartbroken ballad like “Amor Eterno” or dancing to the infectious rhythm of “El Noa Noa.” The incredibly talented and flamboyant Mexican singer, known as the “Divo of Juarez,” wrote over 1,500 songs and captivated audiences until his death in 2016. A new four-part Netflix documentary directed by Maria Jose Cuevas explores the life behind the legend, revealing the man born Alberto Aguilera Valadez. Using personal archives, home videos, and interviews, the series delves into the contrasting sides of Gabriel – his public persona and private struggles. It traces his difficult upbringing, his complex relationship with his mother, and how he transformed his pain and loneliness into music that resonated with millions. Gabriel faced criticism and controversy throughout his career, including protests over a performance at a prestigious venue in Mexico City, but he persevered and delivered an unforgettable show. The documentary is a fascinating look at his life and artistry, and honestly, you could dedicate an entire episode just to his incredible style – especially those white leather fringe boots. (Available on Netflix) – Yvonne Villarreal

María José Cuevas, the director of the new Juan Gabriel documentary on Netflix, recently discussed her work on the film and her connection to the singer’s music with The Times.

‘The Perfect Neighbor’ (Netflix)

“The Perfect Neighbor” is a chilling documentary constructed primarily from police body camera recordings. It tells the story of Ajike Owens, a 35-year-old mother of four, who was killed by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz. The film meticulously details the two years of escalating conflicts leading up to the shooting, as well as the devastating consequences. A significant portion of the footage comes from numerous 911 calls made by Lorincz regarding neighborhood children – including Owens’ children – playing on an empty lot near her home in Marion County, Florida.

Director Geeta Gandbhir, whose sister-in-law was a close friend of the victim, explained to The Times that she aimed to use the film to show how a single act of gun violence shattered a community. The film is difficult to watch, but powerfully tells a story that goes beyond a local dispute. It raises important questions about gun violence, racial bias, and how “stand your ground” laws are applied. (Read the review | Watch on Netflix) — Kaitlyn Huamani

Awards

Director Geeta Gandbhir shares that a personal tragedy – the murder of a family friend – inspired her compelling new Netflix documentary, ‘The Perfect Neighbor.’

‘Deaf President Now!,’ ‘Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore’

The Apple TV+ documentary “Deaf President Now!” features Tim Rarus, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Greg Hlibok, and Jerry Covell.

Marlee Matlin in “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore.” (Sundance Institute)

For years, the Deaf community has fought for recognition and equal rights. In 2025, two documentaries offered insightful looks into this ongoing struggle and the lessons it holds. “Deaf President Now!,” directed by Deaf activist and model Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim, recounts a landmark moment in Deaf history: an eight-day protest led by four former students at Gallaudet University. Their activism resulted in the appointment of the university’s first Deaf president and led to new laws protecting the rights of Deaf individuals. (Available on Apple TV)

Shoshannah Stern’s new film offers a personal look at Marlee Matlin, the Oscar-winning actress, detailing the challenges she faced becoming a Hollywood star. It also highlights her advocacy for greater Deaf representation in film, paving the way for actors like her “CODA” co-star, Troy Kotsur. Both this film and “CODA” use subtitles and American Sign Language, offering a unique viewing experience for hearing audiences. (Read the review | Watch on PBS) – Maira Garcia

‘Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery’

For those who didn’t experience it, it’s difficult to describe how special and groundbreaking the Lilith Fair was in the late 1990s, but this documentary comes remarkably close. Created by singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, the touring festival both celebrated female musicians and challenged the sexist practices of the music industry, proving they were both unethical and bad for business. The film is also a tribute to McLachlan and the incredible artists who performed – including Sheryl Crow, Liz Phair, Tracy Chapman, Queen Latifah, and many more – highlighting how the festival embraced genuine connection and community. While some of the challenges Lilith Fair faced might seem surprising to younger audiences familiar with artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, the issues surrounding women’s treatment in the music industry still resonate today. (Read the review | Watch on Hulu) — Tracy Brown

‘Surviving Ohio State’

Ohio State University is known for its excellent sports programs, and its football team is currently competing for a national championship. However, the university is still dealing with the fallout from a serious sexual abuse scandal explored in a new documentary. The film, produced by Eva Orner and George Clooney’s Smokehouse Pictures, focuses on a 2019 investigation that revealed Dr. Robert Strauss, a doctor at the athletic department and student health center, sexually assaulted at least 177 students many times between 1978 and 1996. The investigation found that university officials ignored repeated complaints about Strauss and failed to stop him. A key figure in the scandal is Congressman Jim Jordan, a former wrestling coach at Ohio State and current chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who is a strong supporter of President Trump. Jordan maintains he was unaware of Strauss’s abuse. The documentary includes powerful and emotional accounts from former wrestlers who share their experiences and seek justice. (Available on HBO Max) — G.B.

‘Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost’

I just finished watching Ben Stiller’s documentary about his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, and it was really special. It’s not just a look back at their famous comedy duo act from the 60s, but a beautiful tribute to their individual careers and, more importantly, their life together. It really resonated with me – it’s a showbiz story, sure, but it’s also so relatable, especially thinking about my own parents. It explores the complexities of family, dealing with aging parents, and coming to terms with the fact that you never truly know them as well as you thought. Ben explains how different their approaches to life and performing were – his mom wanted happiness outside of the spotlight, while performing was everything to his dad – and how that created some tension, but ultimately, they had a loving marriage that lasted 62 years. The documentary is filled with amazing things – letters, diaries, photos, home movies, and stories from Ben and his sister Amy – that paint such a vivid picture of their lives. It’s a really moving and thoughtful film.

‘Orwell: 2+2=5’

A documentary about George Orwell’s lasting impact is bound to be one of the year’s highlights, especially now when political dishonesty is rampant and it’s hard to know what to believe. Director Raoul Peck expertly blends a look at Orwell’s life with a guide to spotting future threats to freedom. The film also offers a fun look back at different movie versions of “1984,” with a nod to the classic starring John Hurt and featuring a memorable Eurythmics soundtrack. What makes this documentary truly special is Damian Lewis’s powerful narration as Orwell – his voice is filled with disdain for oppressive power, and he even questions whether he himself is susceptible to it. Orwell’s insights will stay with you long after the credits roll. (Available to rent or buy online.) — J.R.

‘Billy Joel: And So It Goes’

Billy Joel is a New York icon, just like Randy Newman is to Los Angeles and Bruce Springsteen is to New Jersey. But his impact goes way beyond New York City – his music is everywhere. This fascinating two-part documentary, directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, separates fact from fiction about Joel’s life and career, especially regarding his first wife and manager, Elizabeth Weber, who was crucial to his success. By exploring his life through his albums, the documentary gives us a deeper understanding of the man and the challenges he overcame to become a major pop star. (Available on HBO Max) – M.G.

‘Mr. Scorsese’

If you’re a fan of Martin Scorsese or American movies in general, Rebecca Miller’s five-part series is essential viewing. The series features a detailed interview with Scorsese himself, acting as a narrative guide, and is packed with rare behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with those who know him best – including Thelma Schoonmaker, Robert De Niro, Nicholas Pileggi, Brian De Palma, Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Daniel Day-Lewis. “Mr. Scorsese” is both a personal look at the director’s life and work, and a fascinating exploration of how American film has changed, as told by one of its most influential figures. (Read the review | Watch on Apple TV) – M.M.

‘Riefenstahl’

The new documentary revisits Leni Riefenstahl, the filmmaker favored by Hitler, and convincingly dismantles the previous, more sympathetic portrait of her from 1993. Director Andres Veiel uncovers further evidence that Riefenstahl was a shrewd and calculating individual focused on repairing her public image. The film shows her enjoying a comfortable life after the war – skiing, pursuing book deals (even calling convicted Nazi Albert Speer for advice), and facing questions on television. Importantly, Veiel highlights the disturbing fact that extras who appeared in her films often ended up in concentration camps – a truth Riefenstahl denied. The documentary skillfully acknowledges the artistic brilliance of films like “Triumph of the Will” and “Olympia” while firmly asserting that talent alone cannot excuse her choices.

‘Taurasi’

I’ll admit, I’ve become a bit cynical about calling everyone a “legend” these days. But Diana Taurasi truly deserves that title. Her achievements are incredible – three WNBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, a league MVP, eleven All-Star selections, and six Olympic gold medals, just to name a few! I recently watched a fantastic three-part documentary about her life, starting from her childhood in Chino and following her amazing 20-year career. It really showed me what the WNBA was like back then – how women’s basketball didn’t have the same level of attention or support it does now, which is why players like Diana often had to play overseas to get the recognition and compensation they deserved. But what I loved most was seeing how the documentary captured not only Diana’s incredible confidence and skill, but also how much her family and her background as the child of Argentine immigrants shaped her into the phenomenal player and person she is today. I highly recommend checking it out on Prime Video. – T.B.

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2025-12-10 14:33