If you are a documentary enthusiast looking for something new to watch, there are a wide range of documentaries on Hulu. This streaming platform offers a wide selection of compelling and thought-provoking documentaries. They cover a broad range of topics, from true crime and politics to music and sports. Whether you are in the mood for a hard-hitting exposé or a heartwarming story of human triumph, there is something for everyone on Hulu this year. In this list, we will highlight some of the must-watch documentaries that you won’t want to miss. So grab some popcorn and get ready to be informed and inspired.
The Donut King (2020)
IMDb rating: 7.2/10 | Genre: Documentary | Lead Cast: Ted Ngoy, Christy Ngoy, Mayly Tao | Director: Alice Gu
In The Donut King, directed by Alice Gu, viewers witness the remarkable journey of Ted Ngoy, a Cambodian refugee who rose to become a successful donut entrepreneur in California during the 1970s. The documentary sheds light on Ted’s struggles and how he overcame them to build an empire in the donut industry. It also explores the impact of the Cambodian genocide on Ted’s life and the Cambodian community in America. Through interviews with Ted, his family, and those who knew him, The Donut King tells a captivating and inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the American Dream. Donut King is one of the most interesting documentaries on Hulu.
The Last Tourist (2021)
IMDb rating: 7.2 | Genre: Action, Thriller | Lead Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Alex Ferns, Óscar Jaenada | Director: Marcel Barrena
In The Last Tourist, a gripping thriller by Olen Steinhauer, readers follow Milo Weaver, a former CIA agent who has retired from the agency and is now living a peaceful life in isolation. However, his tranquility is short-lived when he is approached by a group of former colleagues who ask for his help in tracking down a missing CIA analyst. Milo reluctantly agrees and soon finds himself embroiled in a complex and dangerous operation that takes him across Europe and Asia.
As Milo delves deeper into the case, he realizes that there is more at stake than just finding the missing analyst, and he must race against time to uncover a global conspiracy that threatens the lives of millions. The Last Tourist is a thrilling ride full of twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The Latest Tourist is one of the latest documentaries on Hulu.
Changing the Game (2019)
IMDb rating: 7.5/10 | Genre: Documentary, Sport | Lead Cast: Mack Beggs, Sarah Rose Huckman, Andraya Yearwood | Director: Michael Barnett
Changing the Game follows three high school athletes – trans male wrestler Mack, transgender girl wrestler Sarah, and cisgender female track star Andraya – as they navigate the complexities of their respective sports and strive to compete at the highest levels. Along the way, they face discrimination, prejudice, and harassment, but also find allies who support their journey towards equality and inclusion in sports. Through their stories, the documentary sheds light on the broader issues of gender identity and representation in sports, and advocates for a more inclusive and accepting athletic community.
Untouchable (2019)
IMDb rating: 7.5/10 | Genre: Documentary | Lead Cast: Harvey Weinstein, Rosanna Arquette, Paz de la Huerta | Director: Ursula Macfarlane
The documentary film Untouchable (2019) tells the story of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and the sexual abuse allegations that led to his downfall. The film explores the experiences of several women who came forward with allegations against Weinstein. It also has the impact of the #MeToo movement on the entertainment industry. The documentary sheds light on the power dynamics that enabled Weinstein’s abusive behavior to go unchecked for years. It also shows the courage of those who spoke out against him. Through interviews with journalists, lawyers, and advocates, Untouchable provides a comprehensive look at one of the most high-profile cases of sexual abuse.
Kid 90 (2021)
IMDb rating: 7.0/10 | Genre: Documentary | Lead Cast: Soleil Moon Frye, Brian Austin Green, David Arquette | Director: Soleil Moon Frye
Kid 90 is a documentary film that follows actress and filmmaker Soleil Moon Frye’s journey of self-discovery. She revisits and reflects on her teenage years in the 1990s. Through the use of her personal collection of footage, Frye provides an intimate look at the highs and lows of her adolescence. She also shares the experiences of her fellow young Hollywood actors and musicians during that era. The film also features interviews with Frye’s peers. They offer insights into the pressures and challenges of growing up in the public eye. Kid 90 is one of the most nostalgic documentaries on Hulu.
Flee (2021)
IMDb rating: 8.2/10 | Genre: Animation, Documentary, Drama | Lead Cast: Amin Nawabi, Isabella Eklöf, Banafsheh Modarres | Director: Jonas Poher Rasmussen
In Flee (2021), a man named Amin narrates his life story to filmmaker Jonas Poher Rasmussen. Amin recounts his experiences as a child refugee from Afghanistan and his journey to Denmark. As he opens up about his past, Amin must confront painful memories and the challenges of living as an undocumented immigrant. The film blends animation and documentary footage to bring Amin’s story to life. Flee is one of the best animated documentaries on Hulu.
Framing Britney Spears (2021)
IMDb rating: 7.9/10 | Genre: Documentary | Lead Cast: Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Felicia Culotta | Director: Samantha Stark
Framing Britney Spears is a documentary that explores the life and career of Britney Spears. She is one of the most iconic pop stars of our time. The documentary delves into the controversy surrounding her conservatorship. This has sparked public outcry and led many to question the control she has over her own life. Through interviews with those closest to her and archival footage, Framing Britney Spears sheds light on the treatment of women in the media and the legal system. It raises important questions about the nature of fame and the price that comes with it.
Dead Asleep (2021)
IMDb rating: 5.7/10 | Genre: Documentary | Director: Skye Borgman
In Dead Asleep (2021), a group of friends travels to a remote cabin for a weekend getaway, but their peaceful retreat turns into a nightmare. This is when they begin to experience inexplicable and terrifying events. As they struggle to unravel the mystery behind their eerie surroundings, they realize that they are not alone. There is something sinister is lurking in the shadows. As tensions rise and trust is shattered, they must fight for their survival and confront their deepest fears. Even the smallest mistake can be fatal, and the line between reality and nightmare becomes increasingly blurred. With heart-pumping a gripping storyline, Dead Asleep will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Jawline (2019)
IMDb rating: 6.7/10 | Genre: Documentary | Lead Cast: Austyn Tester, Michael Weist, Kayla Day | Director: Liza Mandelup
In the documentary film Jawline (2019), we follow the journey of 16-year-old Austyn Tester, a small-town boy with big dreams of becoming a social media star. With the help of his manager, Michael Weist, Austyn navigates the world of online fame. He uses his charming personality and good looks to amass a loyal fanbase. But as Austyn’s followers grow, he begins to question whether this virtual world is truly fulfilling and meaningful. Along the way, we witness the ups and downs of his rise to fame. This includes the pressures of maintaining a public persona, dealing with negative comments, and trying to keep up with social media demands. Jawline explores the impact of the digital age on our culture and the new avenues of success it provides for young people. Jawline is one the most realistic documentaries on Hulu.
Spaceship Earth (2020)
IMDb rating: 6.7/10 | Genre: Documentary | Lead Cast: John Allen, Tony Burgess, Kathelin Gray | Director: Matt Wolf
In Spaceship Earth a group of eight people embark on a grand experiment in 1991,. They live in a closed ecological system called Biosphere 2, for two years. The goal is to see if humans could sustain life in a self-contained environment. This is a test run for possible long-term space exploration. As they live and work inside this massive glass structure, tensions begin to rise and the project becomes increasingly fraught. Meanwhile, outside the biosphere, a media frenzy and legal battles add even more pressure to the experiment’s already volatile mix. The documentary explores the complex dynamics of the project’s participants and the challenges they faced. It also includes the larger implications of the experiment on science, technology, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
It’s A Wrap
Hulu offers a fantastic selection of must-watch documentaries that cover a wide range of topics, including politics, history, crime, and social issues. From Spaceship Earth (2020) to the Donut King (2020), these films are informative, thought-provoking, and entertaining. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or simply enjoy a captivating story, get the best documentaries on Hulu. Next up, you can also try some sad movies on Amazon Prime.
