Top Ten Documentaries On Netflix Instant

There are a ton of great documentaries available on Netflix Instant. Sometimes its a little overwhelming to wade through them all. I've compiled a list of my favorites, from various categories that I not only like, but am willing to watch more than once. I've tried to balance the list with social, political and comedic documentaries This list is by no means exhaustive and if you think I've left something out, please leave your favorites in the comments section! 


*not in order of best to last, just my top ten!* If you don't have Netflix instant, titles will take you to Amazon instant.

Grizzly Man 

Timothy Treadwell observes the grizzlys in their natural habitat in the Alaskan peninsula. Treadwell attempts to bond with the bears and the footage he is able to shoot is  mesmerizing. Treadwell is at times so comical that you forget the danger he has placed himself in.You're often torn between Treadwell's persistent childlike niavete and his unignorable disregard for the laws of nature. Directed by Werner Herzog

My Brother's Keeper 

Delbert is accused of murdering his brother in rural upstate New York. Is he innocent? Was it a mercy killing? A compelling portrait of a family of hermits, unable to cope with the outside world. Watching the brothers interact is like being transported to another world. 

Zach Galifianakis - Live at the Purple Onion 

Pre-Hangover. Zach at his comedic best.

The Corporation 

Incredibly informative and well researched, I actually had to watch this in parts. This would be a great documentary to show in an ethics or government class. Far-reaching with varied interview subjects, this documentary explores the history of "the corporation" and its modern day implications.

Food Inc. 

There seem to a be a lot of documentaries cropping up about food, big agriculture and the USDA. Its something that affects us everyday, but not something we often talk about. Food Inc, explores our relationship to food, the dynamic between the producer and the consumer, and the changing public perception to "factory farming".

Confessions of a Super Hero 

An indepth look at character actors who make their living playing super heros on hollywood boulevard. These people are incredibly fascinating and incredibly sad. 

Conan O'Brien Can't Stop 

Although it feels like a whirlwind ( which I suspect Conan's entire life must be like) this is a really entertaining doc for Conan fans. It follows his journey post talk show loss when he hits the road. I tried to get tickets to the Spokane show but the website was jammed all day long. It definitely feels a little thrown together, but I think the pacing really complements Conan O'brien as a performer and person.

Deliver Us from Evil 

-Heartbreaking, not for the faint of heart. Difficult to watch, but an important story to tell. This documentary chronicles the journey of one pedophile priest and the church that let him get away with it.

What Would Jesus Buy?

A really interesting portrait of consumption. The "church of stop shopping" prepares for the Shopacolypse. Led by the charismatic Reverend Billy, the first ten minutes may seem a bit silly. My favorite scene is the Reverend going into the Disney store and yelling "Mickey Mouse is the Anti-Christ!" Look beyond the sarcasm and showy exterior to the important issue underneath. Why do we spend so  much money on worthless stuff?

Farmageddon

I actually just recently watched this and really enjoyed it. In a similar vein to Food Inc, Farmageddon focuses specifically on raw milk and various case histories of small farms. The narration is a bit irritating but the case stories are mesmerizing. For fans of Food Inc.

Got any suggestions for me? Leave them in the comments!
Also, check out my Top Ten Tv Shows On Netflix Instant.