The 14 best documentaries of 2020 (so far) and how to watch them right now
Jason Guerrasio
- There have been some great documentaries released so far in 2020.
- From docuseries like "Tiger King" and "The Last Dance," to feature-length movies "The Painter and the Thief" and "Crip Camp," some fascinating stories have been told.
- Most of them are also available on streaming platforms, meaning you can watch them right now.
In a world where real life has become stranger than fiction, it shouldn't come as a surprise that some of the best stories told in 2020 were done through documentaries.
We learned about a group of people who lived in a biodome from the doc "Spaceship Earth," how McDonald's Monopoly game was corrupted in "McMillions," and the dramatic world of owning big cats with "Tiger King."
Here are 14 of the best documentaries from 2020 (so far) and how to watch them right now:
"Ali & Cavett: The Tale of the Tapes"
Watch now on: HBO Max
Through using the numerous appearances Muhammad Ali made on "The Dick Cavett Show" from the late 1960s through the 1970s, we are given a glimpse into how Ali was much more than a magnificent boxer.
Thanks to the talents of Cavett, he gets Ali to open up to talk in their interviews about everything from racism to political injustice.
"Beastie Boys Story"
Watch now on: Apple TV Plus
Director Spike Jonze looks back on the legendary band through the memories of surviving members Ad-Rock and Mike D. This will definitely want you to go back and play the hits from the Beastie Boys over the weekend.
"Cheer"
Watch now on: Netflix
This docuseries looks at the Navarro College cheer team as they prepare to compete in the National Cheerleading Championship. But what really captivates you are the memorable team members who are completely driven for their craft.
"Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution"
Watch now on: Netflix
Executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, this inspiring documentary looks at Camp Jened, a summer camp for teens with disabilities. We follow some who have turned into activists for the disability rights movement since attending the camp.
"Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen"
Watch now on: Netflix
Director Sam Feder examines Hollywood's depiction of transgender people and features interviews from important trans people like Laverne Cox, Alexandra Billings, and Chaz Bono.
"Hillary"
Watch now on: Hulu
This docuseries gives a rarely seen look at Hillary Clinton. Full of never-before-seen footage from her 2016 run for president as well as a look back at her life, it delivers a fascinating profile on a person who is admired (as well as vilified) by many.
"Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich"
Watch now on: Netflix
Lisa Bryant's docuseries is an examination of how Jeffrey Epstein used his power and wealth to sexually abuse countless women, many of them underage. It's done through interviews with several survivors who recount their stories.
"Killer Insider: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez"
Watch now on: Netflix
In this three-part documentary, director Geno McDermott looks at what led pro football player Aaron Hernandez to become a killer off the field.
Through interviews and Hernandez's own audio recordings from prison before his death by suicide, McDermott tries to unravel this complex and shocking story.
"The Last Dance"
Watch now on: Netflix beginning July 19
This epic 10-part docuseries from Jason Hehir shows never-before-seen footage of the Chicago Bulls' 1998 championship run, dubbed "The Last Dance." At the time, it was believed coach Phil Jackson and team star Michael Jordan likely would not return to the team after that season.
But that is just one layer to the documentary. Hehir uses the footage as a way to also deliver the ultimate deep dive into the life and career of Jordan.
"McMillions"
Watch now on: HBO Max
This stranger-than-fiction story looks at how the popular McDonald's Monopoly game was turned into a money-making scheme for the mob in the 1990s.
There are numerous times you will be convinced there's no way this story is true — yet it is.
"Miss Americana"
Watch now on: Netflix
A can't-miss for any Taylor Swift fan, this doc follows the star over a few years as she becomes more comfortable with fame and voicing her political views.
The movie also has a fascinating look at her process as a songwriter since it was filmed while the singer was creating the albums "Reputation" and "Lover."
"The Painter and the Thief"
Watch now on: iTunes, FandangoNow, On Demand
This powerful doc from Norwegian director Benjamin Ree follows painter Barbora Kysilkova who, after two of her paintings are stolen, befriends one of the thieves. It leads to an unexpected and unique friendship.
"Spaceship Earth"
Watch now on: iTunes, FandangoNow, On Demand
Director Matt Wolf examines the 1991 experiment where eight people spent two years quarantined inside a replica Earth ecosystem called Biosphere 2.
Wolf uses archival footage and present-day interviews to explore this fascinating story.
"Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness"
Watch now on: Netflix
This docuseries became an obsession for many who were stuck at home during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
It explores big cat conservation but more specifically the unique people who are part of the community, including Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. Memes and recaps don't do this one justice. It needs to be seen to fully understand why it became so popular.
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