“El Capitan” by mattvaux7 is licensed under CC BY 2.0
These streaming documentaries will get you off your couch and immersed in the scenic stories of Motown and country music, brave adventurers and groundbreaking athletes, and of course, delicious dishes from around the world.
The Apollo
View this post on Instagram
Academy Award–winning director Roger Ross Williams pulls back the curtain on 85 years of history at this New York City institution through archival footage and interviews with legends like Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, and Jamie Foxx.
Where to Watch: HBO
Hitsville: The Making of Motown
View this post on Instagram
One of the most influential record labels in music history churned out hits in a tiny Detroit home. Sixty years later, music superstars like Berry Gordy, Dr. Dre, and John Legend discuss the music, the stories, and the city where it all happened.
Where to Watch: Showtime
Country Music
View this post on Instagram
Ken Burns’s sweeping history series spans over a century and criss-crosses the country, from the first country radio station in Texas to a Reba McEntire concert in Iowa. Along the way, stars like Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks share their stories, as viewers are treated to the ultimate country playlist.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Vudu, YouTube
Free Solo
View this post on Instagram
One man. 3,200 feet of rock. No harness. Alex Hannold’s quest to scale Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan highlights his ambition and the toll it takes on those around him. This critically acclaimed profile was showered with awards, including an Oscar, a BAFTA, and 7 Emmys.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube
Little Miss Sumo
View this post on Instagram
Little Miss Sumo is an unexpected twist on Japan’s best known sport. This beautifully shot documentary tells the story of a 21-year-old female sumo wrestler facing a forced retirement. Watch as she travels to the world sumo championships in Taiwan in a bid to upend sexist stereotypes in the sport.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Le Ride
View this post on Instagram
Phil Keoghan, host of The Amazing Race, leads a team on vintage bikes through the world’s most grueling race. Inspired by the first English-language team to enter the race, Keoghan and his crew’s minute-to-minute recreation of the 1928 Tour de France is a wildly entertaining jaunt.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube
Beers of Joy
View this post on Instagram
The stories behind the world’s favorite brew leads viewers through stunning visuals of quaint German villages, medieval monasteries, and modern breweries. But the film’s emotional core is the people obsessed with the craft—from the brewers gearing up for the infamous Master Cicerone test to the chef who lovingly brews from his own kitchen.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Vudu, YouTube
Three Days of Glory
View this post on Instagram
At first glance, the 150 year-old Trois Glorieuses (Three Days of Glory) seems like a wine enthusiast’s fantasy of superb wine and gourmet gastronomy. This three-day Burgundian festival begins with an artisan street fair, includes invitation-only fine dining, and culminates with one of the world’s premier wine auctions. Alongside all the glamour, this film delves into the age old clash between deep-rooted tradition and the threats of the modern wine market.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Vudu, YouTube
Tea with the Dames
View this post on Instagram
Britain’s true crown jewels may be this quartet of iconic actresses. Tucked away in Joan Plowright’s country estate, Plowright, Maggie Smith, Eileen Atkins, and Judi Dench have a tea full of gossip, wit, and laughter as they look back on their incredible careers.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
View this post on Instagram
In each episode of this docuseries, David Chang and a celebrity guest muse on life, fame, and (of course!) food against the backdrop of a new city. Locations span from Vancouver to Marrakesh, and guests include Chrissy Teigen and Kate McKinnon.
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Endless Summer
View this post on Instagram
This classic documentary follows two surfers as they roam the coasts of the world for the perfect wave. Shot in the 1960s, this quintessential surfer movie is a far-flung adventure that brings viewers to Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, iTunes, Tubi (free), YouTube
