As the times get shorter and the air will get cooler, it’s the proper time to curve up with a superb documentary. This fall, I’ve pulled collectively a listing of movies and sequence that caught my eye. Some are model new, others a number of years outdated, however each touches on themes of resilience, justice, identification, or group, all matters that really feel particularly related for these of us working in colleges. Whether or not you’re searching for one thing to suggest to college students, focus on with colleagues, or simply watch on your personal development, these documentaries are value including to your queue.
1. Don’t Die: The Man Who Desires to Reside Eternally (2025) Netflix
This new documentary explores the booming subject of biohacking and longevity science. It follows a person who is decided to defy getting older and prolong his lifespan so long as doable, diving into every little thing from dietary supplements to futuristic medical procedures. For academics, this one sparks questions in regards to the science of well being, ethics, and what it actually means to “reside nicely.” It’s additionally an interesting entry level into discussions round wellness traits your college students might already be seeing on-line.
2. thirteenth (2016) Netflix
Ava DuVernay’s thirteenth stays probably the most highly effective examinations of race, justice, and mass incarceration in America. The movie takes its title from the thirteenth Modification, which abolished slavery however allowed for involuntary servitude as punishment for a criminal offense. Via archival footage and knowledgeable interviews, it traces how systemic racism has formed the legal justice system. Lecturers may discover this invaluable for framing conversations about fairness, civic duty, and the broader social determinants of well being. 9 years on from first watching it, this documentary nonetheless feels pressing and essential.
3. American Manufacturing facility (2019) Netflix
Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Greater Floor Productions, American Manufacturing facility paperwork the cultural conflict between Chinese language administration and American employees at a reopened Ohio manufacturing facility. Past office drama, it raises questions on globalization, labor rights, and what “work” means in trendy society. For educators, this one can open discussions about cultural understanding, communication, and the human facet of economics.
4. Crip Camp (2020) Netflix & You Tube
This Oscar-nominated movie tells the story of a groundbreaking summer time camp for teenagers with disabilities within the Nineteen Seventies, which helped spark the incapacity rights motion. It’s equal elements heartwarming and eye-opening, exhibiting the facility of inclusion, group, and advocacy. For well being and PE academics, this movie is a reminder of why accessibility issues in each side of our lecture rooms and gymnasiums. It additionally highlights how younger individuals can drive significant social change.
5. Unknown Quantity: The Excessive College Catfish (2025) Netflix
A well timed new launch, this documentary follows the unraveling of a catfishing scheme at a highschool, the place college students and academics alike get pulled into the deception. It’s a gripping watch but in addition deeply related for anybody working with teenagers right this moment. With problems with on-line identification, belief, and digital security at its core, this one might simply spark classroom conversations round media literacy and wholesome on-line relationships.
6. Satan within the Household: The Fall of Ruby Franke (2025) Hulu
Ruby Franke constructed a large on-line following as a parenting influencer earlier than her surprising downfall. This documentary investigates the troubling practices behind her household model and the legal prices that adopted. Whereas the story is sensational, it additionally raises vital questions on social media, parenting pressures, and the blurred line between non-public life and public efficiency. For academics, it’s a stark reminder of the hidden struggles some college students face at house.
7. The Jail Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard (2025) Hulu
This movie revisits the case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, whose story of abuse and eventual involvement in her mom’s homicide shocked the nation. It combines Gypsy Rose’s personal perspective with new reporting to ask larger questions on management, survival, and autonomy. Whereas heavy, it shines a light-weight on the complexities of abuse and resilience. These stay vital points for these of us who work with weak younger individuals.
8. Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview (2025) Hulu
I keep in mind following Griner’s story in actual time considering ‘it will make a fantastic documentary sooner or later’. This unique sit-down with WNBA star Brittney Griner recounts her time in a Russian jail and the worldwide effort to carry her house. It’s each a private story of endurance and a broader commentary on politics, identification, and the worldwide stage of sport. For PE academics, Griner’s resilience and advocacy add a robust dimension to conversations about athletes as extra than simply gamers.
9. Banned Collectively: The Battle In opposition to Censorship (2025) Cover
This well timed documentary follows librarians, college students, and academics as they push again in opposition to the rising wave of ebook bans and censorship in colleges. It’s a name to motion about freedom of expression, entry to concepts, and the position of schooling in democracy. For these of us within the classroom, it’s inconceivable to not see the connections to our day by day work and the significance of fostering important considering.
Remaining Ideas
This record is certainly not exhaustive, nevertheless it represents a variety of points shaping our world proper now: well being, justice, identification, resilience, and the facility of younger voices. Whether or not you watch them by yourself, with household, and even preview them for classroom use, these documentaries supply loads of meals for thought this fall. I’d additionally love to listen to what documentaries and sequence you’re watching this fall. Please share within the feedback.
I’ve shared my love of documentaries earlier than:
7 Documentaries to Stream (2023)
9 Netflix Documentaries to Watch This Summer season (2017)
