9/11 Reunited & more must-watch documentaries on Disney+
by Explore Disney+ Contributor
11 September 2026
Explore documentaries selected by our editors for standout storytelling and popular topics, including sports, history, space, science, and more
A great documentary can take you anywhere: The cliffs of Yosemite, a legendary concert, or even the early days of Disneyland. This guide gathers editors’ favourite and popular picks available to stream now on Disney+. We’re here to help you add some gripping nonfiction to your Watchlist, including Oscar®-winning movies, captivating true crime docuseries and stunning nature documentaries.
Best documentaries to watch on Disney+
Our editors chose titles based on storytelling, popularity and awards recognition. Their selections cover a broad range of subjects, spanning sports, true crime, history, nature, science and Disney Parks. This is not a ranked list, so jump straight to the section that fits your mood best.
Award-winning & editor-favourite documentaries
Start here for award-winning documentaries and editor-selected favourites that combine powerful storytelling with extraordinary real-life subjects.
Stories of courage, gratitude & connection: National Geographic’s 9/11 Reunited
9/11 Reunited tells the story of the worst terror attacks in U.S. history, in which 2,977 people lost their lives. Yet out of the darkness of that day, there are incredibly uplifting stories. This major new series chronicles those stories, survivors who made a deep connection with others amidst the horror, and who now want to meet again. Many of them reunite for the first time since that day, needing to say thank you or to pass on a message, while others have questions that they felt unable to ask until now.
Made in collaboration with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to mark the 25th anniversary, the series interweaves the story of the day, from first impact to one of the last rescues, with the emotional reunions that reflect how the bonds formed that day have lasted a quarter of a century.
Add 9/11 Reunited to Watchlist
A journey to the limits of human ability: National Geographic Documentary Films’ Free Solo
Free Solo follows climber Alex Honnold as he prepares to scale El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without a rope. The 2018 Documentary (Feature) Oscar® Winner is a tense, intimate portrait of discipline, risk, and focus, with filmmaking that puts viewers close to the physical and emotional scope of the climb.
An unshakeable bond with our closest relatives: National Geographic Documentary Films’ Jane
This documentary uses archival footage to revisit Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research and the work that helped reshape how people understand the natural world. Director Brett Morgen combines Goodall’s story with music by Philip Glass, making for an artistic personal portrait and an inspirational conservation story.
A Hail Mary that saved lives: National Geographic Documentary Films’ The Rescue
Chronicling the 2018 mission to save 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Northern Thailand, this is a story of persevering against the odds. The documentary focuses on the cave divers, Thai Navy SEALs, and international rescue teams whose courage and technical skill helped turn a global crisis into a story of shared humanity.
National Geographic & nature documentary picks
For wildlife, conservation, and stories about our natural world, Disney+ has a massive Disneynature and National Geographic library. Here are some of our editors’ favourites.
A highly sophisticated community: Disneynature’s Dolphin Reef
Follow Echo, a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin, as he explores his coral reef home and learns his place within the reef ecosystem. Natalie Portman narrates this family-friendly Disneynature movie about ocean life, predators, and the relationships that keep a reef alive.
Small but mighty: National Geographic’s Secrets of the Bees
Secrets of the Bees follows National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory into the hidden world of bees, including life inside the hive and the surprising ways different species adapt to their surroundings. Executive produced by James Cameron (creator of Avatar), the 2-part series combines the beauty of nature with science, behavioural insights, and close-up filmmaking.
Add Secrets of the Bees to Watchlist
True crime on Disney+ documentary picks
Stream stories of long-running cons and complex criminal cases available on Disney+.
A search for the truth: Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?
Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg? follows Ellen’s family as they seek answers to what really happened the night she died. The 3-part show revisits the case, the disputed official ruling on her death, and the questions that kept the mystery in public conversation.
Add Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg? to Watchlist
A Mormon momfluencer who wasn’t what she seemed: Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke
Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke examines the case of Ruby Franke, the family vlogger arrested for child abuse in 2023. The docuseries looks at the public image of a popular online family and the disturbing reality that was lurking behind the façade.
Add Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke to Watchlist
A con that exploited others’ kindness: Scamanda
Scamanda follows the story of Amanda Riley, a wife, mother, and blogger whose cancer story drew support from her community, until an anonymous tip led to a long investigation. The docuseries expands on the podcast of the same name and traces how Riley’s claims began to unravel.
Dark tales from America’s most stunning places: Wild Crime
Wild Crime follows investigators working intricate cases in America’s national parks and wilderness areas. The show blends true crime with remote settings, documenting how specialized teams pursue answers when a case unfolds in remote, difficult terrain.
Space, science & Disney stories
These documentaries take you on a journey into big feats of engineering and exploration, and introduce you to the people who create them.
Inside the wonders of Disney experiences: Behind the Attraction
The first two seasons of Behind the Attraction go behind the scenes of Disney Parks favourites, including the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Star Tours, and more. Told through cast member experiences, season three takes to the sea and uncovers the story of how Disney Cruise Line came to be. This new season explores the magic of Disney Cruise Line, and examines its history, design details, archival material, and Imagineering stories.
Add Behind the Attraction to Watchlist
The origins of The Happiest Place On Earth: Disneyland Handcrafted
In Disneyland Handcrafted, director Leslie Iwerks charts the year leading up to Disneyland’s opening day on July 17, 1955. Using rare, and in some cases never-before-seen, archival footage and audio recordings, Leslie Iwerks explores the legacy and nostalgia behind the creation of Disneyland Resort and highlights the workers, artists, craftspeople, and Imagineers who helped turn Walt Disney’s dream into a real park. If you’re a fan of Disney lore, there’s more coming up in Iwerks’ latest documentary, Disney Worldbuilders.
Add Disneyland Handcrafted to Watchlist
Spotlighting unsung heroes: National Geographic Documentary Films’ The Space Race
The Space Race tells the little-known story of the Black pilots, scientists, engineers, and astronauts connected to NASA and the broader efforts to reach space. The documentary profiles figures including Guion Bluford, Ed Dwight, and Charles Bolden while connecting space exploration to the civil rights era and American history.
Add The Space Race to Watchlist
FAQs about documentaries on Disney+
Learn more about popular nonfiction content on Disney+, including documentaries and docuseries.
Does Disney+ have National Geographic documentaries?
Yes. Disney+ includes National Geographic Documentary Films, documentaries and docuseries about animals, nature, exploration, science, history and real-world adventure.
What documentary categories are best for families?
For family nights in, National Geographic nature documentaries, Disneynature movies, Disney Parks stories, and history or science topics are always fascinating choices. Before you press play, check the rating and description, especially for true crime, survival or mature historical subjects.
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