Editors’ Picks: The Best Documentaries To Stream On Disney+ Right Now
by Explore Disney+ Contributor
August 18, 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, a football stadium during the final quarter, or the early days of Disneyland. This guide gathers editors’ favorite and popular picks from Disney+, National Geographic, ESPN*, and Hulu 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+, ESPN & Hulu
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-Favorite Documentaries
Start here for documentary movies that have been honored with nominations and awards for their stunning scenes and captivating storytelling.
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.
Resistance Through Music & Community: Summer of Soul
The Oscar®-winning Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) revisits the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival through archival performance footage and present-day interviews. Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the movie blends music history, cultural memory, and performances by artists including Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, and more.
Add Summer of Soul to Watchlist
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’ favorites.
From The Grand Canyon To Biscayne: National Geographic’s America’s National Parks
Spanning two seasons, this show explores landscapes and wildlife in 10 U.S. national parks, including famous destinations and lesser-known natural gems. The docuseries captures sweeping scenery and fascinating animal stories, showing us how diverse America’s protected park spaces can be.
Add America’s National Parks to Watchlist
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, behavioral insights, and close-up filmmaking.
Add Secrets of the Bees to Watchlist
ESPN, 30 for 30 & Sports Documentaries
These editor-picked ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries and docuseries explore how pressure, identity, teamwork, and legacy build the sports moments that stick with us.
The G.O.A.T. Tells His Story: The Last Dance, ESPN
Michael Jordan reflects on the Chicago Bulls 1997-98 championship season, its place in his career, and the legacy of the Bulls dynasty. The 10-part show is ideal for basketball fans, lovers of 90s sports nostalgia, and anyone interested in how elite teams manage pressure at the highest level. (ESPN)*
Add The Last Dance to Watchlist
How One Play Encapsulated The Spirit Of A City: 30 for 30: The Philly Special, ESPN
Directors Shannon Furman and Angela Zender explore the daring Super Bowl LII play that helped the Philadelphia Eagles secure their first Super Bowl win. Players, coaches, and fans revisit how one audacious call became a defining Eagles moment and a lasting part of Philadelphia sports culture. (ESPN)*
Add The Philly Special to Watchlist
True Crime & Hulu on Disney+ Documentary Picks
Stream stories of long-running cons and complex criminal cases available to Disney+, Hulu, and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers.**
A Search For The Truth: Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?, Hulu
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. (Hulu)**
Add Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg? to Watchlist (login required) or learn more on Hulu.com
A Mormon Momfluencer Who Wasn’t What She Seemed: Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, Hulu
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 facade. (Hulu)**
Add Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke to Watchlist (login required) or learn more on Hulu.com
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, Hulu
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. (Hulu)**
Add Wild Crime to Watchlist (login required) or learn more on Hulu.com
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 favorites, 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, docuseries, and sports stories.
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.
Are there ESPN documentaries on Disney+?
Yes. Disney+ includes select ESPN programming and documentaries as part of ESPN Favorites, On Us.*** Access even more sports stories and broadcasts with a bundle subscription including ESPN.
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.
*ESPN on Disney+ requires a plan that includes ESPN. Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle: U.S. residents, 18+ only. Location data may be required to watch certain content. Use of the services is subject to the Disney+, ESPN, and Hulu Subscriber Agreement. For more information, including detailed information on billing and cancellation, please visit the Disney+ Help Center. Hulu: Access content from each service separately. Select Hulu content available via Disney+ with valid Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions; additional content only available via Hulu app. Hulu content can be streamed via Disney+ on up to 2 devices simultaneously. Additional app features and device restrictions apply.
**Available for U.S. residents, 18+ only. Location data required to watch certain content. Select Hulu content available via Disney+; additional content only available via Hulu app. Offer valid for eligible subscribers only. Subject to Disney+ and ESPN Subscriber Agreement. Additional terms, app feature and device restrictions apply. For more information visit the Disney+ Help Center. © 2026 Disney and its related entities.
***U.S. residents, 18+ only. A limited sampling of content from ESPN is now available to all Disney+ subscribers. Upgrade to a plan that includes ESPN to access the full ESPN on Disney+ experience; terms apply.
