Three Must-Stream Documentaries This Month

Exploring the World Through Documentaries

The proliferation of documentaries on streaming services can often feel overwhelming. With countless options vying for our viewing hours, how do we sift through and find the gems? Each month, I take the liberty of curating a selection of three standout documentaries that not only captivate but also provide deeper insights into humanity's diverse experiences. This month, I present to you three riveting films that span breathtaking landscapes and invoke profound emotional connections.

1. 'Free Solo' (2018)

Stream it on Hulu and Netflix. Rent it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.

“Free Solo” is more than just a documentary—it's an exhilarating journey into the psyche of rock climber Alex Honnold as he prepares to scale the unroped face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the film delves into Honnold's unique mental framework, a focus so intense that it has implications far beyond climbing.

“Imagine an Olympic gold medal-level athletic achievement that if you don't get that gold medal, you're gonna die,” reflects Honnold's friend Tommy Caldwell in the film.

This quote encapsulates the juxtaposition of thrill and danger inherent in Honnold's pursuit. The film intersperses breathtaking climbing sequences with intimate moments of vulnerability as we witness Honnold confront possibly the biggest risk of his life.

2. 'Folktales' (2025)

Available to rent on Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango, and Google Play.

If you felt the winter chill gnawing at your spirit, then “Folktales” offers a welcoming warmth set above the Arctic Circle. This doc follows three teenagers embarking on a gap year at Pasvik Folk High School in Norway, a place that cultivates survival skills and teaches the art of dog sledding. The narrative goes even deeper—exploring themes of grief, friendship, and the journey of self-discovery amidst stark snowy landscapes.

One particularly touching storyline focuses on Hege, who is grappling with the loss of her father. Her experience, juxtaposed against the harsh beauty of Norway's winter, crafts a narrative rich in resilience and camaraderie. The teachers' attempts to awaken the students' “Stone Age brain” in an age dominated by digital distractions resonate deeply.

3. 'Prime Minister' (2025)

Stream it on HBO Max.

Lastly, we delve into the world of politics with “Prime Minister,” a nuanced documentary capturing a critical period in New Zealand's history through the eyes of Jacinda Ardern. The film follows her as she navigates the challenges of leadership during crises such as the Christchurch mosque shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I looked out and thought, oh my gosh, what if one person in that crowd has Covid?”

This review perfectly captures the palpable tension of leading amidst uncertainty. The intimate lens through which the film shows Ardern juggling the roles of leader and mother evokes sympathy and admiration. Through the highs and lows of her tenure, we see not just the politician but the human behind the office.

Why Streaming Documentaries Matter

In an age where the lines between entertainment and enlightenment blur, these documentaries offer glimpses into lives radically different from our own, challenging us to reflect on our values and the fabric of society. They remind us that stories can transcend screens, resonating within us long after the credits roll.

So grab your popcorn and remote, and step into these rich narratives that promise to inspire and provoke thought!