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Documentaries hold a unique power—they unearth real-life stories that can astonish, move, and enlighten us. Whether they expose chilling crimes or celebrate human resilience, the best ones linger in our minds long after we watch. Here’s a curated list of documentaries released post-2020 that deliver unforgettable narratives—and yes, most are ready to stream right now in the UK.
Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal (2023)
Why watch: This true-crime series dives into one of America’s most twisted family sagas—entangled with wealth, murder, and betrayal. It pulls no punches in unspooling where privilege meets corruption.
Where to watch: Netflix UK
American Nightmare (2024)
Why watch: Touted as a real-life Gone Girl, this gripping miniseries follows Denise Huskins’s harrowing kidnapping—and the chilling backlash that followed.
Where to watch: Netflix UK
20 Days in Mariupol (2023)
Why watch: A haunting, unfiltered window into the siege of Mariupol, filmed by Ukrainian journalists trapped under bombardment. It’s raw, immediate, and deeply affecting.
Where to watch: Netflix UK
Beyond Utopia (2023)
Why watch: A political thriller disguised as a documentary—this film follows families escaping North Korea, revealing harrowing truths about life under dictatorship.
Where to watch: In cinemas; future streaming likely The Latch
The Deepest Breath (2023)
Why watch: Part adventure, part intimate portrait, this film plunges into the dangerous world of free-diving with stunning cinematography and emotional stakes.
Where to watch: Netflix UK
The Perfect Neighbor (2025)
Why watch: A chilling examination of racial tension and violence sparked by a seemingly ordinary dispute—this documentary uses police bodycam footage to explore tragedy under America’s stand-your-ground laws.
Where to watch: Netflix UK
Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 Bombers (2025)
Why watch: A comprehensive and moving retelling of the London bombings and the massive manhunt that followed—remarkably balanced and emotionally resonant.
Where to watch: Netflix UK
Con Mum (2025)
Why watch: A heartbreaking tale of emotional abuse and deception—one man is convinced he’s reunited with his mother, only to lose nearly £300,000 after learning she’s an alleged imposter.
Where to watch: Netflix UK
Wham! (2023)
Why watch: A visually rich, nostalgia-fueled documentary that traces the meteoric rise of the pop duo Wham! through rare footage and poignant interviews.
Where to watch: Netflix UK
Lucy Letby: Beyond Reasonable Doubt? (2025)
Why watch: A gripping and meticulously researched reconsideration of a shocking criminal case—unsettling, provocative, and undeniably compelling.
Where to watch: ITV1 / ITVX (UK)
Final Thoughts
This list spans the chilling to the inspirational, reflecting the power of documentaries to expose truth and elevate empathy. Whether you’re in the mood for spine-tingling crime, courageous escapes, or personal redemption, there’s a story here that will surprise, move, and stay with you.
