1. Hitler's Circle of Evil, 2017|TV-14
This 10-part documentary series takes a chilling look at the madmen behind one of history's most notorious regimes. Through dramatic reenactments, interviews with experts and historical footage, this program gives viewers an up-close perspective on the personalities and events that shaped World War II.Starring: Alisdair Simpson, Henrik Jørgensen, James Lowe.
2. Greatest Events of WWII in Colour, 2019 |TV-14
"From the attack on Pearl Harbor to D-Day, the most pivotal events of World War II come to life in this vivid docuseries featuring colorized footage. Along with never-before-seen images, the series features interviews with historians and veterans to tell stories of heroism, tragedy and resilience."Starring: John Simm, Christopher Fairbank, Alex Jennings.
3. Roman Empire, 2016 |TV-MA
This stylish mix of documentary and lavish historical epic chronicles the turbulent, violent reigns of Commodus, Julius Caesar and Caligula. The series blends re-enactments with cinematic arts and graphic effects to bring the Roman Empire -- both its glories and its horrors -- to life.Starring: Aaron Jakubenko, Emily Browning, Sean Bean.
4. Rise of Empires: Ottoman,
Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II wages an epic campaign to take the Byzantine capital of Constantinople and shapes the course of history for centuries.Starring: Charles Dance, Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu, Daniel Nuță
5. Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan, 2021|TV-MA
Dynamic reenactments and expert commentaries bring to life the tumultuous history and power struggles of a warring 16th-century feudal Japan.Starring: Masayoshi Haneda, Masami Kosaka, Hideaki Ito
6. 13TH, 2016 |TV-MA | 1h 40m
In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.7. The Last Czars, 2019|V-MA
When social upheaval sweeps Russia in the early 20th century, Czar Nicholas II resists change, sparking a revolution and ending a dynasty.Starring: Robert Jack, Susanna Herbert, Ben Cartwright
8. Mudbound, 2h 15m
Two Mississippi families -- one Black, one white -- confront the brutal realities of prejudice, farming and friendship in a divided World War II era.Starring: Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke, Mary J. Blige
9. Challenger: The Final Flight, 2020, TV-14
Engineers, officials and the crew members' families provide their perspective on the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and its aftermath.10. Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali, 2021, PG-13 | 1h 36m
From a chance meeting to a tragic fallout, Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali's extraordinary bond cracks under the weight of distrust and shifting ideals.Starring: Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali
11. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, 2020, R, 1h 48m
A groundbreaking summer camp galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities to help build a movement, forging a new path toward greater equality.12. Age of Tanks, 2017 |TV-PG
The history of military tanks unfolds in a documentary series that traces their role in history and geopolitics from World War I to the 21st century.Conclusion
These history documentaries on Netflix offer an insightful look into some of the most significant events in world history. Whether exploring a pivotal event like World War II or delving more deeply into topics such as racial injustice, social unrest, and disability rights, each documentary provides viewers with a unique perspective on our shared past. With so many thought-provoking programs available at your fingertips, this list is just the start—discover even more inspiring stories by digging deeper into Netflix's catalog.
