“Netflix and chill” has become a popular mantra for people who are stuck at home due to the ongoing Luzon lockdown. But with two and a half weeks down, you have probably marathoned every popular serial and movie on the site and are aching for more. So, why not go into a different genre and watch Netflix documentaries? Here are some of the best ones to add to your list.
Netflix documentary no. 1: Pandemic: How to Prevent An Outbreak
Of course, we start the list with what is arguably the most important Netflix documentary during these times. Pandemic is a 6-episode series that follows the lives of various frontliners who are tasked with dealing with a possible new epidemic. It also explores the theory that the world is long due for a pandemic after the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic.
The biggest draw of the documentary is its timing. Netflix released Pandemic online in late January 2020, right when the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to spread worldwide. However, the documentary was actually filmed during the middle of 2019, long before the coronavirus pandemic started in Wuhan, China.
Beyond the creepy coincidence, Pandemic offers more for viewers. It explains the spread of diseases like the Spanish flu in easy to follow terms. This makes it a great watch for those wishing to better understand how the current coronavirus spread may have started and how it can be contained.
The documentary also provides a greater appreciation for the frontliners who are battling such epidemics. Each episode explores not just the insights of doctors, scientists, and other experts on such a crisis but also their reflections on how it affects their lives. The documentary also looks into how the spread of infectious diseases affect the various aspects of ordinary people’s lives, something that we are seeing first hand.
Netflix documentary no. 2: Survivors Guide To Prison
Since we are already on lockdown, this documentary would be something that police and true crime documentary fans will like. The two-hour film explores what the life behind bars is really like. It features first-hand accounts coming from former prisoners, as well as police officers, court officials, and lawyers.
What makes the Netflix documentary an interesting watch is that it presents its subject in a rather candid manner. As the name implies, the documentary provides a variety of pointers on how viewers can survive the different stages of prison life, from the initial arrest, interrogation, and eventual incarceration. Celebrities like Danny Trejo, Ice T, Busta Rhymes, and Danny Glover share their tips based on personal experience behind bars. All this information is presented through the engaging narration by director Matthew Cooke and actress Susan Sarandon.
Beyond the witty dialogue and candid “tips,” the documentary takes a deep and sober look at the issues surrounding the US penal management system. Viewers get first-hand accounts of forced inmate labor, police brutality during arrests, and other malpractices. It then goes into tackling the larger injustices like discrimination and wrongful accusations. While it centers on the US, Pinoy viewers will find this Netflix documentary relatable to local issues.
Netflix documentary no. 3: Our Planet
With all the worries brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, you might want to watch something more calming. Our Planet is an 8-episode Netflix documentary series that will give you just that. The series is narrated by famed natural historian and broadcaster David Attenborough and produced by the same team who made several of his popular documentaries.
Our Planet opens with a breathtaking look at the Earth’s biodiversity, highlighting the movement of different animals across the globe. Succeeding episodes explore different environments in greater detail. The third episode, for instance, focuses on wildlife found in jungles like the orangutan. All the footage is narrated by Attenborough in his distinctive style, making for a relaxing experience.
But as is with his other documentaries, Attenborough doesn’t just stop at presenting animal videos. He also goes on to talk about the significant impact humans have on the environment. Attenborough tackles some of the important issues like deforestation, global warming, and pollution. Viewers will not only get a better appreciation of the environment but also understand their responsibility in protecting it.
Netflix documentaries no. 4: The Toys That Made Us
This series of Netflix documentaries is something both kids and adults will enjoy watching together. The Toys That Made Us focuses on the popular toy lines and franchises that caught the attention of kids throughout the decades. The whole series comprises three seasons with four Netflix documentaries each.
Each episode starts with the history of the toy franchises, from the initial releases to the ones that propelled them to worldwide popularity. They also explore the factors that make these toys click with people. Older viewers will find the series nostalgic since they probably owned some of the toys. Meanwhile, kids will have a blast learning about franchises they are seeing for the first time.
Learn while in lockdown with these great Netflix documentaries
These Netflix documentaries offer more than mindless entertainment, as you will learn a lot of things about different topics. And there are more you can go through in the site’s catalog. With that, you can be sure that you are using your screen time wisely while waiting for the Luzon lockdown to end.