Top 5 Underrated Documentaries You Probably Missed This Year

Dozens of documentaries come out every year on streaming services, in theaters, and at film events. Some become instant hits, taking over the news and starting endless arguments online. But a lot of others, which are just as powerful and thought-provoking, don’t get much attention. A lot of the time, these hidden gems don’t get fancy marketing campaigns or go global, but the stories they tell will stay with you long after the credits roll.

It’s been the same this year, too. A lot of films, from survival stories to political thrillers, didn’t get much attention from the media but should be on your list of things to watch. Here are the top 5 underrated documentaries you probably missed this year, if you want to watch something important besides the latest hit movies.

1. The Volcano: Getting Help from Whakaari

In 2019, the volcano on the island of Whakaari, which is off the coast of New Zealand, erupted. It was big news. But tragedy’s human side is rarely shown in the news. This video goes into great detail about how scary it was for day tourists to be in the middle of a natural disaster and how brave the people who tried to save them were.

Why it’s underrated: Even though it was one of the most exciting escape stories in years, it didn’t get as much attention around the world as some of Netflix’s other big hits. Less fancy editing is used in this movie; instead, survivors’ honest, moving stories are used. That honesty makes it stand out.

This is a must-see for anyone interested in real-life survival and strength.

2. The Deepest Breath

Freediving, which means sliding through the water without a mask or snorkel, may sound peaceful, but it’s one of the most dangerous sports in the world. The Deepest Breath is about freediver Alessia Zecchini and her safety diver, Stephen Keenan. It tells the story of their journeys and the chances they took to push the limits of what humans could do.

Even though reviewers gave it good reviews, the documentary never made it into everyday conversations. Freediving isn’t for everyone, but that’s what makes it feel so new. You don’t need to know anything about the sport to be interested; the movie has stunning underwater scenes and an emotional story about love, desire, and taking risks.

It’s both beautiful and scary at the same time.

3. Cosmic Time Machine: No One Knows

This film, which is part of Netflix’s Unknown series, shows how hard the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was built. One of the biggest steps forward in space travel came after years of hard work, many setbacks, and the hopes of scientists all over the world.

Because it’s not as well-known as other Netflix shows like reality shows or crime documentaries, Cosmic Time Machine is a quiet gem. Not only does it show the science, but it also shows how experts feel when years of hard work finally pay off.

For people who are interested in the world, it’s a fascinating look at how people go beyond what’s possible in their search for answers.

4. The Wildcat

In the heart of the Amazon jungle, this documentary shows how taking care of an orphaned ocelot helps a young British veteran who is dealing with PTSD. To begin with, it seems like a story about animals, but it’s really about how weak people are and how powerful connections can be.

What makes it underrated: Wildcat was one of the most moving films of the year, even though it came out without a lot of fuss. This animal documentary doesn’t feel as polished as others I’ve seen. It shows how people and animals can have a big effect on each other’s ability to stay alive and get better.

If you like stories about protection that make you feel something, this one does.

5. Navalny

Navalny technically won an Oscar, but many casual watchers didn’t bother to watch it because they thought they already knew about Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition. The documentary shows a lot more than just news clips. It gives an inside look at his fight against corruption, his shocking poisoning, and his unwavering courage.

Because even though it got good reviews, it never got to as many people as it should have. The movie is like a political thriller; there is danger, investigation, and tension. Navalny’s drive makes it seem like he’s in a movie, but it’s really happening.

Do not be fooled if you believe that this documentary is not slow or dull.

Why These Documentaries Didn’t Get Made

It’s natural to wonder why these movies didn’t become hits like other movies did. They are the following:

• Focus on marketing: Platforms put more money into flashy titles that are sure to get a lot of viewers, while serious or niche documentaries are often not pushed enough.
• Viewer habits: When it comes to picking what to watch, a lot of people like crime stories, reality TV, or light entertainment.
• There is too much content: new movies and TV shows come out every week, making it easy for even great videos to get lost.

But just because they were ignored doesn’t mean they aren’t good. These less-noisy releases often take bigger risks with their art and give us bigger emotional rewards.

How to Watch Documentaries in a New Way

Here are some things you can do to get more out of an important film:

• Check out more than just the “trending” section: Check out festival lists, critics’ picks, or the less-visited parts of streaming libraries.
• Watch with someone else: Documentaries often make people want to talk about them, and doing so together makes the experience more important.
• Do something after seeing the movie: Whether it’s giving to a linked cause or reading more about the subject, doing something after seeing the movie makes it more powerful.
• Mix styles: Don’t just use one kind: Switch between stories about politics, science, the environment, and people to broaden your view.

Last Thoughts

Docs aren’t just background noise; they let us see parts of the world we don’t usually see. While big hits get all the attention, movies like The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari, The Deepest Breath, Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine, Wildcat, and Navalny show that some of the most powerful stories happen in the background.

If you want to see movies that will move, excite, and challenge you, check out these five. Not many people have seen them, but you’ll remember them for a long time after you press pause.