Hulu has undoubtedly emerged as a major player among streaming services. The platform offers various amazing titles that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. However, Hulu has excelled exponentially in the realm of non-fiction cinema. The streaming service is filled with superb documentaries that educates viewers about some of the most important moments in the history of mankind.
Moreover, Hulu’s library includes many great documentaries that are not Hulu originals. The platform holds a variety of masterful non-fiction chronicles in its catalog. However, viewers may find it difficult to figure out where to start. To make things easier, we have selected a few documentaries that one should start with. These documentaries, covering a wide range of subjects, offer something for all interest levels.
Man On Wire
Man On Wire is undoubtedly one of the greatest documentaries ever made. It tells the story of the renowned high-wire artist Philippe Petit and his iconic high-wire walk between New York’s World Trade Center in 1974. Mixing well-produced dramatizations and archival footage, the documentary immerses the audience in its storytelling through an interview with its flamboyant main subject.
Critics worldwide acclaimed the documentary, calling it one of the best made. Thus, viewers should not miss this thrilling piece of cinema.
Flee
When Flee came out in 2021, it became a huge hit for several reasons. Firstly, it was an animated documentary. Secondly, it presented the emotional true story of a gay refugee from Afghanistan. It even became the first film ever to receive Oscar nominations for Best Documentary Feature, Best Animated Feature, and Best International Feature.
Despite losing in all categories, viewers should watch Flee for its outstanding narrative.
MLK/FBI
Martin Luther King is one of the most influential people in the world, and his name is engraved in history books. So, it’s not shocking that the documentary titled MLK/FBI is among the most inspiring documentaries ever made. The film chronicles civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s work, revealing newly declassified documents that inform how the FBI surveilled and harassed him during this time.
Not only critics but also historians came forward and applauded the documentary for its factual depiction of historical events.
Free Solo
If Man on Wire is heart-pumping, then Free Solo is mind-boggling. The documentary captures the Alex Honnold’s climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Interestingly, the feat was achieved without the support of ropes, harnesses, or other protective equipment. Aside from the story, the documentary’s cinematography makes it an extraordinary watch.
The documentary won several awards, including Best Documentary (Feature) at the Academy Awards.
Summer of Soul
During the summer of 1969, some of the biggest names in the music industry performed at a six-week long music festival in Harlem. The festival became a huge success, yet no one had heard about it. Award-winning musician Questlove took charge and directed a documentary that took everyone by storm. It is much more than just a concert film. Performers and attendees share why this festival held immense importance in their lives and experiences.
The documentary won six awards at the Critics Choice Documentary Awards and also won at the Oscars. Truly, one of the finest documentaries of the past decade.
Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence
If one is a true crime junkie, then Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence is for them. The three-part documentary series uses firsthand stories and videos to uncover Larry Ray’s ten-year abuse of Sarah Lawrence students. The series depicts highly-intelligent kids who become frighteningly vulnerable due to overwhelming expectations and harsh realities. One of the most remarkable aspects of the film is how it treats the entire case with so much of sensitivity.
Stolen Youth is one of the most important non-fiction pieces of cinema which digs deep in the world of psychology.
