As the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a good documentary. This fall, I’ve pulled together a list of films and series that caught my eye. Some are brand new, others a few years old, but each one touches on themes of resilience, justice, identity, or community, all topics that feel especially relevant for those of us working in schools. Whether you’re looking for something to recommend to students, discuss with colleagues, or just watch for your own growth, these documentaries are worth adding to your queue.

1. Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever (2025) Netflix

This new documentary explores the booming field of biohacking and longevity science. It follows a man who is determined to defy aging and extend his lifespan as long as possible, diving into everything from supplements to futuristic medical procedures. For teachers, this one sparks questions about the science of health, ethics, and what it really means to “live well.” It’s also a fascinating entry point into discussions around wellness trends your students may already be seeing online.

2. 13th (2016) Netflix

Ava DuVernay’s 13th remains one of the most powerful examinations of race, justice, and mass incarceration in America. The film takes its title from the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery but allowed for involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. Through archival footage and expert interviews, it traces how systemic racism has shaped the criminal justice system. Teachers might find this valuable for framing conversations about equity, civic responsibility, and the broader social determinants of health. Nine years on from first watching it, this documentary still feels urgent and necessary.

3. American Factory (2019) Netflix

Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, American Factory documents the cultural clash between Chinese management and American workers at a reopened Ohio factory. Beyond workplace drama, it raises questions about globalization, labor rights, and what “work” means in modern society. For educators, this one can open discussions about cultural understanding, communication, and the human side of economics.

4. Crip Camp (2020) Netflix & You Tube

This Oscar-nominated film tells the story of a groundbreaking summer camp for teens with disabilities in the 1970s, which helped spark the disability rights movement. It’s equal parts heartwarming and eye-opening, showing the power of inclusion, community, and advocacy. For health and PE teachers, this film is a reminder of why accessibility matters in every aspect of our classrooms and gyms. It also highlights how young people can drive meaningful social change.

5. Unknown Number: The High School Catfish (2025) Netflix

A timely new release, this documentary follows the unraveling of a catfishing scheme at a high school, where students and teachers alike get pulled into the deception. It’s a gripping watch but also deeply relevant for anyone working with teens today. With issues of online identity, trust, and digital safety at its core, this one could easily spark classroom conversations around media literacy and healthy online relationships.

6. Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke (2025) Hulu

Ruby Franke built a massive online following as a parenting influencer before her shocking downfall. This documentary investigates the troubling practices behind her family brand and the criminal charges that followed. While the story is sensational, it also raises important questions about social media, parenting pressures, and the blurred line between private life and public performance. For teachers, it’s a stark reminder of the hidden struggles some students face at home.

7. The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard (2025) Hulu

This film revisits the case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, whose story of abuse and eventual involvement in her mother’s murder shocked the nation. It combines Gypsy Rose’s own perspective with new reporting to ask bigger questions about control, survival, and autonomy. While heavy, it shines a light on the complexities of abuse and resilience. These remain important issues for those of us who work with vulnerable young people.

8. Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview (2025) Hulu

I remember following Griner’s story in real time thinking ‘this will make a great documentary one day’. This exclusive sit-down with WNBA star Brittney Griner recounts her time in a Russian prison and the international effort to bring her home. It’s both a personal story of endurance and a broader commentary on politics, identity, and the global stage of sport. For PE teachers, Griner’s resilience and advocacy add a powerful dimension to conversations about athletes as more than just players.

9. Banned Together: The Fight Against Censorship (2025) Kanopy

This timely documentary follows librarians, students, and teachers as they push back against the rising wave of book bans and censorship in schools. It’s a call to action about freedom of expression, access to ideas, and the role of education in democracy. For those of us in the classroom, it’s impossible not to see the connections to our daily work and the importance of fostering critical thinking.

Final Thoughts

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it represents a wide range of issues shaping our world right now: health, justice, identity, resilience, and the power of young voices. Whether you watch them on your own, with family, or even preview them for classroom use, these documentaries offer plenty of food for thought this fall. I’d also love to hear what documentaries and series you are watching this fall. Please share in the comments.

I’ve shared my love of documentaries before:

7 Documentaries to Stream (2023)

9 Netflix Documentaries to Watch This Summer (2017)