Photo: Netflix
In one of the most binge-worthy of hard-binging years yet, how could we not offer up the 10 best documentaries of 2017? From health docs and Heath Ledger biopics to cats of Istanbul and ’60s counterculture, we’ve got a little bit of everything exciting for you right here.
Documentaries are a brilliant way of feeding our inner binge-tastic movie monster while learning a few things along the way. Herein you’ll find archived footage from Joan Didion’s early days, the Los Angeles riots of ’92 and The Grateful Dead surrounded by a myriad of unseen obscenities. There’s also the best food and health documentary, the most talked-about environmental offerings and, of course, the Gaga.
Now hop aboard the movie train as we show off the best documentaries of 2017 so far, including In Transit and What the Health? Please enjoy (and learn).
Be sure to comment on your favorite documentaries this year, as we know there are far too many to cover them all. Happy viewing!
The 10 Best Documentaries Of 2017 From Health And Heath To Cats And Counterculture
So what are you waiting for? Get to watching!
More movie stuff: We’re Celebrating The Upcoming ‘I Am Heath Ledger’ Documentary By Revisiting Our Favorite Heath Roles
Docs 17
-
"What the Health?"
Photo: Netflix
All about the state of our nation's health, one of the year's most talked-about documentaries focuses on preventing and reversing chronic disease in America, starting with plant-based nutrition.
-
"I Am Heath Ledger"
Photo: via Network Entertainment
The late actor is honored with an all-encompassing tribute to life and career of an icon passed too soon.
-
"Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold"
Photo: Netflix
A love letter to Joan Didion using archived Joan Didion footage pays tribute to her influence across the decades while reaching viewers at their core. Netflix has outdone themselves on this documentary, focusing in on one of literature's best living women.
-
"Chasing Coral"
Photo: Netflix
Oceanographers head out into our coral-scarce waters to detect the cause and mystery behind the disappearance of own oceans' most important resources. This will make you rethink how you treat your local bodies of water.
-
"School Life"
Photo: via Variety
Ireland's most inspiring educators teach where they live at a boarding school. For a country fraught with such disaster in our educational system, we can learn a thing or two from John and Amanda's home-turned-school life.
-
"Kedi"
Photo: via Oscilloscope Laboratories
If you've ever loved, owned or thought about petting a strange cat, you'll enjoy Kedi, which lets you feel the life, culture and warmth of Istanbul through the eyes of the feline.
-
"Long Strange Trip"
Photo: Amazon
Long Strange Trip brings '60s counterculture, inspiration and the Grateful Dead into your living room with beautiful archived footage, untold stories and the highs and lows of the '60s music experience.
-
"In Transit"
Photo: via NPR
If you've ever been aboard an extensive train ride or dreamed of doing so, In Transit takes you to the places you may go and the people you'll see along the way. It's all about connection, be it with people, places or things in the simplest, most antiquated yet beautiful way.
-
"Gaga: Five Foot Two"
Photo: Netflix
For those of you who are anything like me and can't tell one Gaga from the next, this Netflix original details the backstory of the lady without the glitz and glamour. It's raw Gaga, just how you always hoped for it.
-
"La 92"
Photo: via National Geographic
Bringing back the Rodney King riots of '92 with unseen and archived footage, we reexamine that chaotic time period in the midst of our own current state of affairs, as race, religion and ethicity still lies at the root of evil acts.
