Looking for the best documentaries to watch during holidays 2025? Whether you’re spending quality time with family or enjoying solo viewing sessions, documentaries offer the perfect blend of entertainment and education. From environmental awareness to true crime mysteries, these carefully curated films will transform your holiday downtime into meaningful viewing experiences.
Our comprehensive list features documentaries available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, ensuring you can easily access these compelling films during your holiday break.
Table of Contents
- Environmental & Social Impact Documentaries
- Health & Nutrition Films
- True Crime & Legal Documentaries
- Wildlife & Nature Documentaries
- Business & Technology Films
- Lifestyle & Culture Documentaries
Environmental & Social Impact Documentaries
1. The True Cost (2015)
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary directed by Andrew Morgan that exposes the devastating environmental and social impacts of the fast fashion industry. This eye-opening film takes viewers behind the scenes of clothing production, revealing how our shopping habits affect workers in developing countries and contribute to environmental destruction.
Why Watch: Perfect for viewers interested in sustainable living and ethical consumption. The documentary provides actionable insights for making more conscious purchasing decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the true cost of cheap clothing
- Environmental impact of textile production
- Worker conditions in garment factories
- Solutions for more sustainable fashion choices
Health & Nutrition Films
2. Forks Over Knives (2011)
Streaming: Netflix, Hulu
Forks Over Knives presents compelling evidence that most chronic diseases can be controlled or even reversed by adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet. Directed by Lee Fulkerson, this documentary follows renowned nutritional scientists as they challenge conventional dietary wisdom.
Why Watch: Essential viewing for anyone interested in preventive healthcare and nutrition science. The film provides scientific backing for plant-based eating.
Key Features:
- Scientific research on plant-based nutrition
- Real-life case studies of health transformations
- Expert interviews with leading nutritionists
- Practical dietary guidanceimage: /uploads/2022/7Research-backedwebdesigntips.jpg keyword:
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- film recommendations author: Mustache permalink: /best-documentaries-watch-holidays-2025 slug: best-documentaries-watch-holidays-2025 lastmod: 2025-08-10T14:30:00.000Z description: “Discover the 15 best documentaries to watch during holidays 2025. From environmental awareness to true crime, find compelling films on Netflix, streaming platforms for meaningful holiday entertainment.” date: 2022-12-04T22:12:11.414Z published: “true”
Looking for the best documentaries to watch during holidays 2025? Whether you’re spending quality time with family or enjoying solo viewing sessions, documentaries offer the perfect blend of entertainment and education. From environmental awareness to true crime mysteries, these carefully curated films will transform your holiday downtime into meaningful viewing experiences.
Our comprehensive list features documentaries available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, ensuring you can easily access these compelling films during your holiday break.
Table of Contents
- Environmental & Social Impact Documentaries
- Health & Nutrition Films
- True Crime & Legal Documentaries
- Wildlife & Nature Documentaries
- Business & Technology Films
- Lifestyle & Culture Documentaries
Environmental & Social Impact Documentaries
1. The True Cost (2015)
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary directed by Andrew Morgan that exposes the devastating environmental and social impacts of the fast fashion industry. This eye-opening film takes viewers behind the scenes of clothing production, revealing how our shopping habits affect workers in developing countries and contribute to environmental destruction.
Why Watch: Perfect for viewers interested in sustainable living and ethical consumption. The documentary provides actionable insights for making more conscious purchasing decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the true cost of cheap clothing
- Environmental impact of textile production
- Worker conditions in garment factories
- Solutions for more sustainable fashion choices
Health & Nutrition Films
2. Forks Over Knives (2011)
Streaming: Netflix, Hulu
Forks Over Knives presents compelling evidence that most chronic diseases can be controlled or even reversed by adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet. Directed by Lee Fulkerson, this documentary follows renowned nutritional scientists as they challenge conventional dietary wisdom.
Why Watch: Essential viewing for anyone interested in preventive healthcare and nutrition science. The film provides scientific backing for plant-based eating.
Key Features:
- Scientific research on plant-based nutrition
- Real-life case studies of health transformations
- Expert interviews with leading nutritionists
- Practical dietary guidance
The Staircase
The Staircase follows the high profile trial of Michael Peterson, charged with murdering his wife in the staircase of their home.
By providing not only an indepth look at the full trial, but also 2 follow-up episodes and an additional 3 final Netflix-produced episodes, The Staircase follows the Peterson family over an astonishing 15 year period.
Blackfish
Blackfish is very sad and depressing, but without a doubt a must-see documentary. It takes a look at the treatment of killer whales kept in captivity. After you watch this, you’ll never go to an aquarium ever again…but that’s probably a good thing. This one you definitely have to see.
Business & Technology Films
5. Becoming Warren Buffett (2017)
Streaming: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
Becoming Warren Buffett offers an intimate portrait of one of the world’s most successful investors. This documentary explores Buffett’s investment philosophy, personal life, and the principles that made him the “Oracle of Omaha.”
Why Watch: Perfect for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in business strategy and wealth-building principles.
Key Insights:
- Value investing principles and strategies
- Long-term thinking in business and life
- The importance of continuous learning
- Buffett’s philanthropic philosophy
6. Banking on Bitcoin (2016)
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Banking on Bitcoin explores the revolutionary potential of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The documentary examines Bitcoin’s origins, its disruptive impact on traditional banking, and the ongoing debate about digital currencies.
Why Watch: Essential viewing for understanding cryptocurrency, fintech innovations, and the future of digital finance.
Topics Covered:
- History and development of Bitcoin
- Blockchain technology explained
- Impact on traditional banking systems
- Regulatory challenges and opportunities
Lifestyle & Culture Documentaries
7. Wild Wild Country (2018)
Streaming: Netflix
Wild Wild Country is a six-part documentary series about the controversial Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his community in Oregon during the 1980s. This Netflix original explores themes of spirituality, power, and the clash between alternative lifestyles and mainstream society.
Why Watch: A fascinating exploration of cult psychology, religious freedom, and community dynamics.
What You’ll Learn:
- The rise and fall of Rajneeshpuram
- Cult psychology and group dynamics
- Religious freedom vs. public safety
- Media manipulation and political intrigue
8. Tiny: A Story About Living Small (2013)
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Tiny follows Christopher Smith and Merete Mueller as they attempt to build a tiny house from scratch with no building experience. This documentary explores the tiny house movement and sustainable living practices.
Why Watch: Perfect for viewers interested in minimalism, sustainable living, and alternative housing solutions.
Key Themes:
- Minimalist lifestyle benefits
- Sustainable building practices
- Financial freedom through downsizing
- Environmental impact of housing choices
Health & Food Industry Documentaries
9. Fed Up (2014)
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
Fed Up investigates the alarming rise of childhood obesity and diabetes, exposing how the food industry influences dietary guidelines and marketing practices. Produced by Katie Couric and Laurie David, this documentary challenges conventional wisdom about diet and exercise.
Why Watch: Critical viewing for parents and anyone concerned about public health and food policy.
Important Revelations:
- Hidden sugars in processed foods
- Food industry marketing tactics
- The failure of “calories in, calories out” approach
- Policy solutions for healthier communities
Conclusion: Your Perfect Holiday Documentary List
These best documentaries for holidays 2025 offer something for every viewer, from environmental consciousness to true crime thrills. Whether you’re looking for educational content, thought-provoking discussions, or simply engaging entertainment, this curated list ensures meaningful viewing experiences.
Quick Selection Guide:
For Environmental Awareness: The True Cost, Blackfish For Health & Nutrition: Forks Over Knives, Fed Up
For True Crime Fans: The Staircase For Business Enthusiasts: Becoming Warren Buffett, Banking on Bitcoin For Cultural Exploration: Wild Wild Country For Lifestyle Inspiration: Tiny
Where to Watch
Most of these documentaries are available on major streaming platforms:
- Netflix: The Staircase, Wild Wild Country, Tiny
- Amazon Prime Video: The True Cost, Blackfish, Fed Up
- Hulu: Forks Over Knives, Fed Up
- HBO Max: Becoming Warren Buffett
Transform your holiday viewing into an opportunity for learning, reflection, and meaningful entertainment. These carefully selected documentaries will spark conversations, broaden perspectives, and make your holiday downtime both enjoyable and enriching.
Pro Tip: Create themed viewing nights with family or friends, discussing the topics and insights each documentary presents. This approach maximizes the educational value while maintaining the entertainment factor.
| _Last updated: August 10, 2025 | All streaming availability subject to change_ |
