Credit: Netflix

Documentaries have a curious way of making the real world appear more surreal and dramatic than fiction. Luckily, the Netflix lineup this week is nothing less than a fever dream for those seeking the perfect balance of factual entertainment and raw storytelling.

Whether it’s a high-stakes true-crime re-telling, a bizarre moment that made headlines, or an unbelievable survival story, when it comes to entertainment, the unfiltered truth often carries a weight that a scripted screenplay cannot replicate.

In essence, documentaries act as a VIP pass to places most of us will not/cannot go. Sometimes it’s deep inside the mysterious ocean, behind the scenes of a defining cultural/political moment, and even into the lives of those people who feel worlds apart.

While Netflix has spread its wings this week, filling its library not only with original productions but also existing fan-favourite titles through licensing agreements, for those seeking the best of the best, here are five new documentaries you simply cannot miss.

Five new documentaries on Netflix to watch this week

The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America (Natasha Kermani, 2022)

Although Netflix has quite a few original productions lined up this week, it also recently welcomed a collection of high-profile documentaries from the History Channel, including The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America. So, in case you were confused about where to kick-start the docu-marathon, this is it. The three-part docu-series explores the controversial construct of the US economy on culture, driven by alcohol, gambling, and sex-related industries.

The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America highlights entrepreneurs who brought vice industries into the mainstream, exploring the origins of those businesses and detailing how they not only helped individuals build massive fortunes but also shaped the nation’s culture. The documentary sheds light on the intense dispute between entrepreneurs and the temperance movement, including the threat of prohibition and legal battles over contraception and gambling.

Noah Kahan: Out of Body (Nick Sweeney, 2026)

For those seeking Netflix original documentaries, the first pit stop of the week is Noah Kahan, Out of Body, directed by Nick Sweeney. The Netflix documentary traces the rise of the singer-songwriter, who rose to fame in 2022 with ‘Stick Season,’ a track and album that transformed his anxieties and insecurities of rural upbringing in Vermont into an anthem for the world. His sensational debut album gave rise to a devoted fan base who call themselves “Busyheads,” a nod to the first album.

Noah Kahan: Out of Body primarily captures his emotional homecoming as he starts work on his follow-up album, confronting the mounting pressures of what lies next. The film finds Kahan “at a crossroads in the wake of the breakout success of ‘Stick Season,’ following a rollercoaster year packed with sold-out tours and unexpected fame, as he makes his way back home to his Vermont roots and family.

Untold: Jail Blazers (Sascha Gardner, 2026)

This week, Netflix has also released the third part of its UNTOLD sports anthology series, titled Untold: Jail Blazers. The upcoming docu-series revisits the era of the Portland Trail Blazers, a championship-calibre NBA team that imploded due to its own short-sightedness, player volatility, criminal charges, and extensive media attention.

The documentary investigates the period in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Portland was a top Western Conference contender, whose off-court lives were unfortunately plagued by controversies. Untold: Jail Blazers features interviews with star players such as Rasheed Wallace, Damon Stoudamire, and Bonzi Wells, among others, examining the conflict of relentless talent and mounting scandal.

Ronaldinho: The One and Only (Luis Ara, 2026)

Untold: Jail Blazers is not the only sports documentary to pay attention to this week on Netflix, as the highly anticipated Ronaldinho: The One and Only is also right here. The three-part Brazilian docu-series explores the extraordinary life and career of the legendary footballer Ronaldinho Gaúcho. It tracks his journey from humble beginnings in Porto Alegre to becoming one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

Ronaldinho: The One and Only highlights his rise with FC Barcelona, recounting his 2002 World Cup success and Ballon d’Or victory, while also revisiting his personal controversies. The Netflix documentary features never-before-seen footage and interviews with football stars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Roberto Carlos, among others.

A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough (James Reed, 2026)

Finally, to end the Netflix docu-marathon, we have A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough to pull the curtains. The documentary links Attenborough’s 1978 Life on Earth encounter with baby gorilla Pablo to the modern-day lives of Pablo’s descendants in Rwanda. The project is packed with archival footage and materials from 1978 journals.

A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough highlights the evolution of Pablo’s gorilla family over five decades, showcasing their unprecedented behaviours and documenting their social structure and survival struggles across seasons. The film features footage of the group as well as interactions with a young, violent silverback, simultaneously revealing heartwarming family moments.