1. Malaysia 370: The Plane that Vanished

Stars on Netflix ~ 2

Found In: Documentaries, Historical Documentaries

Why you should watch it: It's a well written and well produced documentary on the even that shocked the world. It provides a variety of insights into the disappearance of the Malaysian airline and uses evidence--some of it new--in ways that most viewers have never heard before. You learn about the disappearance of this specific plane, as well as the physics and technologies involved in modern-day flying mechanisms.

2. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey

Stars on Netflix ~ 5

Found In: TV Shows, TV Documentaries, Science & Technology TV Documentaries

Why you should watch it: Absolutely fascinating. It's literally one of the most well written shows I've ever seen and presents rather esoteric information in a way that is not only easy to understand but remarkably interesting. Also, it's a series of episodes, so you can take breaks in between to grasp the information you just received in addition to always having something to look forward to when each section is over.

3. Intervention Collection

Stars on Netflix ~ 4

Found in: TV Shows, TV Documentaries, Reality TV

Why you should watch it: If you can handle the occasionally graphic nature, this series is really interesting. It's fascinating and so upsetting to see how addiction can tear families apart at the seams, but the episodes often end on a happy and hopeful note.

4. The Truth Behind: The Bermuda Triangle

Stars on Netflix ~ 2

Found In: TV Shows, British TV Shows, TV Documentaries

Why you should watch it: There may be more documentaries on the Bermuda Triangle than on most other geographical areas of the world, but for good reason. It's riveting. Each documentary, like this one, tends to recount a story you hadn't previously heard, and present new information that came along with the latest technology. Also, this one in particular gives a good variety of disasters and events (plane related, boat related, supernatural related, etc.) so there's no risk for boredom.

5. Planet Earth: The Complete Collection

Stars on Netflix ~ 4.5

Found In: TV Shows, British TV Shows, Science & Nature TV

Why you should watch it: Every single frame is captivating, giving you a new view of the parts of the world you'd always wished you could see. This series gives you a sense of the enormity of our planet, and how precious all of the species that live on it are. Not to mention the fact that it's won four Emmys and is described as "inspiring" and "feel-good".