The 10 Netflix Docs You Need During Finals Week | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

The 10 Netflix Docs You Need During Finals Week

Because clearly we aren't just going to do the mountain of work our grades are dependent on.

20
The 10 Netflix Docs You Need During Finals Week

In This Article:

Finals. We all need to take them, but we all just *really* don't want to. Especially not when Netflix keeps dropping documentaries and docu-series that are, frankly, a much more entertaining use of our time. Plus, at least you learn something if you watch them. So, here are 10 documentaries to watch when you need a study break but still want to learn something.

1. Our Planet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aETNYyrqNYE&t=2s

Disclaimer: this is not the cute, cuddly and uplifting nature doc that will leave you feeling great. It's far too accurate for that, but Our Planet is still worth watching. The series focuses on different ecosystems, their inhabitants and also how humans are destroying them. Sad? Yes. One of the most important things on Netflix right now? Also yes. Give yourself some time (and some tissues) and learn about the degradation our planet faces because of us.

2. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ0KNVU2fV0

This one's been out for a little while, so you probably know about it already and might have even seen it. Still, the best break from your finals cramming might just be other people making an absolute mess of a group project.

3. Literally everything from BBCearth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgpWX18dby4&t=12s

Okay, these aren't Netflix original documentaries, but they're still worth watching. Plus, most of the BBC's are a lot lighter in tone than Our Planet, so you'll be left with more faith in the human race. Plus, cute baby animals. Does anyone ever need more? Hint: the answer is no.

4. Casting Jonbenet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KMEOaMCJss

Twisted, haunted and hard to stop once you stop: that's the story of Jonbenet Ramsay. One of the most famous cold cases in America, Ramsay's murder has captured the public conscious for decades. Netflix's look at the story is worth a view (or multiple views, depending on how much you want to procrastinate) because it focuses on the reactions to the murder and not necessarily the crime itself. It is a unique twist on the genre, and one worth checking out.

5. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1UJgrNRcvI&t=17s

This is another one that has been out for a while, but is still worth noting. It is a creepy, dark thrill ride that is hard to turn away from. Be warned, though: this might take up a pretty significant amount of your study time. But hey, at least you learn about one of America's most prolific serial killers in the process.

6. Feminists: What Were They Thinking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAgeCLYnwNg&t=35s

If there is one word that no two people seem to have the same definition of, it's feminism. The buzz word that has people inspired, enraged and confused all in the same week is always worth a closer look. This documentary is great for the break that leaves you feeling a little more inspired and ready to take on the world.

7. Gaga: Five Foot Two

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxI1iOi0t-c&t=56s

If crime, history and the environment aren't your thing, maybe you'll enjoy music instead. Five Foot Two is a look into the life of one of the most successful pop artists of the decade: Lady Gaga. Take some time to go behind the glitz and glam of Hollywood and connect with

8. Roman Empire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faOvIHG7DaQ

I am a self-proclaimed history nerd, so this one is one of my personal favorites. Roman Empire is a three-season long look at different points in the empire's long history. It is factual and is built around interviews with historians and scholars. Those interviews are interwoven with actor reenactments, which add a level of entertainment to the stories. It's great for history buffs and beginners alike. Plus, the Romans were crazy, and the stories that can be told about them are full of all the points of a murder-mystery-soap opera of your dreams.

9. Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB8qvx0HOlI&t=21s

Coachella. Beyonce. DUH.

10. The CNN Decades Docuseries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9X6MMfv0gY

These aren't Netflix originals, but they're too good to not include in a listicle of docs to watch. There are four series each based on a different decade: the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000. Each series reflects on the culture, technology, music, social issues and politics of the decade, meaning there is something for everyone. Oh, and Tom Hanks appears in all of them, and who doesn't love Tom Hanks? (The correct answer is no one. No one dislikes Tom Hanks.)

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

83452
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

10150
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments