- A Ballerina’s Tale (Netflix)—The first African American woman to become a principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater, Misty Copeland broke down barriers to get where she is today. Now she’s reshaping the ballet’s notoriously narrow definition of the “ideal ballerina” for the next generation. Covering Copeland’s tumultuous childhood and the injuries that almost ended her career, this documentary is as much about grit as it is about ballet (that being said, I still lived for the performance scenes).
- Amy (Amazon)—From her natural blues voice to her gift for writing poetry, Amy Winehouse was a born jazz singer. And that’s how she thought of herself. It was never about the fame, which strained her relationships and frequently put her under a spotlight she never wanted. Watching this documentary, I learned a lot about addiction and the dark side of fame. And, of course, my heart broke for Amy Winehouse all over again.
- Chef’s Table (Netflix)—With its artistic cinematography, including shots of food that look almost too beautiful to be food, Chef’s Table transcends the concept of food TV. Instead, it’s really a series about artists at the top of their game and the universal impulse to create. Each episode focuses on one of the world’s celebrated culinary stars, tracking how they became chefs, formed unique perspectives on food and life, and became the best in their field.
- Cooked (Netflix)—Michael Pollen turned his latest book, Cooked, into this four-part narrative about the history of human cooking. It’s not only a nostalgic celebration of the impulse to nourish ourselves through cooking, but also a look into why much of that primal instinct has been usurped by the processed food industry. I’ll read or watch anything by Michael Pollen, but I thought this was a particularly inspiring, non-condescending argument for why we should all use our kitchen a little more.
- Deli Man (Amazon)—An ode to the disappearing culture of the Jewish deli and the individuals dedicated to preserving it, this documentary follows one deli owner on his quest to preserve the recipes of his grandparent’s original restaurant—the first Jewish deli to open in New York City in 1920. After watching Deli Man, I wanted to not only go out for a bagel, but also learn how to make one just in case these precious establishments keep vanishing.
- Everything Is Copy (HBO)—In this documentary, Nora Ephron’s son, Jacob Bernstein, remembers his mother’s scathing honesty, fierce ambition, feminist voice, and confessional style of humor. Through her old TV appearances, interviews with family, and testimonials from ex-husbands and famous friends, he explores what made her the beloved writer and public figure she was. I loved getting such an intimate look into the life and career of Nora Ephron, who is one of my personal heroes.
- Finding Vivian Maeir (Netflix)—Vivian Maeir, considered one of the 20th century’s great street photographers, took over 100,000 images during her lifetime—and never showed anyone. Her work has only recently become public, thanks to an amateur historian who purchased it in an auction. This documentary’s exploration of Vivian Maeir’s mysterious life and what compelled her to create the work she did without ever wanting recognition completely fascinated me.
- Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures (HBO)—Sparking a national debate about what qualifies as fine art, Robert Mapplethorpe’s depictions of fetishism and sexuality ultimately broke down social barriers and opened an important door for photography as an art form. This documentary provides a compelling look into the people and cultural climate that inspired Mapplethorpe’s career through personal interviews (many with ex-lovers) and archival recordings of the artist himself.
- Marley (Netflix)—Of course Bob Marley’s message of peace has always resonated with me. But I really knew nothing about his life, his struggle for success as a musician, the origins of reggae, and the Rastafari movement before I watched this documentary. Now I have a much clearer picture of what his music meant to people during the Civil Rights movement and why he was so dedicated to spreading the message of Rastafari.
- Parts Unknown (Netflix)—In all his years in television, Anthony Bourdain has yet to make a generic travel show. Instead, he approaches other countries with the openness and curiosity of a journalist, seeking out the real story behind all the touristy stuff. In contrast to No Reservations, he spends less time on food and more time on the political and cultural climates of the countries he visits. But the signature blend of humor, edge, and snarky commentary, which made Bourdain’s other work so appealing, endures.
Watch This—10 Series + Documentaries to Stream
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“I’ve been watching a few great things on Netflix lately.” I said this to a friend over Skype the other day. Thinking out loud about everything I’d watched recently, I realized I didn’t just have a few recommendations… I had eleven. But who makes a list of eleven things?! So I did…
