Best documentaries 2023: 12 science documentaries from Netflix, BBC, Apple and more

Wild Isles (BBC iPlayer)

This big-budget collection from David Attenborough and the BBC Studios Pure Historical past Unit takes a better take a look at the wildlife of the UK and Eire. Warring capercaillie and the intercourse lives of ash-black slugs are two highlights.

Take Care of Maya (Netflix)

In 2016, 10-year-old Maya Kowalski was admitted to hospital with extreme ache. The tragedy that ensued lays naked the failings of a US hospital.

Earth (BBC iPlayer)

Every episode of Earth delves deep into the historical past of our planet, from the worst-ever mass extinction to the rise of people, and is replete with cutting-edge scientific analysis.

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (Apple TV+)

Michael J. Fox, finest often called the star of the Again to the Future movies, was identified with early-onset Parkinson’s illness at simply 29 years outdated. His documentary about residing with the situation is shifting however by no means mawkish.

The Secret Genius of Modern Life (BBC iPlayer)

Mathematician Hannah Fry presents this addictively fascinating collection, which returned in 2023 to show us all in regards to the improvements underpinning on a regular basis life, from passports to hoover cleaners.

Emergency NYC (Netflix)

It may be troublesome to look the world of emergency medication straight within the eye, however this unflinching documentary about New York’s frontline healthcare staff is must-see viewing.

Prehistoric Planet II (Apple TV+)

One other entry from David Attenborough, this superbly animated collection explores the weirder, wilder facet of dinosaurs and their contemporaries. With its emphasis on recreating the texture of a basic nature documentary, you’ll really feel like you’re actually inhabiting the prehistoric world.

Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food (Netflix)

Foodborne diseases have an effect on 48 million individuals within the US yearly. This documentary takes goal on the industries fuelling these outbreaks, with surprising revelations.

Is There Anybody Out There? (BFI Participant)

Ella Glendining, who was born with no hip joints and brief femurs, had by no means met anybody with the identical uncommon situation she has. The neighborhood she finds throws the discrimination she faces elsewhere in life into sharp reduction.

Our Planet II (Netflix) 

In terms of mainstream nature documentaries, too few are daring sufficient to explicitly join Earth’s pure magnificence to the threats it faces from local weather change. Our Planet II is a refreshing deviation.

The Color of Space (NASA+ and YouTube)

Just one episode of The Shade of Area, NASA’s seven-part collection about Black astronauts on the company, has been launched, however it’s already a spotlight of the brand new streaming service NASA+. Episode one is about Charlie Bolden, who turned NASA’s first Black administrator.

Unknown (Netflix)

This eclectic four-part collection tackles drone warfare, the James Webb Area Telescope, Homo naledi and an historical necropolis – good for thriller followers who’re looking for selection.