20 Best Biography TV Shows on Netflix 2026
Explore biography series on Netflix, from The Crown and When They See Us to Monster, Narcos, and more real-life dramas worth your time.
If you’re searching for the best biography TV shows on Netflix, this list gives you a strong mix of royal drama, true crime, political history, and character-driven docuseries. The Crown, When They See Us, Monster, and Narcos are especially good starting points if you want stories that stay rooted in real people and real events. For a more historical angle, titles like Abraham Lincoln, Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and Roman Empire bring major figures and eras into focus. You’ll also find newer picks such as Baby Reindeer, Love & Death, and House of Guinness, which show how wide the genre can be when biography overlaps with crime, drama, mystery, and history.
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01
Monster
Won 2 Emmys 3x Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie · 31 nominations
biography · crime · drama · thriller
This series examines the gruesome and horrific true crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer and the systemic failures that enabled one of America’s most notorious serial killers to continue his murderous spree in plain sight for over a decade.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to true-crime dramas that stay grounded in real events, this is a strong pick. Its mix of biography, crime, drama, and thriller makes it a tense choice for viewers who want a darker real-life story.
Directed by Max Winkler, Paris Barclay, Jennifer Lynch, Carl Franklin, Ian BrennanCast Charlie Hunnam, Vicky Krieps, Evan Peters, Richard Jenkins, Cooper KochNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
02
Death by Lightning
4 Emmy nominations
biography · drama · history
The story of James Garfield, who rose from obscurity to become America's 20th President — and Charles Guiteau, the man who assassinated him.
Why watch: If political history and biography are your thing, this series may fit well. It follows James Garfield and Charles Guiteau, so it suits viewers interested in presidential history and the people around it.
Directed by Matt RossCast Matthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, Bradley WhitfordNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
03
Alias Grace
1 Emmy nomination
biography · crime · drama · thriller
Based on the true story of Grace Marks, a housemaid and immigrant from Ireland who was imprisoned in 1843, perhaps wrongly, for the murder of her employer Thomas Kinnear. Grace claims to have no memory of the murder yet the facts are irrefutable. A decade after, Dr. Simon Jordan tries to help Grace recall her past.
Why watch: If you like period dramas built around a real case, this is worth a look. Its biography, crime, drama, and thriller mix should appeal to viewers who enjoy uncertain memory, investigation, and historical context.
Directed by Mary HarronCast Sarah Gadon, Edward Holcroft, Rebecca Liddiard, Zachary Levi, Kerr LoganNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
04
Straight to Hell
biography · drama · history
Japan's most famous fortune-teller, Kazuko Hosoki, once held the nation in her thrall. Was she a savior or a devil? Wealth, fame, romance she had it all. But what shocking, untold half-life lay behind it?
Why watch: If you enjoy biography series with a history-driven angle and a central public figure, this could be a good match. The focus on Kazuko Hosoki and the question of her public image gives it a different kind of real-life hook.
Directed by Tomoyuki Takimoto, Norichika ÔbaCast Erika Toda, Ayumu Nakajima, Tôko Miura, Kentarô Tamura, Gaku HosokawaNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
05
The Crown
Won 24 Emmys Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2017) · 87 nominations
biography · drama · history
The gripping, decades-spanning inside story of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Ministers who shaped Britain's post-war destiny.
The Crown tells the inside story of two of the most famous addresses in the world – Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street – and the intrigues, love lives and machinations behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Two houses, two courts, one Crown.
Why watch: If you want a long-form royal drama built around major public and political events, this is an easy recommendation. Its biography, drama, and history blend suits viewers who like prestige storytelling about leadership and influence.
Directed by Benjamin Caron, Philip Martin, Christian Schwochow, Jessica Hobbs, Stephen DaldryCast Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, Matt Smith, Tobias MenziesNetflixMore details on IMDb →
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06
When They See Us
Won 2 Emmys 16 nominations
biography · crime · drama · history
Five teens from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park.
Why watch: If you prefer true stories with urgent social stakes, this is one to prioritize. The biography and history elements make it especially strong for viewers who want a serious courtroom-and-justice watch.
Directed by Ava DuVernayCast Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Ethan Herisse, Marquis Rodriguez, Marsha Stephanie BlakeNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
07
Baby Reindeer
Won 6 Emmys Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (2024) · 11 nominations
biography · comedy · drama
When a struggling comedian shows one act of kindness to a vulnerable woman, it sparks a suffocating obsession which threatens to wreck both their lives.
Why watch: If you like biography series that also lean into dark comedy and emotional tension, this may be a good fit. Its premise suggests a personal story with an unsettling edge rather than a traditional historical biography.
Directed by Weronika Tofilska, Josephine BornebuschCast Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau, Michael Wildman, Danny KirraneNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
08
Love & Death
1 Emmy nomination
biography · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Candy and Pat Montgomery and Betty and Allan Gore — two churchgoing couples — enjoy their small town Texas life... until an extramarital affair leads somebody to pick up an axe.
Why watch: If you’re in the mood for a real-life crime story with mystery and thriller elements, this is a natural choice. It should suit viewers who like domestic settings that turn unexpectedly dark.
Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, Clark JohnsonCast Elizabeth Olsen, Jesse Plemons, Lily Rabe, Patrick Fugit, Krysten RitterNetflixMaxMore details on IMDb → -
09
Theodore Roosevelt
documentary · biography · history
The two-part premium miniseries event on Theodore Roosevelt, the first modern President of the United States, will provide a rich, panoramic biography weaving Roosevelt's captivating personal story while revealing little-known truths behind his expansive curiosity, restless spirit and the profound, lasting impact he has had on the country.
Why watch: If you enjoy documentary biographies about major U.S. leaders, this is a solid pick. The two-part format and historical focus make it appealing for viewers who want a broad look at Theodore Roosevelt's life and impact.
Directed by Malcolm VenvilleCast Rufus Jones, Marco Mintaka, Mark Elderkin, Shane John Kruger, Greg KriekNetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubiMore details on IMDb → -
10
House of Guinness
biography · drama · history
Dublin, 1868. The Guinness family patriarch is dead, and his four children — each with dark secrets to hide — hold the brewery's fate in their hands.
Why watch: If family power struggles and historical drama appeal to you, this one may be a good match. Its biography, drama, and history labels point to a story centered on legacy, succession, and private tensions.
Directed by Tom Shankland, Mounia AklCast Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, James Norton, Emily Fairn, Michael McElhattonNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
11
Washington
documentary · biography · drama · history
The story of how a fatherless young soldier full of personal ambition becomes a leader of men willing to sacrifice all for the common cause. How a once-loyal British subject rises to battle an empire in a liberty-or-death campaign to forge a new nation. And then how, at the zenith of his power, the victorious general voluntarily steps down, becoming what King George III would call “the greatest man in the world.”
Why watch: If you want a documentary-biography series about founding-era history, this is a strong option. It should fit viewers who like personal ambition, leadership, and the making of a nation.
Directed by Matthew Ginsburg, Roel ReinéCast Nicholas Rowe, Nia Roberts, Hainsley Lloyd Bennett, Josh Taylor, James RobinsonNetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubiMore details on IMDb → -
12
Abraham Lincoln
documentary · biography · drama · history · war
The true story of America's iconic 16th president as told by weaving together both scripted dramatizations of important moments in his life and commentary by authoritative historians and public figures.
Why watch: If you’re interested in a historical biography with both dramatized moments and expert commentary, this stands out. It suits viewers who want a structured look at Abraham Lincoln’s life and leadership.
Directed by Malcolm VenvilleCast Graham Sibley, Stefan Adegbola, Jenny Stead, Andre Jacobs, Colin MossNetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubiMore details on IMDb → -
13
Narcos
3 Emmy nominations
biography · crime · drama · thriller
A gritty chronicle of the war against Colombia's infamously violent and powerful drug cartels.
Why watch: If you like biography stories with crime and thriller energy, this is a great fit. Its focus on drug cartels and the war against them gives it a tense, fast-moving historical-crime angle.
Directed by Andrés Baiz, Josef Kubota Wladyka, Fernando Coimbra, Gerardo Naranjo, Guillermo NavarroCast Pedro Pascal, Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Alberto Ammann, Paulina GaitanNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
14
Kaulitz & Kaulitz
documentary · biography · music
Twin brothers and superstars Tom and Bill Kaulitz offer a glimpse into their private lives in LA and Germany in this funny and intimate reality series.
Why watch: If you enjoy celebrity-focused documentary biographies with a lighter tone, this could be your pick. It blends music and personal life, making it a good match for viewers who want an intimate profile rather than a heavy historical drama.
Directed by Michael Schmitt, Annika Blendl, Pablo Ben YakovCast David Goldstein, Tyler Menjivar, Haley Clair, Eduardo De Los Reyes, Nick MonteleoneNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
15
The Last Dance
Won 1 Emmy 3 nominations
documentary · biography · history · sport
A 10-part documentary chronicling the untold story of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dynasty with rare, never-before-seen footage and sound from the 1997-98 championship season – plus over 100 interviews with famous figures and basketball’s biggest names.
Why watch: If you like sports documentaries about legendary teams and iconic careers, this is an excellent choice. Its biography and sport mix is especially appealing for viewers who want rare footage and a major championship-era story.
Directed by Jason HehirCast Jalen RoseNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
16
The Staircase
2 Emmy nominations Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (2022)
biography · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
An exploration of the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson.
Why watch: If you’re interested in a true-crime biography with mystery and suspense, this is one to consider. It should appeal to viewers who like family-centered stories that slowly build tension around a suspicious death.
Directed by Antonio Campos, Leigh JaniakCast Colin Firth, Toni Collette, Michael Stuhlbarg, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sophie TurnerNetflixMaxMore details on IMDb → -
17
Dynasty: The Murdochs
documentary · biography
Follows the Murdoch family's behind-the-scenes succession battle as Rupert's adult children compete for control of his media empire, based on thousands of documents, emails and text messages.
Why watch: If you enjoy behind-the-scenes power stories, this docuseries may suit you. Its focus on a family succession battle makes it a good pick for viewers who like biography mixed with business and media intrigue.
Directed by Liz Garbus, Sara EnrightNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
18
James.
documentary · biography · sport
A documentary following soccer star James Rodríguez's journey through professional football, spanning his rise in club soccer, national team success, and path toward the 2026 World Cup.
Why watch: If you want a sports biography that follows a modern athlete’s path, this is a straightforward choice. It’s best for viewers who like documentary storytelling about career growth and international football.
Directed by Simon BrandCast James Rodríguez, Carlo Ancelotti, Sergio Ramos, Radamel Falcao, David OspinaNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
19
Roman Empire
documentary · biography · drama · history · war
This stylish mix of documentary and historical epic chronicles the reign of Commodus, the emperor whose rule marked the beginning of Rome's fall.
Why watch: If you’re interested in historical epics told with a documentary edge, this is a strong option. Its biography, drama, history, and war mix should appeal to viewers who like ancient-power stories.
Directed by Richard Lopez, John Ealer, David O'NeillCast Aaron Jakubenko, Edwin Wright, Genevieve Aitken, Jared Turner, Jessica GreenNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
20
Sitting Bull
documentary · biography · history · western
Learn the incredible life of the legendary Hunkpapa Lakota chief. A fierce warrior, loving father, and holy man, the story of Sitting Bull provides a new perspective on the United States as the nation rapidly evolved around the legendary figure.
Why watch: If you prefer biography documentaries with a strong historical perspective, this is worth your time. The focus on Sitting Bull makes it especially appealing for viewers interested in Indigenous history and leadership.
Directed by Christopher Cegielski, Phillip MontgomeryCast Joel Oulette, Michael Spears, Glen Gould, Trevor Carroll, William BelleauNetflixHuluTubiMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This lineup makes it easy to find a biography series that matches your mood, whether you prefer prestige drama, hard-hitting true crime, or history told through personal lives. From landmark names like The Crown and When They See Us to documentary-style picks such as The Last Dance and Abraham Lincoln, there’s a lot here to explore. Bookmark this page and come back when you want another reality-based watch with depth. We update this list regularly so it stays useful as new titles arrive and the catalog changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good historical Netflix series?
Our top picks right now are Monster (2022), Death by Lightning (2025), Alias Grace (2017), Straight to Hell (2026), The Crown (2016), When They See Us (2019), Baby Reindeer (2024), Love & Death (2023), Theodore Roosevelt (2022) and House of Guinness (2025), all streaming on Netflix. There are 10 more picks in the full list above.
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Netflix. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these biography shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the biography titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.