20 Best Documentary Movies on Apple TV Plus 2026
Explore Apple TV Plus documentaries, from Come See Me in the Good Light and Boys State to Bono: Stories of Surrender, with 20 standout picks.
If you’re hunting for the best documentary movies on Apple TV Plus, this roundup gives you a smart place to start. The service now has a strong mix of music stories, family-friendly picks, political profiles, and emotional real-world drama, so there’s something here whether you want inspiration or insight. Start with Come See Me in the Good Light, Bread & Roses, and Bono: Stories of Surrender for powerful recent storytelling, then add Boys State and Deaf President Now! for sharp, urgent nonfiction. You can also lean into the human side of the platform with The Last of the Sea Women, Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, and Who Are You, Charlie Brown?
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01
Come See Me in the Good Light
documentary · family
Facing an incurable diagnosis, two poet lovers embark on a poignant yet unexpectedly humorous exploration of love, mortality, and life's moments.
Directed by Ryan WhiteCast Andrea Gibson, Tig NotaroApple TV Plus -
02
Bread & Roses
documentary
In the wake of the Taliban's return to power, a group of Kabul women lead a revolutionary fight for their rights—and their lives.
Directed by Sahra ManiApple TV Plus -
03
Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost
documentary · biography
Ben Stiller tells the story of his parents—comedy icons Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara—exploring their impact on popular culture and at home, where the lines between creativity, family, life, and art often blurred.
Directed by Ben StillerCast Jerry Stiller, Anne Meara, Ben Stiller, Amy Stiller, Ella StillerApple TV Plus -
04
Bono: Stories of Surrender
documentary · biography · drama · music
Through words, music, and mischief, Bono pulls back the curtain on his deeply personal experiences that have shaped him as a son, father, husband, activist, and U2 frontman.
Directed by Andrew DominikCast BonoApple TV Plus -
05
Boys State
documentary
This raucous journey into the heart of democracy captures an unusual rite of passage: 1,100 teenage boys from across Texas coming together to build a representative government from the ground up.
Directed by Amanda McBaine, Jesse MossCast Ben Feinstein, Steven Garza, Robert MacDougall, René Otero, Eddy Proietti ContiApple TV Plus -
06
The Last of the Sea Women
documentary
On the shores of Jeju Island, a fierce group of South Korean divers fight to save their vanishing culture from looming threats.
Directed by Sue KimApple TV Plus -
07
Deaf President Now!
documentary
Discover the story of the greatest civil rights movement most people have never heard about. During eight tumultuous days in 1988 at the world's only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead a revolution—and change the course of history.
Directed by Nyle DiMarco, Davis GuggenheimCast Paul Adelstein, Abigail Marlowe, Tim Blake Nelson, Leland Orser, Weston BroacheApple TV Plus -
08
Who Are You, Charlie Brown?
documentary · animation · biography
Lupita Nyong'o narrates a documentary about Peanuts and its creator, Charles M. Schulz. Famous fans—including Drew Barrymore, Kevin Smith, and Al Roker—share its influence on them, and a new animated story finds Charlie Brown on a quest.
Directed by Michael BonfiglioCast Tyler James Nathan, Terry McGurrin, Isabella Leo, Holly Gorski, Hattie KragtenApple TV Plus -
09
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
documentary · biography
A short kid from a Canadian army base becomes the international pop culture darling of the 1980s—only to find the course of his life altered by a stunning diagnosis. What happens when an incurable optimist confronts an incurable disease?
Directed by Davis GuggenheimCast Danny Irizarry, Hannah Galway, Miles Meacham, Kai Kreinman, Sherry KlassenApple TV Plus -
10
The Bloody Hundredth
documentary
Meet the real-life airmen who inspired Masters of the Air as they share the harrowing and transformative events of the 100th Bomb Group.
Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, Mark HerzogCast Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, James Stewart, Donald L. Miller, Franklin D. RooseveltApple TV Plus -
11
9/11: Inside the President's War Room
documentary · history
Experience the events of September 11, 2001 through the eyes of President Bush and his closest advisors as they personally detail the crucial hours and key decisions from that historic day.
Directed by Adam WishartCast Jeff DanielsApple TV Plus -
12
'Twas the Fight Before Christmas
documentary
In this true-life twist on a holiday fable, Jeremy Morris brings a whole new meaning to Christmas spirit when his extravagant seasonal display sparks a dispute with his neighbors that lands them all in court.
Directed by Becky ReadCast Jeremy MorrisApple TV Plus -
13
Stephen Curry: Underrated
documentary · biography · sport
The remarkable coming-of-age story of Stephen Curry—one of the most influential, dynamic, and unexpected players in basketball history—and his rise from an undersized college player to a four-time NBA champion.
Directed by Peter NicksCast Kevin Blackistone, Patrick Ewing, Mike Krzyzewski, Doc Rivers, Charlie RoseApple TV Plus -
14
Girls State
documentary
What would American democracy look like in the hands of teenage girls? In this documentary, young female leaders from wildly different backgrounds in Missouri navigate an immersive experiment to build a government from the ground up.
Directed by Amanda McBaine, Jesse MossApple TV Plus -
15
Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds
documentary
This remarkable journey across our planet and universe explores how meteorites, shooting stars, and deep impacts have awoken our wonder about other realms—and make us rethink our destinies.
Directed by Werner Herzog, Clive OppenheimerCast Werner Herzog, Clive OppenheimerApple TV Plus -
16
Fathom
documentary
Two biologists set out on an undertaking as colossal as their subjects—deciphering the complex communication of whales. Dr. Michelle Fournet and Dr. Ellen Garland journey to opposite hemispheres to uncover a culture eons older than our own.
Directed by Drew XanthopoulosCast Ellen Garland, Michelle FournetApple TV Plus -
17
Bruce Springsteen's Letter to You
documentary · biography · music
A tribute to The E Street Band, rock 'n' roll, and the way music has shaped Bruce Springsteen's life, this documentary captures Bruce reflecting on love and loss while recording with his full band for the first time since Born in the U.S.A.
Directed by Thom ZimnyCast Bruce Springsteen, Roy Bittan, Nils Lofgren, Patti Scialfa, Garry TallentApple TV Plus -
18
Sidney
documentary · biography
This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.
Directed by Reginald HudlinCast Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Halle Berry, Nelson George, Louis Gossett Jr.Apple TV Plus -
19
Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues
documentary · biography · music
Never-before-heard personal recordings and archival footage tell the story of Louis Armstrong's life from his perspective. From musical phenom to civil rights activist to world-renowned artist, this illuminating film shows sides of Armstrong few have seen.
Directed by Sacha JenkinsCast Louis Armstrong, Nas, Wynton Marsalis, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Orson WellesApple TV Plus -
20
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me
documentary · biography
After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.
Directed by Alek KeshishianCast Mia F. Campagna, Christian ClassenApple TV Plus
Wrapping Up
With so many strong nonfiction options, Apple TV Plus has become a reliable stop for viewers who want stories that feel timely, thoughtful, and memorable. This page brings together a balanced mix of documentary, family, biography, drama, and music titles, so you can jump in based on mood instead of guesswork. Bookmark it and come back whenever you want a fresh watchlist, because the selection is updated regularly as new releases and standout older picks are added. Whether you want a moving profile, a culture-shaping political story, or a music-driven feature, there is plenty here to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Apple TV Plus subscription to watch these?
Yes — every title on this list is currently available on Apple TV Plus. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these documentary movies ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the documentary titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.
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Last updated: September 4, 2026