20 Best Documentary TV Shows on Apple TV Plus 2026
Explore the best documentary TV shows on Apple TV Plus, from Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Prehistoric Planet to true crime, music, and nature picks.
If you’re hunting for the best documentary TV shows on Apple TV Plus, this list makes it easy to sort through standout history, crime, sport, music, nature, and biography picks. Start with crowd-pleasers like Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Prehistoric Planet, and The Reluctant Traveler, then branch out to Mr. Scorsese, The Enfield Poltergeist, and 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything. There’s also plenty here for fans of true crime and insider access, including Hollywood Con Queen, Cowboy Cartel, and Twisted Yoga. Nature lovers can spend time with Earth at Night in Color, Born to Be Wild, and The Wild Ones, while sports fans have options like Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series and Super League: The War for Football. Whether you want something suspenseful, informative, or character-driven, these documentaries cover a wide range of interests.
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01
Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars
1 BAFTA TV Award nomination
documentary
Experience thrilling highs and crushing lows as the world's best chefs pursue the ultimate accolade: a Michelin Star. These anonymous inspectors have never let anyone in on their mysterious ways, until now.
Why watch: If you enjoy culinary competition and behind-the-scenes pressure, this one follows chefs chasing Michelin recognition. The documentary focus keeps it grounded in real stakes.
Directed by Brent Gundesen, James CallumCast Jesse Burgess, Nicolai Tram, Dae Kim, Bobby Kwak, Jacob PotashnickApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
02
The Enfield Poltergeist
2 BAFTA TV Award nominations
documentary · horror
Experience the chilling true story of the world's most famous poltergeist case through original audio recordings made inside the house as the events unfolded.
Why watch: If true stories with a spooky edge interest you, this blends documentary and horror around a famous poltergeist case. The use of original audio recordings makes it a fit for viewers who like unsettling real-world mysteries.
Directed by Jerry RothwellCast Olivia Booth-Ford, Christopher Ettridge, Paula Benson, Charlotte Miller, Daniel LeeApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
Mr. Scorsese
Won 1 Emmy 3 nominations
documentary · biography
Explore the many lives of Martin Scorsese through intimate interviews with the man himself, access to his private archives, plus conversations with Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Daniel Day-Lewis, Steven Spielberg, and more.
Why watch: If you like filmmaker profiles and career-spanning storytelling, this documentary biography focuses on Martin Scorsese. The mix of intimate interviews, private archives, and conversations with major actors and directors should appeal to film fans.
Directed by Rebecca MillerCast Martin Scorsese, Rebecca Miller, Robert De Niro, Thelma Schoonmaker, Steven SpielbergApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
Prehistoric Planet
3 Emmy nominations
documentary · animation · history
Experience the wonders of our world like never before in this epic series from Jon Favreau and the producers of Planet Earth. Travel back 66 million years to when majestic dinosaurs and extraordinary creatures roamed the lands, seas, and skies.
Why watch: If you want a nature series with a prehistoric angle, this combines documentary, animation, and history. It may suit viewers who enjoy dinosaurs and large-scale natural history storytelling.
Directed by Andrew R. Jones, Adam Valdez, Nigel Walk, Krzysztof Szczepanski, Leah ArnoldCast David Attenborough, Tom Hiddleston, Heïdi Sevestre, Victoria HerridgeApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
The Dynasty: UConn Huskies
documentary · sport
Explores the history and the recent win by UConn Huskies Women's Basketball team of the 2025 NCAA National Championship, through a mix of archival footage and interviews.
Why watch: If women’s basketball and recent sports history appeal to you, this documentary explores UConn’s program and its 2025 national championship. The archival footage and interviews should work well for fans of team legacy stories.
Directed by Matthew Hamachek, Erica SashinCast Rebecca Lobo, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Breanna StewartApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb →
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06
Twisted Yoga
documentary · crime
Ex-members of a tantric yoga school speak out about how they went from searching for wellness and community to fearing they'd joined a cult, and seeking justice for alleged abuse and manipulation at the hands of a self-styled guru.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to crime stories about manipulation and accountability, this documentary follows former members speaking out about a wellness group that allegedly turned abusive. Its subject matter may especially interest viewers who like cult-related investigations.
Directed by Rowan Deacon, Lily FletcherCast Gregorian BivolaruApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
07
Hollywood Con Queen
documentary · crime
Exploring the story of an international con artist impersonating the industry's most powerful women; based on the original reporting of veteran investigative journalist Scott Johnson for the Hollywood Reporter.
Why watch: If you enjoy scam stories centered on Hollywood and media reporting, this documentary traces an international con artist case. It should appeal to viewers who like investigative crime stories with an industry angle.
Directed by Chris SmithApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
08
The Reluctant Traveler
4 Emmy nominations
documentary · reality-tv
Award-winning actor and nervous explorer Eugene Levy steps out of his comfort zone for a whirlwind tour of the world's most beautiful and intriguing destinations.
Why watch: If you like travel documentaries with a personal twist, this follows Eugene Levy as he steps outside his comfort zone. It’s a good pick for viewers who want destinations, but with a lighter reality-TV feel.
Directed by James Callum, David Brindley, Ricky Valentine, Will YappCast Eugene Levy, Héctor Bellerín, Joan Collins, William, Prince of Wales, Sarah LevyApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
09
Born to Be Wild
documentary
From first steps to first hunts, follow six rare baby animals as they learn survival skills and bring hope for the future of their species in the wild.
Why watch: If you enjoy wildlife stories with hope at the center, this documentary follows six rare baby animals learning survival skills. It’s a natural choice for viewers who like animal-focused series.
Directed by Tom Barton-Humphreys, Stephanie Holt, Hannah Ward, Emma Brennand, Emma FraserCast Hugh BonnevilleApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
10
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
5 BAFTA TV Award nominations
documentary · sport
Drivers, managers and team owners live life in the fast lane - both on and off the track - during one cutthroat season of Formula 1 racing.
Why watch: If motorsport drama is your thing, this series dives into the off-track and on-track pressure of Formula 1. Fans of high-stakes sports storytelling will likely find it an easy watch.
Directed by Piers Sanderson, Jake Jones, Rob Wills, Martin Webb, Nick HardieCast Jack Nicholls, Onur Han Besen, Gizem BesenNetflixApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
11
The Wild Ones
documentary
Explore hidden corners of Earth with a trio of experts as they try to save six endangered species from extinction. With crafty camerawork and survival skills, the team race to find, record, and protect these elusive creatures before it's too late.
Why watch: If you like conservation stories and expert-led wildlife tracking, this series follows a team trying to protect endangered species. The survival and filming angle makes it a fit for nature-documentary fans.
Directed by Alex Ranken, Will FegenCast Declan Burley, Vianet Djenguet, Aldo KaneApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
Long Way Round
documentary · adventure
In 2004 Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman embarked on an epic challenge to bike 20,000-miles across 12 countries and 19 time zones in just 115 days. Watch as two friends ride around the world together and, against all the odds, realize their dream.
Why watch: If you enjoy long-form adventure travel and motorcycle journeys, this road-trip documentary is a strong fit. It follows a demanding around-the-world ride across many countries and time zones.
Directed by David Alexanian, Russ MalkinCast Ewan McGregor, Charley BoormanApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
13
Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series
documentary
Experience the battle of juggernauts like never before as the Yankees and Dodgers revive MLB's most iconic playoff rivalry. With intimate access to superstar players, managers, and their families, witness the sacrifices it takes to claim baseball's throne.
Why watch: If baseball rivalries and championship pressure keep you watching, this documentary centers on the 2024 World Series. The access to players, managers, and families should appeal to fans who like inside-the-clubhouse stories.
Directed by R.J. CutlerCast Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dave RobertsApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
14
Long Way Down
documentary
Three years after Long Way Round, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman set off on a 15,000-mile journey from the northernmost tip of Scotland to the southernmost tip of South Africa, mixing their love of motorcycles with the lure of far-flung roads.
Why watch: If you like adventure documentaries about ambitious motorcycle travel, this journey from Scotland to South Africa may be for you. It’s a good match for viewers who enjoy friendship-driven road stories.
Directed by David Alexanian, Russ MalkinCast Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman, David Alexanian, Russ Malkin, Jimmy SimakApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
15
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
Won 1 BAFTA TV Award
documentary · history · music
In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded like never before.
Why watch: If music history interests you, this documentary looks at a pivotal year of change and experimentation. Fans of cultural and historical storytelling should find plenty to follow here.
Directed by Asif Kapadia, James Rogan, Danielle PeckCast Muhammad Ali, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, George Harrison, John LennonApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
16
Omnivore
documentary
From Peruvian salt flats to Rwandan coffee forests, explore and celebrate the ingredients that built societies, shaped beliefs, and forever altered the tapestry of humanity.
Why watch: If food, ingredients, and global culture fascinate you, this documentary connects what we eat with how societies form. It’s best for viewers who like travel-minded, idea-driven nonfiction.
Directed by Drea Cooper, Isabel Coixet, Sami Khan, Nicola Marsh, Collin OrcuttCast René RedzepiApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
17
Earth at Night in Color
3 BAFTA TV Award nominations
documentary
Filmed across six continents, this docuseries uses cutting-edge camera technology to capture animals' nocturnal lives, revealing new behaviours filmed in full color like never before.
Why watch: If you enjoy wildlife documentaries with a technical edge, this series uses night-vision style filming across multiple continents. It’s a strong pick for animal fans who want something visually distinctive.
Directed by Justin Anderson, Simon Muriel, Tom Payne, Joe StevensCast Tom HiddlestonApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
18
Cowboy Cartel
documentary · crime
Follows a rookie FBI agent uncovering a multimillion-dollar money laundering scheme orchestrated by Mexico's ruthless Los Zetas cartel through the American Quarter Horse racing industry.
Why watch: If crime investigations and financial schemes grab your attention, this series follows an FBI agent uncovering a laundering operation tied to horse racing. It should suit viewers who like undercover-style true crime.
Directed by Dan Johnstone, Castor FernandezCast Matthew Graham Wagner, Mike Keyrouse, Chris Herpin, Anna Strickland, Gabriel EscobedoApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
19
Number One on the Call Sheet
documentary
Some of Hollywood's biggest stars reveal their journeys to game-changing leading roles. In candid interviews, they shine a light on the highs and lows of their craft, breakthrough moments, blueprints for success, and the next generation's huge potential.
Why watch: If you like Hollywood career stories and candid interviews, this documentary focuses on actors discussing breakthrough moments and future potential. It’s a natural choice for movie fans who enjoy industry perspectives.
Directed by Reginald Hudlin, Shola LynchCast Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, John Boyega, Don Cheadle, Morris ChestnutApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
20
Super League: The War for Football
documentary · sport
The past, present, and future of European football collide when plans for a breakaway league emerge, leaving the game’s most powerful leaders to defend—or upend—the traditions of the sport.
Why watch: If football politics and the business side of the sport interest you, this documentary examines the Super League controversy from multiple angles. It’s best for viewers who like sports stories about power and tradition.
Directed by Jeff ZimbalistCast Gianni Infantino, Aleksander Čeferin, Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Rio FerdinandApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
From racing and wildlife to music, crime, and sports, these picks show how much variety Apple TV Plus can offer documentary fans. You can use this page to find a new series for your mood, whether you want a big-name profile, a true-story investigation, or a nature watch. Bookmark it for later, since it’s updated regularly as more titles are added and new standouts emerge.
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 an 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 shows 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.