Hulu, once primarily known for its TV shows while Netflix dominated the movie scene, has made significant strides in expanding its movie library, particularly with documentaries. With a diverse selection catering to all interests,
Hulu has become a top destination for non-fiction storytelling. To help you navigate the options, we’ve curated a list of the best documentaries currently available on Hulu.
‘The Contestant’ (2024)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
- IMDb: 7.0/10
- Run Time: 1 hr 30 min
- Director: Clair Titley
- Release Date: September 8, 2023
- Cast: Tomoaki Hamatsu, Toshio Tsuchiya, Fred Armisen
Clair Titley’s “The Contestant” delves into the bizarre true story of Tomoaki Hamatsu, known as Nasubi, who unwittingly starred in one of the world’s first reality shows, the Japanese series “Susunu! Denpa Shōnen.” The challenge was to live alone in an apartment with no possessions or food, relying solely on magazine sweepstakes wins. Nasubi spent 15 months in isolation, unaware that his life was broadcast live to 17 million viewers in Japan. The film, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, has been praised for its humane approach to this surreal story, highlighting the darker side of reality TV.
‘Summer of Soul’ (2021)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- IMDb: 8.0/10
- Run Time: 1 hr 57 min
- Director: Ahmir-Khalib Thompson
- Release Date: July 2, 2021
- Cast: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Chris Rock, Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Nina Simone
In the summer of 1969, Harlem hosted a six-week music festival featuring top soul artists of the time. Despite its success and extensive recording, it remained largely unknown, overshadowed by Woodstock. Questlove steps out from behind the drums to direct and produce this captivating look at the festival, interviewing attendees, performers, and those who thought it was a dream until the footage was rediscovered.
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‘The Jewel Thief’ (2023)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
- IMDb: 6.5/10
- Run Time: 1 hr 40 min
- Director: Landon Van Soest
- Release Date: July 13, 2023
“The Jewel Thief” recounts the incredible true story of Gerald Blanchard, a small-town nerd turned international criminal mastermind. Through interviews with Blanchard, his mother, and the detectives who pursued him, as well as dramatic reenactments, director Landon Van Soest presents a riveting account of Blanchard’s global crime spree.
‘Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl’ (2023)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 19%
- IMDb: 4.4/10
- Run Time: 1 hr 27 min
- Director: Zackary Drucker
- Release Date: May 17, 2023
- Cast: Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Tinsley Mortimer
“Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl” explores the height of the It Girl Era in the early 2000s, when Manhattan elites like Paris Hilton and Tinsley Mortimer captivated the public with their glamorous lifestyles. The documentary examines how blog culture and figures like Perez Hilton influenced public perception, offering a nostalgic look at a bygone era.
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‘Aaron Carter: The Little Prince of Pop’ (2023)
- IMDb: 6.5/10
- Run Time: 56 min
- Release Date: May 1, 2023
- Cast: Aaron Carter, Olive Chiacchia, Nogen Beck, Brenden Borrowman
This poignant documentary chronicles the life and tragic death of musician Aaron Carter. Featuring archival footage and interviews with those close to him, including fiancée Melanie Martin and Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean, it explores Carter’s struggles with fame, addiction, and mental illness.
‘All the Streets Are Silent’ (2021)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
- IMDb: 7.1/10
- Run Time: 1 hr 29 min
- Director: Jeremy Elkin
- Release Date: July 23, 2021
- Cast: Eli Morgan Gesner, Rosario Dawson, Darryl McDaniels, Moby
Narrated by Zoo York co-founder Eli Morgan Gesner, “All the Streets Are Silent” highlights the cultural collision between hip-hop and skateboarding in late 1980s and early 1990s New York City. Through interviews and archival footage, director Jeremy Elkin captures the synergy between these iconic subcultures.
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‘The Donut King’ (2020)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
- IMDb: 7.1/10
- Run Time: 1 hr 30 min
- Director: Alice Gu
- Release Date: August 24, 2020
- Cast: Chuong Pek Lee, Susan Lim, Ted Ngoy
“The Donut King” tells the inspiring story of Ted Ngoy, who built a donut empire in Los Angeles by helping Cambodian refugees. Director Alice Gu’s debut film combines interviews, archival footage, and animation to celebrate Ngoy’s entrepreneurial spirit and the immigrant experience.
