Where to Watch
Discover the best streaming services for documentaries
Finding quality documentaries starts with knowing where to look. These carefully selected streaming services offer exceptional documentary content—from platforms exclusively dedicated to non-fiction storytelling to mainstream services with robust documentary libraries. Whether you're seeking award-winning features, investigative journalism, nature films, or historical deep-dives, these services provide diverse options to match your interests and viewing preferences. Explore their unique strengths, content focus, and membership models to find the perfect fit for your documentary journey.
A free, ad-free streaming service accessed through public library membership offering curated documentaries, independent films, foreign cinema, and classics from prestigious collections.
Completely free access to curated independent, foreign, and classic documentaries unavailable on mainstream platforms—no subscription fees or ads.
An affordable, ad-free streaming service exclusively devoted to documentary media across science, nature, history, and technology, with original productions and content from top filmmakers.
Documentary-only streaming at a fraction of mainstream prices—pure factual content without reality TV filler.
The world's largest streaming service featuring award-winning documentary originals and licensed content across true crime, nature, sports, and culture from top filmmakers and studios.
Mainstream documentaries that generate cultural conversations with binge-worthy episodic formats and award-winning originals unavailable elsewhere.
A premium streaming service emphasizing quality over quantity with award-winning documentary originals across true crime, sports, music, history, and social issues from prestigious filmmakers.
Award-winning originals from prestigious filmmakers, emphasizing quality over quantity with journalistic depth unavailable on mainstream platforms.
A massive streaming service with over 200 million subscribers offering diverse and extensive documentary content alongside movies and series, bundled with Amazon Prime membership.
Massive documentary library bundled with Amazon Prime's shopping benefits, offering unmatched variety across genres at exceptional value for Prime members.
A documentary-only streaming service with 3,000+ high-quality films and series specializing in history, science, nature, and true crime, offering ad-free streaming at an affordable price.
Documentary-only streaming with no reality TV clutter, offering exceptional educational depth over entertainment at a great value for value for serious learners.
The Best Documentary Streaming Services for 2025
PCMag's expert review of documentary streaming services helps you select the right platform based on your interests and budget, from history to celebrity scandals and everything in between.
Best Streaming Services for Documentaries
CNET's comprehensive guide to finding quality documentaries across streaming platforms, covering catalog size, subgenre offerings, content quality, and value for documentary enthusiasts.
The Best Music Documentaries on Every Streaming Platform
Berklee College of Music's comprehensive guide to groundbreaking music documentaries across Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and more, from intimate artist portraits to legendary concert films.
Top Documentary YouTube Channels
IZEA's guide to exceptional documentary creators on YouTube, from investigative journalism platforms like Frontline PBS to history-focused channels, offering compelling true stories and niche storytelling.
Ready to Explore?
Visit these trusted streaming services to discover new documentaries, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and deepen your understanding of the world through film.
Find Your Next Documentary