Fascinating, emotion-inducing documentaries to start your weekend.

what i’m watching this week

Emily In Paris, Season 4 (2024): I’m sure most of you at least know of this show and the latest season just released a week ago. I’ve shared about this show before, so let’s revisit my thoughts on it as a whole:

I’ll be the first to admit that I was a haterrrr of this show when season 1 came out. I thought it was cheesy writing, subpar acting, and all around goofy. BUT, I realized I was being a snob. One thing I firmly believe, and want to strongly message through this platform, is that you can love almost anything on screen for specific reasons. And I love Emily In Paris for certain things. I love it for the setting, the fashion, and the light-heartedness. It’s an easy watch that requires no brain power. I love to have it on in the background while I’m working or doing chores, or if I’m just in a super girly mood. This show is created by Darren Star, who is known for Sex and the City, Younger, And Just Like That… all shows I love, for certain reasons 🙃. On Netflix.

what to watch documentaries

All movies and tv shows that I recommend in this section are included with a subscription. I have also viewed and approved every recommendation personally. It’s my goal to make recommendations that will satisfy what you’re in the mood for so none of your precious downtime is wasted!

Documentary: The Invisible War (2012): Watch for the inside lives of women in the military and the daily battles they face as the gender minority in this field. There are so many reasons I’d never join the military but what’s revealed in this documentary is absolutely my number one reason why I’d never do it. These women face violent sexual harassment and assault on the daily—in their workplace no less!! Really sad story that I’m sure is still prevalent today. On Prime Video.

Documentary: Blackfish (2013): Watch for the reason why the world’s most famous performance orca killed his trainer. ***WARNING: YOU WILL SOB!!*** Fun fact about me: Orcas have been, and still are, my favorite animal. This doc is truly devastating and reveals the horrific practices of SeaWorld and other marine theme parks like it. Orcas are known to be one of the smartest and most emotionally intelligent animals on the planet. Some even argue they can feel emotion on a much deeper, more complex level than humans. This documentary dives into this and reveals the emotional turmoil Tilikum, the largest orca in captivity, was going through. On Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Peacock.

Documentary: Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015): Watch for fascinating revelations about the operations of the religion of Scientology. Oooo I love a good religion doc. I personally, don’t choose to partake in religion (I’m more of a be kind to everyone person), but I love learning about all the different ones out there. Scientology is notably one of the most demanding religions with some very unorthodox and intrusive practices. If you loved Leah Remini’s docuseries on A&E, I can assure you this film tops it and you’ll be even more dumbfounded. On Netflix.

Documentary: The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019): Watch to see how far someone’s ego will take a giant and dangerous lie. This woman is a fraud all the way from her BS technology down to her speaking voice. Elizabeth Holmes founded the multi-billion dollar healthcare company, Theranos. And it was getting so much positive attention for how world-changing and life-altering it was. This documentary covers the rise and fall of this global phenomenon and it’s genius (or criminal mastermind?) creator. PLUS, she is interviewed in the documentary, which is a bonus. On Max and Hulu.

Documentary: Tickled (2016): Watch to experience a series of WTF moments in this documentary that begins as a profile piece and turns into a mystery. This documentary starts out as a profile about an organized sport called “Competitive Endurance Tickling”. Yes, you read that right. It quickly turns into a gripping, mystery thriller with hostile subjects who clearly have something to hide. Follow reporter David Ferrier on his journey to debunk the real story behind this cryptic, money-making fetish sport. This film was an Official Selection at Sundance and got a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. On Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube TV.

Documentary: Jesus Camp (2006): Watch for a jaw-dropping look into how extreme religion raises its children. Of course, I have another religion doc on here. Not going to lie, this one really effed me up. It follows an extreme, evangelical Christian summer camp where kids go to strengthen their beliefs, but end up convulsing in the middle of a circle full of kids as if it’s a break dance cypher. It’s strange, and feels so wrong, but it’s also so fascinating to see how other people put their beliefs into action. Through their children no less. Must watch!! On Prime Video and Hulu.

Documentary: March of the Penguins (2005): Watch for incredible footage in one of the harshest climates (and Morgan Freeman). There’s an area in Scottsdale (where I live) that’s trendy with notable LA-born restaurants like Toca Madera and Nobu. Years ago when I was a kid, Toca Madera and Nobu didn’t exist, and a very small cinema resided here instead. This cinema only played lesser known films and documentaries that the large big box theaters wouldn’t show. My mom took me to go see March of the Penguins here; I was 14 years old. I didn’t appreciate it then, but I’d give anything to go back to this theater. So, although I have a core memory surrounding this doc, it’s still incredibly fascinating and it’s narrated by Morgan Freeman. That should be a selling point for you in itself. On YouTube TV.

Documentary: The Imposter (2012): Watch for twists, turns, shock, horror, true crime, and to have your mind boggled. This docuseries is truly one of the most riveting ones I’ve ever seen. You can’t make this stuff up!! It runs in the same vein as the Natalia Grace story and the movie, The Orphan. It’s about a young man in Spain who claims that he is the 16-year-old son of a Texas family who has been missing for 3 years. But is he really? If you haven’t seen this one yet—it was pretty big when it came out—then you need to jump on it ASAP! On Prime Video and Peacock.