35 Top Notch Documentaries on BBC iPlayer That You Must Watch Once in Your Life
1. Louis Theroux’s Forbidden America
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Daniel Dewsbury, Rachel Lob-Levyt |
| Cast | Louis Theroux, Mia Malkova, Nick Fuentes, Darrin Robinson, Justin Hunt |
| IMDb Rating | 7.1 |
This documentary features Louis traveling all over the United States. He meets various content creators, who promote extreme right-wing ideas. Some performers get into risky tasks, and some are accused of harmful actions. Their work often involves promoting and doing things that are very controversial, immoral, or even illegal.
2. The Post Office Scandal
| Genre | Biography, Drama |
| Director | James Strong |
| Cast | Toby Jones, Monica Dolan, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Will Mellor, Amy Nuttall |
| IMDb Rating | 8.6 |
This documentary exposes one of the biggest mistakes in British legal history. Many innocent subpostmasters and postmistresses were wrongly blamed. They were accused of stealing, committing fraud, and doing false accounting. This was all because of a faulty computer system. Also, check Oscar-Nominated Documentaries of 2024.
3. Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Lottie Gammon |
| Cast | Philip Allott, Debaleena Dasgupta, Cressida Dick, Nick Ephgrave, George Eustice, Katherine Goodwin |
| IMDb Rating | 7.9 |
This documentary tells the story of the abduction and killing of Sarah Everard. It also features the hunt for her murderer. He was a police officer named Wayne Couzens. This is one of the top true crime documentaries on BBC iplayer. It looks at how the public responded to the crime and how it affected the police force. Also, explore Manhunt and True Detective if you like crime genre.
4. Panorama
| Genre | Documentary, News |
| Director | Daniel Foggo, Cimran Shah |
| Cast | Fred Emery, David Dimbleby, Richard Lindley, Richard Dimbleby, Jane Corbin, Tom Mangold |
| IMDb Rating | 7.1 |
Panorama is one of the most renowned and long-standing documentaries on BBC iplayer. It covers a wide range of topics, including current affairs, investigative journalism, and human interest stories. The series is full of in-depth reporting and insightful analysis. Each episode brings pressing issues from around the world, providing viewers with interesting and informative content.
5. Frozen Planet II
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Alex Lanchester, Jane Atkins, Orla Doherty, James Reed, Rachel Scott |
| Cast | David Attenborough, Jamie McPherson, Helen Hobin, Bertie Gregory, Hugh Miller |
| IMDb Rating | 9.0 |
The documentary shows the lives of animals living in icy regions of the world. It features creatures like polar bears, Siberian tigers, snow monkeys, and penguins. If you are a nature lover, it is one of the good documentaries on BBC iplayer.
6. The Rescue
| Genre | Documentary, Action, Mystery, Thriller |
| Director | Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi |
| Cast | Bancha Duriyapunt, Apakorn Youkongkaew, Anan Surawan, Woranan Ratrawiphukkun, Vern Unsworth, Weerasak Kowsurat |
| IMDb Rating | 8.3 |
The Rescue tells the gripping true story that got worldwide attention in 2018. It shows the rescue of twelve boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Northern Thailand. There is footage and interviews that you have never seen before. The creators bring one of the most dangerous and remarkable rescues in history. You may also like The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy Season 2 show if you like survival and travelling-related content.
7. Pep Guardiola: Chasing Perfection
| Genre | Documentary |
| Cast | Pep Guardiola |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2 |
This documentary shows Pep’s tireless fight for perfection. It brings the strategies and reasons behind his significant impact on football. This is one of the good documentaries on BBC iplayer for sports lovers. You should also watch Full Swing if sports is your pick.
8. A Perfect Planet
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Ed Charles, Nick Shoolingin-Jordan, Huw Cordey |
| Cast | David Attenborough, Toby Nowlan, Chadden Hunter, Rolf Steinmann, Huw Cordey |
| IMDb Rating | 9.0 |
Earth is just right for us. Its size, distance from the Sun, how it spins, its tilt, and even its moon make it perfect for life. Natural forces like weather, ocean currents, sunlight, and volcanoes help life thrive everywhere on our planet. If you want to experience all these things, A Perfect Planet is for you.
9. Reclaiming Amy
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Marina Parker |
| Cast | Amy Winehouse, Janis Collins, Richard Collins, Tony Bennett, Mitch Winehouse, Michael Collins |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6 |
This documentary was made a decade after Amy Winehouse passed away. It features her mother, Janis, and father, Mitch, and closest friends. They share their memories of her in this documentary. Janis says, “You might think you know my daughter because of the drugs, addiction, and troubled relationships, but there’s more to her than that.” Her loved ones reveal the side of Amy that many people aren’t aware of.
10. Who Do You Think You Are?
| Genre | Documentary, Biography, History |
| Director | Mary Cranitch, Sarah Feltes, Sue Hills |
| Cast | Mark Strong, Phil Davis, Cherie Lunghi, David Morrissey, Adrian Chiles, Nick Barratt |
| IMDb Rating | 8.0 |
Famous personalities from British media explore their family histories, looking for answers to questions about their ancestry. It is an engaging and informative show. Those interested in genealogy must give it a try.
11. Forensics: The Real CSI
| Genre | Documentary, Crime |
| Director | Matt Haan, Aoife Carey, Jules Endersby, James Incledon |
| Cast | Siobhan Finneran |
| IMDb Rating | 8.2 |
This documentary series shows the thrilling world of forensic science. It brings real-life cases and expert analysis. Viewers are taken behind the scenes of crime scenes. You’ll experience the complex investigation that goes into solving crimes. The staff collects evidence and analyzes DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics.
12. Katie Price: Harvey and Me
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Hannah Lowes |
| Cast | Harvey Price, Katie Price |
| IMDb Rating | 7.1 |
The documentary shows Katie and her son Harvey, who has a disability, during a significant year in his life. They capture moments as Harvey turns 18 and transitions into an adult. It brings celebration and worries about the future.
13. Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Josh Allott |
| Cast | Roman Kemp |
| IMDb Rating | 7.9 |
It is set in August 2020. Roman faced a major change when his best friend radio producer Joe Lyons, passed away suddenly. Roman investigates the pressing issue of young men’s mental health. He tries to understand why many choose to end their lives. Roman explores ways to encourage people to ask for help. He tells about the steps that can be taken to prevent such tragedies.
14. Leigh-Anne: Race, Pop & Power
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Natasha Gaunt |
| Cast | Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Deborah Pinnock, John Pinnock |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5 |
This impactful documentary follows pop star Leigh-Anne Pinnock. She talks about being the only black member of Little Mix and her experiences as a black woman in the music industry. Leigh-Anne discusses the racism she faced while growing up. She sets on a journey to figure out how she can use her platform and privilege to fight against racism in society. Leigh-Anne has recently dropped a new Single Stealin’ Love.
She explained some of the meaning behind the song,
“This song has seen so many different versions since its birth back in 2020 (!) It’s a song that talks about putting so much into someone and not getting the same in return. There was a time when the trust was broken and I couldn’t see a way through. It’s honest – maybe too honest – but so important to me & my story…”
Leigh-Anne Pinnock
15. Whirlybird
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Matt Yoka |
| Cast | Marika Gerrard, Jamie Tur, Katy Tur, Zoey Tur |
| IMDb Rating | 7.0 |
The documentary Whirlybird follows Marika Gerrard and Zoey Tur. They are a married couple who worked together in a news helicopter above Los Angeles. They recorded important events like the L.A. riots and the O.J. Simpson chase. They bring an unseen perspective with their footage and personal videos.
16. Totally Under Control
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Alex GibneyOphelia HarutyunyanSuzanne Hillinger |
| Cast | Alex Azar, Charlie Baker, Scott Becker, Taison Bell, Deborah Birx, John Bolton |
| IMDb Rating | 7.7 |
This documentary brings a detailed examination of how the US government managed its response to the COVID-19 outbreak. It mostly focuses on the initial stages of the pandemic.
17. I Am Greta
| Genre | Documentary, Biography |
| Director | Nathan Grossman |
| Cast | Greta Thunberg, Svante Thunberg, Niclas Svenningsen, António Guterres, Kyra Gantois |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5 |
This documentary is set in August 2018. Greta Thunberg was a 15-year-old student from Sweden. She began a school strike to protest climate change. She questions why adults do not care about her future on Earth. Greta’s strike gained worldwide attention and became a global movement.
18. Flint
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Anthony Baxter |
| Cast | Alec Baldwin, Tammy Loren, Ken Loren, Jeremiah Loren, Elijah Loren |
| IMDb Rating | 7.4 |
Director Anthony Baxter filmed Flint over five years. The documentary tells the horrible story of the largest water contamination disaster in American history, which the residents of Flint, Michigan, experienced. It shows the struggles and failures in power and politics. The disaster left the Flint population consuming water full of lead. Even the local General Motors factory recognized the problem.
19. Into The Storm
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Drama, Thriller |
| Director | Steven Quale |
| Cast | Richard Armitage, Sarah Wayne Callies, Matt Walsh, Max Deacon, Nathan Kress |
| IMDb Rating | 5.8 |
One day, Silverton is hit by an unusual series of tornadoes, which caused widespread destruction and put the entire town in danger. The storms are unpredictable and deadly. Some people hide in safe places, but others, like storm chasers, risk their lives to record footage.
20. Hoop Dreams
| Genre | Documentary, Drama, Sport |
| Director | Steve James |
| Cast | William Gates, Arthur Agee, Emma Gates, Curtis Gates, Sheila Agee |
| IMDb Rating | 8.3 |
This documentary tracks the journeys of two young African American students. They go through their high school years while trying hard to excel in basketball. They dream of getting college scholarships and eventually playing in the NBA. Arthur Agee and William Gates get the attention of recruiters as they enter high school. However, Arthur faces financial difficulties and transfers to a public school while William remains at their original school. Discover Bill Bradley Documentary: Rolling Along which will further ignite your basketball passion.
21. When We Were Kings
| Genre | Documentary, Sport |
| Director | Leon Gast |
| Cast | Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Don King, James Brown, B.B. King |
| IMDb Rating | 7.9 |
Muhammad Ali was 32 and considered to be past his prime. He faced off against George Foreman, the youngest Heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wanted to make a name for himself. He offered both fighters five million dollars to compete. The fighters agreed, and the Rumble in the Jungle was scheduled.
22. Last Men In Aleppo
| Genre | Documentary, War |
| Director | Feras Fayyad, Steen Johannessen |
| Cast | Khaled Umar Harah, Batul, Mahmoud, Abu Umar, Abu Husain |
| IMDb Rating | 7.4 |
The residents of Aleppo get ready for a siege after facing five years of conflict in Syria. Khalid, Subhi, and Mahmoud are part of The White Helmets. They stay behind to help their fellow citizens. They see the daily challenges, dangers and hope in a city under constant attack.
23. 9/11: Inside The President’s War Room
| Genre | Documentary, History |
| Director | Adam Wishart |
| Cast | Richard Keil, George W. Bush, Andrew Card, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Dick Cheney |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5 |
The documentary provides insight into the events of 9/11. The unique thing about this documentary is that it presents the viewpoint of the President. It allows you to see the decision-making process of those in power during the attack on the World Trade Center.
24. Surviving 9/11
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Arthur Cary |
| Cast | N.J. Burkett, Deena Burnett, George W. Bush, Malcolm Campbell, Matt Campbell |
| IMDb Rating | 8.0 |
This movie shifts between firsthand stories of 9/11 and its effects 20 years later. It is one of the good documentaries on BBC iplayer to have a quality time binging. Discover another survival show suggestion The Amazing Race Season 36.
25. One Man And His Shoes
| Genre | Documentary, Biography, History, Sport |
| Director | Yemi Bamiro |
| Cast | David Falk, Jemele Hill, Scoop Jackson, DJ Clark Kent, Roland Lazenby |
| IMDb Rating | 6.5 |
One Man and His Shoes shows the impact of Air Jordan sneakers. It discusses their importance in society, culture, and race. The documentary also discusses how innovative marketing techniques turned the brand into a profitable multi-billion-dollar industry.
According to Hot New Hip Hop, Air Jordan 11 tops the sneaker culture. Overall, it is one of the most prominent Air Jordan silhouettes out there. The sneakers have a combination of the iconic Bred colorway and velvet materials. This pair is going to be a hit. The retail price of the sneakers will be $230 when they drop.
26. United Skates
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Tina Brown, Dyana Winkler |
| Cast | Salt-N-Pepa, Reggie Premier Brown, Coolio, Vin Rock, Alonzo Williams |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2 |
America’s remaining roller rinks face closure. A diverse community comes together to fight against this threat. They try to preserve an underground subculture. It has been there for generations even though mainstream society overlooked it. This subculture has also produced some of the most talented musicians in the world.
27. The Crash Reel
| Genre | Documentary, Biography, Sport |
| Director | Lucy Walker |
| Cast | Kevin Pearce, Shaun White, Mason Aguirre, Daniel Amen, Sarah Burke |
| IMDb Rating | 8.2 |
This documentary brings the intense rivalry between Shaun White and Kevin Pearce for fifteen years. They were childhood friends who rose to the top of the half pipe snowboarding world. They pushed each other to attempt extremely risky tricks. This resulted in Kevin’s accident on a Park City half pipe. He struggles to recover and Shaun goes on to win Olympic Gold.
According to Shopify, Shaun White has defied gravity and made history. He is the greatest snowboarder of all time. He has won three Olympic gold medals and 15 golds at the X Games. Shaun is now taking on a new challenge: entrepreneurship.
28. Max Richter’s Sleep
| Genre | Documentary, Music |
| Director | Natalie Johns |
| Cast | Max Richter, Grace Davidson, Emily Brausa, Clarice Jensen, Isabel Hagen |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2 |
The documentary follows composer Max Richter and his collaborator Yulia Mahr. They plan a large scale outdoor performance of Richter’s beloved eight hour piece Sleep in Los Angeles. The documentary also shows the origins and influence of this innovative composition.
29. Ronnie’s
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Oliver Murray |
| Cast | Gilles Peterson, Kyle Eastwood, Simon Cooke, Barbara Jay, Ronnie Scott, Georgie Fame |
| IMDb Rating | 7.6 |
Ronni’s tells the story of saxophonist Ronnie Scott. He had humble beginnings as a poor Jewish boy in London’s East End. Ronnie became the owner of the iconic nightclub, Ronnie’s. The club hosted legendary musicians over the years. It invited Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Nina Simone and Jimi Hendrix. They performed there on the night of his death.
30. Feels Good Man
| Genre | Documentary, Comedy |
| Director | Arthur Jones |
| Cast | Matt Furie, Aiyana Udesen, Chris Sullivan, Johnny Ryan, Lisa Hanawalt |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5 |
Pepe the Frog is a well-known indie comic character who is mistakenly taken with hate. His creator, artist Matt Furie, works to reclaim Pepe’s image. He addresses America’s cultural divisions. It is a story of an artist fighting to regain control of his creation.
31. Raising A School Shooter
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Frida Barkfors, Lasse Barkfors |
| Cast | Sue Klebold |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6 |
Raising a School Shooter is one of the heartbreaking documentaries on BBC iplayer. It brings to light the school shooting incidents. Some parents are confronted with the harsh reality that their child was the one responsible for the attack.
32. The Mole Agent
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Maite Alberdi |
| Cast | Sergio Chamy, Romulo Aitken, Marta Olivares, Berta Ureta, Zoila Gonzalez |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5 |
A daughter worries about her mother’s safety at a retirement home. Romulo, a private investigator, gets the help of Sergio, an 83-year-old man who moves into the home as a new resident. Sergio’s job is to gather information as a mole inside the facility. However, he starts getting emotionally attached to other residents, making it difficult to maintain his focus on the task.
33. Softie
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Sam Soko |
| Cast | Boniface Mwangi, Njeri Mwangi, Khadija Mohamed-Churchill, Charles Njagua Kanyi, Uhuru Kenyatta, Christopher Msando |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3 |
Boniface Mwangi is known as Kenya’s bold and daring photojournalist. As a father of three, he faces chaos. He also has conflicts with his wife, Njeri. Boniface decides to build a political career. However, he has to make a tough choice between his country and his family.
34. Hillsong Church: God Goes Viral
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Nick Aldridge |
| Cast | Brian Houston, Tristan Almario, Charlie Blythe, Dan Blythe, Brenden Brown |
| IMDb Rating | 6.0 |
This documentary shows the rise of the popular megachurch Hillsong, which is favored by celebrities and has gained worldwide attention. The film follows church leaders, members, and former attendees as they share their experiences and investigate scandals within the church.
35. Locked In: Breaking The Silence
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Xavier Alford |
| Cast | Xavier Alford |
| IMDb Rating | 6.8 |
This is included in some of the really good documentaries on BBC iplayer. It shows a filmmaker. He gathers the courage to discuss his illness with his family for the first time.
BBC iPlayer — The Hub for Top Documentaries from Around the Globe
BBC iPlayer is a streaming service provided by the BBC. It offers on-demand video content. It can be accessed on various devices like phones, computers, and smart TVs. Users in the UK can use iPlayer without any advertisements. BBC iPlayer itself is free but their mobile network operator may charge for the data used while streaming.
You can get some of the best documentaries on BBC iplayer. It also offers more content like Being Human, This Cultural Life, Love Victor, The Secret Genius of Modern Life, Men Up, Tell Me Lies, and Five Bedrooms.
Wrapping Up
These were all the best documentaries on BBC iPlayer that you can stream right now. Whether you like music, sports, or true crime, BBC iplayer has got a documentary movie or docuseries for you. We hope you liked our list of documentaries on BBC iplayer. Stay tuned for more such collections.