10 Best Documentaries on Disney+: The Definitive Ranking

While Disney+ is the undisputed kingdom of animated classics, sprawling cinematic universes from Marvel and Star Wars, and heartwarming Pixar tales, a deeper dive into its library reveals a treasure trove of compelling non-fiction. The platform has quietly become a premier destination for some of the most breathtaking, emotionally resonant, and critically acclaimed documentaries of the last decade. Often leveraging the powerhouse storytelling of National Geographic, these films transport viewers from the world's highest peaks to the vibrant heart of forgotten music festivals. The best documentaries on Disney+ do more than just inform; they offer a window into the human experience, showcasing extraordinary achievements, untold histories, and the profound beauty of the world around us.

This definitive ranking explores the most captivating and masterfully crafted documentaries available on the streaming service. These are not just dry retellings of facts, but cinematic experiences that grip you with suspense, move you with their humanity, and leave you with a new perspective. From harrowing rescue missions and intimate portraits of creative geniuses to explorations of the natural world and celebrations of cultural milestones, the documentaries on this list represent the pinnacle of non-fiction storytelling. Prepare to be inspired, thrilled, and enlightened by the very best documentaries Disney+ has to offer.

10. The Imagineering Story (2019)

For anyone who has ever felt a sense of wonder walking through a Disney park, The Imagineering Story is an essential, eye-opening journey behind the curtain. This comprehensive six-part series, created by Academy Award-nominated director Leslie Iwerks, chronicles the fascinating 67-year history of Walt Disney Imagineering. It's an unprecedented look at the eclectic group of artists, engineers, and innovators who turn ambitious dreams into tangible, magical realities for millions around the globe.

### A Legacy of Innovation

The series masterfully documents the evolution of the Disney theme parks, starting with Walt Disney's original vision for Disneyland. Narrated by Angela Bassett, it traces the journey from the creation of the first park to the global expansion that includes Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and beyond. The documentary doesn't just skim the surface; it delves into the "mud, sweat, and fears" involved in these monumental undertakings. Viewers get a deep appreciation for the blend of artistry and engineering required to build everything from Pirates of the Caribbean to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

### Triumphs and Tribulations

What makes The Imagineering Story so compelling is its candidness. The series doesn't shy away from the challenges and failures that punctuated Imagineering's history. It explores the troubled beginnings of Euro Disneyland, the initial stumbles of Disney's California Adventure, and the unrealized projects that never came to be. This honesty provides a balanced and authentic portrait of a creative organization constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible, learning from its mistakes, and striving for perfection in an imperfect world. The unprecedented access granted to the filmmakers offers a rare and intimate glimpse into a famously secretive design and development center.

9. Howard (2018)

While his songs are known and loved by billions, the name Howard Ashman remains unfamiliar to many. Howard, a poignant documentary directed by Don Hahn, corrects this historical oversight with a deeply moving and unflinching look at the lyricist behind the Disney Renaissance. The film celebrates the brilliant, driven, and often-temperamental genius who penned the iconic lyrics for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, forever changing the landscape of animated musicals.

### A Portrait of the Artist

The documentary meticulously traces Ashman's life and career, from his early days and Off-Broadway success with Little Shop of Horrors to his transformative work with The Walt Disney Company. It uses a wealth of archival footage and audio interviews to paint an intimate picture of a creative force at the peak of his powers. We hear from key collaborators like his musical partner Alan Menken, who speaks to Ashman's fiery passion and uncompromising vision. The film doesn't rush to the Disney years, instead taking its time to build a complete portrait, ensuring the audience feels every high and low of his journey.

### A Race Against Time

The emotional core of Howard is the story of Ashman's private battle with AIDS, a diagnosis he received while working on The Little Mermaid. The film powerfully conveys the tragedy of a life cut short, showing how Ashman poured his remaining energy into his work, even as his health declined. There are heartbreaking accounts of him giving notes from his hospital bed during the production of Beauty and the Beast. This backdrop adds a profound layer of meaning to his lyrics, revealing the deep personal emotion embedded in songs like "Part of Your World" and "Beauty and the Beast." It's a beautiful tribute that succeeds in celebrating the joy of his work while mourning the immense talent that was lost.

8. The Territory (2022)

A stunning and urgent documentary, The Territory provides an immersive, on-the-ground look at the tireless fight of the Indigenous Uru-eu-wau-wau people to protect their land in the Brazilian Amazon. What sets this film apart is its collaborative nature; partially shot by the Uru-eu-wau-wau themselves, it flips the colonial narrative and puts the power of storytelling directly into the hands of those with the most at stake. The result is a raw, intimate, and powerful portrayal of a community's struggle for survival against encroaching deforestation.

### A Fight for Home

Directed by Alex Pritz, the film follows the young Indigenous leader Bitaté and activist Neidinha Bandeira as they defend their territory from illegal settlers and farmers. The documentary expertly balances multiple perspectives, giving voice not only to the Uru-eu-wau-wau but also to the invaders who believe they have a right to the land. This nuanced approach allows the viewer to understand the complex social and economic forces driving the conflict, making the Uru-eu-wau-wau's bravery and resilience even more impactful.

### The Power of the Camera

As the COVID-19 pandemic limits outside access, the Uru-eu-wau-wau take control of the narrative, using cameras and drones to document the invasions and expose the destruction to the world. This act of participatory filmmaking is a central theme, demonstrating how technology can become a vital tool for cultural and environmental preservation. The film won prestigious awards at the Sundance Film Festival, and its impact campaign has been used to empower Indigenous voices on the international stage. The Territory is a visceral and vital call to action, offering a rare and essential perspective on one of the planet's most critical environmental battles.

7. Jim Henson Idea Man (2024)

Directed by Ron Howard, Jim Henson Idea Man is an affectionate and thorough documentary that pays homage to the boundless creativity of the man behind the Muppets. The film delves into the mind of a true innovator, showcasing his wide-ranging curiosity, relentless work ethic, and collaborative spirit. It’s a sweet, nostalgic journey that explores Henson's life of invention and the creation of characters that have left an indelible mark on popular culture.

### The Mind of a Genius

The documentary provides a vivid portrait of a driven man whose creative genius reshaped television and film. It features extensive behind-the-scenes footage from his early work in advertising to the breakthroughs of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, and on to ambitious film projects like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Through interviews with family and key collaborators like Frank Oz, the film highlights Henson's determination to constantly experiment and take big financial risks on his next big idea. It also creatively visualizes his thought process, using animations of his sketches to bring his ideas to life on screen.

### More Than a Puppeteer

While celebrating his iconic creations, the film also explores the more difficult moments in Henson’s personal and professional life with remarkable candor. It touches on the grueling nature of his work and the complexities of his marriage to his creative partner, Jane Henson. The documentary poignantly covers his sudden death at the age of 53, an event that shocked the world. Jim Henson Idea Man is a moving tribute that successfully captures the spirit of a visionary artist who believed in the power of imagination and left behind a legacy of joy and wonder.

6. Jane (2017)

Decades after her groundbreaking work began, Jane Goodall remains a figure of immense public fascination. Director Brett Morgen’s Jane manages to offer a fresh, breathtakingly intimate portrait of the world-renowned primatologist by drawing from over 100 hours of never-before-seen 16mm footage. Tucked away in the National Geographic archives for 50 years, this pristine footage, shot by her eventual husband Hugo van Lawick, captures the earliest days of her research in Gombe, Tanzania, with a startling immediacy and beauty.

### An Unprecedented Discovery

The documentary tells the story of a young, untrained woman whose dream was simply to live among animals. The recovered footage is nothing short of extraordinary, documenting Goodall’s game-changing first contact with chimpanzees and her revolutionary discoveries that challenged the male-dominated scientific consensus of the time. Morgen artfully weaves this archival material into a cinematic experience, crafting long montage sequences and employing a rich orchestral score from composer Philip Glass to immerse the audience in the world of Gombe in the early 1960s.

### A Cinematic Opera

Morgen’s directorial approach elevates Jane beyond a standard biographical documentary. He and his team undertook the monumental task of organizing the footage and creating a synchronized soundscape, essentially building a cinematic opera that captures both the scientific significance and the personal journey of its subject. The film is not just about the study of chimpanzees; it is a profound story of passion, dedication, and the revolutionary impact one person can have on our understanding of the natural world. It’s a visually stunning and deeply personal film that brings Goodall’s early work to life in a way that feels both timeless and incredibly present.

5. The Beatles: Get Back (2021)

Peter Jackson’s monumental three-part docuseries The Beatles: Get Back is a stunning act of historical revisionism and cinematic necromancy. Drawing from over 60 hours of unused footage from the original 1970 Let It Be film, Jackson meticulously restores and re-contextualizes the infamous recording sessions for the Beatles' final album. The nearly eight-hour runtime allows the story to breathe, dispelling the long-held myth of a band miserably falling apart and instead revealing a group of collaborators navigating intense pressure with humor, creativity, and affection.

### Rewriting History

For decades, the Let It Be sessions were remembered as a dour document of the band's breakup. Get Back challenges this narrative by showcasing the joy, camaraderie, and sheer musical genius that was still present. Viewers become a fly on the wall, witnessing the songwriting process in real-time. One of the most captivating sequences shows Paul McCartney seemingly conjuring the melody for "Get Back" out of thin air while strumming his bass. It's a moment of pure, unadulterated creation that demystifies and deepens our appreciation for their talent.

### The Rooftop Concert

The series culminates in the legendary, unannounced rooftop concert at their Apple Corps headquarters, presented in its entirety for the first time. This final live performance is both triumphant and bittersweet, a powerful farewell from the world’s biggest band. Jackson’s masterful editing and digital restoration bring a startling clarity to the footage, making these four young men seem contemporary and fully human. The series is an immersive, essential document for any music fan, offering an unprecedented and intimate look at the final creative chapter of The Beatles.

4. The Rescue (2021)

From the Oscar-winning directors of Free Solo, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, The Rescue chronicles the harrowing 2018 mission to save a youth soccer team and their coach trapped deep inside a flooded cave in Thailand. This edge-of-your-seat documentary masterfully recounts the 17-day saga that captivated the world, combining exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage to tell a story of unimaginable courage, ingenuity, and international cooperation.

### Against All Odds

The film shines a light on the unique heroes of the story: a small, international team of amateur cave divers who possessed the highly specialized skills necessary for the perilous mission. The Rescue delves into the dangerous world of cave diving, revealing the immense physical and psychological pressures faced by these civilian rescuers. The filmmakers expertly build suspense, taking the audience deep inside the claustrophobic, underwater passages and detailing the seemingly impossible plan that was hatched to bring the boys home.

### A Story of Human Spirit

While the technical details of the rescue are fascinating, the film’s true power lies in its focus on the human spirit. It highlights the unprecedented collaboration between the Thai Navy SEALs, U.S. military personnel, and volunteers from around the world who came together with a singular purpose. The documentary fills in the gaps of a story that dominated headlines, revealing the quiet bravery and moral courage at the heart of the mission. It is a powerful and inspiring testament to what humanity can achieve when people from different backgrounds unite for a common cause.

3. Fire of Love (2022)

Fire of Love is a lyrical and visually stunning documentary that tells the story of two people as passionate about each other as they were about volcanoes. The film chronicles the lives of French volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft, who spent two decades traveling the planet, chasing eruptions, and capturing some of the most spectacular imagery of volcanoes ever recorded. Drawing from their incredible personal archive, director Sara Dosa crafts a film that is both a celebration of their adventurous spirit and a tragic love story.

### A Visual Masterpiece

The strength of the documentary lies in the breathtaking footage shot by the Kraffts themselves. Their images of flowing lava rivers, geysers of flame, and billowing pyroclastic clouds are mesmerizing and terrifying in equal measure. Dosa and her team have edited this archival material with an artist’s touch, creating a "total cinema" experience that is as much an aesthetic marvel as it is a factual account. Narrated in whimsical, poetic tones by Miranda July, the film frames the Kraffts' story with a style that evokes French New Wave cinema, perfectly complementing its subjects' quirky and obsessive nature.

### A Love Story Forged in Fire

At its core, Fire of Love is about the unique bond between two people who found their shared purpose in the face of nature’s most destructive and creative force. The film portrays their relationship with warmth and humor, showcasing their playful dynamic and their unwavering dedication. The narrative is tinged with a foreboding sense of tragedy, as the audience knows from the beginning that the couple died together during an eruption at Japan's Mount Unzen in 1991. This knowledge makes their life's work feel even more profound, transforming the film into a moving testament to a love that was as explosive and beautiful as the volcanoes they studied.

2. Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021)

In his directorial debut, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson unearths a forgotten masterpiece of music history with Summer of Soul. The film resurrects the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a six-week event that celebrated Black history, culture, and music, featuring electrifying performances from Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson, and many more. For 50 years, the footage of this incredible festival sat in a basement, largely unseen. Now, this Oscar-winning film not only serves as an incredible concert documentary but also as an essential historical record.

### A Forgotten History

Taking place the same summer as Woodstock, the Harlem Cultural Festival was a seminal event that provided a vital outlet for a community grappling with the struggle for civil rights and the pain of recent assassinations. The documentary expertly contextualizes the performances with archival footage and modern-day interviews with attendees and performers, who reflect on the festival's cultural significance. It explores the event as a moment of Black pride and unity, a joyous celebration in a time of profound social and political turmoil.

### The Power of Music

The performances themselves are simply transcendent. A young Stevie Wonder commands the stage with a fiery drum solo, Mavis Staples and Mahalia Jackson share a microphone in a soul-stirring gospel duet, and Nina Simone delivers a powerful and political closing set. Questlove and editor Joshua L. Pearson masterfully weave these moments together, knowing when to let a full performance play out for maximum impact. Summer of Soul is a vibrant, joyous, and profoundly moving film that corrects a historical wrong by finally giving this incredible event its long-overdue moment in the sun.

1. Free Solo (2018)

Holding the top spot is Free Solo, a documentary that is as much a nail-biting thriller as it is a profound character study. This Oscar-winning film from directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the 3,000-foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without a rope. The feat, known as free soloing, is one of the most dangerous athletic achievements ever attempted, where the slightest mistake means certain death.

### A Study in Obsession

The film is a stunning, unflinching portrait of a man obsessed with pushing the absolute limits of human potential. Through intimate interviews, we gain insight into Honnold's unique psychology, including a look at an MRI that reveals his amygdala requires extreme stimuli to register fear. The documentary explores his methodical preparation, his lonely childhood, and the strain his obsession places on his relationships, particularly with his new girlfriend, Sanni McCandless. It's a riveting examination of what drives someone to pursue perfection at the ultimate cost.

### The Ethical Dilemma of Filming

Free Solo also brilliantly incorporates the filmmakers' own ethical struggle. Chin and his crew, all experienced climbers and friends of Honnold, grapple with the terrifying possibility that their presence could distract him and cause him to fall. This meta-narrative adds another layer of tension to the already heart-stopping climbing sequences. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing both the vast beauty of Yosemite and the terrifying precarity of Honnold's ascent. You will spend the majority of the film with your palms sweating and your jaw on the floor, witnessing a boundary-pushing feat that stands as one of the greatest accomplishments in human history.

11. Conclusion

From the dizzying heights of El Capitan to the vibrant stages of Harlem, the best documentaries on Disney+ offer a rich and diverse tapestry of human stories. They prove that the streaming service is far more than a vault of animated classics, providing a platform for masterful filmmakers to explore real-world drama, celebrate artistic genius, and document the tireless pursuit of a better world. Whether you are seeking high-stakes adventure, a lost piece of history, or an intimate look behind the magic, this collection of films showcases the profound power of non-fiction storytelling to entertain, educate, and inspire.