The world of documentaries is vast and incredibly diverse, catering to every interest from real-life thrillers to inspiring biographies, historical exposes to cultural deep-dives. Here are the 10 best documentaries you need to watch right now:

1. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? – This heartwarming documentary explores the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children’s TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” It’s a touching tribute to a man who changed children’s television forever.

2. 13th – Ava DuVernay’s powerful documentary analyzes the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, focusing on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

3. Blackfish – A gripping examination of human cruelty and its effects on nature, “Blackfish” specifically looks at the life of Tilikum, an orca held by SeaWorld and the controversies over captive sea creatures.

4. Icarus – What starts as a daring experiment in sports doping turns into an explosive exposé of Russian athletes’ involvement in a state-sponsored Olympic cheating scandal.

5. Jiro Dreams of Sushi – This film follows Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master on his continuous quest to perfect the art of sushi-making at his Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo.

6. The Act of Killing – In this chilling documentary, former Indonesian death squad leaders reenact their real-life mass-killings in various cinematic genres, confronting the atrocities they committed.

7. Searching for Sugar Man – The unbelievable tale of Rodriguez, a forgotten musical legend in America who became an icon in South Africa while presumed dead for decades.

8. Citizenfour – A real-time thriller about Edward Snowden as he leaks National Security Agency documents detailing surveillance activities to filmmaker Laura Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald.

9. Inside Job – This film takes a critical look at the corruption and greed that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis.

10. Honeyland – An intimate portrayal of Hatidze Muratova, one of Europe’s last wild beekeepers, this beautifully shot documentary explores sustainability and loss amidst a changing landscape.

Each documentary offers a unique perspective on our world—its beauty, complexity, challenges, and wonder. They leave you with not just more knowledge but also food for thought long after the credits roll. Whether you’re looking to be inspired or informed, there’s something in this list for everyone who values captivating storytelling rooted in reality.