The Best Documentaries for Seniors on Streaming Services Right Now

Wondering what to watch on TV or looking to host a movie night with your friends? Documentaries can be a great way to learn new things and explore the world around you without ever leaving your living room.

No matter which streaming services you subscribe to, you will always be able to find a new or exciting documentary. Here are some of our top picks.

• Jane Fonda in Five Acts – HBO Max

Jane Fonda starred in dozens of movies including Barbarella, Fun with Dick and Jane, 9 to 5, This is Where I Leave You, and more. She’s also well-known for her series of workout tapes and success as a fashion model. This documentary on HBO Max explores her life as a star and the challenges she has overcome.

• Dear Santa – HULU

Have you ever wondered where all the letters children write Santa go? This feel-good documentary on HULU follows the thousands of letters kids write to Santa Claus that are processed by the US Postal Service. You’ll learn more about Operation Santa and the people fulfilling children’s holiday requests.

• Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy – Disney+

Do you remember when the original Star Wars Trilogy came out? It’s hard to believe that the franchise is over 45 years old. Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy takes you through the production of the series, starting with George Lucas’ career as a filmmaker. The 150-minute documentary also features several interviews with the people who made Star Wars happen, including Steven Spielberg, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Harrison Ford, and Mark Hamill.

• Won’t You Be My Neighbor? – Netflix

First aired in 1968, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a PBS favorite for over 30 years. This documentary on HBO Max details the life of Fred Rogers, the star of the popular program. Learn more about the production, some of the strong messages discussed on the show, and the impact it had on several generations of American kids.

• The Endless Summer – Amazon Prime

The Endless Summer is a surfing documentary that follows Michael Hynson and Robert August on their search for “the Perfect Wave.” Narrated by documentary filmmaker Bruce Brown, this 1966 documentary takes you to some of the best surfing locations around the world, including California, Hawaii, Nigeria, Australia, Tahiti, and New Zealand.

Three Identical Strangers – HULU

Directed by Tim Wardle, this documentary follows the story of Edward Galland, Robert Shafran, and David Kellman, three long-lost triplets and how they became reunited. The film explores their past and the lives they had with each of their separate families. In addition to appearing on talk shows and other media, the triplets were also part of an undisclosed “nature versus nurture” study.

• Wolfgang – Disney+

Wolfgang Puck is a famous Austrian chef who made a strong impact on the American dining scene. Known for his unique California cuisine, such as his signature Smoked Salmon Pizza, Wolfgang Puck opened over 20 fine dining restaurants throughout the United States. Find out about Wolfgang’s struggles as a child in Austria and how he became one of the world’s most famous chefs.

• My Octopus Teacher – Netflix

In this stunning documentary, a filmmaker forms a strong bond with an octopus living in a kelp forest in South Africa. The educational film doesn’t just take you through the life of an octopus; you’ll see beautiful underwater footage throughout.

• California Typewriter – Peacock, Roku, Freevee

This 2016 film with Tom Hanks, John Mayer, David McCullough, and Sam Shepard shows how people are connected by typewriters. The documentary shows how people use typewriters and other technology creatively. The film also showcases one of the last typewriter repair shops in America.

• The World According to Jeff Goldblum – Disney+

If you are looking for a lighthearted documentary series that covers a wide range of topics, check out the World According to Jeff Goldblum. Developed by National Geographic and hosted by the eccentric Jeff Goldblum, the series covers ice cream, tattoos, jewelry, sneakers, RVs, and more.

When you make your home at a Life Plan Community, you’ll move into an exciting new life, with more friends, more fun, and less worry.

• The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years – Netflix

This 2016 documentary directed by Ron Howard chronicles the early years of The Beatles’ career, when they toured relentlessly and became one of the most popular bands in the world. It’s a fun and nostalgic look at one of the most influential groups in music history.

When you make your home at a Life Plan Community, you’ll move into an exciting new life, with more friends, more fun, and less worry. Contact The Oaks at Denville to schedule a visit today.