11 Best Disaster Documentaries on Netflix

A documentary about a disaster requires a thoughtful approach, handling difficult subjects with both sensitivity and intelligence. Considering how the media can sometimes sensationalize tragedy and true crime, filmmakers have a responsibility to thoroughly research and present each story respectfully. The dedication to detail in these films is noticeable and ultimately creates a more compelling narrative.

Netflix is currently experiencing a peak period for documentaries. In the last five years, the streaming platform has provided viewers with excellent documentaries about disasters. Here are 11 of the very best, guaranteed to keep you watching until the credits roll.

‘Challenger: The Final Flight’ (2020)

I recently watched this incredibly moving four-part documentary series about the devastating 1986 explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger. It details the tragedy that took the lives of all seven astronauts on board. It was developed and directed by Glen Zipper and Steven Leckart. I already knew Steven Leckart’s work – he directed the amazing Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers miniseries in 2022, and before that, the thrilling sports documentary What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali, back in 2019.

Revisiting the Explosion

Challenger: The Final Flight tells the story of what happened before, during, and after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, using personal stories and a detailed look at the consequences. Both reviewers and viewers praise the documentary for its careful attention to detail. People who remember 1986, as well as those who didn’t, will likely find this a comprehensive look at a tragic event in space exploration history.

‘Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake’ (2022)

In 2015, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal. Sadly, thousands of people lost their lives, and the quake also caused the deadliest avalanche ever recorded on Mount Everest. Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake is a three-part documentary series. It uses interviews with people who experienced the disaster, along with actual footage from the event, to create a deeply impactful account of Nepal’s most destructive earthquake.

The Legend of Mount Everest

The avalanche resulted in at least 22 deaths and left 60 people injured. Although the earthquake caused more overall harm, this story centers on Mount Everest – its lore and the history of those who attempt to climb it. The series is helmed by Olly Lambert, an award-winning documentary filmmaker who also directed the 2025 Hulu miniseries Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke.

‘The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari’ (2022)

The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari is a documentary detailing the 2019 volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s Whakaari Island. The island was a well-known spot for tourists, and at the time of the eruption, 47 people were present. Sadly, 22 people lost their lives. The film is directed by Rory Kennedy, who received an Academy Award nomination in 2015 for her documentary Last Days in Vietnam.

A Tale of Bravery

The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari tells the harrowing story of the Whakaari/White Island eruption, using real footage from that day and the firsthand experiences of those who survived. It powerfully shows both the incredible force of nature and the inspiring way people came together during the crisis. Both viewers and critics have found the film deeply affecting, making it a documentary you truly shouldn’t miss.

‘From Dreams to Tragedy: The Fire That Shook Brazilian Football’ (2024)

In 2019, a fire occurred at the Flamengo sports club in Rio de Janeiro. The fire started at the Ninho do Urubu youth training center, where temporary living quarters had been created in a parking lot. Tragically, this resulted in the deaths of 10 teenage players and injuries to three others. Initially, investigators thought a broken air conditioner was to blame for the fire.

Searching for the Truth

Directed by Pedro Asbeg, From Dreams to Tragedy: The Fire That Shook Brazilian Football is a three-part documentary series that takes a detailed look at the days before the fire and the disaster itself. The final episode focuses on the experiences of those who survived, along with the journalists and legal professionals still seeking the truth. It’s a captivating series that doesn’t shy away from raising important questions.

‘Apollo 13: Survival’ (2024)

It’s rare for a disaster documentary to show no loss of life, and this story is unique. On April 11, 1970, the Apollo 13mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Just two days into the flight, an oxygen tank burst in the service module, and the three astronauts began a desperate fight for survival. Thanks to their determination and clever thinking, the crew worked with Mission Control to adapt what remained of their spacecraft so they could safely return to Earth.

Surviving the Impossible

Peter Middleton directed this film, and previously directed Notes on Blindness in 2016 and The Real Charlie Chaplin in 2021. Apollo 13: Survival received two BAFTA Award nominations in 2025. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it a perfect 100% score, while audiences rated it 88%, with many describing it as a truly informative and amazing story of how the crew survived.

‘Titan: The OceanGate Disaster’ (2025)

It’s been just a few years since the Titan submersible tragically imploded while traveling to the Titanic shipwreck near Canada, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board. Titan: The OceanGate Disaster, a documentary directed by Mark Monroe, thoroughly investigates the circumstances surrounding this deep-sea accident. The film also focuses on Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, who was among those who died on the Titan.

Parallels Between Two Tragedies

Reviewers believe the film offers a captivating warning. John Anderson, a film critic for the Wall Street Journal, describes it as the most detailed examination of the disaster to date, noting that the similar stories of overconfidence surrounding both the Titanic and Titan create a gripping narrative. Both vessels aimed to achieve a historic feat, and tragically, both suffered catastrophic consequences.

‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm’ (2025)

In 2011, a devastating EF5 tornado struck Joplin, Missouri. The incredibly powerful tornado caused widespread destruction, resulting in the tragic loss of 158 lives. Director Alexandra Lacey uses historical video and personal stories to create a deeply personal look at the disaster.

Speaking to Survivors

The Twister: Caught in the Storm tells the story of a group of high school seniors whose graduation day was interrupted by a tornado. The film explores what their lives were like both before and after the storm. Many viewers have commented that it effectively tells their story and makes the experience relatable.

‘Grenfell: Uncovered’ (2025)

The Grenfell Tower, a 24-story apartment building in West London, was destroyed by a fire on June 14, 2017. The blaze resulted in over 70 injuries and tragically claimed the lives of 72 people. While the fire is believed to have started due to faulty wiring, the situation worsened significantly because the building was constructed with highly flammable materials.

Why Housing Regulations Matter

Directed by Olaide Sadiq, Grenfell: Uncovered investigates the circumstances surrounding the fire and examines how the disaster might have been avoided. The film features interviews with people who lived through the fire, the emergency services who responded, and the families of those who lost their lives. The Guardian awarded Grenfell: Uncovered a five-star rating, describing it as “heartwrenching and enraging.” It’s a documentary that inspires viewers to want to make a difference.

‘Fire Chasers’ (2017)

Fire Chasers offers a detailed exploration of the courage shown by firefighters during the 2016 California wildfires. Over four episodes, this series – created by Leonardo DiCaprio – documents the risks these firefighters face, and also shares their personal challenges while battling the continuous fires.

Diving into the Inferno

Even with the sadness surrounding it, Fire Chasers is truly captivating. The series gives a special look at the challenging work of firefighters, using cameras attached to their helmets to record powerful and personal moments. Ultimately, the show honors the dedication and sacrifices of these first responders, and interviews reveal the emotional impact of the job.

‘Waco: American Apocalypse’ (2023)

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Waco siege, Tiller Russell’s documentary Waco: American Apocalypse examines the tragic events that unfolded during the standoff between law enforcement and the Branch Davidians, a group led by David Koresh. Although the actions of the Branch Davidians and their leader are widely considered reprehensible, the errors made by authorities during the siege continue to be debated and discussed even now.

One of the Most Disastrous Undertakings in American History

The 51-day standoff in Waco resulted in numerous deaths, including children who were killed by gunfire at the compound. The event remains a deeply regrettable and disastrous operation against American citizens. This documentary presents a new perspective on everything that happened, drawing on historical video, interviews, and expert analysis.

2025-10-05 01:21