Feel-Good Documentaries on Netflix That Inspire Change
Sometimes, all it takes is a great documentary to lift your mood and remind you that positive change is possible. Netflix offers a strong selection of feel-good documentaries that inspire hope, resilience, and meaningful action. From personal growth stories to environmental and social change, these films leave you feeling motivated long after the credits roll.
Below are some of the best feel-good documentaries on Netflix that truly inspire change.
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
This visually stunning documentary follows filmmaker Craig Foster as he forms a unique bond with a wild octopus in a South African kelp forest.
Why it inspires:
The film highlights empathy, patience, and respect for nature. Viewers often walk away with a deeper appreciation for marine life and a renewed desire to protect the environment.
The Biggest Little Farm (2018)
A couple leaves city life to build a sustainable farm on degraded land outside Los Angeles.
Why it inspires:
Through setbacks and successes, the documentary shows how perseverance and working with nature—not against it—can restore ecosystems and create lasting change.
The Social Dilemma (2020)
This documentary explores how social media platforms influence behavior and why ethical reform in technology is urgently needed.
Why it inspires:
Rather than feeling hopeless, many viewers feel empowered to rethink their digital habits and take control of their online lives.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
An intimate portrait of Jiro Ono, a legendary sushi chef devoted to perfecting his craft.
Why it inspires:
It’s a calm yet powerful reminder that mastery, discipline, and lifelong dedication can bring meaning and fulfillment.
Heal (2017)
Focusing on the mind-body connection, Heal explores how thoughts and beliefs can influence physical health.
Why it inspires:
The documentary offers hope and encourages viewers to take a more mindful, holistic approach to their well-being.
Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (2016)
This film follows people who’ve chosen to live with less in order to focus on what truly matters.
Why it inspires:
In a consumer-driven world, it motivates viewers to declutter their lives and prioritize purpose, relationships, and mental clarity.
Chef’s Table (Documentary Series)
Each episode profiles a chef pushing culinary boundaries while sharing deeply personal stories.
Why it inspires:
The series celebrates creativity, culture, and passion, showing how food can drive artistic and social change.
The Dawn Wall (2017)
Rock climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson attempt an almost impossible climb on El Capitan.
Why it inspires:
It’s a story of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience that motivates viewers to face their own challenges head-on.
Period. End of Sentence. (2018)
This Oscar-winning short documentary follows women in rural India breaking menstrual stigma.
Why it inspires:
It’s an uplifting example of grassroots activism and how small actions can lead to big social change.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
A heartwarming look at Fred Rogers and the legacy of kindness he left behind.
Why it inspires:
The documentary reminds us that empathy and compassion are powerful tools for change, even in difficult times.
These feel-good documentaries don’t just entertain—they motivate, educate, and encourage viewers to see the world through a more hopeful lens. If you’re looking for something uplifting that might also inspire personal or social change, this list is a great place to start.
