Even if you don't usually watch documentaries, this list offers plenty of inspiration to try something new. The nominated titles provide a unique perspective on life and the world around us—from compelling personal stories to impressive historical events.
Below, in alphabetical order, are the top ten nominees for best documentary of 2025:
Ademnood: het echte verhaal van Linda, Roos & Jessica
Ademnood: het echte verhaal van Linda, Roos & Jessica is a three-part Dutch documentary. The series follows how actresses Babette van Veen, Katja Schuurman, and the late Guusje Nederhorst unexpectedly scored a mega-hit with the single "Ademnood" in the '90s, starting as a joke on Goede tijden, Slechte Tijden. Behind the success, however, lies a darker side: immense pressure, lack of guidance, sexism in the entertainment world, and the lasting impact on their personal lives. The documentary, available on HBO Max, includes exclusive interviews and never-before-seen archive footage.
Clarkson’s Farm
The fourth season of Clarkson's Farm, available on Prime Video, focuses on Jeremy Clarkson's most ambitious venture yet: the purchase and operation of a pub, The Farmer’s Dog, aiming to revitalize his Farm to Fork vision. While largely running the farm on his own, he faces numerous challenges: from endless rain threatening the harvest to new animals and the bureaucratic hurdles surrounding the pub. As always, this is delivered with Clarkson's characteristic humor, surprising cameos, and an honest look at the harsh realities of British agriculture. The result is a season full of chaos, adventure, and emotion at Diddly Squat Farm.
Ewout: Gevaarlijke Gevangenissen
Ewout: Gevaarlijke Gevangenissen is a Dutch documentary in which Ewout Genemans travels to the most notorious and violent prisons worldwide. He gains exceptional access to locations such as the gigantic CECOT prison in El Salvador and the overcrowded Tacumbú prison in Paraguay, where inmates live under extreme conditions.
Ewout sometimes stays in cells, talks to murderers, gang members, and rapists, and captures the harsh reality of overcrowding, violence, and inhumane treatment without embellishment. The series has been available on RTL 5 and Videoland since October 2025, offering a confronting and intense view of a world full of chaos and harrowing life stories.
Het verhaal van Nederland
Het verhaal van Nederland is available on NPO 1. The third season focuses on Amsterdam, in honor of the city's 750th anniversary. In four episodes, presenter Daan Schuurmans takes you along pioneers, migrants, and dreamers who shaped the city, with impressive reconstructions and expert explanations. The series highlights the early city history (1100–1450), the Golden Age (1580–1660), the nineteenth-century innovations (1800–1890), and the modernization from 1945 to 2001.
Interview met de geschiedenis: het Belgische koningshuis
We are pleased to include a Belgian documentary in the election! The second season of Interview met de geschiedenis: het Belgische koningshuis shifts the focus from Belgian kings to world-famous historical icons. Presenter Arnout Hauben conducts fascinating conversations with figures such as Marie Curie, Peter the Great, Marlene Dietrich, Vincent van Gogh, Albert Einstein, and Napoleon Bonaparte, each in a setting that highlights their connection to Belgium or the Netherlands. Thanks to the characteristic mix of reports and historically fictionalized depth, these figures come to life once again for the viewer. The series is available on VRT and is a must-see for history enthusiasts!
Langs de Schelde
After Langs de Rijn, Maas, Kust en IJssel, Langs de Schelde aired in 2025. In this five-part documentary, Huub Stapel follows the river from its source in northern France to the North Sea. Along the way, he meets residents and explores nature, history, and industry along the banks. Each episode revolves around a striking contrast—such as light and dark, rich and poor, sweet and salty—highlighting the beauty, resilience, and challenges of the Schelde. The series is available on NPO 2 and offers a captivating view of this iconic river landscape with striking images and interviews.
Prehistoric Planet
The third season of Prehistoric Planet, titled “Ice Age,” shifts the focus from dinosaurs to impressive Pleistocene megafauna such as mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and giant sloths, centering on their survival in icy environments. For the first time, the series is narrated by Tom Hiddleston, with an immersive soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman, and Kara Talve, offering a visually spectacular look at the dynamics of the late Pleistocene (Ice Age) era. The five episodes, including titles such as The Big Freeze, New Lands, and The Big Melt, premiered on November 26, 2025, and are available for streaming worldwide via Apple TV
Read the reviews written about Prehistoric Planet.
Somebody Feed Phil
The eighth season of Somebody Feed Phil consists of eight episodes in which Phil Rosenthal makes culinary discoveries in cities like Amsterdam, San Sebastián, Boston, Tbilisi, Sydney, Las Vegas, Manila, and Guatemala. He shares these experiences with well-known guests while enjoying local dishes and culture. The season stays true to Phil's relaxed, humorous style and emphasizes the heartwarming connection between food, people, and stories.
Welcome to Wrexham
Just like last year, Welcome to Wrexham is once again on the list, this time with a more pressing focus on the impact of their rise to League One. In season 4, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney balance higher costs, significant infrastructural challenges, and the pressure to keep performing while keeping the soul of the club and community central. At the same time, the women's team, story-like personal portraits, and new faces within management receive plenty of development time, giving this season extra depth and emotion.
Yolanthe
Yolanthe is a documentary on Netflix that follows Yolanthe Cabau during her big move to Los Angeles with her son Xess Xava. There, she builds a new life as an actress, entrepreneur, and single mother. The series shows how she confronts painful memories from the past: her divorce from Wesley Sneijder, complex family ties, and a traumatic horse-riding accident. Additionally, the documentary offers insight into her involvement with the charity Free a Girl. As the first Dutch reality docu on Netflix, Yolanthe received both praise and criticism and provides an intense portrait of a woman trying to reinvent herself.
Whether you're an avid documentary lover or just starting to explore this genre, these nominated titles offer a wide range of fascinating stories and insights. From historical figures and epic journeys to intense personal portraits and surprising cultural discoveries—there's something for everyone. But which documentary do you think deserves the title 'Best of 2025'?
These were all ten nominees nominated by you, the readers, the writers, and myself. If you wish to choose another series, use your wildcard. Good luck voting.
