3 brilliant Netflix documentaries to binge-watch this weekend (October 30-November 1)

Published Oct 30, 2026, 4:16 PM EDT After graduating from Marist University with a degree in communications and journalism, Dan Girolamo has over 10 years of experience writing about entertainment and sports. Dan's work can be seen in various publications, including Digital Trends, SportsCasting, and Tom's Guide. Throughout his career, Dan has interviewed several high-profile filmmakers and creatives, including Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Caitriona Balfe, Frank Grillo, Miranda Cosgrove, Jai Courtney, Chris Columbus and James Cameron. Dan joins How-To Geek as a Senior Editor. When he's not writing about entertainment, Dan is either watching a movie or praying for the New York Knicks to win a championship. Netflix has always had a strong documentary section. One of the more recent documentaries making headway is Instadocs: AI Gone Wild, a wild hacking story about a breach caused by autonomous agents created by OpenAI researchers. If you're fearful of AI, this documentary will amplify that anxiety. As for this weekend, there are three documentaries to add to your Netflix watchlist in the U.S. The first is a documentary about the making of an iconic song from the 1980s. The next documentary is an insightful look at a comedian and her mental health struggles. Finally, my top selection is a heartbreaking documentary series about a late sitcom legend. 3 The Greatest Night in Pop One song that made history I wasn't alive in 1985, but I do know the song "We Are the World." It's a catchy tune heard all over the world, from cars and bars to concerts and parties. The charity song was released in the mid-1980s to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. The geniuses behind "We Are the World" are Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, and Michael Jackson. Jones produced the track, while Richie and Jackson wrote the lyrics and performed the song. The legacy of "We Are the World" is the impressive list of Grammy-winning artists and cultural icons who participated in the recording. There are dozens of credited artists on the song. I could spend the rest of this article naming each artist. Instead, I'll highlight some of the biggest names: Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, Harry Belafonte, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, and Bruce Springsteen. You know the song, but now learn how it came together in The Greatest Night in Pop. Over the course of one night in January 1985, Jones, Richie, and Jackson gathered dozens of celebrated musicians and iconic voices to record "We Are the World." With so many eclectic personalities in one room, things inevitably go a little haywire. Prince's absence and Stevie Wonder's involvement are two of the standout storylines from the documentary. Once the credits roll, be prepared to have the song stuck in your head for days. 2 Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story Your favorite comic's favorite comic In Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story, Conan O'Brien is one of the comedians who spoke so eloquently about the documentary's subject, Maria Bamford. "Sometimes it feels like talking to a lobster whose shell has been removed, and it's just feeling every single molecule in the room." Once you see how Bamford performs, you'll understand what Conan means as he champions her vulnerability. Bamford is a comedian with nothing to hide. She takes the mic and delivers a routine packed with humorous self-deprecation and raw honesty. This style is certainly not for everyone, but you can't help but admire Bamford's bravery. Directed by Judd Apatow and Neil Berkeley, Paralyzed by Hope explores Bamford's unique path to comedy, starting with her childhood and continuing through her rise in the Los Angeles stand-up scene. The documentary showcases Bamford's career, but it also examines her struggles behind the scenes. Bamford is open about her mental health and struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. In a review for ScreenRant, Gregory Nussen wrote, "Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story is an essential doc that reveals the origins of her singular voice with exceeding warmth and vulnerability." It's a fascinating approach to comedy, as Bamford transforms her personal struggles into witty material. Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story Release Date January 22, 2026 1 The One About Matthew Perry Goodbye to a beloved actor I can't believe it's been three years since Matthew Perry died. Perry died at 54 following an accidental ketamine overdose. Throughout his life, Perry was extremely upfront and honest about addiction and his struggles with drugs and alcohol. His eventual passing makes this story that much more heartbreaking. Perry is best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, which you can now stream on HBO Max. In my estimation, Chandler is the best character, and Perry's comedic genius is one reason that his performance became so iconic. The One About Matthew Perry, Netflix's three-part documentary series, touches on Perry's time on the hit TV show and what his comedy meant to fans around the world. Perry's impact on Hollywood and pop culture from the 1990s into the early 2000s cannot be overstated. The series features interviews with Perry's family and friends, including his sister, Mia Perry Bowick. Although the Friends cast did not participate, the documentary includes archival footage that highlights their chemistry. Perry's death is a tragedy, but his legacy will live on, and, hopefully, this series gives people the closure they need. The One About Matthew Perry Release Date 2026 - 2026-00-00 More streaming releases to check out With the end of the month rapidly approaching, it's a great time to look at the list of new movies coming to streaming services in November. I'm excited about Whiplash heading to Netflix and The Hunt for Red October going to Paramount+. Subscription with ads Yes, $8/month Simultaneous streams Two or four