Best documentaries available to watch instantly on Netflix

A gripping documentary about the 3D printing revolution and the original grassroots founders of MakerBot.

This provocative documentary scrutinizes the business of college athletics, a billion-dollar industry whose athletes don't earn a dime.

The most extreme back-country snowboarding ever documented. The high definition footage is spectacular and awe-inspiring. By the 20th time these guys drop off a 1000 foot cliff and outrun an avalanche, you start to ask, "What are they thinking?"

The amazing story of Jeremy Lin and the global craze that exploded around him. His Christian beliefs, his down-to-earth relationship with his family, and racial prejudice against him are explored masterfully.

Just to be clear, this movie has an agenda to convince non-believers that global warming is real. Besides being compelling in that regard, it is a fascinating documentary that every photographer/videographer/extreme-climbing-enthusiast will enjoy.

James Hunt has never been equalled. Could swashbuckling Hunt catch the scientific Lauda? Could Niki overcome an appalling crash to come back from the dead and fight James all the way to the last race of the season?

The creation of the Higgs boson particle, an elusive key to unlocking secrets of the universe, unfolds on camera in this landmark documentary.

This documentary captures 14-year-old Laura Dekker's unbelievable solo two-year voyage around the world through footage she shot at sea. *Though it is not rated, Laura swears often.

This exhilarating documentary sheds light on the extraordinary life and legacy of legendary Hawaiian big-wave surfer Eddie Aikau.

An impressive story about the 85-year-old Jiro and his sons, who may be the most disciplined and best Sukiyabashi (sushi chefs) in the world.

After being introduced to modern surfing by Western surfers, the villagers of Papua New Guinea hope to make a better life by becoming professional surfers, a competitive endeavor that tests their courage. Tough in parts because of violence against women.

Though not quite as good as "The Pixar Story", which is my favorite documentary, this remarkable film by Bloomberg television takes you behind closed doors at Disney's Pixar animation studios to see how this powerhouse makes movie magic.

Also called "SEC Storied: Lolo Jones" - the story of Lori "Lolo" Jones, who overcame extreme poverty and homelessness to become an Olympian and world champion hurdler.

Link is wrong because "Red Bull - Way Back Home" is not on IMDb - Danny MacAskill does extreme stunts on a bike that no one should be able to do. Constantly doing tricks that could kill him, the cinematography is breathtaking. Set in his hometown of Edinburgh.

Another incredible documentary with death-defying shots of extreme sports enthusiasts throwing themselves off cliffs--in this case, it's on mountain bikes. Crazy, but amazing!

Learn how manufactured items such as cars and chairs affect our daily lives in this documentary, which explores the how and why of industrial design.

Actually the 2011 Documentary (not in IMDB) - "With eye-popping clips of kayaking, off-roading and other extreme sports, this documentary reveals what happens when something goes wrong."

Toting their cameras to 180 courts throughout New York City, two filmmakers explore the history and influence of the city's pick-up basketball scene.

Visionary inventor Nikola Tesla, the person responsible for developing AC power transmission and radio, is the focus of this science documentary.

Winner of the 2014 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, this film takes a look at the world of backup vocalists and the legends they support.

At the unassuming Twin Galaxies arcade in Ottumwa, Iowa, early gamers fought for bragging rights at the 1982 Video Game World Championships.

My favorite documentary of all time. The story of one of the most iconic companies of the last several decades. This would be number one, but it is rarely available any more on Netflix. You can find it on the bonus disc with Wall-E.