Your Ultimate Netflix Guide to Binge-Worthy Shows and Documentaries (The Endless Search Is Over)

We live in a world where our access streamable content is limitless. With plenty of binge-worthy shows on Netflix, how do we choose on-demand content that reinforces our values, rather than settle for something mindless?

You could spend hours sifting through your recommendations, or read through our ultimate Netflix guide to binge-worthy shows and documentaries carefully curated to make you think, inspire, spark conversation, or stay with you long after you’ve finished.

Need something healthy and guilt-free to enjoy with your binge sesh? We’ve got you covered with 5 Healthy Snacks to Keep You Feeling Satisfied and Guilt-Free
 
 

Binge-Worthy Inspirational Shows and Documentaries:

Brene Brown’s Call to Courage

If you haven’t heard of Brene Brown or already love her books such as Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, you’ll adore this Netflix special taking us through a classic Brene talk on the power of leaning into our vulnerability.

She leads us through a necessary talk on the “uncomfortable things” we all feel, but rarely address.
 

Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru

Consider Tony Robbins the godfather of all personal development, and his Netflix special is an absolute must-watch whether you’re already a fan of his work or just ready to see what all the fuss is about.

The special goes behind the scenes at one of his immersive in-person seminars to examine how one man’s teachings can profoundly affect so many lives.
 

Knock Down the House

Knock Down the House represents the true power of the underdog and how to shake the status quo, no matter who or where you are. Way beyond just a political statement, it centers around the hope and potential of the political landscape in Washington.

It’s the story of just one woman can do, and even if you’re not into politics at all, you’ll find yourself inspired to do more and use your power.
 
 

Binge-Worthy Documentary/Reality Series:

Tidying Up With Marie Kondo

Given the worldwide phenom of Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, it easily made for a Netflix-worthy series showing Marie’s methods in action.

In this surprisingly-addictive and moving show, Marie works with a different client each episode, helping them tidy up their closets and junk drawers, but also unpack and sort through the emotional baggage of their lives.
 

Queer Eye

Way more than a makeover – the Fab 5, who have collectively become a pop culture icon on their own – travel around to regular men and women and help makeover every aspect of their lives from their home décor and wardrobe to their self-confidence and relationships.
 

Just make sure you have enough tissues for all the episodes, seriously.

This tear-jerker goes by quickly, just make sure you have enough tissues for all the episodes, seriously.
 

Expedition Happiness

If you’re already itching to live the nomadic lifestyle or try out van life – this is your heads up! This documentary will make the pangs of wanderlust that much worse. This story follows the journey of a young European couple and their dog as they travel thousands of miles in their renovated school-bus-turned-home.

They set out to see the world and define what happiness means to them, and what they discover along the way may surprise you.
 
 

Binge-Worthy Netflix Shows Featuring Empowering Female-Leads:

#GirlBoss

This Netflix adaptation of the New York Times Best Seller, #Girlboss draws you in with cheeky humor and an edgy attitude.

The based-on-a-true-story series shows the struggles and success of Sophia Amoruso, creator of the wildly successful, real-life brand, Nasty Gal. If you enjoy a good rags-to-riches success story with a strong female lead that’s also based on a real story, #GirlBoss is a must.
 

Someone Great

Sometimes you just need a good of-the-moment rom-com for the millennial, complete with Pinterest-worthy New York City apartments and pithy dialogue.

Someone Great is just that, plus an empowering message of the heartache and growth that follows a breakup, starring Gina Rodriguez of Jane the Virgin and Brittney Snow as two of the four besties this centers around.
 

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

If you’re in need of a comedy with a strong female lead and inspiring message, queue up Kimmy Schmidt.

Despite the fact that the story’s protagonist was rescued from years spent in an underground bunker in a cult, rather than being bitter or angry, Kimmy is determined to make the most of her new life in New York City, with a positive, unbreakable attitude and quirky, misfit friends.
 
 

Binge-Worthy Netflix Shows in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Genre:

Black Mirror

Taking a nod from older classics like the Twilight Zone that examined controversial, relevant topics of the day, Black Mirror is a series of standalone episodes featuring scenarios where modern technology goes too far. It magnifies a dystopian, not-so-distant future that threatens to quickly unravel with each new storyline.
 

Stranger Things

A secret government lab brimming with corruption, a heroic and lovable gang of kids out to save the day, and an alternate universe creeping into an unassuming small town, all wrapped up with tons of acid wash jeans and an epic 80’s soundtrack? Is it any wonder it was an instant cult-classic?
 

Travelers

What if we were not bound to our physical bodies in space or time, and we could jump into different eras not by time travel, but by removing our consciousness and inserting it into other “host” bodies of dying people?
 

Welcome to the reality of this two-season series which follows a group of travelers attempting to save their present-day society by sending their consciousnesses back in time.
 
 

Binge-Worthy Shows Centered Around Spirituality:

Heal

This powerful documentary makes you question what we’ve all thought we’ve known about health and healing. Interviewing spiritual thought leaders, medical professionals, and those living with chronic illness, Heal takes a look at the powerful connection between our emotions/beliefs and our ability to heal.
 

Ram Dass, Going Home

Spiritual leader and renowned author and teacher, Ram Dass, has taught the world for years on spirituality, mindfulness, and psychology. Now, at the end of his life, he reflects in this very raw and profound documentary on what he’s learned since his life-altering stroke about life, death, and the importance of being.
 

Happy

No matter what makes us different, one thing unites us, and that is our search for happiness. This moving documentary travels all around the globe, interviewing people in every corner of the earth on their thoughts on this critical emotion and what makes them happy.
 
 

Cozy up on the Sofa and Queue up Those Binge-Worthy Shows

The power of cinema is undeniable – whether on the big screen or on your laptop, it ties us together as a culture.

No matter what makes us different, one thing unites us, and that is our search for happiness.

Not only will these binge-worthy shows and documentaries keep you up to snuff on what everyone’s talking about at work, they’ll move you, make you laugh, cry, or at the very least make you think.

Looking for more inspiration? Try these 6 Spiritual Podcasts to Inspire Personal Growth!

So grab your healthy snacks, a cuddly blanket, and enjoy. (And yes, Netflix, thanks for asking . . . we are still watching.)

Have any binge-worthy show recommendations? Share with us in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!

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