10 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now for October 2021

10 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now for October 2021

Put the action movies aside. Put the comedies on hold. Save the rom-coms for the holidays. I know it’s Halloween and I could have filled this article with the best holiday movies to watch but I don’t do horror so that list would be rather small and really only meant for the wee ones. Instead, I decided to ditch the blockbusters this month and switch it up a bit. Documentaries are not to be overlooked if you’re looking for something interesting and intriguing to watch. They range in length and I guarantee you when you’re done with this list, you’ll say at least once, “I didn’t know that!”

10 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now for October 2021 List

Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You

Directors: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady.
The Cast: Norman Lear, George Clooney, Bill Moyers and more.

Norman Lear wrote some of my favorite shows on television in the 1970s — All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Good Times, One Day at a Time and Maude. He actually was responsible for more than 100 television shows. If you liked a show on TV, most likely this now 99-year-old legend was behind it in some way. This documentary gets up-close and personal with the creative genius. In this one-and-a-half-hour film, you’ll hear from Norman about his works as well as commentary from some of the people that have worked with him throughout his career.

Growing Up Wild

Directors: Mark Linfield, Keith Scholey
Writers: David Fowler, Simon Nash
The Cast: Daveed Diggs (voice)

If baby animals in the wild don’t do it for you, I don’t know what to tell you. This probably won’t be your documentary. But if you want to escape on cuteness overload, then tune in to this Disney Nature film where you can watch newborn animals in the wilderness learning how to survive. This is a film you can watch with your kids as you follow five animals and see how their lives are similar and very, very different.

Kitty Love: An Homage to Cats

Directors: Mark Verkerk
Writers: Dennis Gerritsen, Trui van de Brug
The Cast: Abatutu

We seem to have an obsession with cats, especially cats that have become famous. Remember Grumpy Cat? There were calendars, books, social media posts and so much merchandise honoring a cat that made us laugh. That’s what cats do and now you can add the most famous Netherlands cat, Abatutu, to the list. This documentary asks the question, ‘how does a cat become famous?’ and then answers it. In between, it reminds me why we love cats and kittens so much. Like we needed a reminder, but this 52-minute documentary is a great destresser no matter what.

Brené Brown: The Call To Courage

Directors: Sandra Restrepo
The Cast: Brené Brown

One hour. That’s as long as this documentary on Brené Brown is and that’s all you need to make a radical change in your way of thinking. If you’re sitting at home and craving change, but feeling too comfortable to change your life, Brene talks you from comfort to courage. It’s time to life the life you always dreamed of by learning what’s standing in your way and how to move it aside. (Spoiler alert: most of the time what’s standing in your way is you.) Brené Brown is absolutely inspiring and motivating and the best friend you need to help get you off your couch.

From Stress to Happiness

Directors: Alejandro De Grazia
The Cast: Alejandro De Grazia

Stop me if this sounds familiar: a man is dissatisfied, stressed and tired until he takes a journey to find happiness. The difference between this documentary and others about these life-changing journeys? This stressed-out man is accompanied by two monks, one of them who is known as the happiest man in the world. Think the stressed-out man can change? I’m sure you know the ending to this one but if you’re looking for some happiness in your life, this is the documentary for you. Combine it with the inspirational Brene Brown and you have your own video self-help book.

The Speed Cubers

Directors: Sue Kim
The Cast: Max Park, Feliks Zemdegs

Just when you thought this craze from the 1980s was finally a thing of the past, The Speed Cubers documentary shows you a whole other side of this puzzle. Don’t blink though because you might just miss how fast Max Park and Feliks Zemdegs are at completing this colorful, yet complicated, game. But here’s the best part of this documentary — It’s really not about the Rubik’s Cube. It’s more about the special friendship that developed between Max and Felix, supporting each other even when they are competing against each other. It’s one film that has so much jam-packed into a short 50-minute documentary.

Betty White: First Lady of Television

Directors: Steve Boettcher
The Cast: Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, Georgia Engel

An icon. A legend. From the start of her career when she was 8 years old to The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland, Betty White has kept us laughing for decades. If you want to learn more about this near centenarian’s mark she has left on Hollywood and on our hearts, tune in to Betty White: First Lady of Television. Not only does Betty share information on her life and her career, but her castmates Valerie Bertinelli, Georgia Engel and others share their feelings about this amazing comedian. I bow down to this true Golden Girl.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey

Directors: Constance A. Marks
The Cast: Kevin Clash

First things first. The subject of this documentary has controversies over sexual allegations that he denied and were dismissed later after the statute of limitations had passed.  That being said, it’s still worth a watch. I love learning about the voices behind the puppets or the artists behind the animation or the artist in the costumes. Regardless of Clash’s situation, the fact is that he brought to life a puppet that endeared us for years. Learning how he got there and the impact his work had on children for years is still fascinating. I’m not judge nor jury. Just someone who wants to watch an interesting documentary.

Little Miss Sumo

Directors: Matt Kay
The Cast: Hiyori Kon

This is one of those movies where I guaranteed that you were going to say I didn’t know that! Hiyori Kon is a female Japanese sumo wrestler (I didn’t know women did sumo, but I’m sure others did), who is known for advocating for equal rights for women to compete professionally in Japan. She has been wrestling since she was a little girl. This fascinating documentary takes you through her journey as she vies for the title of best in the world. Kon has been included in the BBC’s list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2019. This documentary is short, only 19 minutes, and definitely deserves some of your attention.

For The Love of Spock

Directors: Adam Nimoy
The Cast: Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, George Takei and more

Whether you’re a Trekkie or not, you’re going to love this documentary on Leonard Nimoy, who is most famously known as portraying the iconic Mr. Spock character on the Star Trek franchise. This documentary is directed by his son Adam and takes an in-depth look at the character that Mr. Nimoy made famous and the impact his popularity had on his personal life. His co-stars, friends, family, and other Hollywood notables talk about Leonard’s life and career as well. Honestly, I am not a Trekkie but have watched some episodes and know the impact that Nimoy had and I absolutely loved this documentary.

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