8 New Netflix Original Documentaries You Need to Keep On Your Radar This October

A Sinister Sect: Colonia Dignidad follows a post-World War II colony of German Christians in Chile whose leader, Paul Schäfer, had been part of the Hitler Youth. The chilling docuseries unpacks witness testimonies of the instances of torture and abuse that unfolded in the colony.

When it’s available: Oct. 1

Bad Sport breaks down the major sport scandals of our time, including Indycar driver Randy Lanier’s marijuana-smuggling operation and the allegations of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic figure skating competition being fixed. In this true-crime and sports documentary series, we hear from the coaches, athletes, and law enforcement figures embroiled in the scandals.

When it’s available: Oct. 6

This emotional documentary follows how unsung heroes in society have helped the world move forward during the COVID-19 crisis. Helmed by director Orlando von Einsiedel, Convergence: Courage in a Crisis follows 10 interviewees from a Syrian refugee as they champion rights for hospital workers and doctors who work hard to serve Miami’s homeless community.

When it’s available: Oct. 12

This documentary takes a look at the inner workings of the production of Nacho Cano’s musical Malinche, which follows the relationship between La Malinche and Hernán Cortés. Brushing up on some world history, Cortés was a Spanish conquistador who landed in the Aztec empire, and La Malinche was his translator who would later have a son with him.

When it’s available: Oct. 12

Spanning two seasons now, The Movies That Made Us breaks down the cultural impact of iconic blockbusters that have influenced the pop culture sphere. As the banner indicates, we’ll be getting peeks into classic films such as Coming to America and Robocop this season.

When it’s available: Oct. 12

Through 23andMe, three American teenagers, each adopted from China, discover that they are blood-related cousins. Found follows Chloe, Sadie, and Lily as they meet and journey to China in hopes of finding their birth parents.

When it’s available: Oct. 20

Unable to tour in 2020, the Japanese band ONE OK ROCK decided to pull together a virtual concert to match the hype of their in-person shows. The Netflix music documentary puts the band at the centre stage through interview, rehearsal, and concert footage.

When it’s available: Oct. 21

This bone-chilling murder documentary follows the true story of a 14-year-old boy in Jerusalem who murdered his family with an M-16 rifle in the ’80s. Decades later, The Motive circles back to the crime and reviews countless interviews with detectives, judges, psychiatrists, lawyers, and others connected to the case.

When it’s available: Oct. 28