3 new thought-provoking Netflix documentaries to add to your watchlist this month (2025)

As the month of April gets underway, Netflix has queued up a fresh slate of documentary releases that delve into some of the most compelling and complex topics in recent history. From the dark side of social media to historical tragedies and the art of culinary legends, we’re spotlighting three documentaries, below, which are all coming to Netflix over the next few weeks — docs that will make you think, perhaps even see the world in a new light, and leave you with lots to reflect on.

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing (April 9)

Several previous Netflix releases, like The Social Dilemma, have tackled the negative aspects of life online. This first new documentary from the streamer this month looks at the rise of child influencers, also known as “kidfluencers.”

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencinggoes inside this phenomenon, examining the pressures and dangers that come with being a child in the spotlight. The documentary explores the ethical dilemmas that arise when kids are thrust into the digital world, often with little to no control over how their lives are shaped online. With insight from experts and personal stories, this release asks critical questions about parental control, online exploitation, and what happens when childhood becomes a business.

Image source: Netflix

Oklahoma City Bombing: American Terror (April 18)

Next up is a Netflix documentary that revisits a consequential tragedy — it focuses, specifically, on the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, which remains one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in US history.

Oklahoma City Bombing: American Terroroffers a powerful and eye-opening look at the events surrounding the 1995 attack, which took 168 lives and changed the course of American history. This documentary provides a detailed and intimate look at the victims, the perpetrators, and the aftermath of the bombing — also exploring the motivations behind the attack and how it led to a reevaluation of domestic terrorism and extremist movements in the US.

Chef’s Table: Legends (April 28)

Finally, if you’ve ever found yourself mesmerized by the art of cooking, Netflix’sChef’s Tableseries has likely been a go-to for showcasing the magic behind the world’s best chefs.Chef’s Table: Legendstakes this concept even further, focusing on culinary icons who’ve changed the game.

This season goes deeper into the personal stories and philosophies of legendary chefs, exploring their journeys, their struggles, and the profound impact they’ve had on the culinary world. Whether you’re a food lover or simply drawn to stories of creativity and passion, this installment will inspire you to appreciate food not just as a meal, but as a form of art. The four legends explored here, by the way, include Jamie Oliver, José Andrés, Alice Waters, and Thomas Keller.

This four-episode docuseries also marks the 10th anniversary of the Chef’s Table franchise on Netflix.

Image source: Netflix