If you’ve been binge‑watching true‑crime series and feel the genre’s themes are beginning to echo each other, it’s time to broaden your documentary horizons. The top 10 documentaries below shine a light on off‑beat topics that range from quirky hobbies to downright strange subcultures, proving there’s plenty of fascinating material beyond serial killers and courtroom drama.

Top 10 Documentaries to Watch Now

10 Bathtubs Over Broadway (2018)

Dava Whisenant’s indie gem Bathtubs Over Broadway lifts the curtain on the forgotten realm of industrial musicals—lavish, Broadway‑style productions commissioned by corporations during the 1960s and ’70s to hype everything from dog food to bathroom fixtures. One standout number, “The Bathrooms Are Coming!” (1969), even boasts the tongue‑in‑cheek lyric, “my bathroom is much more than it may seem, where I wash and where I cream.”

The film trails Steve Young, a comedy writer for David Letterman, who unearthed these bizarre LPs while hunting material for his “Dave’s Record Collection” segment. While the documentary revels in the sheer oddness of these over‑the‑top songs, it also guides viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship behind this niche genre. Its heartfelt tone earned it a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, cementing its status as a critical darling.

9 The Speed Cubers (2020)

Clocking in at a breezy 40 minutes, The Speed Cubers zooms into the high‑octane world of Rubik’s Cube speed‑solving, spotlighting two prodigies: Max Park and Feliks Zemdegs. At first glance, a documentary about a puzzle many abandon after a few frantic twists might seem dry, but the film’s kinetic energy quickly flips that notion.

Speed‑cubers routinely crack the cube in under ten seconds, their fingers a blur of motion. Feliks, once the world’s record‑holder with a 4.22‑second solve (now eclipsed by Yusheng Du’s 3.47 seconds), is introduced as the reigning king. Max, who lives with autism, is rapidly climbing the ranks. Rather than a cut‑throat rivalry, the film showcases a warm, supportive friendship between the two, leaving viewers wishing for a longer, deeper dive into this fascinating sport.

8 Class Action Park (2020)

Action Park, the New Jersey water‑park brainchild of Gene Mulvihill, earned infamy throughout the 1980s and ’90s for its reckless design and lax supervision. The park’s rides—built with little regard for safety and run largely by bored high‑school staff—produced a litany of burns, cuts, broken bones, and even multiple deaths, most notably in the ill‑fated Wave Pool, nicknamed the “Grave Pool.”

While nostalgic anecdotes celebrate the park’s adrenaline‑fueled chaos, the documentary’s latter half turns somber, focusing on the tragic story of teenager George Larsson Jr., who died from a head injury on the Alpine Slide. Mulvihill’s subsequent cover‑up is laid bare through interviews with Larsson’s grieving family, revealing a stark portrait of corporate greed and negligence. In many ways, Action Park feels like a dark true‑crime counterpart to Disneyland.

7 Three Identical Strangers (2018)

Approach Three Identical Strangers with your curiosity intact, because the less you know beforehand, the more mind‑blowing the experience. Directed by Tim Wardle, the film premiered at Sundance 2018 and weaves together interviews, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments to tell the story of three identical twins—Edward Galland, David Kellman, and Robert Shafran—who discovered each other at age 19.

The documentary earned the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Storytelling at Sundance and is currently being adapted into a feature film. Its layered narrative, which unspools a secretive adoption study, is best consumed blind, ensuring the audience experiences the same shocking twists as the twins themselves.

6 You Cannot Kill David Arquette (2020)

Actor David Arquette, forever linked to his role as Sheriff Dewey in the Scream franchise, spends two years in You Cannot Kill David Arquette attempting a comeback in professional wrestling. After co‑starring in the 2000 wrestling comedy Ready to Rumble, Arquette briefly captured the WCW Heavyweight title—a 12‑day reign that was widely panned and, Arquette believes, tarnished his acting reputation.

The documentary follows his grueling training in Mexico, backyard bouts, and more serious matches, highlighting the tension between his family’s bewilderment and his unwavering passion. Though Arquette has maintained a steady acting career, his wrestling endeavors have labeled him a cautionary tale within the sport, making his earnest quest both endearing and poignant.

5 Marwencol (2010)

Jeff Malmberg’s Marwencol chronicles the extraordinary healing journey of Mark Hogancamp, who survived a brutal assault that left him with brain damage and amnesia. Unable to afford conventional therapy, Hogancamp constructed a miniature, World‑War‑II‑era Belgian town in his backyard, dubbing it “Marwencol,” and populated it with action‑figure stand‑ins for the people in his life.

The film sensitively captures Hogancamp’s self‑exploration and the emergence of his art, which has since been exhibited in New York galleries. Garnering numerous awards, the documentary also inspired Robert Zemeckis’s feature Welcome to Marwen (2018), starring Steve Carell, though the latter failed to capture the original’s intimate spirit.

4 Grizzly Man (2005)

Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man delves into the life and tragic death of Timothy Treadwell, a self‑styled bear enthusiast who, alongside his partner Amie Huguenard, was ultimately killed by a grizzly in Alaska. The film blends Treadwell’s own footage of his close encounters with brown bears, interviews with acquaintances, and commentary from bear experts.

Treadwell believed humans could peacefully coexist with wildlife, spending thirteen Alaskan summers living among the bears he affectionately named—like “Mr. Chocolate.” While his approach sparked both admiration and criticism, Herzog’s narrative paints a complex portrait of a man whose fervor bordered on delusion, yet also inspired a deep, if contentious, reverence for nature.

3 Behind the Curve (2018)

Despite millennia of scientific consensus confirming Earth’s spherical shape, a fervent community still champions a flat‑Earth model. Daniel J. Clark’s Behind the Curve centers on two prominent flat‑Earthers—Mark Sargent and Patricia Steere—while juxtaposing their beliefs with interviews from skeptical scientists.

Clark approaches his subjects with empathy rather than mockery, illustrating that shaming rarely changes convictions. The documentary captures both the earnest attempts of its protagonists to prove their theory through experiments (which inevitably fail) and the humorous absurdity that ensues, resulting in a kind, thought‑provoking viewing experience.

2 The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

Seth Gordon’s film follows the fierce rivalry between Steve Wiebe, an out‑of‑work engineer, and Billy Mitchell, a restaurateur, as they vie for the Donkey Kong high‑score record. Mitchell, the incumbent champion, adopts a cinematic villain persona, while Wiebe emerges as a relatable family man, making the competition feel both nostalgic and exhilarating.

Mitchell’s scores later came under scrutiny due to his use of a Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator (MAME) rather than authentic hardware, raising concerns about cheating. Both Twin Galaxies and Guinness initially stripped Mitchell of his records, though the latter eventually reinstated them, adding another twist to the high‑score saga.

1 Best Worst Movie (2009)

Before diving into Best Worst Movie, you’ll need to watch the infamous 1990 horror‑comedy Troll 2, originally titled Goblins. The film follows a family vacationing in the town of Nilbog—Goblin spelled backward—where vegetarian goblins aim to turn humans into plants for consumption, complete with a baffling popcorn‑related sex scene.

Directed by Michael Stephenson, the child star of Troll 2, the documentary explores how the film’s creator, once embarrassed by his role, later embraced its cult status. Interviews with cast and crew detail the movie’s chaotic production and its unexpected rise to beloved cult classic, offering a good‑natured look at cinematic failure turned triumph.

When we talk about what schools teach, the phrase “10 subjects should” immediately sparks curiosity. The traditional core curriculum—biology, chemistry, physics, arithmetic, algebra, literature, foreign languages, history, government, economics, and a generic physical‑education class—covers a lot, but it leaves many vital life‑skills on the sidelines. Below you’ll find a lively, in‑depth look at ten extra subjects that, in our opinion, every student from kindergarten through senior year ought to master.

Why 10 Subjects Should Include Creative Writing

10 Fiction Writing

Ask any elementary‑school kid what they love most, and you’ll likely hear, “making up stories!” The joy of inventing characters, worlds, and plots is not just kid‑play; it’s a skill that fuels some of the world’s most lucrative careers. Take Stephen King, for example—his love of fiction turned into a multi‑million‑dollar empire. College students across every discipline echo this sentiment, often ranking elective fiction‑writing courses among their favorites. Why? Because it finally lets them write what they truly want, instead of churning out formulaic essays about literary symbols that feel as stale as week‑old bread.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet serves as a masterclass in morality, human nature, existentialism, and politics. When high‑schoolers finish reading the tragedy—provided they have teachers who can unpack its layers—they’re usually so captivated that they feel compelled to try their hand at fiction. Unfortunately, many abandon the effort when early drafts fall short of Shakespearean brilliance. The culprit isn’t a lack of talent; it’s an absence of proper instruction in the craft of storytelling.

9 Applied Mechanics (Inventing)

Most people assume students are either math‑whizzes or arts‑savvy, rarely both. In reality, the two can coexist beautifully. Traditional curricula often relegate mathematics to abstract word problems—think “Train A leaves at 8 am…”—which rarely translate to real‑world applications. Imagine a classroom where calculus isn’t just a series of symbols on a board, but a tool for inventing gadgets. Newton and Leibniz created calculus to simplify geometric and algebraic operations; Kepler spent twenty years charting planetary paths, while Newton cracked the same problem in a single afternoon thanks to calculus.

When taught as a study of change and prediction, calculus becomes a thrilling gateway to the future. Rather than memorizing formulas, students could design simple machines, prototype inventions, or even toy with the idea of a time‑machine. Hands‑on projects transform dry theory into tangible wonder, making the subject feel less like a chore and more like a playground for the mind.

8 Filmmaking (Motion Pictures)

Many schools list drama as an elective, but the focus tends to be on stage performance. While acting on a live audience is invaluable, a whole generation of budding directors dreams of behind‑the‑camera work—storyboarding, editing, lighting—without a single class to nurture those talents. Imagine a middle‑school student who idolizes Steven Spielberg, yet has no formal outlet to learn camera angles, script formatting, or the magic of post‑production.

Spielberg didn’t study filmmaking until college, but with early instruction, his ascent could have been even faster. Self‑taught geniuses exist, yet consistent mentorship, structured lessons, and access to equipment dramatically increase the odds of success. A high‑school filmmaking class could provide not only technical know‑how but also networking opportunities with industry‑savvy teachers, opening doors that would otherwise stay closed.

7 Classical Languages (Latin)

Spanish and French dominate high‑school language offerings, yet many students find themselves forgetting most of what they learned by the time college rolls around. One writer recounts mastering French in college after four years of Latin study, noting that Latin’s grammatical scaffolding made French feel like a stroll in the park. Latin, though ancient, serves as a powerful springboard for all Romance languages, sharpening analytical skills and deepening cultural appreciation.

Learning Latin isn’t about speaking a dead tongue; it’s about unlocking the roots of English vocabulary, enhancing logical reasoning, and providing a sturdy base for picking up Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or Romanian later on. By dedicating a few years to Latin in middle and high school, students can dramatically cut the time required to achieve fluency in multiple modern languages.

6 Multi‑Religious Theology

Understanding the world’s major faiths isn’t a political statement; it’s a necessary component of global citizenship. Many adults can’t pinpoint a New Testament verse that addresses contemporary social issues, let alone articulate the core tenets of Shinto, Sikhism, or even Satanism. A comprehensive, in‑depth survey of religions equips students to engage in informed debates, appreciate diverse worldviews, and recognize the common threads that bind humanity.

From the worship practices of Shintoists to the ethical frameworks of Buddhism, and from the historical roots of Islam to the philosophical underpinnings of atheism, a multi‑religious curriculum demystifies belief systems. By confronting misconceptions early, students develop empathy, critical thinking, and a nuanced perspective on the role of spirituality in public life.

5 History of Philosophy

Philosophy often feels too abstract for teenage brains, especially when schools squeeze only a single Shakespeare play into a semester. Yet the evolution of philosophical thought—from the Seven Sages of ancient Greece to Confucius, from Socrates to Aristotle, from Sun Tzu to Mozi—shapes modern politics, ethics, and personal worldview. A concise yet thorough history of philosophy illuminates the lineage of ideas that continue to influence our daily decisions.

Students who explore the dialogues of Plato, the meditations of Descartes, and the pragmatism of Confucius gain a deeper appreciation for the intellectual scaffolding of Western and Eastern societies. Understanding these foundations fosters critical analysis, encouraging learners to question assumptions and craft their own reasoned arguments.

4 Basketball And Physical Education

Public schools already require “physical education,” but the curriculum often reduces movement to a brief, generic session—dodgeball, calisthenics, or a quick jog—without teaching the fundamentals of any specific sport. By mandating at least one sport, such as basketball, for every student, schools could dramatically improve fitness levels, teamwork skills, and personal confidence.

When students truly learn the rules, strategies, and techniques of basketball, they develop hand‑eye coordination, spatial awareness, and a sense of camaraderie. Moreover, regular participation in a structured sport reduces the likelihood of being labeled the “last pick” and fosters a lifelong appreciation for healthy living.

3 Chess

Chess isn’t just a board game; it’s a rigorous mental workout that cultivates patience, foresight, and analytical reasoning. The world of competitive chess boasts a clear ranking system: novices start around a 500 rating, seasoned tournament players hover between 1000 and 2200, and Grandmasters must break the 2500 threshold, with world champions often topping 2800.

Students who engage regularly with chess tend to outperform peers across academic subjects, thanks to the game’s demand for strategic planning, problem‑solving, and disciplined concentration. When a youngster loses a match, the responsibility lies squarely on their own shoulders, teaching humility, accountability, and resilience—qualities that accelerate personal growth.

2 Music Appreciation

Music education often lives on the elective shelf, vulnerable to budget cuts. Yet learning to read, perform, and analyze music—from Bach and Beethoven to modern pop icons—offers profound cognitive and cultural benefits. Students who study musical form, such as sonata‑allegro structure, develop enhanced memory, pattern recognition, and emotional intelligence.

Practical performance is essential. You can’t master the violin by reading a manual; you must practice scales, learn phrasing, and internalize the language of sound. Exposure to a broad repertoire, coupled with hands‑on playing, cultivates an appreciation for artistic expression and builds discipline that translates to other academic pursuits.

1 Martial Arts

Bullying remains a stubborn problem in many schools, often leaving victims feeling powerless. Introducing martial‑arts training at the elementary level offers more than self‑defense; it cultivates confidence, respect, and self‑control. Students learn disciplined movement, strategic thinking, and how to de‑escalate confrontations without resorting to violence.

While some fear that martial arts could amplify aggression, research shows that disciplined practice actually reduces violent impulses, fostering a balanced, respectful attitude toward peers. Early exposure equips children with the tools to protect themselves and, more importantly, to develop a strong sense of personal agency.

By integrating these ten subjects into the standard curriculum, schools would produce well‑rounded individuals equipped with creativity, critical thinking, physical confidence, and cultural literacy—skills that transcend test scores and prepare students for real‑world challenges.