In HOMECOMING: A film by Beyoncé, the superstar welcomes cameras behind the scenes as she readies to become the first Black woman to headline Coachella. The movie follows her through months of preparations — physical, mental, emotional — for the historic performance. At one point, she candidly admits, “What people don’t see is the sacrifice.”

The same can be said of so many applause-worthy contributions by women throughout history. A convenient and captivating way to both see and celebrate notable women’s works is by streaming documentary films and TV shows — each of which intimately recounts the details of their unique and inspiring journeys.

Whether they’re planning the performance of a lifetime, paving new paths in a growing sector of industry, or pushing for lasting change in our nation’s capital, women put in the work, and these stories prove it.

Becoming

In 2018, Michelle Obama kicked off a 34-city book tour for her bestselling memoir. This intimate documentary follows the former first lady of the United States as she travels across the nation, speaks about her life to audiences in sold-out arenas, and spends time with her family. The film — from Nadia Hallgren, who also directed the film Civil: Ben Crump and the docuseries Victoria Beckham — paints a celebratory portrait of Obama as an accomplished and accessible figure.

Becoming

1h 29m   PG   2020

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Feminists: What Were They Thinking?

In 1977, a book of photographs by Cynthia MacAdams captured an awakening: images of women shedding the cultural restrictions of their childhoods, embracing their full humanity, and standing up for gender equality. This film explores the lives of the notable women in these photographs and their contributions to the feminist movement — as well as the continued need for change. It includes riveting interviews with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Judy Chicago, and Laurie Anderson on topics ranging from identity and abortion to race and motherhood.

Feminists: What Were They Thinking?

1h 26m   TV-MA   2018

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Gaga: Five Foot Two

This intimate documentary goes behind the scenes with Lady Gaga during a year of immense creative output, as she prepares to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show while simultaneously filming scenes for the series American Horror Story: Roanoke and releasing her fifth studio album, Joanne. It includes interviews with the likes of Tony Bennett, Florence Welch, Mark Ronson, and Donatella Versace, as well as emotional scenes like the performer playing songs for her grandmother and struggling with chronic pain caused by the onset of fibromyalgia.

Gaga: Five Foot Two

1h 40m   TV-MA   2017

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Heroin(e)

This Oscar-nominated documentary short focuses on the opioid crisis in Huntington, West Virginia, where the overdose rate is 10 times the national average. Director Elaine McMillion Sheldon showcases signs of hope emerging from the center of the epidemic by introducing audiences to three women who are working to break the devastating cycle of drug abuse, one person at a time: Huntington Fire Chief Jan Rader, Cabell County Judge Patricia Keller, and Necia Freeman of Brown Bag Ministry.

Heroin(e)

0h 39m   TV-14   2017

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HOMECOMING: A film by Beyoncé

In 2018, Beyoncé made history as the first Black woman to headline Coachella — and thankfully, she took a camera crew along with her. This documentary tracks the artist through months of detailed planning, grueling rehearsals, and candid conversations about art and motherhood. Come for the clips of her critically acclaimed set — a two-hour hit parade, complete with surprise reunions and an homage to historically Black colleges and universities — and stay for the insights into her singular creative genius as she puts together an extraordinary show.

HOMECOMING: A film by Beyoncé

2h 17m   TV-MA   2019

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Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold

This 2017 documentary tells the story of the prolific writer who helped pioneer the style of New Journalism and best captured California’s culture. The film explores her remarkable body of work, from her early-career political journalism to her later autobiographical books, and it features appearances by Harrison Ford, Anna Wintour, Tom Brokaw, Vanessa Redgrave, and more. Its warm and inviting tone is a credit to filmmaker Griffin Dunne, Didion’s nephew, who refers to the literary icon as Aunt Joan.

Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold

1h 38m   TV-14   2017

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Knock Down The House

Meet Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Amy Vilela of Nevada, Cori Bush of Missouri, and Paula Jean Swearengin of West Virginia — four female politicians who entered their respective Democratic primary elections in the 2018 race for Congress. Directed by Rachel Lears, the emotional documentary goes behind the scenes with these candidates and their grassroots campaigns as they challenge powerful, big-money incumbents for a spot at the table and a voice in government. 

Knock Down The House

1h 27m   PG   2019

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Lainey Wilson: Keepin' Country Cool

Country music superstar Lainey Wilson has been fighting her way to the top for 14 years. This documentary follows the “Watermelon Moonshine” singer as she redefines what it means to be a modern country star, proving that staying true to yourself can lead to major success. The film captures her personal journey — from her humble childhood in Baskin, Louisiana, to her Grammy win and sold-out arena tour — and chronicles her struggles and triumphs as she captivates fans onstage.

Lainey Wilson: Keepin' Country Cool

1h 23m   TV-14   2026

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Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop

Hip-hop has long been a male-dominated industry, and this four-part docuseries sits down with the rappers, writers, and artists who have nevertheless paved the way for women in the genre. Among the game changers interviewed for the project are Queen Latifah, Da Brat, Sha-Rock, Roxanne Shanté, MC Lyte, Latto, and Saweetie — many of whom recount stories of creating hit music amid contract disputes, acts of violence, and more seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop

Limited Series   TV-MA   2023

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Martha

Martha Stewart is singular. Who else has gone from teenage model to Wall Street stockbroker to America’s first self-made woman billionaire to prisoner to Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover girl to best friend of Snoop Dogg? Directed by R.J. Cutler, this documentary presents the recipe for how Stewart made herself into the original influencer and set the bar for all things related to entertaining and good taste. (True to form, the homemaking and hospitality mogul released her 100th book to coincide with the 2024 release of this documentary.)

Martha

1h 56m   R   2024

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The Martha Mitchell Effect

Martha Mitchell was the “first lady” of Richard Nixon’s cabinet and wife of former United States Attorney General John N. Mitchell. This Oscar-nominated documentary short details how Martha, an outspoken socialite, was caught up and targeted in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, which Nixon blamed on her during his interviews with journalist David Frost. With original interviews and archival footage, the film also tracks how the administration moved to silence Martha and the movement that sprung up around her efforts.

The Martha Mitchell Effect

0h 40m   PG   2022

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The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Winner of Best Documentary Short Film at the 2025 Academy Awards, this short documentary puts on view the talent and remarkable career of Orin O’Brien, who joined the then all-male New York Philharmonic in 1966. At the time, there wasn’t even a dressing room for her to change in before performances. Now 87, the double bassist reflects on the institutional sexism she had to endure when Leonard Bernstein invited her to join the ensemble, as well as a lifetime of lessons in playing and teaching music.

The Only Girl in the Orchestra

0h 35m   G   2024

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Pamela, a love story

It’s not easy to reclaim your own name, especially as a ’90s sex symbol whom the public has long underestimated. But in this documentary, Pamela Anderson finally gets to tell her own story. It chronicles her childhood in Canada and her rise as a model for Playboy and an actor on Baywatch. The film covers her relationship with Tommy Lee, which led to the infamous sex tape theft. Anderson reveals her thoughts on fame, sexual objectification, romance, motherhood, and more — this time, on her terms.

Pamela, a love story

1h 54m   TV-MA   2023

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Reversing Roe

Nominated for a News and Documentary Emmy Award, this film discusses the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which established a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion. Directors Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg outline how abortion became such a politicized topic throughout the years, and speak with both the conservative voices working to overturn the case and the supporters actively trying to protect the historic decision.

Reversing Roe

1h 39m   TV-14   2018

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Seeing Allred

Throughout her career, Gloria Allred has battled some of the biggest names in politics and business. This documentary offers a biographical portrait of the feminist firebrand attorney, recounting her personal trauma and assessing both her wins and setbacks in high-profile cases against Bill Cosby and Donald Trump. It features rare archival footage and candid interviews with both her supporters and critics, including Gloria Steinem, Don Lemon, and Allred’s daughter, Lisa Bloom.

Seeing Allred

1h 35m   TV-14   2018

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Simone Biles Rising

This four-part docuseries follows the most decorated gymnast in history, from her withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns to her triumphant return at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The project focuses not just on Biles’s physical training, but also on her mental strength — a topic not often discussed among athletes. Biles speaks candidly about dealing with intense pressure, the high risk of injury, and the ticking clock of aging in gymnastics — a sport that greatly values youth.

Simone Biles Rising

4 Episodes   TV-14   2024

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Victoria Beckham

In this three-part docuseries, the titular figure reflects on her dynamic life — as a Spice Girl, fashion designer, wife of David Beckham, and mother of four — while she prepares to unveil her newest collection at Paris Fashion Week. It’s an emotional endeavor, especially as she puts the finishing touches on her runway show after revisiting her awkward childhood, the end of her music career, and the challenges of starting a business. The project includes commentary from Anna Wintour, Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, and, of course, her husband.

Victoria Beckham

Limited Series   TV-MA   2025

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What Happened, Miss Simone?

The legendary Nina Simone cannot be limited to a single descriptor. She is the standout singer of gospel, jazz, folk, and blues, to name a few genres. She trained as a classical pianist and often accompanied herself expressively during performances. And she became a key activist in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. This documentary uses never-before-heard recordings, rare archival footage, and audio of her best-known songs to zoom in on the High Priestess of Soul.

What Happened, Miss Simone?

1h 42m   TV-14   2015

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