The Best Documentaries on Disney Plus, from Taylor Swift to Saving a Trapped Soccer Team and More

Non-fiction films often get a bad rap for being 'boring.' But “fact films” are essential to learning about new topics and recalling information about old events we haven't thought about in a while — and sometimes they turn out to be just as entertaining as fiction. For example, these seven documentaries featuring topics like shivering searches and singable songs on Disney Plus will take you back in time and all around the world; they are truly the best of the best. Keep scrolling for more.

7. ‘Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions’

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Taylor Swift takes fans behind the scenes of her first album of 2020 — entitled folklore —in this documentary, which also stars music producers Aaron Dresser and Jack Antonoff. Set in the woods, Swift, Dresser and Antonoff discuss how they came up with the ideas for each individual song. They also perform each song and one thing is for sure, they’ll have you singing and dancing on your couch — guaranteed.

Swift agrees, writing, “ You haven’t seen this film before .” in reference to her hit song “Exile,” which she perorms in the film.

You can watch the Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions here .

Entertainment

Clara Bow — The Tragic and Triumphant Life of Hollywood’s First ‘It’ Girl

Clara Bow took the silver screen by storm in the 1920s — here's how she got there and how she's connected to Taylor Swift.

6. ‘Expedition Amelia’: Documentaries on Disney+

The mystery of pilot Amelia Earhart has fascinated people worldwide since her unexplained disappearance in 1937. In this 2019 documentary, explorer Robert Ballard embarks on an expedition to find the late pilot. Taking a deep dive into who Earhart was and why she fell in love with aviation in the first place,  it even has the official radio transmission sent from the plane right before it disappeared. Filled with thrilling finds and fascinating pieces of history, this documentary is a must-see.

You can watch Expedition Amelia here .

5. ‘Secrets of the Whales’

Move over sharks, because it's the whales’ time to shine! In this four-part mini-series, Disney takes viewers to 24 locales all across the globe and gives them a close-up look at how whales really live. It’s narrated by Sigourney Weaver and was nominated for multiple Emmys, so grab your fins and get to watching this incredible documentary.

You can watch Secret of the Whales here .

4. ‘Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy’

A long time ago (20 years), in a galaxy far, far away (California), a groundbreaking documentary exploring what really happened on the Star Wars Set was released. And believe us when we tell you, it's almost as dramatic as the original trilogy itself. From how hard the production journey was on George Lucas to the changes made to the scripts, this film leaves nothing out. But don’t let Darth Vader see it; he might use the top-secret information within to take over the galaxy.

You can watch Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy here .

Entertainment

All 11 ‘Star Wars’ Movies Ranked, Plus Where to Watch Them

Read on to find out where your favorites placed on this list.

3. ‘Stan Lee’: Documentaries on Disney+

Superhero creator Stan Lee comes to life in this tell-all tale. Discover the truth behind his iconic comic book characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk and more as revealed by Lee’s personal archives, notes and old interviews. Stan Lee was released 2023, six years after its namesake’s death, allowing the documentary to explore Lee’s entire life and long-lasting legacy,

You can watch Stan Lee here .

2. ‘The Rescue’

Everyone remembers when the 12 soccer players and their coach from Thailand got stuck in flooded cave back in 2018. And in this 2021 documentary, viewers are taken behind the scenes of how harrowing life was during those days and how the rescue team finally got them out. The Rescue won an Emmy for its deeply intimate portrayal of the events and even had some of the actual participants recreate what really happened in the cave.

You can watch The Rescue here .

1. ‘Behind the Attraction’: Documentaries on Disney+

Travel to the happiest place on Earth — Disneyland or Disneyworld, the choice is yours — right from the comfort of your own home when you watch this documentary on Disney Plus. But instead of eating all the yummy food and riding all the thrilling rides, this 2021 TV series shows you how things like that came to be. It’s narrated by Criminal Minds star Paget Bewster and shows you what rides like the Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Epcot, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and even the castles look like from the inside. So grab your Mouse ears and go behind the Disney scenes.

You can watch Behind the Attraction here .

For more Disney content, keep scrolling!

The 7 Best Movies on Disney+ Right Now — Perfect for a Relaxing Night In!

The 14 Best Disney Films, Ranked — Sure to Have You Singing Along!

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ‘Aladdin’: We Talk to Both Aladdin and Princess Jasmine (Exclusive)