Discovering a hidden world: Inspiring documentaries to lose yourself in

Julian
Blog > What to watch
5 Jul • 5 min read

In a world saturated with fictional stories, sometimes the most captivating tales are the ones grounded in reality. Enter the world of documentaries, where gripping narratives, thought-provoking subjects, and raw human emotions take centre stage.

Today, we dive into the realm of non-fiction filmmaking to explore some of the best documentaries that have left a lasting impact on viewers. Available On Demand, you have access to a wide range of enlightening and uplifting documentaries that can expand your horizons and leave you with a renewed sense of wonder of the world. Whether you're a seasoned documentary enthusiast or new to the genre, prepare to be inspired, educated, and emotionally moved by these remarkable films and series.

Blue Planet II

Dive into the enchanting depths of the world's oceans with Blue Planet II. This groundbreaking documentary series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough and available on BBC iPlayer, takes you on an awe-inspiring journey through marine ecosystems, revealing the breathtaking beauty and incredible diversity of underwater life. You can witness stunning cinematography that captures rare and extraordinary moments, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for our planet's precious marine environments.

The World at War

Immerse yourself in one of the most comprehensive documentaries ever made about World War II, The World at War. Through captivating interviews, rare footage, and expert analysis, this series provides an in-depth exploration of the defining conflict of the 20th century. This documentary series on UKTV Play provides a deeper understanding of the political, social, and human aspects of the war, shedding light on the experiences of those who lived through this tumultuous period.

Planet Earth

Sir David Attenborough does it again, with another awe-inspiring documentary series, Planet Earth. Embark on an extraordinary journey across the globe to discover many of the Earth's diverse habitats, from vast deserts to lush rainforests. Witness the wonders of the natural world up close, from breathtaking animal behaviours to mesmerising landscapes that will leave you in awe of our planet's beauty.

Civilisations

Delve into the history of human creativity and artistic expression with Civilisations. This captivating series, presented by renowned historians and experts, explores the rich cultural heritage of civilisations around the world. Uncover the stories behind iconic artworks, architectural wonders, and historical artefacts, gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures that have shaped our global civilisation.

Africa

Embark on a mesmerising journey across the second largest continent with this BBC documentary series, Africa. Through stunning cinematography and insightful narration, this series showcases the extraordinary landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultures that make Africa a truly remarkable place. Spectate the remarkable survival strategies of African wildlife and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face in their natural habitats.

From exploring historical events to discovering the wonders of the natural world and uncovering remarkable human stories, these documentaries are right at your fingertips. So, grab your Manhattan TV remote, tune in, and immerse yourself in a whole new world.

With so much to catch up on you can make use of the Watchlist feature of our Freeview Play boxes. It’ll help you keep all your on demand content available at the touch of a button whenever you have time to watch some great TV.

And, if we’ve missed out one of your favourites, let us know on Facebook or Twitter.