4 new documentaries to watch on Netflix in November

Published Nov 4, 2026, 12:46 PM EST T.M. Amrita is a writer and tech enthusiast with experience as a news reporter covering technology, artificial intelligence, and gadgets. A journalist at heart, she found a soft spot for technology reporting during her tenure as a reporter at The Hindu Businessline, where she covered topics like the economy, data, and personal finance. She has published more than 250 news stories, tech guides, and opinion articles. Outside of technology, she is a passionate poet and brings her interest in learning new things to her work as a writer. Amrita is also a student of design and interface development, and likes to take on passion projects in her free time. Sign in to your How-To Geek account Netflix has a diverse lineup of documentaries coming this month, covering everything from Hollywood careers and iconic photography to a high-profile criminal case. And as the year comes to an end, you don't want to miss out on these interesting stories. Whether you follow celebrity stories, enjoy learning about artists, or like documentaries that revisit major investigations, these four releases on Netflix U.S. promise to bring variety to your My List. Here's all you need to know. Rob Lowe: The Outsider A look at his career, inside and out You might have caught Rob Lowe in The Outsiders, The West Wing, or Parks and Recreation (and beyond); his career has spanned several decades and diverse roles, making him an interesting subject for this documentary. Rob Lowe: The Outsider shows us a glimpse into the actor’s public and private life. It brings together new interviews with Lowe and his inner circle, tracing his early success, setbacks, and attempts to rebuild his career. It revisits the years between the performances audiences remember, exploring the personal decisions and difficult periods that shaped his life. From his young Hollywood fame and the roles that came later in his life, the documentary takes a comprehensive look at Lowe's work and beyond. At about 90 minutes, it’s also a nice choice for days when you want to finish watching something in one sitting. Rob Lowe: The Outsider premieres on November 24, 2026. Taken: Natalee Holloway A case lost in time Natalee Holloway’s disappearance has been covered extensively over the years, so you may have already heard of the case. Taken: Natalee Holloway, Netflix's new three-part true-crime docuseries, revisits it through the perspective of her mother, Beth Holloway, who recounts the search for her daughter and the developments that unfolded. In May 2005, 18-year-old Natalee disappeared during a graduation trip to Aruba with classmates from Alabama. Her disappearance prompted a large search and international media coverage, while her family continued trying to establish what happened. The series follows that effort through to the closure in 2023, examining the decades Beth spent pursuing answers​​​​​​​. Taken: Natalee Holloway includes previously unseen footage and access to investigators, as well as accounts from people close to Natalee. The three-part format allows for ample time to follow the investigation across its stages. Taken: Natalee Holloway premieres on November 4, 2026. Taken: Natalee Holloway Release Date 2026 - 2026-00-00 Network Netflix Directors Matthew Galkin, Dani Sloane Main Genre Documentary Producers Kate Gill Seasons 1 Executive Producer(s) Jon Bardin, Dan Cogan, Tommy Coriale, Liz Garbus, Dani Sloane Avedon A picture is worth a thousand words Ron Howard’s latest documentary, Avedon, is one title I have been anticipating since I saw Netflix's roster for November. It should be an incredible watch if you enjoy photography or films about how artists work. Richard Avedon photographed an enormous range of people during his career, from actors and political figures to workers whose lives were far removed from the fashion industry. Avedon delves into his career through the photographer’s personal archive, unseen images, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with collaborators. It follows his work in fashion and portraiture, looking at how his photographs helped shape the way people saw style, beauty, and public figures during the twentieth century. The documentary promises to give you a glimpse into the artistic decisions and thought behind some of his spectacular work, with the archive and interviews helping explain the choices involved. You also don’t need to go into this documentary with detailed (or any) knowledge of Avedon’s career, so even if you don't know much about Avedon or his work, this can be a nice starting point. Avedon premieres on November 11, 2026. Avedon Release Date November 6, 2026 Runtime 104 minutes Director Ron Howard Cast Richard Avedon, James Martinez, John Avedon, Adam Gopnik, Yolanda Cuomo, Joel Meyerowitz, Samira Nasr, Tina Brown, Larry Gagosian, Greg Wakabayashi, Penelope Tree, Twyla Tharp, Jane Livingston, Sebastian Kim, John Lahr, Hilton Als, Tyler Mitchell, Ginny Heyman Waldman, Calvin Klein, Laura Wilson Producers Brian Grazer, Christopher St. John, Dallas Brennan, Justin Wilkes, Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein Main Genre Documentary Executive Producer(s) Chris Rice, Graham Taylor, James Martinez, Laura Avedon, Mary Lisio, Meredith Kaulfers The Trials of Karen Read The truth behind a shocking story Credit: Netflix The Karen Read case drew national attention throughout its court proceedings, with news reports and social media filled with conflicting accounts of what happened. The Trials of Karen Read, a three-part docuseries directed by Danielle Johnson and Rob Miller, revisits the investigation and the courtroom proceedings. Boston police officer John O’Keefe was found unresponsive in the snow outside a house in Canton, Massachusetts, in January 2022. He was later pronounced dead. Prosecutors accused his girlfriend, Karen Read, of hitting him with her SUV and leaving him outside. Her defense team disputed this version of events, arguing that she had been framed as part of a cover-up. The first trial ended in a mistrial in 2024, and a second trial followed in June 2025. The series dissects both trials, looking at the evidence, the arguments made in court, and how the case was perceived by the public. If you've followed the story and want to revisit what happened in the courtroom, add this to your documentary watch list. The Trials of Karen Read premieres on November 23, 2026. Netflix's November slate If your watch list is running dry, Netflix has a lot in store this month: from workplace comedy shows and returning dramas to exclusive new movies and licensed classics if you're in the mood for a throwback. Make sure you keep an eye on new releases by checking your New and Popular tab. Subscription with ads Yes, $8/month Simultaneous streams Two or four Stream licensed and original programming with a monthly Netflix subscription. Live TV No Price Starting at $8/month