Discover 3 Must-See Netflix Documentaries to Dive Into This Weekend (September 4)
With a successful lineup of documentaries in August, Netflix has refreshed its collection of captivating real-life stories for September. Let’s dive into what’s new.
Among this weekend’s highlights are two premieres—one is a new episode from the popular Untold series, focusing on an Olympic figure who became a source of amusement, and the other follows an inspiring group of high school students standing against injustice. My top recommendation is currently Netflix’s leading show.
3 Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly
Australia’s b-girl meme-queen sets the record straight
The acclaimed Untold series has previously chronicled figures like Caitlyn Jenner, Brett Favre, and the chess world, but its latest 72-minute installment may delve into its most unconventional subject yet — Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, the Australian breakdancer who faced ridicule during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly utilizes its signature approach, allowing its subject to narrate her experiences in her own voice. Directed by Chapman and Maclain Way, the documentary shifts perceptions of the relatable Gunn, as she recounts her journey from a talented dancer to meeting her husband, Samuel Free, aka Sammy Sex, who opened doors to the world of breaking.
The film follows her emotional journey through a challenging performance in Paris and explores its aftermath while also showcasing her path towards redemption with help from Sir Richard Branson.
2 Teenage Wasteland
High school students investigate toxic waste issues
This compelling documentary, brought to life by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, boasts a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, combining elements of underdog tales, scandals, and a dedicated group to cheer for. Teenage Wasteland launches on Netflix today, taking us back to 1991 to reveal how Fred Isseks, a teacher at New York’s Middletown High, motivated his “Electronic English” students to uncover a scandal involving corruption and toxic waste dumping in their area.
Equipped with camcorders, Isseks’ students stumbled upon toxic sludge leaking from a nearby landfill, contaminating their water supply. Their investigation culminated in a documentary titled *Garbage, Gangsters and Greed*, which took six years to complete and unveiled a conspiracy involving corrupt politicians and organized crime.
The 110-minute film incorporates over 400 hours of archival VHS footage alongside contemporary interviews with former students who recount their experiences, including wiretapping and threats they faced, along with insights from Isseks himself.
1 Death of the Pastor’s Wife
An in-depth look at the tragic Mica Miller case
Currently the top TV show on Netflix, I highly recommend this gripping three-part true-crime docuseries for your weekend watch list. Death of the Pastor’s Wife is not for the faint-hearted, as it unveils the harrowing Mica Miller case, shedding light on issues of domestic abuse, coercive control, and systemic failures.
Structured into three approximately 45-minute episodes—”A Note From Your Pastor,” “Helpmate,” and “What Happened to Mica”—the series follows 30-year-old worship leader Mica in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who married pastor John-Paul “JP” Miller at 23 after meeting him years earlier. In April 2024, Mica’s body was discovered in a North Carolina state park, shortly after she filed for divorce, with her death ruled a suicide. As the narrative unfolds, it’s revealed that Mica endured years of harassment and manipulative control that her family, friends, and attorney highlight, areas not recognized by state laws, preventing her from securing a restraining order. Miller denies any wrongdoing and has not faced charges related to her death.
Created by the team behind the hit docuseries American Murder: Gabby Petito, this series employs archival footage, Mica’s journals and videos, police recordings, and interviews with her loved ones to dissect her case and the failures of the system that let her down. With a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, this docuseries is a gripping watch.
Start September weekends off strong
As we embark on a new month, a fresh selection of real-life narratives awaits. If you’re eager for more documentaries, I’ve compiled the best of August from Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Hulu. For those who enjoy exploring on their own, consider exploring Netflix’s hidden codes.
