The Roshans to RBI Unlocked and American Manhunt: Top 10 documentaries of 2025 streaming on OTT

As the year 2025 comes to an end, we are here to keep you updated with the top ten documentaries that garnered much viewership online. From the epic family saga of The Roshans to the intense true-crime thrills of American Manhunt, take a final look at the most incredible documentaries that were released throughout 2025 on various streaming platforms of Netflix, Discovery Plus and JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium).  Explore these immersive documentaries that will help you broaden your horizons.

Top 10 documentaries released in 2025

RBI Unlocked: Beyond The Rupee

Where to watch: JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium)

This five-part documentary offers an unfiltered look at the inner workings of the Reserve Bank of India, covering key aspects like the RBI's Gold Vault Access, which was offered for public viewing for the first time in 90 years. The documentary also features some exclusive footage of how currency is printed, while also explaining how RBI maintains financial stability, and India's leadership in digital payments and more innovations.

The Roshans

Where to watch: Netflix

This four-part documentary explores the eight-decade-long legacy of the Bollywood family. The biographical series traces the artistic lineage of the Roshan family across three generations, detailing their contributions to Indian cinema through music, filmmaking, acting and production. The documentary highlights the journeys of Roshan Lal Nagrath (the patriarch), Rajesh and Rakesh Roshan (the sons) and Hrithik Roshan (the grandson) in the entertainment industry.

American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden

Where to watch: Netflix

This three-part documentary offers an in-depth look at the decade-long pursuit of the US government for Osama Bin Laden, who was the mastermind of the heinous 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre twin towers. The series delves into the US intelligence and its secret operations that ultimately led to Osama Bin Laden's death. The documentary highlights interviews of former CIA Director Leon Panetta and former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes

Pee-wee as Himself

Where to watch: JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium)

The two-part documentary provides detailed information about the late actor-comedian, Paul Reubens, and his iconic alter ego Pee-wee Harman. The series explores Paul's private life and traces his artistic journey while highlighting the references he used in Pee-wee's Big Adventure, where his character's popularity overshadowed the creator. The documentary also features the 40-hour interviews with Reubens that were conducted before his death.

Nithari: Truth, Lies and Murder

Where to watch: Discovery Plus (OTTplay Premium)

This documentary dives into the horrific 2006 Noida serial murders, featuring archival footage, expect insights, and an interview with one of the accused, Moninder Singh Pandher, to provide new perspectives and revisit the unanswered questions. The series delves into the murders of women and children in the urban village of Nithari that became one of India's darkest true-crime sagas. It explores the system's failures and how the gruesome evidence resurfaced.

Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu

Where to watch: Discovery Plus (OTTplay Premium)

Another true-crime documentary that explores the rise and alleged crimes of the spiritual leader, Asaram Bapu. The series highlights interviews of his former followers, the victims' families, and legal professionals to bring his crimes to light. The documentary showcases the 2008 case of two young boys whose bodies were found near Asaram Bapu's ashram in Ahmedabad, which sparked the initial protests and investigations. The series also features minor girls who filed rape cases against him.

aka Charlie Sheen

Where to watch: Netflix

This two-part documentary explores the life, career, the iconic downfall, the recovery and the comeback of Charlie Sheen who was quite famous in the 1980s. The series also adds perspectives from his former wives: Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller, actors Jon Cryer and Sean Penn, who share untold stories of Sheen's chaotic past. The series also delves into the actor's severe substance abuse (alcohol, cocaine, crack) that fuelled legal issues and public downfall.

American Manhunt: O J Simpson

Where to watch: Netflix

This four-part documentary explores the infamous murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in 1994. The docu-series uses interviews with key figures like prosecutor Christopher Darden, detective Mark Fuhrman, and Ron Goldman's sister Kim Goldman to offer a fresh perspective. OJ Simpson was accused of murdering his former wife Nicole and her friend Ronald. However, Simpson was found innocent by the court and the murders remain officially unsolved.

Sean Combs: The Reckoning

Where to watch: Netflix

This documentary series explores the sexual misconduct allegations, legal troubles, and the career downfall of the music mogul, Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The four-part series highlights interviews of the accusers and his former associates, some never-before-seen footage of Sean Combs the day before his arrest. The documentary follows the musician's origin at Uptown Records and the founding of Bad Boy Entertainment, his rise to fame, and more.

F1: The Academy

Where to watch: Netflix

This documentary follows the all-female drivers during the 2024 session of the F1 Academy racing series. The series spotlights the rising generation of female drivers, including Abbi Pulling, Doriane Pin, Chloe Chambers and Lia Block, showing their dedication and the sacrifices they made in pursuit of their dreams. The documentary charts the 2024 F1 Academy race-by-race from Miami to Abu Dhabi, offering a look into the intense competition and the human spirit behind the helmets.