The Best Documentaries for People Over 50, According to AARP

The Best Documentaries for People Over 50, According to AARP originally appeared on Parade.

Hollywood blockbusters aren’t what they used to be, especially for older audiences.

As studios cut budgets and chase younger demographics, viewers over 50 are often left out of the picture. Documentaries, however, are one genre where truly being reflected.

According to a recent AARP survey of more than 1,000 adults age 50 and older, 73% said they’re more likely to watch movies and shows that feature characters like them and storylines that reflect their own lives. Yet only 7% feel they’re accurately portrayed on screen.

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The good news is that in today’s documentary boom, many standout films are stepping up to offer that representation. Whether they spotlight caregivers, music legends, space pioneers, or untold family stories, these documentaries are resonating with viewers who finally see themselves in the frame.

Here are 10 of the best documentaries for grownups—some available now, others coming soon, according to AARP's Movies for Grownups.

1. My Mom Jayne (Max)Mariska Hargitay makes her directorial debut with this personal documentary about her mother, Jayne Mansfield. Hargitay, who was just three when Mansfield died in a tragic car accident, investigates her mother's life and legacy—including the revelation that her father, Mickey Hargitay, was not her biological dad. The film also follows her discovery of her mother's long-lost 1956 Golden Globe.

2. Caregiving (PBS.org)Inspired by his own experience caring for his late father, Bradley Cooper produced this emotional look at family caregivers. Narrated by Emmy winner Uzo Aduba, who also served as caregiver for her mother, the documentary shines a spotlight on the millions providing care across America.

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3. Titan: The OceanGate Disaster (Netflix)This gripping documentary dissects the events leading up to the 2023 implosion of the Titan submersible. It examines the warnings ignored by OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush—who perished in the accident alongside his passengers—and the consequences of unchecked hubris.

4. Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore (In Theaters)Described by The Hollywood Reporter as “an engaging, exuberant portrait,” this film follows Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin as she enters her 60s. A powerful voice for the deaf community, Matlin reflects on her life, activism, and career—from Children of a Lesser God to CODA.

5. Pee-wee As Himself (Max and other platforms)With a rare 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, this documentary by Matt Wolf explores the private life of Paul Reubens, the artist behind Pee-wee Herman. It chronicles Reubens' efforts to reclaim the narrative of his legacy and creative control of the film itself.

6. America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders – Season 2(Netflix)More than glitz and gameday glamour, this docuseries returns with a deep dive into the athleticism, discipline, and behind-the-scenes drama of America’s most iconic cheer squad.

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7. Sally (Hulu)National Geographic’s profile of astronaut Sally Ride lands just as space tourism enters the public imagination. It honors her groundbreaking achievement as the first American woman—and youngest person at the time—to travel into space.

8. Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything (Hulu)A sweeping tribute to the legendary journalist, this documentary features interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Connie Chung, Joy Behar, and others. It celebrates Walters' peerless career, from exclusive world leader interviews to her influence on generations of broadcasters.

9. Billy Joel: And So It Goes (HBO and Max, Summer 2025)Produced by Tom Hanks, this film opened the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival to critical acclaim. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman called out its “emotional gravity” as it tracks Joel’s creative journey, personal challenges, and enduring legacy.

10. The American Revolution (PBS, Nov. 16)From the team behind The Civil War, Ken Burns’ upcoming 12-hour epic promises a panoramic take on the foundational conflict that shaped the U.S., framing it as civil war, revolution, and global conflict all in one.

The Best Documentaries for People Over 50, According to AARP first appeared on Parade on Jul 8, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.