Disney fans are eagerly awaiting news on the future of the Moana franchise, especially following the massive success of Moana 2. While a third animated installment has yet to be officially confirmed, signs point toward a strong possibility. Here’s a comprehensive look at where things stand with Moana 3, the upcoming live-action adaptation, and what might come next.
Is Moana 3 Coming?
Disney has not officially announced Moana 3, but the groundwork for a continuation is clearly being laid. Moana 2—released in 2024—ended with a mid-credits scene that strongly hints at unresolved storylines and potential new adventures.
What’s more, co-director Dana Ledoux Miller has openly stated there’s more story to tell. She specifically highlighted the mysterious new character Matangi, who plays a pivotal role in Moana 2, as a figure with deeper mythology worth exploring. That kind of storytelling groundwork is exactly the kind of breadcrumb Disney often leaves before a formal sequel reveal.
And then there’s the money: Moana 2 pulled in over $1 billion worldwide, and its performance on Disney+ shattered viewership records, outperforming previous animated releases. Disney is unlikely to leave that kind of success without a follow-up.
What About the Live-Action Moana?
While the world waits for a third animated entry, Disney is moving full steam ahead with its live-action remake of the original Moana. Scheduled for July 10, 2026, this version is being directed by Thomas Kail (known for Hamilton and Fosse/Verdon), with rising star Catherine Laga‘aia cast as Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprising his iconic role as Maui.
This project is part of Disney’s broader strategy to bring its animated classics to a new generation in live-action form. What sets Moana apart, though, is its emphasis on authentic Polynesian representation, something Johnson has taken a personal stake in. He’s publicly praised the production for its cultural respect and is heavily involved in making sure the film stays true to its roots.
So… What’s the Future of Moana 3?
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Animated sequel announcement | ❌ Not officially confirmed |
| Creative hints & story momentum | ✅ Mid-credit tease + co-director interest |
| Financial performance | ✅ Billion-dollar box office + Disney+ success |
| Competing projects | 🕰️ Live-action remake likely takes priority in the short term |
| Possible release window | 🗓️ 2027 or later if greenlit in 2025-2026 |
While the live-action remake is currently the only Moana-related project on Disney’s calendar, it doesn’t necessarily rule out an animated sequel. In fact, historically, Disney has released live-action and animated projects from the same franchise side-by-side (The Lion King, Frozen, and Beauty and the Beast all have multimedia expansions in the works). If Disney gives the greenlight, Moana 3 could be fast-tracked with returning voice actors and animators already familiar with the world.
✅ The Bottom Line
Moana 3 is not officially in production—but it feels inevitable. With major financial momentum, clear narrative threads left open, and creative enthusiasm from its directors, the ingredients are all there.
For now, fans can look forward to the live-action Moana arriving in July 2026. If Disney announces an animated sequel, it’s likely to happen sometime in late 2025 or early 2026. Until then, both the ocean and Disney fans are waiting.
Best Streaming Services for Documentaries
Documentaries let us learn about real people, places, and events. They teach us new things and show us parts of the world we might never see. Finding the best documentary streaming services can help you watch high-quality films that match your interests without wasting time searching across multiple platforms.
Streaming services now offer huge libraries of documentaries on many topics. Some focus only on factual content while others include documentaries as part of a wider selection. These services often update their offerings with new and exclusive titles that you can’t find elsewhere.
1) Netflix
Netflix stands out as a top choice for documentary lovers. It offers a wide range of critically acclaimed documentaries that cover many topics.
The platform features documentaries about nature, sports, crime, and music. These films and series tell real stories that grab your attention from start to finish.
Some of Netflix’s best offerings include “American Murder: Gabby Petito” and “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.” These shows have won praise from viewers and critics alike.
The streaming service organizes its documentaries into easy-to-browse categories. This makes finding your next favorite documentary simple and quick.
Netflix regularly adds new documentary content to keep its library fresh. They invest in both original productions and acquired titles.
For those seeking thought-provoking content, Netflix has award-winning documentaries that challenge viewers and present complex issues in accessible ways.
Users on Reddit often request recommendations for engaging documentaries on Netflix, showing the platform’s popularity for this genre.
Netflix has earned recognition as an Editors’ Choice winner from PCMag for its documentary offerings. This puts it among the top services for documentary streaming.
The quality and variety of Netflix’s documentary collection makes it a must-have service for fans of true stories. Their commitment to the genre continues to grow each year.
2) Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers an impressive collection of documentaries across many topics. If you have a Prime membership, you can watch many of these films at no extra cost.
The platform hosts popular documentaries like “Blackfish,” which examines killer whales in captivity, and “The Aristocrats,” a film about a famous joke told by comedians throughout history. Both titles appear on Entertainment Weekly’s list of best documentaries on the service.
Prime Video’s documentary section includes options for the whole family. Parents can find age-appropriate documentaries for children by checking reviews on Common Sense Media.
Recent additions to the service include “Blue Angels” (2024), which follows the famous Navy flight demonstration squadron. This title shows Prime’s commitment to fresh documentary content.
Beyond just watching what’s included with Prime, users can also rent or buy additional documentaries. Options include “Gandhi,” “Cocaine Cowboys,” and music documentaries like “Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same,” as listed on the Amazon Prime Video documentary page.
The service ranks well among documentary streaming platforms. PCMag includes Prime Video in its list of best documentary streaming services, noting its value when bundled with other Amazon Prime benefits.
Users can easily browse documentaries by topic or popularity. The Rotten Tomatoes Prime Video page helps viewers find top-rated documentary films on the platform.
3) Curiosity Stream
Curiosity Stream stands out as a dedicated platform for documentary lovers. For an affordable monthly price, viewers get access to thousands of documentaries that “enlighten, entertain & inspire” across various topics.
This service beats its competitors in cost with its base HD monthly plan. Unlike general streaming services that offer a mix of content, Curiosity Stream focuses solely on documentaries, making it perfect for viewers who enjoy learning.
The platform hosts highly-rated series like “The Secrets of Quantum Physics” and “Next World.” Nature enthusiasts will enjoy David Attenborough’s “Light On Earth” and “Wild Weather” documentaries on the service.
Curiosity Stream also features “The History of Home,” narrated by Nick Offerman, among its popular offerings. This content variety ensures viewers can find documentaries matching their interests.
The service has earned recognition as one of the best documentary streaming services according to PCMag. Its specialized focus sets it apart from general platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
For true crime fans, Curiosity Stream offers a collection of true crime documentaries that explore fascinating cases. These shows complement its broader educational content.
The company asks visitors to its website, “What are you curious about?” – highlighting its mission to satisfy viewers’ thirst for knowledge. With its vast library of content, most viewers will find topics that interest them.
4) Hulu
Hulu stands out as a strong choice for documentary fans. The platform offers many popular documentary shows and movies, including new releases and classics.
True crime fans will find plenty to watch. Hulu hosts 42 top true-crime documentaries including titles about the Menendez Brothers and “Scamanda.”
The selection goes beyond just crime stories. Viewers can explore documentaries covering various niche topics, from cultural commentary to animated features.
Quality matters as much as quantity. Hulu highlights Certified Fresh documentaries with high ratings from both critics and audiences.
The platform makes it easy to find good content. Documentaries are sorted by popularity, helping viewers quickly discover what others are watching.
Subscribers can start with a free trial to test the service. This lets people check out Hulu’s documentary collection without commitment.
The documentary library constantly updates with new content. This keeps the selection fresh for regular viewers who want to discover new stories.
Users on Reddit often recommend Hulu’s documentary options, mentioning both original productions and acquired titles. Many highlight FX documentaries available through the service.
5) Disney+
Disney+ offers a growing collection of excellent documentaries. The streaming service features content from Disney, National Geographic, and other studios under the Disney umbrella.
Free Solo stands out as one of the most acclaimed documentaries on the platform. This Oscar-winning film follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to climb El Capitan without ropes.
Nature lovers will find plenty to watch on Disney+. The platform hosts many National Geographic documentaries that explore wildlife, conservation, and natural wonders around the world.
For music fans, Disney+ offers “The Beatles: Get Back,” a documentary series directed by Peter Jackson. The series uses restored footage to show the band’s creative process.
Disney+ also features behind-the-scenes documentaries about popular movies and shows. These give viewers insight into how their favorite entertainment is made.
Some hidden gems worth watching include “Fire of Love,” which tells the story of two volcanologists and their passion for studying active volcanoes.
The documentary selection on Disney+ tends to be family-friendly. Parents can feel comfortable letting children watch most of the documentary content available.
For those interested in Disney history, the platform offers several documentaries about Walt Disney, the parks, and how famous animated films were created.
The clean interface makes finding documentaries easy. Users can browse the documentary section or search by topic to find films that match their interests.
At a relatively low price point compared to some competitors, Disney+ provides good value for documentary fans, especially those interested in nature, music, and Disney history.
6) HBO Max
HBO Max has built a strong reputation for quality documentaries. The streaming service offers an impressive collection of true-crime, history, and cultural documentaries that appeal to many viewers.
HBO has long been a leader in nonfiction storytelling. Their catalog includes acclaimed series like Paradise Lost and The Jinx, which have set standards in the documentary world.
The platform hosts recent hits like Albert Brooks: Defending My Life and All the Beauty and the Bloodshed. These films showcase HBO Max’s commitment to bringing compelling stories to their subscribers.
For true crime fans, documentaries about Gypsy Rose and Gabby Petito have been popular choices. These real-life stories offer deep looks into famous cases that have captured public attention.
Sports enthusiasts can find plenty to watch as well. HBO Max covers a wide range of subjects, making it a well-rounded service for documentary lovers.
The streaming service regularly adds new content. Their documentary section gets frequent updates with both original productions and acquired films.
HBO Max excels in producing high-quality original documentaries. Their in-house productions often receive critical acclaim and attract viewers looking for thoughtful content.
The documentary collection includes classics like Paris is Burning alongside newer releases such as Call Me Country: Beyonce & Nashville’s Renaissance. This mix of old and new gives viewers plenty of options.
For anyone interested in learning while being entertained, HBO Max stands out as a top choice. Their documentaries often tackle complex subjects in accessible ways.
7) Kanopy
Kanopy stands out as a streaming service for quality documentaries that’s both free and accessible through many public libraries. You only need a library card to enjoy its vast collection.
Unlike other platforms, Kanopy focuses on educational content and independent films. Their documentary section is packed with award-winning titles that you might not find elsewhere.
The platform hosts many must-watch documentaries including “Enron: The Smartest Guys In the Room” and “Joy Division.” These films offer deep insights into various topics from business scandals to music history.
Users enjoyed several top documentaries in 2023, such as “The YouTube Effect” and “Desperate Souls, Dark City”. These popular picks show the platform’s range of current, relevant content.
College students can also access Kanopy through their university accounts. Stanford’s Kanopy page shows how students can watch films assigned by their professors, making it a helpful study tool.
Film buffs praise Kanopy for its impressive selection. On Reddit, users have noted that the service has an amazing collection of movies, including many hard-to-find titles.
The viewing limits vary by library, with most allowing 5-10 films per month. This might seem restrictive, but it encourages viewers to be selective and thoughtful about their choices.
Kanopy works on most devices and has a clean, easy-to-use interface. The categorization makes finding new documentaries simple, whether you’re interested in history, nature, or social issues.
8) PBS Documentaries
PBS Documentaries offers a rich collection of high-quality, educational content. This streaming option gives viewers access to some of the most thoughtful and well-researched documentaries available today.
You can find PBS documentaries through multiple platforms. They’re available through Amazon’s Prime Video with a special subscription option that requires Prime membership.
PBS has been creating top-notch documentaries long before streaming services became popular. While Netflix and other platforms get more attention, PBS has been fighting the good fight in the documentary space for decades.
The content covers a wide range of topics. From history and culture to nature and journalism, PBS documentaries tackle subjects with depth and care.
Upcoming releases show PBS’s ongoing commitment to documentary filmmaking. Their schedule includes titles like “Who is Michael Jang?” and “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s” premiering in May 2025.
PBS offers much of its content through its own website too. Viewers can explore documentaries and indie films directly from PBS, making it easy to find compelling content.
The quality of PBS documentaries is widely recognized. Their programs often come from respected series like FRONTLINE, works by Ken Burns, and Independent Lens.
For documentary lovers on a budget, PBS provides excellent value. Many of their programs are available for free or with minimal subscription costs compared to other services.
9) History Vault
History Vault is a streaming service focused on documentaries from the History Channel. It offers thousands of hours of content for history buffs and documentary fans.
The service is quite affordable compared to mainstream platforms. For history lovers, it provides excellent value with its specialized content library.
History Vault can be watched on multiple devices. You can stream on your computer through historyvault.com, or use apps on Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, as well as Android devices.
The platform stands out for its rich documentary library. It features a wide range of historical content, from military history to ancient civilizations and everything in between.
PCMag lists History Vault as one of the best documentary streaming services, alongside bigger names like Netflix and Hulu. This speaks to the quality of its specialized offerings.
One big advantage is the commercial-free viewing experience. History Vault offers a 7-day free trial with all plans, and users can cancel anytime.
For fans of the History Channel’s programming, this service is particularly valuable. PCMag’s review notes that History Vault is “an excellent investment for History Channel fans” due to its comprehensive collection and low price point.
The platform organizes content well, making it easy to find documentaries on specific historical topics. This makes research or casual learning more convenient.
10) MagellanTV
MagellanTV is a documentary streaming service that focuses on educational content. It offers thousands of documentaries covering various topics like history, science, nature, and space.
For documentary lovers, MagellanTV provides great value. The service costs less than many competitors while still delivering high-quality educational content that both teaches and entertains viewers.
One standout feature is the ability to stream in 4K without ads. This makes watching documentaries more enjoyable without interruptions that break your focus on the subject matter.
The platform includes popular series like Time Team, Civil War: The Untold Story, and various space documentaries. These top-rated shows keep viewers coming back to learn more.
MagellanTV works on many devices through its app. Users can watch on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers, making it easy to learn something new wherever they are.
According to PCMag reviews, the service is perfect for viewers seeking informative and educational documentaries. The collection spans many subjects, so there’s always something new to discover.
The app is available on Google Play and other platforms. It’s designed for people who are curious and want to keep learning through video content.
MagellanTV stands out among documentary streaming services for its focused approach. While other services mix documentaries with movies and shows, MagellanTV puts all its effort into quality documentary content.
Understanding Documentary Genres
Documentaries span a wide range of subjects and styles, each offering unique insights into our world. Different genres focus on specific areas of interest, with distinct filming approaches and storytelling techniques.
Historical Documentaries
Historical documentaries take viewers back in time through archival footage, expert interviews, and dramatic reenactments. These films examine key events, periods, and figures that shaped our world.
Some popular historical documentaries include Ken Burns’ “The Civil War” and “The Vietnam War,” which use personal accounts alongside historical records to create a complete picture. Netflix offers many high-quality historical series, while specialized platforms like History Vault focus entirely on this genre.
Historical documentaries often use a mix of narration and primary sources. They help viewers understand complex events through compelling storytelling and visual evidence, making them both educational and entertaining.
The best films in this category present multiple perspectives on events. They avoid simple narratives in favor of nuanced explorations that show how history shapes our present.
Nature and Environmental Documentaries
Nature documentaries capture the beauty and complexity of the natural world. These films often feature stunning cinematography of landscapes, wildlife behavior, and natural phenomena.
Popular series like “Planet Earth” and “Our Planet” use advanced filming techniques to show never-before-seen animal behaviors. Many viewers are drawn to these documentaries for their breathtaking visuals and educational content.
Curiosity Stream specializes in science and nature content, offering hundreds of high-quality nature documentaries. Other platforms like PBS Documentaries also feature award-winning nature films.
Environmental documentaries often focus on conservation issues and climate change. Films like “Chasing Coral” and “My Octopus Teacher” blend personal stories with urgent environmental messages.
These documentaries help viewers develop a deeper connection to the natural world. They often inspire action by showing both the beauty of nature and the threats it faces.
Biographical Documentaries
Biographical documentaries explore the lives of compelling individuals. They combine interviews, archival footage, and personal materials to create intimate portraits of their subjects.
These films may focus on well-known figures like musicians, politicians, or athletes. Others highlight ordinary people with extraordinary stories or experiences.
Biographical documentaries often follow a chronological structure. They track their subject’s development through key life events, challenges, and achievements.
Streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu offer extensive collections of biographical documentaries. These range from celebrity profiles to in-depth examinations of historical figures.
The best biographical documentaries avoid simple hero worship. Instead, they present complex, honest portrayals that show both achievements and flaws, creating a fuller picture of human experience.
Key Features of Top Documentary Streaming Platforms
When choosing a documentary streaming service, several key features can make or break your viewing experience. These include the platform’s design, the range of content offered, and the cost structure.
User Interface and Experience
The best documentary platforms offer clean, intuitive interfaces that make finding new content easy. Netflix and Hulu have user-friendly designs with strong search functions and personalized recommendations.
Most top services provide cross-device compatibility. You can start watching on your TV and continue on your phone or tablet without losing your place.
Quality matters too. CuriosityStream, an Editors’ Choice winner, offers 4K streaming for sharper visuals on nature and science documentaries.
Navigation menus should be simple. Look for platforms with clear category sorting by topic (history, nature, crime) and easy-to-browse collections.
Download options are important for on-the-go viewing when you don’t have internet access.
Content Variety and Availability
Content libraries vary widely across platforms. Netflix provides popular documentary series like “Tiger King” and “Making a Murderer,” while specialized services like CuriosityStream focus solely on educational content.
Library size matters. Some platforms offer thousands of titles, while others curate smaller, more focused collections.
Exclusive content has become a major selling point. Many services now produce original documentaries you can’t watch elsewhere.
Topic variety differs too. Some platforms excel in nature documentaries while others focus on true crime, historical events, or celebrity profiles.
Content refresh rates vary. The best services add new documentaries regularly to keep their libraries fresh and engaging.
Subscription Models and Pricing
Price structures range widely across documentary platforms. Monthly fees typically run from free (ad-supported) to about $15 per month for premium services.
Several free options exist. Pluto TV offers documentary-themed channels without subscription costs but includes ads during viewing.
Premium services like CuriosityStream start around $3-7 monthly, while full-service platforms like Netflix or Hulu (which include documentaries among other content) cost $8-15 per month.
Many services offer annual payment options with discounts of 15-20% compared to monthly payments.
Tiered pricing is common. Higher tiers often provide benefits like:
- Ad-free viewing
- 4K streaming quality
- Multiple simultaneous streams
- Offline downloading
Trial periods (usually 7-30 days) let you test services before committing to payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Documentary streaming services vary widely in their offerings, pricing, and availability. Many viewers have common questions about which platforms best suit their documentary viewing needs.
Which platforms offer the most extensive library of documentaries for streaming?
Netflix stands out with one of the largest documentary collections among mainstream services. Its library includes award-winning features, multi-part series, and short documentaries across diverse topics.
CuriosityStream specializes exclusively in documentaries with over 3,000 titles. The platform focuses on science, history, nature, and technology content.
Amazon Prime Video also hosts a substantial documentary collection. Members get access to thousands of documentary films and series included with their Prime membership.
Are there any free streaming services that specialize in documentary content?
Kanopy offers free documentary streaming through participating public libraries and universities. Users simply need a library card to access thousands of documentaries at no cost.
PBS provides many documentaries for free through their website and app. Their collection includes acclaimed documentary series like Frontline, Nature, and NOVA.
YouTube hosts numerous free documentaries, though quality and legitimacy vary. Some production companies and channels specialize in documentary content on the platform.
What streaming service has the highest quality and critically acclaimed documentary films?
HBO Max (now Max) features some of the most critically acclaimed documentary films and series. They regularly produce award-winning content that appears at major film festivals.
Netflix has invested heavily in original documentary content that often receives critical praise. Their documentaries frequently compete for major awards including Oscars.
Criterion Channel caters to cinephiles with a carefully curated selection of important documentary films. Their library includes influential classics and contemporary works from respected filmmakers.
Which streaming services provide exclusive, original documentary content?
Netflix leads in original documentary production with hundreds of exclusive titles. Their originals cover true crime, nature, sports, politics, and cultural phenomena.
Disney+ creates original documentaries focused on nature, behind-the-scenes of entertainment, and Disney history. National Geographic content is a major part of their documentary offerings.
CuriosityStream produces exclusive documentaries with high production values. Many feature renowned experts and focus on educational topics in science and history.
Apple TV+ has fewer documentaries but invests in high-profile exclusive projects. They partner with major filmmakers and personalities for their original documentary content.
How do documentary offerings on mainstream streaming services compare to niche documentary channels?
Mainstream services like Hulu and Netflix offer popular documentaries with broad appeal. They typically feature more true crime, celebrity, and trending topic documentaries.
Niche platforms like MagellanTV and CuriosityStream provide deeper libraries of specialized content. They excel in educational documentaries that may not have mainstream commercial appeal.
The specialized services often provide better categorization and curation for documentary enthusiasts. Their interfaces are designed specifically for documentary discovery and exploration.
Can viewers access a broad range of documentary genres on a single streaming platform?
CuriosityStream covers nearly all documentary genres in one affordable subscription. Users can find content across science, history, technology, nature, society, lifestyle, and more.
Netflix offers remarkable genre diversity but emphasizes certain categories. True crime, nature, and celebrity documentaries receive more prominence than educational content.
Most viewers seeking complete documentary coverage may need 2-3 services. Combining a mainstream service with a documentary specialist platform provides the broadest access to all genres.
