9 Riveting UFO Documentaries to Watch Right Now
For centuries, humanity has been captivated by the question of whether we’re truly alone in the universe. As we gaze up at the stars, the possibility of otherworldly life forms has fueled endless curiosity, spawning theories, myths, and countless stories of unexplained phenomena. UFO documentaries capture this fascination by investigating strange sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and mysterious encounters that defy explanation.
From military footage of unidentified objects to firsthand accounts of alien contact, these documentaries take audiences on a journey into the unknown. Whether you approach these films with skepticism or as a true believer, they challenge conventional understanding, inviting us to imagine what life beyond Earth might look like — and how it could impact our world. Through deep dives into secrets, conspiracies, and unexplained mysteries, each documentary offers a unique perspective on the question: what, or who, might be out there?
1. The Manhattan Alien Abduction
In a stunning claim from November 30, 1989, Linda Napolitano asserted that she was abducted by aliens from her apartment in New York City. UFO researcher Budd Hopkins allegedly found over 20 witnesses who confirmed the event. The 2024 Netflix docuseries revisits Napolitano's experience, shedding light on the controversial story. The series also examines claims made by Hopkins' late ex-wife, Carol Rainey, who alleged that the entire abduction narrative was fabricated.
2.Ancient Aliens
Alien enthusiasts will likely recognize Ancient Aliens, the popular History Channel series that investigates the potential presence of extraterrestrials in human history. Now in its eighth season, this series — available on Netflix — delves into ancient records and artifacts that hint at advanced beings, from mysterious "lizard people" mentioned in ancient texts to technologies that appear far beyond their era.
3. The Phenomenon
In 2017, The New York Times revealed a secret Department of Defense program investigating UFOs, which led to the release of several Navy videos capturing unidentified aerial objects. This groundbreaking discovery is explored in the 2020 documentary The Phenomenon. The film delves into the government's decades-long silence on the UFO issue and uncovers the reasons behind the delayed public disclosure of these mysterious encounters.
4. UFOs: Investigating the Unknown
This 2023 National Geographic series takes a thorough look at the government's efforts to investigate UFOs and the potential threats these unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) may pose to aviation. The five-part series features firsthand accounts from astronomers, retired Air Force personnel, and Navy pilots who share chilling stories of close encounters with UAPs during their flights, highlighting the risks and the ongoing mystery surrounding these phenomena.
5. Mirage Men
This 2014 documentary explores a unique theory: that the U.S. Air Force and intelligence agencies deliberately cultivated the UFO narrative to obscure secret military programs. Mirage Men includes interviews with individuals claiming insider knowledge, including a former operative who recounts how he allegedly spread disinformation to UFO researchers to keep their focus on aliens, rather than classified operations.
6. Ariel Phenomenon
On September 16, 1994, more than 60 students at a rural school in Zimbabwe reported witnessing an unidentified craft land nearby. Ariel Phenomenon revisits this remarkable event and follows up with those who claim the aliens sent a telepathic message urging humanity to protect the Earth. The film also brings one of the original witnesses back to the school 25 years later to explore what memories have endured.
7. Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind
Unlike typical alien documentaries, Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind presents extraterrestrial life as a given. This documentary suggests that government secrecy about UFOs serves a larger agenda aimed at instilling fear of alien contact. It proposes that through rediscovered spiritual practices, people can reach out to extraterrestrials, promoting peaceful interaction and mutual understanding.
8. UFO
UFO, a four-part docuseries from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, dives into humanity’s longstanding fascination with extraterrestrial life. The series explores our collective obsession with UFOs through eyewitness accounts, government documents, and conspiracy theories, presenting a comprehensive view of how these mysteries have shaped public perception.
With a mix of personal stories and expert insights, UFO investigates iconic sightings and alleged government secrecy, raising questions about what might truly be out there — and whether the truth is being kept from us. Through this exploration, the series sheds light on the cultural impact of UFOs and the intriguing role they play in our understanding of the unknown.
9. Alien Investigation
Veteran investigative journalist George Knapp has dedicated over three decades to researching UFOs and extraterrestrial life. In this captivating Netflix series, he digs deeper into the evidence surrounding UFO sightings and the presence of alien life on Earth. The focus is on the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), a government agency tasked with investigating UAP reports. While AARO claims no definitive proof of extraterrestrial technology, Knapp challenges this stance with new findings and theories.