The 16 Best Physics Documentaries (Ranked)

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I’ve combed the web to find the best physics docs.

Here’s my list of 16 (ranked).

There are surprisingly few physics-related docs on Netflix, but I include the best ones I found too (at the end of the article).

Enjoy!

1) Fun to Imagine (Richard Feynman

For the unitiated, Feynman was on the Manhattan Project team, won the Nobel Prize winner for physics and solved the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster problem.

Not bad, huh!?

In this video, Feynman covers such things as:

  1. Jiggling Atoms
  2. Cooling of Water
  3. Fire
  4. Rubber Bands
  5. Magnets
  6. Electricity
  7. Mirrors
  8. Big Numbers

I loved “Fun to Imagine” so much that I dedicated an entire Web page to it:

https://dailydoc.com/fun-to-imagine/

It’s got my review of the full 66 minutes.

And it has 4 ways to watch “Fun to Imagine” for free.

2) Demonstrations in Physics

“Demonstrations in Physics” makes Bill Nye look like a slacker at a science fair.

Miller doesn’t just demonstrate physics; he assaults it with the vigor of a man trying to prove gravity wrong through sheer force of will.

In one episode, he’s dropping balls like they owe him money, all to show how Galileo wasn’t just some Renaissance party boy.

In another, he’s got more pendulums swinging than a 70s key party.

Each episode is a crisp 15 minutes.

That’s just long enough to blow your mind but short enough to keep your 1960s attention span from wandering off to thoughts of moon landings and Woodstock mud.

The show’s divided into three units, like some kind of scientific holy trinity.

First up, Mechanics – where Miller treats Newton’s laws like they’re gossip he just can’t wait to share.

Then we’ve got Heat and Temperature paired with Toys, because nothing says “fun” like potentially scalding yourself while playing.

Finally, there’s Waves and Sound paired with Electricity and Magnetism.

It’s here where Miller really lets his freak flag fly, conducting electricity like he’s Beethoven and magnets are his orchestra.

And let’s not forget the props. This isn’t your school’s sad science lab. Miller’s got gadgets that would make Q from James Bond weep with envy.

Vacuum pumps, Van de Graaff generators, and enough glass tubing to stock a meth lab – if meth labs were devoted to educating the masses instead of, you know, meth.

Throughout it all, Miller’s rocking a suit that screams “I’m here to drop knowledge bombs, not fashion statements.”

His enthusiasm is infectious, his eyebrows are expressive, and his demonstrations are more dramatic than a soap opera season finale.

This is the show that made a generation of kids think, “Maybe I’ll be a physicist,” right before they realized that real physics involves more math and fewer explosions.

It’s science education that hits harder than a sledgehammer and goes down smoother than a well-oiled machine – which, coincidentally, is probably something Miller demonstrated in episode 7.

“Demonstrations in Physics” – it’s not just a show, it’s a zeitgeist in a lab coat, leaving a trail of mind-blown viewers and probably a few singed eyebrows in its wake.

Watch “it on:”Demonstrations in Physics” for free on YouTube on this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIWtI4qJfAlIhxd-e_xq0R9k8iR72UoKl

3) Making Waves: The New Physics – Newton Revised (The Day the Universe Changed)

Newton’s been dominating the spotlight for centuries.

He tells us how the apple falls and why we should care. But now, dear science nerd, we’ve hit a snag.

Newtonian physics is like a trusty old flip phone in the era of sleek smartphones.

Sure, it works, but try explaining quantum mechanics with it. Spoiler alert: you can’t.

So, what’s the deal? Around the 1800s, our nerdy forebears started poking around with electricity like kids with a new toy.

This wasn’t just rubbing balloons on their heads for fun; they were diving into serious stuff. They discovered some wacky connections between electricity, magnetism, and even light.

Picture this: magnetism and electricity are basically the peanut butter and jelly of physics—each great on their own, but truly mind-blowing when combined.

Fast forward to modern-day theoretical physics, where things get as clear as mud.

Theories get fuzzy, and scientists shrug a lot more. And here we are, ordinary folks, trying to make sense of it all. We mix up cutting-edge engineering with pure science, thinking they’re the same.

But they’re not.

It’s like comparing a Swiss army knife to a single, elegant blade—both useful, but fundamentally different.

So, while the science nerds have moved on to relativity and quantum uncertainty, the rest of us are still chilling in Newton’s world, where things make sense and apples fall predictably.

But let’s not kid ourselves.

The real world, the one scientists explore, is relative, uncertain, and absolutely fascinating.

So maybe it’s time we step out of Newton’s shadow and embrace the weird and wonderful truths of our universe.

Watch it for free on:

4) The Secret of Quantum Physics

Release date: December 9, 2014

Jim Al-Khalili’s “The Secrets of Quantum Physics” will blow your mind.

This two-part documentary series aired on BBC Four in 2014. Each episode runs about 59 minutes. Director Anna Thomson takes us on a wild ride through quantum reality.

Part 1, “Einstein’s Nightmare,” aired December 8, 2014. We journey from the 1800s to the 1960s.

The doc explores light’s true nature and Einstein’s quantum conflicts. John Bell’s 1960s test takes center stage.

Vaudevillian analogies make complex ideas digestible. You’ll play cards with the Devil. Lewis Carroll’s influence is evident throughout.

Part 2, “Let There Be Life,” hit screens on December 16, 2014. It tackles quantum biology head-on.

European robins navigate by quantum entanglement. Human smell might rely on quantum vibrations.

The Uncertainty Principle could drive evolution. Floating balls, reminiscent of “The Prisoner,” illustrate key concepts.

Al-Khalili’s enthusiasm is infectious as he unravels quantum mysteries.

Watch it on Amazon Prime (with subscription or free with ads) or MagellanTV.

Check all the streaming options for it here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/the-secrets-of-quantum-physics

5) The Inexplicable Universe: Unsolved Mysteries: Inexplicable Physics

Neil deGrasse Tyson demystifies the universe in “Inexplicable Physics”.

This episode is part of a 6-part series from The Great Courses. It’s rated TV-PG. Tyson, our cosmic guide, dives deep into scientific enigmas.

We start with the periodic table’s secrets. Electron shells and reactivity take center stage. Could elements beyond 118 form an island of stability?

The doc then shifts to fundamental particles. Matter and force transmitters get their moment. Tyson doesn’t shy away from complex concepts.

String theory enters the chat. Black holes maintain their air of mystery. Tyson’s enthusiasm for these cosmic puzzles is palpable.

Each topic builds on the last, creating a cohesive narrative. From atoms to the cosmos, we cover vast scientific ground.

Tyson’s ability to explain complex ideas shines throughout the episode.

Watch “Unsolved Mysteries: Inexplicable Physics” on:

6) To End All War: Oppenheimer & the Atomic Bomb

“To End All War: Oppenheimer & the Atomic Bomb” dives deep into the mind of J. Robert Oppenheimer of Manhattan Project fame. .

Christopher Cassel directs this 87-minute doc released by NBC Studios.

The doc premiered on July 10, 2023 ( just days before Christopher Nolan’s epic “Oppenheimer” film.

If you had to watch just one of the films, I recommend you watch Nolan’s “Oppenheimer”.

But if you want an Oppeheimer documentary, “To End All War” is the best I can find.

Cassel doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but he gives it a good spin.

The doc covers Oppenheimer’s early life, his education at Harvard University, and his time in Europe and, of course, his work on the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos.

Historical figures like Harry S. Truman appear. You see how Truman’s interactions with Oppenheimer shape post-war policies.

The doc also covers Oppenheimer’s political troubles including his 1954 security hearing, where he was stripped of his security clearance.

The doc features interviews with folks related to Los Alamos National Library like Ellen Bradbury Reid. Her father worked on the implosion detonator for the atomic bomb). As an adult, Ellen became a historian and expert on the Manhattan Project.

 Alan Carr, senior historian at Los Alamos National Laboratory, is also interviewed.

Michio Kaku, a theoretical physicist, interviewed for some nerdy scientific takes.

Oppenheimer’s remorse over the atomic bomb is a key theme. You get a full picture of his internal conflicts and the burden of his decisions.

You can watch “To End All War: Oppenheimer & the Atomic Bomb” on Peacock here. If that doesn’t work for you, check out https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/to-end-all-war-oppenheimer-and-the-atomic-bomb for the latest streaming options (last I checked, the doc was on FuboTV too).

7) Physics Girl

I couldn’t find a trailer for Physics Girl so I’m including the above video which is a full episode of one her most popular videos.

Release date: June 2011 (channel creation)

Dianna Cowern’s “Physics Girl” transforms complex physics into bite-sized brilliance.

This YouTube phenomenon has 2.27 million subscribers as of 2024. Videos average 10 minutes, with 1-2 uploads weekly.

Cowern, a 2011 MIT physics graduate, infuses each episode with contagious curiosity.

Topics range from classical mechanics to quantum weirdness.

She’s explored acoustic levitation, Einstein’s “spooky action at a distance,” and the physics of cat tongues.

Episode “Why Gravity is NOT a Force” (5.7M views) challenges common misconceptions.

DIY experiments are a channel staple.

In “Giant Koosh Ball in Ultra Slow Motion” (1.2M views), Cowern creates a 6-foot Koosh ball to demonstrate energy transfer.

Her 2015 video “How to make a cloud in your mouth” (2.8M views) went viral too.

I love how her visual aids elevate explanations.

High-speed cameras capture water balloon explosions at 20,000 fps. 3D animations illustrate invisible phenomena like magnetic fields.

I also like how Cowern brings in collaborative partners.

Her video with Bill Nye on renewable energy reached 1.7M views.

A 2019 series with CERN explored the Large Hadron Collider.

Cowern’s accolades include a Streamy Award and an MIT Technology Review “Innovator Under 35” recognition.

“Physics Girl” turns viewers into passionate physics enthusiasts, one video at a time.

Watch “Physics Girl” for free through her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@physicsgirl

8) The Ascent of Man: Knowledge or Certainty (S1.E11)

The Ascent of Man: Knowledge or Certainty tackles a hefty topic: the clash between the pursuit of absolute knowledge and the unsettling reality of our imperfect understanding.

Directed by Mick Jackson and starring the insightful Stefan Bor-Grajewicz and Jacob Bronowski, Knowledge and Certainty was season 1, episode 11 of the famed 13 episode series of The Ascent of Man from 1973.

Physics and history get a front-row seat.

The doe explore the haunting outcomes of this conflict. Think Auschwitz. Hiroshima. Nagasaki. It’s heavy, but necessary.

Back in the 1920s, Germany was a hotbed of groundbreaking thought.

Physicists were busy defining the principle of uncertainty—the idea that no matter how much we think we know, there’s always a sliver of doubt that can be statistically measured.

This wasn’t a free pass to dismiss scientific results as wrong, but a nudge to remember that “rightness” is never absolute.

Meanwhile, at the same universities, social scientists were peddling anthropological certainties.

They promoted theories of racial superiority.

Enter the Nazis, who latched onto these ideas to justify the horrific notion of a superior white, Nordic race, leading to the nightmare of concentration camps.

In a gut-wrenching conclusion, host Jacob Bronowski takes us to Auschwitz.

Here, he shares the heart-wrenching story of his family members who perished in the Holocaust.

As he steps into a stream, scoops up a handful of sand, and lets it slip through his fingers, he delivers a poignant message:

This is what happens when society assumes certainty.

It’s a moment that’s impossible to forget, a stark reminder of the importance of humility in our knowledge and its application.

This episode isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a call to remain humble, to question, and to never assume we have all the answers.

You can watch The Ascent of Man for free on:

9) Sound Waves: The Symphony of Physics

A good example of what’s in the Sound Waves docusmentary is the clip above in which Czerski sits down with an army of candles and a giant speaker to discover the sound/physics of candles.

Release date: February 23, 2017

Dr. Helen Czerski explores sound’s physics in this BBC Four documentary series.

“Sound Waves: The Symphony of Physics” is a two-part series.

Each episode runs approximately 59 minutes. Czerski, a physicist and oceanographer, hosts.

Episode 1, “Making Sound,” aired on February 23, 2017. It explores sound’s creation and propagation. We visit Abbey Road Studios in London.

Episode 2, “Using Sound,” aired on March 2, 2017. It focuses on sound perception and manipulation. The episode examines the physics of musical instruments.

The series blends scientific explanations with practical demonstrations.

“Sound Waves” offers insights into the physics behind our everyday sonic experiences.

You can watch Sound Waves: The Symphony of Physics for free on DailyMotion (with ads) here:

10) MinutePhysics

MinutePhysics is a YouTube channel with 240+ short videos explaining everyday things in life via physics.

Here’s a list of the most popular physics videos as of July 5, 2024:

  • “Is it Better to Walk or Run in the Rain?” (2 minutes & 2 secs); 20M views
  • “Immovable Object vs. Unstoppable Force – Which Wins?” (3 minutes & 35 secs); 13M views
  • “Time Travel in Fiction Rundown” (8 minutes & 5 secs); 11M views
  • “What if the Earth were Hollow?” (3 minutes & 59 secs); 10M views
  • “Passing A Portal Through Itself” (4 minutes & 5 secs); 10M views
  • “How to See Without Glasses” (3 minutes & 11 secs); 10M views
  • “The True Science of Parallel Universes” (4 minutes & 56 secs); 10M views
  • “Why is the Solar System Flat?” (3 minutes & 12 secs); 9M views
  • “Solution to the Grandfather Paradox” (2 minutes & 48 secs); 7.8M views
  • “Bell’s Theorem: The Quantum Venn Diagram Paradox” (17 minutes & 35 secs); 7.7M views
  • “Schrödinger’s Cat” (1 minute & 48 secs); 7.6M views
  • “How To Tell If We’re Beating COVID-19” (7 minutes & 16 secs); 6.4M views
  • “Einstein’s Proof of E=mc²” (2 minutes & 11 secs); 5.9M views
  • “Common Physics Misconceptions” (2 minutes & 41 secs); 5.7M views
  • “The Portal Paradox” (5 minutes & 8 secs); 5.7M views
  • “There is no ‘Fourth’ dimension” (2 minutes & 3 secs); 5.5M views
  • “This is Not a Rainbow” (2 minutes & 53 secs); 5.3M views
  • “3 Simple Ways to Time Travel (& 3 Complicated Ones)” (3 minutes & 14 secs); 4.8M views
  • “A Better Way To Picture Atoms” (5 minutes & 35 secs); 4.7M views
  • “Why is it Dark at Night?” (3 minutes & 53 secs); 4.5M views
  • “What is fire?” (1 minute & 29 secs); 4.5M views
  • “Solution to The Impossible Bet | The 100 Prisoners Problem” (3 minutes & 58 secs); 4.3M views
  • “There is no pink light” (1 minute & 4 secs); 4.3M views
  • “MAGNETS: How Do They Work?” (6 minutes & 26 secs); 4.2M views
  • “How to break the speed of light” (1 minute & 27 secs); 4.2M views
  • “The Unreasonable Efficiency of Black Holes” (6 minutes & 22 secs); 4.1M views

Watch MinutePhysics for free on YouTube on their channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@MinutePhysics

11) Einstein’s Quantum Riddle (PBS Nova)

Einstein’s Quantum Riddle (which PBS aired via Nova on January 9, 2019) dives into the bizarre world of quantum entanglement.

Directed by Mick Jackson and starring Stefan Bor-Grajewicz and Jacob Bronowski, this documentary takes on one of science’s strangest phenomena.

In the early 20th century, Einstein was pivotal in developing quantum mechanics.

But he soon became uneasy with its implications.

Quantum theory suggested that two particles could become entangled and remain connected over vast distances.

That means they can instantly reflect each other’s properties.

Imagine rolling two dice millions of miles apart and getting the same number—every time.

This “spooky action at a distance” led Einstein to believe quantum theory was incomplete.

Physicists have since embraced quantum entanglement, but some doubts linger.

To address these, a ground-breaking experiment was conducted in the Canary Islands.

They used quasars at opposite ends of the universe to test the theory definitively.

Here’s a time-stamped summary of the doc:

  • Introduction (0:00): Welcome to the mind-bending world of quantum entanglement, where reality gets a bit wobbly.
  • Is Quantum Entanglement Real?: Canary Islands Experiment (3:52): A ground-breaking experiment in the Canary Islands aims to settle lingering doubts.
  • The Beginnings of Quantum Mechanics (8:10): At the dawn of the 20th century, Einstein helps introduce quantum mechanics.
  • Quantum Mechanics Explained by Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen (15:26): Einstein and colleagues challenge the bizarre implications of quantum mechanics in a 1935 paper.
  • Developments from Discovery of Quantum Theory (22:39): Exploring the aftermath of quantum theory’s revolutionary discoveries.
  • The First Quantum Entanglement Experiment (27:11): Delving into the initial experiments that brought quantum entanglement to light.
  • Quantum Computers Solving Real-World Problems (32:04): How quantum computing is set to tackle practical challenges.
  • Loopholes of Quantum Entanglement (39:02): Investigating potential gaps in our understanding of quantum entanglement.
  • The Results of the Canary Islands Experiment (45:20): Revealing the findings from the Canary Islands experiment and their significance.
  • Quantum Entanglement in Modern Physics (47:47): The role and future of quantum entanglement in today’s scientific landscape.

Watch “Einstein’s Quantum Riddle” for free by clicking the video embed above or going here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=068rdc75mHM

12) Sci Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible

Michio Kaku meshes pop culture sci-fi tech through real physics in this mind-bending docuseries.

“Sci Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible” spans 19 episodes across two seasons.

Each 30-minute episode tackles a different futuristic concept.

Kaku, a string theory pioneer, guides us through the physics.

Season 1 explores time travel, invoking Einstein’s special relativity. We learn about tachyons, theoretical particles moving faster than light.

Episode 3 examines teleportation, discussing quantum entanglement and the uncertainty principle.

The light saber episode delves into plasma physics. Kaku explains how magnetic fields might contain a super-heated plasma blade.

Force fields get scrutinized through electromagnetism and the properties of Bose-Einstein condensates.

Season 2 tackles space colonization. Terraforming Mars involves discussions of atmospheric physics and greenhouse gases.

The starship episode covers concepts like antimatter propulsion and Bussard ramjets.

Kaku frequently references the Kardashev scale of civilizations.

He explains how a Type II civilization might harness a star’s energy via Dyson spheres.

The show doesn’t shy away from equations. E=mc² makes frequent appearances. Kaku breaks down complex ideas like wormholes using general relativity principles.

“Sci Fi Science” transforms theoretical physics into tantalizing technological possibilities.

Watch it on Discovery+ or buy it on Apple TV or Amazon Prime.

You can find the latest streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/sci-fi-science-physics-of-the-impossible

13) Horizon: Dancing in the Dark – The End of Physics

Release date: March 17, 2015

“Dancing in the Dark – The End of Physics” plunges into the cosmic unknown.

This 59-minute Horizon episode aired on BBC Two. Narrated by Steven Mackintosh, it explores our universe’s biggest mystery.

Key stats and other points

  • Only 4% of the universe is made of atoms we understand.
  • 96% is dark matter and dark energy – stuff we can’t explain.
  • The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN got an upgrade in March 2015.
  • LHC’s new energy: 13 TeV, up from 8 TeV. That’s 6.5 TeV per beam.
  • Scientists hope to discover dark matter particles in collision debris.
  • If dark matter doesn’t show up, our understanding of physics might need revision.

The doc features interviews with :

  • Dr. Rocky Kolb (University of Chicago)
  • Dr. Tara Shears (University of Liverpool)
  • Professor Carlos Frenk

CERN’s ATLAS detector, 100 meters deep, watches 40 million particle collisions per second.

The show explores how dark matter might explain galaxy rotation. Without it, the Milky Way should fly apart.

If dark matter remains elusive, Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) might be needed.

This Horizon episode turns cutting-edge physics into a high-stakes scientific quest.

Watch Horizon’s Dancing in the Dark – The End of Physics for free on YouTube by clicking the video embed above or here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR8Ht_Nutjk

14) The Einstein Theory of Relativity

Release date: 1920s (exact date unknown)

Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Now in Technicolor and Slightly Less Confusing!

Folks, gather ’round for a tale of physics, animation, and one wild-haired genius. It’s the 1920s, and Albert Einstein’s got a problem. His theory of relativity is harder to explain than a cat’s motivations. Blackboards? Useless. Lantern slides? Please. Enter Max Fleischer, the Betty Boop guy, to save the day with moving pictures.

This silent film extravaganza takes us on a whirlwind tour of relativity. We’ve got diggers, steamships, and X-rays, oh my! A pencil in water bends like it’s doing yoga. Rockets zoom through space, because why not? And let’s not forget the earth, rotating like it’s had one too many.

But here’s the kicker: everything’s relative. Size, direction, speed – it’s all up for grabs. A cannonball’s path? Curvier than you’d think. And that rock in your hand? It’s downright puny compared to Betelgeuse.

By the end, you’ll either understand relativity or need a stiff drink. Either way, Einstein’s theory has never looked so good in black and white.

Watch it on YouTube by clicking the video embed above or here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMopwogqjvk or here on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/274491908

15) Is Action the Most Fundamental Property in Physics?

Buckle up, physics fans. This PBS Space Time episode is about to take you on a 17-minute joyride through the Principle of Least Action.

We start with Heron of Alexandria in 40 AD, noticing light’s lazy streak, and end up with Feynman’s mind-bending path integrals. Along the way, we’ve got Lagrange turning Newton’s headache-inducing equations into a walk in the park,.

And then we get Einstein explaining Mercury’s wonky orbit with some relativistic magic.

The star of the show?

Action – that sneaky combination of kinetic and potential energy that seems to rule the universe. It’s like nature’s own cosmic scorekeeper, always trying to minimize (or sometimes maximize) its value.

We dive into quantum weirdness with the double-slit experiment. That’s where particles suddenly can’t make up their minds about which path to take.

Feynman (of course he’s here!) swoops in with his path integral formulation, basically telling particles:

“Why not take all paths? YOLO!”

By the end, we’re swimming in configuration space, proper time, and the Standard Model Lagrangian.

It’s enough to make your brain do a quantum leap.

Oh, and there’s a NordVPN ad, because even in the depths of spacetime, you gotta keep those passwords safe.

Bottom line: Nature’s lazy, but that laziness might just be the key to everything. Who knew couch potatoes were onto something all along?

Watch “Is Action the Most Fundamental Property in Physics?” for free on YouTube by clicking the video embed above or here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_CQDSlmboA

16) Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking

Release date: April 25, 2010

Alright, cosmos junkies, buckle up. We’re about to take a joyride through the universe with the Sheldon Cooper of astrophysics, Stephen Hawking.

“Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking” is a three-part Discovery Channel mind-bender that’ll make your neurons do the cha-cha. Each episode clocks in at a brain-melting 60 minutes, narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch (because apparently, British accents make science sexier).

Episode 1: “Aliens.” Hawking goes full E.T. matchmaker, calculating the Drake equation faster than you can say “phone home.” He estimates 10^18 planets in the observable universe. That’s more options than a cosmic Tinder, folks. But watch out – those aliens might be less “ET” and more “Independence Day.” Hawking warns advanced civilizations could be nomads, strip-mining planets like college kids raid a fridge.

Episode 2: “Time Travel.” Hawking tackles every sci-fi nerd’s wet dream with more enthusiasm than a kid in a temporal candy store. We’re talking wormholes, time dilation, and enough paradoxes to make your grandfather un-exist. He even throws a party for time travelers, sending out invites after the shindig. Spoiler: no one showed up. Either time travel’s impossible, or future folks have better parties to crash.

Episode 3: “The Story of Everything.” Strap in for a 13.8-billion-year highlight reel. We start with the Big Bang (spoiler: it was loud), zoom through inflation faster than the U.S. dollar, and end with the heat death of the universe. It’s like watching the entire cosmos play out in less time than a Kardashian marriage.

The CGI is trippier than a Grateful Dead concert in a black hole. We’re talking swirling galaxies, exploding stars, and enough spacetime warping to make Einstein dizzy.

Hawking’s robot voice drops knowledge bombs like a quantum physicist at an open mic night. Did you know a teaspoon of neutron star weighs as much as all the cars in the U.S.? Or that we could be living in just one of infinite parallel universes? Heavy stuff, man.

By the final credits, you’ll either feel like you’ve got a Ph.D. in cosmic shenanigans or like you’ve been hit by the Hubble telescope. Either way, your mind will be thoroughly blown.

So grab your thinking cap and a stiff drink. This show’s about to expand your universe faster than dark energy on steroids.

Watch “Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking Part 1: Aliens for free on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kw8t_wGpZk .

But I don’t see parts 2 and 3 available for free. For all parts (1 through 3), check out https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/into-the-universe-with-stephen-hawking (last time it checked, it had Discovery+ streaming it).

Netflix Physics Documentaries

There are surprisingly few documentaries on Netflix purely about physics. In fact, I can’t find one.

But, here are the best ones I see right now (July 6, 2024) that have anything to do with physics:

  • Challenger: The Final Flight (2020) — This is a docuseries with some physics angles. Mainly, it shows how Richard Feynman single-handedly solved the cause of the crash.
  • “A Trip to Infinity” — (2022 | 1h 19m) — Modern scientists and mathematicians embark on a cosmic quest to understand infinity and its mind-bending effects on our universe.
  • “Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know” (2021 | 1 h 39m) – -Follow scientists as they try to capture the first pic of a real black hole
  • Our Universe (2020) — This docuseries explores what else: the Universe. Just a bit of physics in it.
  • Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine (2023) — Follow a team of engineers and scientists as they launch the James Webb Space Telescope.
  • Connected — (2020) A docuseries exploring the science of everything from dust to poop.

Thanks for reading!

Rob Kelly

Chief Maniac, Daily Doc

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