What movies and shows to watch on CuriosityStream

With a specialty in informative and educational content, CuriosityStream is the go-to destination for lifelong learners and documentary fans. It gives you access to ad-free documentaries in a wide range of categories, including history, nature, science, society and technology. And as highlighted in our CuriosityStream review, the service even has some exclusive and original content to further sweeten the deal.

Keep in mind, though, that since CuriosityStream solely focuses on documentaries, you won’t find the usual TV shows and movies that other streaming services offer. So before you decide to subscribe to the service, you might want a better idea of what movies and shows you can watch. This post highlights some of the best CuriosityStream movies and shows to add to your watch list.

Shows to watch on CuriosityStream

Award-nominated CuriosityStream shows

Stephen Hawking’s Favorite Places 

  • Genre: Documentary, science
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: Stephen Hawking

This three-episode mini-series follows renowned physicist Stephen Hawking as he pilots the SS Hawking and takes viewers through a journey of a lifetime. It explores Commander Hawking’s favorite places and timelines throughout the Universe, such as the Big Bang and Saturn. It won an Emmy in 2017 for Outstanding Graphic Design & Art Direction.

The History of Food 

  • Genre: Documentary, history, society
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: N/A

This series takes us on a deep-dive through time to explore the history and cultural impact of food – from the invention of cooking and the agricultural revolution to experiments with fermentation and preservation. It won a Leo Award for Best Cinematography in a Documentary Series in 2019.

Wonders of the Universe 

  • Genre: Documentary, science
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: N/A

Professor Brian Cox helps us understand the phenomena of deep space and the fundamental principles governing the laws of nature. He takes viewers on a journey to the most dramatic parts of the earth as he reveals how the origins of the universe closely entwine with the history of humanity. The series was nominated for a BAFTA in 2012.

CuriosityStream original shows

Digits 

  • Genre: Documentary, technology
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: Edward Snowden, Derek Muller, Vint Cerf

Host Derek Mueller guides us through the creation of the internet and its evolution through the decades. He demonstrates how Bob Kahn and Vint Cerf developed a language that first brought the internet to life and interviews notable names like Edward Snowden.

Deep Time History 

  • Genre: Documentary, history
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: Bernard Bullen, Jonathan Markley

Deep Time History explores the story of humans and how biology, chemistry, geology and physics shaped our history. It gives us a glimpse into the past through the rise of civilization and the age of discovery, which eventually led to the Industrial Revolution.

Prescription: Nutrition 

  • Genre: Documentary, health and nutrition
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: Craig Sechler, Michael Greger, Richard Landau, Tracye McQuirter

This exclusive, original series from CuriosityStream features chefs, doctors and nutritionists as they weigh in on the positive impact of fresh and organic ingredients on our health. It has dedicated episodes on the Green Revolution and the health benefits of food items such as beans and fruits.

Movies to watch on CuriosityStream

CuriosityStream movies you can watch with the whole family

David Attenborough’s Light on Earth 

  • Genre: Documentary, nature, family
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: David Attenborough

Also known as Life That Glows, this documentary movie features Sir David Attenborough as he explores the world of bioluminescence. He uses specially-designed cameras to demonstrate how animals produce light of their own.

Man’s First Friend

  • Genre: Documentary, family
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: N/A

For over 20,000 years, dogs have lived alongside humans and played an important role in our lives. This movie explores the history of dogs – from how they’ve helped us find food and guided us through extreme conditions, eventually evolving into loyal companions who help us cope with stress and loneliness.

The Secret World of LEGO 

  • Genre: Documentary, lifestyle, family
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: Grace Wan, Hugh Bonneville, Matthew Ashton

Take a look inside one of the most profitable toymakers in the world. Find out what makes the company tick and meet the key people behind the toy brand.

Movies that are original to CuriosityStream

First Man 

  • Genre: Documentary, history
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: Fred Bobbitt, Jason Barnard, Nadine Adams

First Man is a CuriosityStream original movie that takes us back in time 25 million years to follow the journey of our ancestors as they evolved from primates into Homo erectus and finally, Homo sapiens. It allows us to experience the trials and triumphs that shaped human history.

Out of the Cradle 

  • Genre: Documentary, history
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: N/A

Another CuriosityStream original film that explores the history of humanity’s earliest ancestors, this movie traces the journey of early hominids. It combines CGI with the latest paleontological findings to tell a historic tale.

Vitamania: The Sense and Nonsense of Vitamins 

  • Genre: Documentary, health and nutrition
  • Rating: NR
  • Featured actors: Derek Muller

Dr. Derek Muller investigates the world of vitamin science, exploring the history of its discovery and the dietary supplement industry. He gives us an in-depth look at the dangers of deficiency and excessive intake, challenging the way we consume vitamin supplements.

Our hot take

CuriosityStream deals specifically with informative and educational movies and shows. So it might not be the best streaming service if you want general entertainment content alongside the occasional documentary. But if you have kids or if you regularly watch documentaries, the service would be perfect for you. So sign up for the free trial today and see if it’s a good fit.

Jacqueline Zote

Jacqueline Zote is a digital marketing and entertainment writer who makes regular contributions to Sprout Social and Recreation Insider. Her interests range from pop culture and mythology to social activism. When she’s not writing, she goes on food adventures and binges on crime drama. Her short fiction has been published by HarperCollins Publishers and Zubaan Books.