While many teens go to streaming sites like Hulu or Netflix for comedies, dramas, and thrillers, too often they overlook documentaries.

Documentaries are non-fiction films that can educate and inform viewers, but the best of them also are as entertaining as any other great movie.

There are a variety of different documentaries, with topics ranging from nature and animals through food, famous people and infamous crimes.

“What the Health,” directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, examines the link between diet and health care. It also takes a look at the pharmaceutical and food industries, which have billions of dollars at stake on issues that affect people’s health.

This documentary shows that even the foods that are proclaimed to be healthy aren’t always safe for everyone. The film also considers the poor treatment of livestock. Additionally, viewers are taught the reality of balancing food with physical activity.

The documentary “What Happened. Miss Simone?” is based on the famous singer Nina Simone. It shows multiple aspects of her life, as she not only sang but also was a songwriter and civil rights activist.

Simone sang in a range of genres, including classical, jazz, blues, folk and R&B. This documentary shows viewers what Simone’s life was really like after her time on stage, with stories told by the people in her life.

Lastly, perhaps the most popular type of documentary focuses on true crime.

“Interview with a Serial Killer” offers 44 minutes of Arthur Shawcross, more commonly known as the Genesee River Killer, talking about his crimes in detail while also describing his personal life. This documentary shows exactly what happens in the mind of someone willing to kill large numbers of people.

While teens naturally first look for comedies and horror films, they should consider documentaries as well.