I decided to make a list of great documentaries to watch on Yle Areena.
At first I wanted to make a watchlist for myself, but I ended up also listing the films I already saw and really liked.
I hope you find something for you. Enjoy!
About Yle Areena
Yle Areena is a free video-on-demand streaming site, run by the Finnish public broadcasting company Yle. Most of the content is viewable only in Finland, but there are some exceptions that can be viewed globally. There are no advertisements and you do not need a login for the site.
Of these movies, only the Laestadionist documentary Suviseurat, synti, sovitus ja taivas and the Venezuela -themed movie Pako tuhotusta maasta are watchable from anywhere in the world. The rest are watchable only in Finland.
My Recommendations
The Good Postman
Must-see film about a remote Bulgarian village on the Turkish border. I've never seen a feelgood movie about such a dark topic. A must-watch! Dark but intensely hopeful.
Be quick, only 2 days left!
IMDB score: 7.5
Golden Dawn Girls
About the neo-nazi movement in Greece.
Only 11 days left to watch.
IMDB score: 6.7
The Fourth Estate
This 4-part docuseries focuses on the reporters of the New York Times as they endure attacks by President Trump on his first year in office.
Only 9 days left for episode one.
IMDB score: 7.6
Tourist Go Home!
About tourism, what it's doing to popular destinations, and those who oppose it.
Over 1 month left.
I couldn't find this movie on IMDB.
Suviseurat, synti, sovitus ja taivas
About Conservative Laestadianism, a christian movement in Finland, and their yearly camping party Suviseurat.
Watchable forever.
Watchable from anywhere in the world!
I couldn't find this movie on IMDB.
My Scientology Movie
Louis Theroux films Scientologists filming him.
Over 2 months left.
IMDB score: 6.7
The Unknown Known
A film by Errol Morris. Donald Rumsfeld explains himself and his decisions in the Middle East.
Over 2 months left.
IMDB score: 7.1
My watchlist
I haven't seen these yet, but I'm going to watch them. They are included here based on critical acclaim, a good IMDB score or otherwise being relevant.
Human - The Movie
A documentary film by the world-renowned photographer Tann Arthus-Bertrand.
Only 5 days left!
IMDB score: 8.7
Pako tuhotusta maasta
The movie the Venezuelan regime doesn't want you to see.
I couldn't find this movie on IMDB.
Watchable forever.
Watchable from anywhere in the world!
Chasing Asylum
About the cruel immigration policies of Australia.
Over 1 month left.
IMDB score: 7.6
Behind The Altar
About the continuing child molestation in the catholic church.
Over 1 month left.
IMDB score: 7.6
Food Evolution
A movie about food and it's future.
Over 1 month left.
IMDB score: 7.0
Punk Voyage
About mentally disabled guys and their punk rock band. A sequel to the award-winning documentary Kovasikajuttu.
Over 1 month left.
IMDB score: 7.3
Up To The Last Drop
About European cities privatizing their water.
Over 1 month left.
I couldn't find this movie on IMDB.
Do Not Resist
About Americans, their love for guns and their police force.
Over 2 months left.
IMDB score: 7.0
Kim Dotcom - Caught In The Web
The story of the most wanted man online.
Over 2 months left.
IMDB score: 7.0
If you didn't find any movies to watch in this list (that's hard to believe), check out the other free & legal streaming sites in Finland.