When you think of Netflix chart-toppers, your mind might go straight to blockbuster series like Wednesday, true crime sensations like The Tinder Swindler, or the latest royal revelations in Harry & Meghan. But every so often, a documentary comes along that breaks through the noise — and Rory Kennedy’s The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari is exactly that.
This harrowing yet deeply human Netflix hit has gripped audiences worldwide, proving that real-life storytelling can be just as captivating as scripted drama.
A disaster that shocked the world
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rory Kennedy, The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari recounts the terrifying true story of the volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s Whakaari (White Island) in December 2019.
On what began as an ordinary day for 47 tourists and guides, the island’s active volcano erupted without warning, engulfing them in a deadly cloud of ash and gas.
Through first-hand survivor accounts, dramatic archival footage, and breathtaking cinematography, Kennedy tells the story with minute-by-minute precision — capturing not just the raw power of nature but the extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged in its aftermath.
A rare global hit for a Netflix documentary
Netflix has had its share of standout documentaries — The Tinder Swindler, Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich, and Downfall: The Case Against Boeing among them. But The Volcano has achieved something rare: global dominance usually reserved for scripted content.
Within days of its release, it shot to number one in the U.S. and topped Netflix charts in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and much of Europe. For a documentary feature to rival seasonal favourites and fictional blockbusters is almost unheard of.
Its success is a testament to the enduring appetite for authentic, high-stakes human stories.
The powerhouse team behind The Volcano
Part of what makes The Volcano so compelling is the calibre of talent behind it. The film was produced by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way, alongside Imagine Documentaries and Moxie Films.
- Producers: Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Jennifer Davisson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Phillip Watson
- Co-Executive Producer: Alex Perry
- Writers: Mark Bailey and Dallas Brennan Rexer
- Composer: Hans Zimmer — the legendary talent behind Inception, The Lion King, and Interstellar
The heads of Imagine Documentaries, Sara Bernstein and Justin Wilkes, also played key roles in ensuring the story was treated with the sensitivity and gravity it deserved.
Why Whakaari’s story hits so hard
The Whakaari disaster was unlike most natural tragedies because it unfolded in such an accessible, tourist-friendly location. The eruption took 22 lives and left many survivors with life-changing injuries.
Kennedy’s approach avoids sensationalism. Instead, she gives voice to survivors and rescuers, painting a deeply human picture of bravery, trauma, and resilience. The film also raises pressing questions about safety protocols for tours to active volcanic sites — questions that remain unresolved years later.
Fun fact: Much like her earlier documentary Downfall: The Case Against Boeing, Kennedy focuses on both the human and systemic failures that contribute to large-scale tragedies.
Lessons from Whakaari
The eruption sparked intense debates about accountability, with investigations into whether tour operators and authorities ignored warnings about increased volcanic activity.
Since the disaster, tourism operators worldwide have reviewed safety measures for high-risk destinations. The film brings these conversations back into focus, highlighting the delicate balance between adventure tourism and public safety.
Rory Kennedy’s signature storytelling
Kennedy has a gift for transforming complex, emotionally charged events into compelling narratives. The Volcano stands apart from her previous work for its emotional immediacy and the intimacy of its survivor testimonies.
Her ability to blend rigorous investigative journalism with deeply personal storytelling makes the documentary not only gripping but also profoundly moving.
Why you should watch The Volcano in 2025
If you’ve ever doubted the power of a documentary to change perspectives, The Volcano will make you think again. It’s not just a film about a volcanic eruption — it’s about the human instinct to help, even when the odds are overwhelming.
From its breathtaking visuals to its haunting stories of survival and loss, this is a Netflix documentary that stays with you long after the credits roll.
And in an era when audiences crave authenticity, it’s no wonder The Volcano has become a rare breakout hit in a crowded streaming landscape.
Final thoughts
The Whakaari eruption remains one of the most tragic natural disasters of recent years — and The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari ensures it will not be forgotten. With its world-class production team, stunning visuals, and heart-wrenching interviews, it’s a film that’s as important as it is unforgettable.
If you watch just one documentary this year, make it The Volcano. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability — and the resilience of the human spirit.
