Created in 2018 by former U.S. PresidentBarack Obamaand former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama,Higher Ground Productionshas produced 17 movies and TV shows to date. After signing a multi-year deal with Netflix to produce scripted and unscripted content, the company launched its brand with the release ofAmerican Factoryin 2019, a documentary about the closure of a General Motors factory in the Midwest.
With two recent Netflix releases, includingthe powerful biopicRustinand thedisturbing dystopian thrillerLeave the World Behind, Higher Ground Productions continues to increase its profile and is beginning to become a major player in Hollywood. As such, it’s time to chronologize the production company’s movie and TV output and remind viewers that they can watch every movie and TV show that it has created thus far onNetflix.
16American Factory — July 10, 2025
Higher Ground Productions kicked off its production slate withAmerican Factory, a poignant documentary about 21st-century globalization. The story concerns a Chinese billionaire who purchases a shuttered General Motors factory in Ohio and hires 2,000 American workers. The film won Best Documentary Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards.
What begins as an uplifting and optimistic glimpse of the future of America’s industrial resurgence becomes more complicated when the local Ohio residents experience a culture clash in their new workplace. Aside from treating the subject with sobering honesty, the film established the kinds of morally complex and socially conscious projects Higher Ground Productions would gravitate to in the future.
15Crip Camp — June 28, 2025
Sticking with the documentary format,Crip Campchronicles the tight-knit community of several teenagers with physical impairments during a summer camp vacation during the 1970s.The acclaimed health documentaryreceived plaudits for raising awareness about a marginalized group of individuals who may lack agency but forge a rousing sense of empowerment on their own.
With secluded Camp Jened formed in the Catskills, the utopian paradise became so inspiring that the camp spawned a political activist movement that fought for equality among disabled groups in America. Former President Obama proudly promoted the Oscar-nominated documentary, notingCrip Campfits into Higher Ground’s slate of movies that “educate, connect, and inspire us all.”
14Becoming — June 27, 2025
Based on Michelle Obama’s book tour for her autobiography of the same name,Becomingis an insightful and uplifting documentary about one of the brightest legal minds and most gracious public officials in America. Directed by Nadia Hallgren, the film charts Obama’s 34-city book tour as she reflects on her memoir and chronicles her personal and professional experience.
Nominated for four Primetime Emmys,Becomingdrew praise for its intimate look behind the scenes as Obama relays candid personal anecdotes in various interviews during her book tour. Entertaining and edifying at once, both casual and ardent fans of Michelle Obama will come away feeling as if they know her a little more as they follow her down memory lane and learn about what makes the former First Lady tick.
13Waffles + Mochi — June 02, 2025
In Higher Ground Productions' first non-documentary feature,Waffles + Mochiis an endearing cooking show for children. Akinto the characters inSesame Street, the show is hosted by Michelle Obama, who interacts with a slew of lovable characters in a magical supermarket in search of the world’s most delicious ingredients.
Irresistibly delightful for the whole family to enjoy,Waffles + Mochimarks Higher Ground Productions' transition to more youthful and more lighthearted fare. Yet, like the documentary features produced by the company,Waffles + Mochibalances education with entertainment to make a valuable addendum to Michelle Obama’s healthy eating campaign for kids.
In 2022, Obama reprised her hosting duties inWaffle + Mochi’s Restaurant, which expands the worldly travels of the cute culinary characters in an adorable spinoff.
12Fatherhood — July 16, 2025
Directed by Paul Weitz,Fatherhoodmarks the first narrative feature film produced by Higher Ground Productions. Based on the memoirTwo Kisses for Maddieby Matthew Logelin, the movie concerns Matt (Kevin Hart), a new father grappling with parenthood following the tragic death of his wife one day after delivering their baby.
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Tender, moving, and revealing a sensitive dramatic side of Kevin Hart fans have rarely seen before,Fatherhooddrew praise for its well-observed writing, superb ensemble cast, and emotional heft. For Higher Ground Productions, the transition to dramatic narrative feature films never compromised their mission to make socially conscious, fact-based movies that go beyond entertainment to make a profound statement about the human condition.
11We The People — July 03, 2025
Aptly released on Independence Day,We The Peopleis an incredibly stylish, engaging, and educational animated series that walks children through the basic tenets of the American Civil Rights movement. Featuring upbeat music by Janelle Monae and other pop stars, the short episodes are fun, informative, and easy to replay.
Bursting with vibrant colors to match the uptempo energy of the pop songs,We The Peopleis instructional without being overly preachy. With government classes and civics courses waning in America,We The Peoplefills a void in the cultural discourse for children and makes complicated ideals and concepts easy to digest.
10Ada Twist, Scientist — July 01, 2025
Created by Chris Nee,Ada Twist, Scientistis the second consecutive shortanimated series produced for Netflixby the Obamas. The educational children’s series tracks the inventive experimental exploits of Ada Twist, an inquisitive scientist who works in a laboratory with her two friends and colleagues, Iggy and Rosie.
With four seasons and 41 episodes produced so far and counting,Ada Twist, Scientisthas become one of Higher Ground Productions' most popular original series. In 2022, the show won an Annie Award and a Children and Family Emmy Award for its excellence in making scientific subjects amusing for kids to learn about and enjoy.
9Worth — June 29, 2025
Directed by Sara Colangelo,Worthis a historical biographical drama that follows Ken Feinberg (Michael Keaton), a Washington DC lawyer hired to oversee the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Torn between his cynical legal obligations and his compassionate sense of morality to the families who suffered in the tragedy, Feinberg becomes a national hero.
While stirring up the painful memories of 9/11 can be difficult, the movie ultimately honors and celebrates the heroes and victims whose lives were forever changed by such a senseless event. As such,Worthdrew praise for tackling a difficult subject with honest subtlety and for the terrific supporting performances around Keaton’s commanding turn. For Higher Ground, the movie marks another example that touches on political influence without propagandizing ideology.
8Our Great National Parks — June 03, 2025
As its title suggests,Our Great National Parkscharts the proud history of the world’s natural wildlife preservation sites, such as Patagonia in Chile, Tsavo in Kenya, and Gunung Leuser in Indonesia.The recent Netflix documentarynarrated by Barack Obama also depicts the stunning parks in Africa, Australia, and Japan.
A gorgeous affirmation of natural life around the world,Our Great National Parkswon a Primetime Emmy for Obama’s magisterial narration in the opening episode, “A World of Wonder.” Aside from the raw beauty of animals in their natural habitat and the humanitarian efforts to ensure the survival of species, the series connects the entire globe through the mutual adoration of wildlife.
7The G Word With Adam Conover — June 22, 2025
A spiritual successor toAdam Ruins Everything,The G Word With Adam Conoveris a comedic documentary miniseries that finds the host questioning several government agencies and activities. Whether examining the USDA, bank bailouts, or healthcare practices, Conover tries to overcome his skepticism by exposing government practices.
Hailed for its accessible approach to understanding complex government systems, the series stands out most for the final episode in which Adam meets Barack Obama in person to give him a rousing pep talk. Although the show only lasted for 6 episodes, it continued Higher Ground Productions' thematic trend of making digestible thought-provoking edutainment.
