Explore the Diverse Landscape of 2024’s Must-Watch Documentaries

Uncover a wealth of captivating stories, insightful investigations, and thought-provoking journeys in the realm of documentary filmmaking. From gripping true crime tales to eye-opening social commentary and inspiring human narratives, the documentary genre in 2024 offers something for every viewer. Let’s dive into the diverse array of documentary films released in 2024, categorized by their respective genres.

Gripping True Crime Documentaries

1. You Are Not Alone: Fighting the Wolf Pack (2024)

• Witness the powerful testimonies surrounding a gang rape during the 2016 San Fermín festival, igniting global protests against sexual violence.

1. Pathological: The Lies of Joran van der Sloot (2024)

• Delve into the life of Joran van der Sloot, unraveling his history of violence and deceit, including the brutal murders of Natalee Holloway and Stephany Flores.

1. The War on Children (2024)

• Expose the ongoing battle for the minds of the next generation, shedding light on the tactics employed to control and manipulate young minds.

1. Black Box Diaries (2024)

• Join journalist Shiori Ito as she bravely investigates her own sexual assault, challenging Japan’s judicial and societal systems in pursuit of justice.

Insightful Social and Cultural Documentaries

5. A New Kind of Wilderness (2024)

• Witness a family’s struggle to adapt to contemporary society after a tragic event shatters their isolated existence in the Norwegian wilderness.

5. Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion (2024)

• Peel back the layers of the fast fashion industry, exposing its toxic culture and impact on society and the environment.

5. Hispanoamerica (2024)

• Embark on a journey through three centuries of Hispanic American history, exploring its rich cultural heritage and unique identity.

5. I Could Never Go Vegan (2024)

• Challenge preconceptions about veganism as a filmmaker explores the leading arguments facing the vegan movement and their justification.

Inspiring Human Narratives

9. Agent of Happiness (2024)

• Follow Amber, a happiness agent, as he journeys through the Bhutanese Himalayas in search of fulfillment and the true meaning of happiness.

9. Young Royals Forever (2024)
   • Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg, along with creator Lisa Ambjörn, share the behind-the-scenes story of the journey of Wilhelm and Simon, offering insights into their characters’ development.
10. A Resilient Man (2024)
    • Experience the resilience, passion, and hope of Steven McRae, principal dancer of the Royal Ballet, as his story unfolds on screen.
11. John Singer Sargent: Fashion and Swagger (2024)
    • Explore the mastery of John Singer Sargent in portraying identity through clothing, examining his influence on art, culture, and fashion.

Thought-Provoking Political and Societal Documentaries

13. Bad Faith (2024)
    • Examine the rise of Christian Nationalism in America and its threat to democracy, urging viewers to confront the forces undermining democratic values.
14. The Truth vs. Alex Jones (2024)
    • Witness the legal battle against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, highlighting the impact of misinformation and lies on society.
15. Food for Profit (2024)
    • Expose the connections between agrifood and politics, unveiling the problems associated with factory farming and its impact on the environment and society.
16. The Relentless Patriot (2024)
    • Join Scott LoBaido as he advocates for American values through art, celebrating patriotism and activism in the face of adversity.

Captivating Biographical Documentaries

17. Dave Attell: Hot Cross Buns (2024)
    • Experience comedian Dave Attell’s rapid-fire, no-holds-barred performance in this hilarious stand-up special.
18. Eno (2024)
    • Explore the life and artistry of Brian Eno, offering insight into the mind of the influential musician and producer.
19. Skywalkers: A Love Story (2024)
    • Follow a daring couple as they attempt a bold acrobatic stunt on the spire of the last super skyscraper, navigating the challenges of both their career and relationship.
20. Flynn (2024)
    • Uncover the gripping true story of General Michael Flynn, from his military career to his political persecution as National Security Advisor.

Unconventional and Unique Documentaries

21. Secret Mall Apartment (2024)
    • Discover the hidden world of a secret apartment inside a busy mall, where eight Rhode Islanders lived for four years, capturing their experiences on film.
22. The Movie Man (2024)
    • Reflect on a lifetime spent owning and operating a unique cinema in the forest of northern Ontario, offering a glimpse into the magic of cinema in the midst of a global pandemic.
23. Rust to Glory, Driving and Surviving the Budapest-Bamako Rally (2024)
    • Embark on a daring adventure with three teams as they rebuild iconic vehicles and journey across 10,000 kilometers in the Budapest-Bamako rally, showcasing the thrill of amateur road racing.
24. Porcelain War (2024)
    • Witness the resilience and creativity of Ukrainian artists amid conflict, finding beauty and passion amid destruction.
25. Open Wide (2024)
    • Follow Mike Mew’s fight against the establishment to keep his fringe orthodontic practice alive, challenging conventional orthodontic practices.

These documentaries offer a window into the diverse stories, challenges, and triumphs of humanity, inviting viewers to explore the world from new perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.

26. All Illusions Must Be Broken (2024)

• Reflect on human mortality and the lengths we go to deny it, through the lens of cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker, in this cinematic exploration of the human condition.

26. Daughters (2024)

• Witness the heartwarming journey of four young girls as they prepare for a special Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers, showcasing the power of familial love and connection.

26. Leaving Jesus (2024)

• Follow the emotional story of Christian ex-fundamentalists as they gather at a retreat to free themselves from the communities they were born into, exploring themes of identity and liberation.

26. My Wife, My Abuser: The Secret Footage (2024)

• Expose the disturbing story of Richard Spencer’s two decades of abuse at the hands of his wife, Sheree Spencer, through secret footage and firsthand accounts.

26. The Secret Army (2024)

• Uncover the lost documentary that unmasked the IRA during the bloodiest point of the conflict, shedding light on the organization’s leadership and operations.

26. L’homme aux mille visages (2024)

• Investigate the intricate web of deception woven by a man who assumes multiple identities to deceive and manipulate those around him, revealing a fraud with a thousand faces.

26. La belle de Gaza (2024)

• Follow the perilous journey of Palestinian trans individuals as they flee Gaza for Tel Aviv, seeking acceptance and self-affirmation in the face of conflict and oppression.

26. Budda. Dzieciak ’98 (2024)

• Explore motivation and ambition through the lens of popular Polish YouTuber Budda, who claims that anyone can achieve their dreams, even owning a Lamborghini.

26. Demetri Martin: Demetri Deconstructed (2024)

• Laugh along with comedian Demetri Martin as he delivers his trademark blend of humor and insight, offering hilarious observations on everyday life.

26. Kevin James: Irregardless (2024)

• Enjoy a comedic journey through parenthood, marriage, and aging with Kevin James in this stand-up comedy special filled with laughter and relatable anecdotes.

26. Gary Hustwit in Eno (2024)

• Immerse yourself in the world of artist Brian Eno, as director Gary Hustwit offers a glimpse into the life and work of the influential musician and producer.

26. Scott LoBaido in The Relentless Patriot (2024)

• Join artist Scott LoBaido on a wild ride through his career as a patriotic activist, advocating for American values through art and activism.

These documentaries offer a diverse range of stories and perspectives, inviting viewers to laugh, cry, and reflect on the complexities of the human experience. Whether exploring true crime, societal issues, or personal narratives, each film provides a unique window into the world around us.