· Tara Price · Lifestyle
20 Best Documentaries of 2024: From Oscar Winners to Streaming Essentials
Documentaries have once again captured our imaginations in 2024, showcasing stories that reflect and challenge our understanding of the world.
From Oscar-winning features to anticipated new releases, this collection brings together the top documentaries of 2024.
Each film provides a unique lens into different facets of human experience, from personal struggles and friendship to systemic issues and social change.
Oscar-Winning Documentaries of 2024
1. 20 Days in Mariupol
Academy Award Winner for Best Documentary Feature
Few films in recent years have captured the harrowing reality of war like 20 Days in Mariupol.
Directed by Mstyslav Chernov, this Oscar-winning documentary is an immersive experience that goes beyond conventional war reporting.
Chernov, a photojournalist, weaves together raw footage from inside the besieged Ukrainian city, offering viewers a window into the resilience of civilians caught in life-or-death situations.
Critics have praised the film for its visceral cinematography and emotional depth, which capture both the brutality of conflict and the enduring strength of the human spirit—a film as relevant as it is unforgettable.
2. The Last Repair Shop
Academy Award Winner for Best Documentary Short Film
A quiet yet profound reflection on preservation, The Last Repair Shop tells the story of artisans restoring historical artefacts.
This Oscar-winning short is a testament to the importance of craftsmanship in an era dominated by mass production.
By focusing on the meticulous hands of these artisans, the film highlights the fragility of cultural heritage and the importance of preserving it.
For viewers, this film offers a gentle reminder of the human need to connect with the past, honouring the timeless work of those who repair it piece by piece.
The Most Anticipated Documentaries of 2024
3. Will & Harper
Streaming on Netflix
What happens when longtime friends hit the road with emotional baggage as heavy as their suitcases?
Will & Harperanswers this question with humour and vulnerability, following Will Ferrell and Harper Steele as they navigate the evolving dynamics of their friendship.
This poignant documentary unfolds as both a buddy comedy and a nuanced exploration of identity, as Steele reflects on life as a trans woman.
Ferrell’s earnest curiosity and Steele’s wit create a chemistry that feels intimate and genuine.
At its heart, Will & Harper is about acceptance—of friends, of ourselves, and of change.
4. Ennio
Available on Apple TV and Prime Video
In Ennio, director Giuseppe Tornatore (best known for Cinema Paradiso) pays tribute to Ennio Morricone, the prolific composer behind some of cinema’s most iconic soundtracks.
Tornatore includes rare footage and candid conversations with Morricone, as well as interviews with filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Clint Eastwood, who share insights into how Morricone’s music influenced their work.
This film isn’t just for music lovers; it’s a meditation on creativity and the ways in which sound can shape our emotional landscapes.
In celebrating Morricone’s legacy, Ennio captures the magic of a true maestro.
5. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
Streaming on Netflix
A hidden gem at Sundance, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin follows the story of Mats Steen, a young man with muscular dystrophy who built a vibrant community in World of Warcraft.
Told through the eyes of his grieving parents, who only discovered his online friendships after his death, this documentary explores how virtual worlds can foster real connections.
The film resonates with the digital generation, showing that behind every avatar is a real person with dreams, struggles, and triumphs.
It’s a touching narrative on the power of virtual relationships and the importance of finding connection wherever we can.
Top Documentaries to Stream in 2024
6. Sue Bird: In the Clutch
For Sports Fans on Prime Video
More than just a sports documentary, Sue Bird: In the Clutch offers an unfiltered look into the life of WNBA star Sue Bird.
As Bird confronts issues like pay inequity, the risks of playing overseas, and the league’s lack of maternity care, the documentary highlights the challenges female athletes continue to face.
Bird’s story is both inspirational and thought-provoking, pushing viewers to question the systemic inequities in professional sports.
This is one of the top streaming documentaries for fans of women’s sports and advocates for gender equality.
7. Daughters
Streaming on Hulu
Daughters tackles the complex issue of mass incarceration and its impact on families.
Following young girls as they prepare for a special “daddy-daughter dance” with their incarcerated fathers, this documentary offers a rare glimpse into the human side of the prison system.
More than a simple tearjerker, Daughters examines how programmes like these can facilitate healing and break cycles of trauma.
It’s a story of resilience and hope, proving that even in the most challenging circumstances, family bonds can endure.
8. Ren Faire
Streaming on HBO Max
Ren Faire takes viewers into the eccentric world of Renaissance fairs, focusing on a power struggle to control the largest fair in the U.S.
With a cast of characters straight out of a medieval drama, this docuseries balances humour with drama, revealing how modern-day rivalries and alliances shape the fair’s future.
Beyond the costumes and jousts, Ren Faire explores themes of tradition, community, and the lengths people will go to protect what they love.
This docuseries is as entertaining as it is insightful, making it a unique addition to 2024’s documentary lineup.
Best New Documentaries of 2024 Featuring Iconic Figures
9. Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger
Narrated by Martin Scorsese
In this homage to British filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, Martin Scorsese offers a deep dive into how their films reshaped cinema.
Made in England includes insights from Scorsese on how Powell and Pressburger influenced his own work, creating a fascinating look at how one era of cinema inspired another.
This documentary is a must-watch for film buffs and serves as both a tribute and a lesson in the evolution of cinematic storytelling.
10. The Greatest Night in Pop
Streaming on Netflix
Relive the magic of “We Are the World,” the charity single that defined a generation, in The Greatest Night in Pop.
This documentary dives into the legendary night when music’s biggest stars gathered to record the song.
Featuring archival footage and interviews with the artists involved, the film is both a nostalgic trip and a study in collaboration.
It’s a reminder of music’s power to unite people across borders and one of the best pop culture documentaries of the year.
11. Frida
With vivid storytelling and lush visuals, Frida by director Carla Gutierrez paints a complex portrait of Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican artist known for her raw, introspective work.
Gutierrez explores Kahlo’s life through her art, providing a window into her struggles and triumphs.
The documentary connects her legacy to modern feminist movements, celebrating her resilience and unapologetic self-expression.
Frida is an evocative tribute to a woman who continues to inspire artists and activists around the world.
Social Issue Documentaries That Resonate in 2024
12. Power
Available on Netflix
Power, directed by Yance Ford, tackles the complex history of American law enforcement and its role in upholding racial and class inequalities.
Using archival footage and interviews, Ford weaves a narrative that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic bias.
This documentary serves as a reminder of the importance of historical context in understanding modern-day issues, making it one of the most essential documentaries of 2024.
13. Queen of the Deuce
Streaming on Apple TV
This unconventional documentary follows Chelly Wilson, a pioneering Greek immigrant who built a network of adult theatres in Times Square.
Wilson’s story sheds light on female entrepreneurship in an era dominated by men, celebrating her tenacity and resilience.
Through archival footage and family interviews, Queen of the Deuce explores the intersection of gender, sexuality, and business, offering viewers a fresh perspective on one woman’s quest for independence.
14. Rowdy Girl
As climate issues gain traction, Rowdy Girl offers a unique perspective on the debate by following a Texas rancher who transitions from cattle farming to animal advocacy.
Renee King-Sonnen’s journey reflects the struggles of rural communities facing changing values around animal rights.
Her story is an inspiring testament to personal transformation and a powerful statement on the environmental impact of ranching.
It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in environmental and animal rights issues.
Streaming Documentaries to Add to Your List
15. Kim’s Video
Streaming on Prime Video
When New York City’s legendary Kim’s Video closed, its massive collection of rare films was shipped to a small town in Sicily.
In this quirky documentary, filmmakers search for the lost collection, uncovering a story about the power of film to connect people across cultures.
Kim’s Video is a love letter to the art of film and a nostalgic journey that cinephiles will adore.
16. Spermworld
Mixing humour with humanity, Spermworld delves into the online sperm-donation marketplace.
The documentary explores why people choose to donate and the families created through this unconventional process, shedding light on the unexpected relationships formed along the way.
Spermworld offers a glimpse into modern parenthood with a light-hearted yet thoughtful approach, making it one of the most original documentaries of 2024.
17. The Conqueror: Hollywood Fallout
Streaming on Spectrum TV
This historical exposé investigates the 1950s film The Conqueror, which was filmed near atomic test sites and led to cancer diagnoses for many of its cast and crew, including John Wayne.
The documentary exposes Hollywood’s disregard for safety in pursuit of spectacle, making it both a cautionary tale and a study in hubris.
This unsettling film offers an unfiltered look at the cost of fame and is one of the most compelling documentaries of the year.
Unmissable Documentaries of 2024
18. The Zone of Interest
Oscar Winner for Best International Feature Film
Though not a documentary, The Zone of Interest applies a documentary-like realism to depict life adjacent to Auschwitz.
This haunting narrative forces viewers to confront the banality of evil, offering a chilling perspective on complicity.
Praised for its stark realism, the film stands as a powerful reminder of history’s darkest moments.
19. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Streaming on Netflix
This heartfelt documentary dives into the life of Christopher Reeve, exploring his transformation from Hollywood superstar to a passionate advocate for spinal injury research following a life-altering accident.
Super/Man goes beyond Reeve’s Superman fame, revealing his resilience, strength, and advocacy for disability rights.
Featuring interviews with friends, family, and fellow activists, this documentary is a moving tribute to a man who became a real-life hero off-screen.
It stands as one of 2024’s most inspirational documentaries, celebrating Reeve’s legacy and his impact on countless lives.
20. Beyond the Bronx
Streaming on ESPN
How did the Yankees cap become a global symbol of culture? This short documentary looks at the history of this iconic accessory, with insights from filmmaker Spike Lee on its cultural impact.
It’s a brief but captivating exploration of sportswear as a symbol of identity and belonging.
Final Takeaway: Documentaries that Matter
From Oscar-winning documentaries to streaming must-sees, 2024’s lineup offers stories that inform, challenge, and inspire.
These films remind us that documentaries are not just about capturing real life—they’re about connecting us to the world and people around us.
Each of these stories is a testament to the power of truth in its most raw, compelling form.
