From gripping personal stories to urgent explorations of our world’s most pressing issues, here’s our curated list of the top 20 documentaries from 2024…


From gripping personal stories to urgent explorations of our world’s most pressing issues, here’s our curated list of the top 20 documentaries from 2024…
20. Big Zuu Goes to Mecca
In this deeply personal and often humorous journey, Big Zuu Goes to Mecca follows the rapper’s pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site. This BBC documentary is a unique exploration of faith, identity, and belonging, capturing the universal search for meaning.
A BBC Studios & acme TV production.
19. Our Living World
Our Living World is an awe-inspiring celebration of the planet we call home. Narrated by the incomparable Cate Blanchett, this four-part series takes us on an unforgettable journey into the astonishing lives of Earth’s most remarkable creatures. From the ingenious survival strategies of the gopher tortoise to the hidden social worlds of animals often overlooked, the series unveils nature’s extraordinary stories with breathtaking visuals and heartfelt storytelling.
A Freeborne Media & Wild Space Productions production
18. Sugarcane
Sugarcane peels back the layers of a dark chapter in Canadian history, delving into the lasting trauma of the residential school system. Directed with care and nuance, this Sundance award-winning film is both a call to action and a tribute to the resilience of Indigenous communities. It’s as essential as it is heartbreaking.
A Kassie Films, Hedgehog Films, Fit Via Vi Film Productions & Impact Partners Production
17. Diane von Furstenberg:
Woman in Charge
Iconic, trailblazing, and unapologetically bold—Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge is a celebration of one of fashion’s most influential figures. This captivating documentary charts von Furstenberg’s rise from designing the legendary wrap dress to becoming a powerful advocate for women and entrepreneurs worldwide
A Sutter Road Picture Company & Particle Projects production
16. The Jennings vs Alzheimer’s
This heartwarming and heartbreaking BBC documentary chronicles one family’s fight against Alzheimer’s. Through their personal journey, The Jennings vs Alzheimer’s sheds light on the disease’s impact, fostering empathy and hope through its deeply human storytelling.
A BBC Studios & Expectation TV production
15. The Push: Murder on the Cliff
Part true-crime thriller, part social commentary, The Push unravels the mystery surrounding a suspicious death on a picturesque cliffside. With its gripping narrative and sharp analysis, this Channel 4 series is a masterclass in investigative storytelling.
A Candour Productions & Channel 4 production
14. Simone Biles Rising
In this intimate portrait, Simone Biles Rising captures the journey of a global icon navigating the pressures of fame, mental health, and the pursuit of greatness. Celebrated as one of the year’s top sports documentaries, it’s an inspiring and raw testament to the power of resilience.
A Religion of Sports production
13. The Brink of Dreams
A celebration of courage and creativity, The Brink of Dreams follows an Egyptian street theatre troupe challenging societal norms. Winner of Cannes’ Golden Eye award, it’s a testament to the transformative power of art and a vivid reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to dream.
A Felucca Films & Dolce Vita Films production
12. Silverback
A visual feast for nature lovers, Silverback takes audiences deep into the world of mountain gorillas. Beautifully shot and narrated with care, this BBC documentary is both an educational journey and a reminder of the urgent need for conservation.
A BBC Studios, Off The Fence, France TV, Xumo & Featuristic Film production
11. Will and Harper
Will & Harper is a heartfelt and intimate documentary that chronicles the transformative journey of Will Ferrell and his longtime friend, Harper Steele. Embarking on a cross-country road trip, the film delves into Harper’s recent transition and the duo’s efforts to navigate this new chapter in their friendship.
A Delirio Films, Gloria Sanchez Productions, Wayfarer Studios & Netflix.production
10. Daughters
Daughters is an unforgettable exploration of love, loss, and connection. Following four young women as they prepare for father-daughter dances with their incarcerated fathers, the film offers a tender and unflinching look at family ties in the face of adversity. Winner of the Sundance Audience Award, this poignant documentary is a testament to the enduring power of relationships and the resilience of the human heart
A Object & Animal, Epoch Films Park Pictures, OPC Production & XTR production
9. Super/Man:
The Christopher Reeve Story
Super/Man is a profoundly moving tribute to the life and legacy of Christopher Reeve. This deeply personal documentary takes us beyond the cape, exploring Reeve’s transformation from beloved Superman actor to tireless disability advocate after his life-altering accident. With unparalleled access to his family, friends, and archives, the film weaves an emotional narrative of resilience, hope, and determination that reminds us all of the strength within the human spirit.
A Words + Pictures, Passion Pictures, Jenco Films & Misfits Entertainment production
8. Road Diary
An intimate look at Bruce Springsteen’s life on tour, Road Diary goes beyond the music to reveal the man behind the legend. Packed with behind-the-scenes moments and heartfelt anecdotes, this Hulu documentary is a love letter to fans and a poignant exploration of artistic passion.
A Thrill Hill Productions production
7.Wise Guy:
David Chase and the Sopranos
A must-watch for any Sopranos fan, this HBO documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of one of television’s most iconic series. Packed with insider stories and creative insights, Wise Guy is both a nostalgic trip and a fascinating exploration of storytelling brilliance.
A HBO Documentaries & Jigsaw Productions production
6. Am I Racist?
Matt Walsh’s provocative exploration into the complexities of racism in modern society doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable questions. Blending hard-hitting interviews with a sharp cultural critique, Am I Racist? became the highest-grossing documentary of 2024 for a reason. Challenging viewers to confront their biases, it’s both a conversation starter and a mirror, reflecting the complexities of race and identity today.
A Daily Wire & Digital Astronaut production
5. Undercover: Exposing the Far Right
Undercover: Exposing the Far Right is a gripping and unflinching investigation into the shadowy world of far-right extremism. This bold documentary follows a team of journalists as they infiltrate extremist groups, exposing their networks, tactics, and dangerous ideologies. Through covert footage and interviews, it reveals the alarming reach of these groups and the threats they pose to democratic societies. Combining fearless reporting with meticulous storytelling, Undercover shines a light on a dark corner of modern politics, offering a vital and timely wake-up call about the fight against hate and division.
A Tigerlily Productions & HOPE not hate production
4. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
Through archival footage and interviews, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin chronicles the life of Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer, who died of a degenerative muscular disease at the age of 25. His parents mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated life, when they started receiving messages from online friends around the world. A celebration of courage and innovation, this Netflix gem is a story that transcends borders, making it one of the most unforgettable documentaries of 2024.
A Medieoperatørene & VGTV production
3. Mr. McMahon
A fascinating deep dive into the controversial life and legacy of WWE’s Vince McMahon, this Netflix documentary is as entertaining as it is revealing. With unprecedented access and candid interviews, Mr. McMahon delivers a gripping narrative about power, ambition, and scandal in the world of professional wrestling.
A Library Films & Ringer Films production
2. No Other Land
Co-directed by Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers, No Other Land is a poignant and powerful portrayal of life under occupation. Celebrated at international festivals, it’s a deeply human story of resilience and hope amidst conflict, offering a much-needed perspective on one of the world’s longest-standing struggles.
An Antipode Films & Yabayay Media production
1. Black Box Diaries
Shiori Itō’s Black Box Diaries is an unflinching exploration of truth and accountability. Tackling systemic injustices with bravery, this award-winning documentary balances personal stories with a broader societal critique, making it an essential watch for anyone invested in justice.
A MTV Documentary Films & Dogwoof production




















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