5 picks for top documentary films debuting in 2024
5 picks for top documentary films debuting in 2024
Every year brings a new crop of fascinating documentary films exploring compelling real-world stories and social issues. 2024 looks to be another great year for documentary lovers, with an exciting array of titles set to debut across streaming services and in movie theaters. In this article, we highlight several of the most anticipated documentary releases of the coming year that have the potential to educate, inspire, and spark important conversations. From environmental wake-up calls to intimate profiles of iconic figures, these films glimpse some thought-provoking non-fiction stories that will captivate audiences in 2024.
We've selected titles tackling different topics, so keep reading to learn about our picks for some of the top documentaries to watch out for over the next 12 months!
Pamela, A Love Story
The first major documentary release of the year was not about Gunther, the supposed richest dog in the world, as entertaining as that film may have been. Rather, it was the Netflix film Pamela, a love story, which debuted on the same day as Pamela Anderson's memoir Love, Pamela. Told completely through Anderson's own words and recordings, the documentary shares her life story with humanity and compassion, offering a more well-rounded portrayal of the actress than what was presented by tabloids in the 1990s and 2000s. Pamela presented a documentary event that provided important context and perspective about Anderson, beyond just sensationalized headlines.
Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project
HBO continues to deliver impactful documentaries with multiple projects deserving of recognition. Beyond the acclaimed series "Telemarketers" (detailed below), another standout is "Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project". Profiling the iconic poet Nikki Giovanni, the film explores her pioneering life and influential art through illuminating interviews and archival footage. Giovanni has made immeasurable contributions over her career, and this intimate documentary celebrates her legacy while revealing the continued wisdom we can learn from her story today. With nuanced portraits like this of cultural figures who expanded society's conversations, HBO reaffirms its dedication to crafting documentaries that educate and inspire.
Beyond Utopia
On a sobering yet similarly courageous note, the documentary "Beyond Utopia" faces grim realities through its focus on families striving to escape oppressive circumstances in North Korea. Following multiple individuals and documenting their challenges in defecting from the nation, the film captures their resilience through both footage shot by the filmmakers as well as material bravely recorded by the subjects themselves. Simply undertaking such a project comes with immense risks, and the ways "Beyond Utopia" shines a light on these urgent human stories with care, empathy, and judicious hands demonstrates one of the bravest acts in non-fiction filmmaking this year.
Little Richard: I Am Everything
While Elvis Presley is hailed as the "King of Rock," Little Richard rightfully holds the title as one of rock and roll's founding fathers. As "Little Richard: I Am Everything" illustrates, Richard's groundbreaking music is woven deeply into the fabric of the genre, influencing countless artists for decades to come. Featuring archival clips and interviews with luminaries discussing Richard's immeasurable influence, the documentary is a celebration of his artistic genius and life journey.
The League
Ken Burns' profile of Bill Russell in his documentary basketball series was certainly impactful. However, his film The League might be even more impressive. The League took an expansive yet gentle look at the Negro baseball leagues that predated the integration of Black athletes into Major League Baseball. In the film, Burns was able to uncover previously undiscovered interviews with Negro league legends Satchel Page and Buck O'Neil, which is quite an achievement. By bringing these important historical figures to light, The League proved to be a monumental documentary from Burns.
