The Top 10 Documentaries of 2024

1. Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara

As indie-rock duo Tegan and Sara Quin discovered the internet can be both a blessing and a curse. This gripping documentary tells the story of “Fegan,” a fake online persona who impersonated Tegan for years. Fans were manipulated, and personal boundaries were crossed. Directed by Erin Lee Carr, the film explores the emotional toll of this deception while highlighting the vulnerability of online communication. It’s a chilling reminder that even public figures are not immune to digital exploitation.

2. MoviePass, MovieCrash

What started as a dream for film enthusiasts ended as a cautionary tale of corporate greed. MoviePass, MovieCrash explored the rise and fall of the subscription service that promised unlimited cinema tickets for $9.95 a month. Director Muta’Ali brings the story back to its roots, focusing on the overlooked contributions of Black founders Stacy Spikes and Hamet Watt. Questionable business practices eventually became heavier than their innovative vision. The result is a fascinating and infuriating look at how ambition and mismanagement can derail even the best ideas.

3. Ernest Cole: Lost and Found

Photographer Ernest Cole’s work during apartheid captured the harsh realities of life in South Africa. His book House of Bondage is a haunting visual record of systemic injustice. This documentary goes beyond Cole’s famous work. The documentary explores his later years in exile and the rediscovery of 60,000 lost negatives in Sweden. Raoul Peck, known for his politically charged films, directs with precision, focusing on Cole’s enduring legacy as a witness to history. Ernest Cole’s story is a reminder of the challenges people have faced and to date are trying to overcome.

4. Gaucho Gaucho

In Argentina’s northwestern foothills, cowboys known as gauchos keep an ancient tradition alive. Gaucho Gaucho is a visually stunning exploration of their lives, filmed in black-and-white. Directors Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw blend poetic imagery with real-life struggles. Through these visuals, they create a portrait of resilience. A subplot follows a young woman breaking into the male-dominated rodeo scene. The subplot adds elements of depth to the narrative as it plays the role of an ode to a fading life.

5. The Remarkable Life of Iberlin

Mats Steen, a Norwegian man with muscular dystrophy, found freedom in the online world of World of Warcraft. His in-game persona, “Ibelin,” became a beacon of kindness and strength. After Mats’s passing, his parents discovered a treasure trove of chat logs that revealed his hidden world. Benjamin Ree’s documentary brings these interactions to life through animated gameplay, painting an emotional portrait of a young man whose impact extended far beyond his bedroom. The documentary is a sweet and heartfelt reminder to be kind to everyone you meet in your life.

6. The Contestant

Reality TV has always blurred the line between entertainment and exploitation. The Contestant revisits the story of Tomoaki Hamatsu, a comedian who unknowingly starred in one of Japan’s most extreme reality shows in the late 1990s. Stripped of his privacy and dignity, his 15-month ordeal was broadcast to millions. Clair Titley’s documentary investigates the roots of reality TV and its impact on participants. The Contestant offers a sobering look at the cost of fame in a media-driven world.

7. Union

The fight for workers’ rights takes centre stage in Union, which shows the Amazon Labor Union’s historic victory on Staten Island. Directors Brett Story and Stephen Maing go beyond the headlines, capturing the grassroots organising that made it possible. From late-night protests to anti-union propaganda, the film reveals the challenges and triumphs of collective action. It’s a timely reminder of the power of solidarity in the face of corporate opposition.

8. No Other Land

This deeply personal and emotional documentary focuses on the destruction of villages in the West Bank’s Masafer Yatta region. Basel Adra, a Palestinian resident, and Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist, document the daily struggles of those affected by military actions. Their friendship provides a rare glimmer of hope amidst the chaos and shines as a portrayal of what it means to be a family. But as the film progresses, the escalating violence underscores the fragility of their bond. No Other Land is both a call to action and a poignant reflection on resilience.

9. Soundtrack to a Coup d’État

Jazz, politics, and history collide in Johan Grimonprez’s Soundtrack to a Coup d’État. The film explores the intersection of American cultural diplomacy and African liberation movements in the 1960s. Through archival footage and striking visuals, it uncovers the role of jazz musicians as ambassadors during a time of political upheaval. This richly layered documentary connects the dots between art, power, and resistance, making it a must-watch for history buffs and music lovers alike.

10. Dahomey

West Africa’s Kingdom of Dahomey takes centre stage in Mati Diop’s Dahomey. The film examines the legacy of colonialism through the return of stolen artefacts to Benin. While the restitution of 26 items sparks relief, it also ignites anger over the limited scope of justice. Diop adds a unique twist by giving voice to the objects themselves, creating a dialogue between history and identity. This unique and innovative approach makes Dahomey a standout exploration of cultural heritage.

Documentaries in 2024 proved that the truth is more powerful than fiction. These films tackled diverse subjects with creativity and depth, offering new perspectives on familiar issues. From personal stories of resilience to sweeping historical narratives, they reminded us of the importance of seeing the world as it is. Whether you’re a seasoned documentary fan or a newcomer to the genre, these 10 titles are essential viewing.

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