Best Documentaries of 2024

Brandon kicks off his Best of 2024 with his favorite documentaries.

“In a way you’re on a serendipitous journey, a journey which is much more akin to the life experience. When you see somebody on the screen in a documentary, you’re really engaged with a person going through real life experiences. So for that period of time, as you watch the film, you are, in effect, in the shoes of another individual. What a privilege to have that experience.”

—Albert Maysles, documentary filmmaker

RUNNERS UP

– Gaucho Gaucho
– Girls State
– Porcelain War
– The Last of the Sea Women
– Frida
– Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
– Ennio
– I Am: Celine Dion
– Linda Perry: Let It Die Here
– Bread & Roses
– Will & Harper
– Union
– Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa
– Nocturnes
– Music by John Williams
– Dario Argento: Panico
– The Streak
– Standing Above the Clouds
– Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
– Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes
– Martha
– Jim Henson Idea Man
– The Blue Angels
– Faye

BEST DOCUMENTARIES OF 2024

#5: STEVE! (martin)

Phenomenal. It’s essentially two incredible parts of a true artist’s life that’s fascinating, endearing, and, of course, funny. His contribution to the arts is incomparable, though nothing beats being a dad. I can’t recommend this enough.

#4: SUGARCANE

#3: BLACK BOX DIARIES

#2: DAUGHTERS

An immensely emotional, heartwarming documentary about incarcerated fathers connecting with their daughters in a daddy/daughter dance that takes place in jail. It’s a powerful portrait of forgiveness and second chances, and why showing up for one another means the world.

#1: NO OTHER LAND

Stunning. Devastating. Heartbreaking.