As I sat down to watch the documentaries that graced our screens this year, it became abundantly clear that we were gifted with a truly remarkable collection of stories about some of the most fascinating figures in our contemporary landscape. Each documentary offered a unique and captivating insight into the lives of these individuals, providing us with an intimate understanding of their journeys, triumphs, and tribulations.
2024‘s movie lineup and the past year’s documentary releases were brimming with outstanding, influential, and thought-provoking productions. Be it on popular streaming platforms or in cinemas, numerous documentaries piqued my interest. Despite not managing to watch everything, I was able to catch quite a few.
After investing countless hours in a variety of stories – from heartwarming reunions during a transcontinental journey, to poignant tales of fathers and daughters finding fleeting connections, to insightful portrayals of everyday heroes, I’ve compiled a list of the most affecting documentaries that have left an indelible impression on me. Here are 10 that I just can’t get out of my mind…
Daughters
Upon catching a glimpse of the trailer for “Daughters” earlier this year, it became clear to me that the 2024 Netflix original documentary would be an emotionally charged journey. Although I thought I was prepared for Natalie Rae and Angela Patton’s movie depicting a gathering of girls with their incarcerated fathers for a “Daddy-Daughter” dance, the reality is, I was far from ready.
Occasionally heartwarming yet utterly heart-wrenching, this film explores the unique connection between parents and children, particularly within incarcerated environments, provoking deep reflection within me since its conclusion.
Stream Daughters on Netflix.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
In 2024, there were numerous excellent biographical documentaries, but none had as profound an impact as “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.” This HBO documentary film masterfully blended a retrospective of the late actor’s film journey with a thoughtful exploration of his post-accident activism legacy. The result is a deeply enriching and educational viewing experience.
There were instances that caused me to chuckle, and some that brought tears to my eyes, particularly as the doctor discussed Christopher Reeve’s bond with Robin Williams; however, above all else, this moving film touched my emotions deeply.
Stream Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story on Max.
Jim Henson Idea Man
Growing up influenced by Sesame Street, The Muppets, and numerous other productions of Jim Henson, there was one 2024 documentary that both intrigued me and filled me with apprehension about watching longer than others. Titled Jim Henson Idea Man, this film directed by Ron Howard became available to Disney+ subscribers in May. As anticipated, it surpassed my expectations in many ways.
Exploring the life and enduring influence of the late multitalented puppeteer, animator, actor, director, and creative powerhouse known as Idea Man, this heartfelt tribute showcases one of the most significant figures in the entertainment industry throughout the 20th century (and beyond). Offering a blend of introduction and farewell, this masterfully crafted and impactful biography resonates on multiple levels.
Stream Jim Henson: Idea Man on Disney+
Flipside
Primarily, Chris Wilcha – both documentarian and commercial director – is more than just a creator; he’s an accumulator – amassing hard drives filled with incomplete works, hoarding childhood mementos, and preserving memories. These various aspects are delved into in the expansive documentary Flipside, which initially aimed to rescue a cherished record store from his past but ultimately evolved into a venture encompassing every job he held, every project he touched, and every bond he forged.
During the exploration of his personal life and incomplete endeavors, the ex-Columbia House ad executive and director of the This American Life TV series adaptation experiences what appears to be a midlife introspection, aiming to understand his existence better. Humorous, moving, and captivating, this journey leaves a lasting impression.
Stream Flipside on Prime Video.
Will & Harper
The road trip documentary titled “Will & Harper,” starring Will Ferrell and his longtime friend and former Saturday Night Live writer Harper Steele (now transitioned), was one of the year’s funniest and most enlightening cinematic journeys. By delving deep into their friendship and the strong connection between them, the film seeks to address many questions with compassion, respect, and a tremendous amount of affection.
As they journeyed together through joyous periods and deeply emotional, lasting memories, this duo traversed the country. Along the way, they delved into understanding themselves and the profound bond of friendship that had shaped their lives for almost three decades. With openness, sincerity, and a shared humor in facing life’s absurdities, these two friends rekindled their connection on an extraordinary level.
Stream Will & Harper on Netflix.
Mr. McMahon
Upon learning that Netflix was unveiling their six-part documentary chronicling Vince McMahon’s life, legacy, and scandals, I wasn’t quite sure what to anticipate. However, unlike many documentaries produced by the WWE, Mr. McMahon didn’t shy away from the truth. Instead, it provided a candid account of McMahon’s remarkable ascent and questionable downfall.
During the week that Mr. McMahon premiered, I found myself pondering deeply about my feelings towards it. On one side, wrestling has played a significant role in my life for many years. However, McMahon has been accused of some very serious crimes throughout his career. After watching the documentary for six hours, I didn’t find a clear resolution to these conflicting views, but it did help me appreciate the intricate nature of the entire situation more fully.
Stream Mr. McMahon on Netflix.
Brats
Over time, I’ve made numerous mistakes regarding the Brat Pack. Reading Andrew McCarthy’s “Brats” helped me see where I went wrong. When I first learned about the Hulu original documentary earlier this year, I thought it would be a light-hearted trip down memory lane focusing on the ’80s actors and their iconic films. However, what I found was a deeply personal and at times emotional documentary that offered so much more than just a nostalgic look back.
Discovering that Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, and Demi Moore didn’t coin the phrase “Brat Pack” and actually disliked it was quite an eye-opener for me. It got me reflecting on some assumptions I’ve made in the past. However, I must add that the documentary does a brilliant job of highlighting the significance and influence of those ’80s movies which these actors were associated with.
Stream Brats on Hulu.
Martha
Since the ’90s, I’ve been familiar with Martha Stewart due to her brand at K-Mart and the amusing Saturday Night Live skits inspired by her. But it wasn’t until I started watching Martha on my Netflix subscription that I truly felt like I understood the authentic influencer and TV personality she is.
Despite having some differences in opinion about the choices Stewart has made during her lifetime, I find myself gaining insight into her preferences, aspirations, and unique flair. Watching such a documentary is truly enlightening, making it all the more impressive.
Stream Martha on Netflix.
Music By John Williams
Earlier this year, my husband and I had arranged to attend a John Williams concert, but unfortunately had to back out at the last second. Despite being disappointed about nearly missing seeing my beloved movie composer perform at Carnegie Hall, my spirits brightened when I learned about Music by John Williams. As soon as it was released, I made sure to catch it, and I’m grateful that I did.
This nearly two-hour documentary offers both an account of John Williams’ renowned symphonies and an investigation into his extraordinary life (which I must confess, I was previously unaware of). It stirred a tumultuous range of emotions within me, taking me from the poignant scenes in Schindler’s List to witnessing Williams creating three of cinema’s most cherished soundtracks all within a year. A truly enchanting experience it was.
Stream Music by John Williams on Disney+.
MoviePass, MovieCrash
Initially, when I learned about MoviePass, MovieCrash, I thought it would turn out to be yet another HBO documentary chronicling an innovative concept that flopped in reality. However, my initial presumption soon proved to be only partially accurate as I delved deeper into the tale, uncovering many more layers to this intriguing narrative.
The documentary provides an exceptional exploration of the remarkable and contentious journey of a movie viewing method from its rise to its decline over the past two decades. It additionally delves into significant social issues. Particularly captivating were the passages that highlighted the circumstances surrounding the ousting of co-founders Stacy Spikes and Hamet Watt, both African-Americans, from the company they helped establish. However, it’s not just a tale of downfall; there’s a compelling Hollywood comeback narrative hidden within this story as well.
Stream MoviePass, MovieCrash on Max.
Not every documentary I watched this year is listed here; if I were to include them all, you wouldn’t see this list until the end of next year. However, with some intriguing documentaries scheduled for release in 2025, there will be plenty to discuss a year from now.
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2024-12-14 23:41