As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the impactful stories that shaped our screens this year. From gripping investigations to powerful personal journeys, documentaries and docu-series gave us moments to learn, empathize, and be inspired. BLEX has curated a list of 15 must-watch documentaries and docu-series from 2024 that you simply can’t skip. Dive into the stories that defined the year and left a lasting impression.
READ: BLEX’s End of the Year Favorites: 21 Best TV Shows and Limited Series to Premiere in 2024
Hollywood Black
Created by: Justin Simien inspired by the book from Donald Bogle
The four-part docuseries chronicles a century of the Black experience in Hollywood. By unearthing personal stories from actors, writers, directors, and producers who fought for their place on the page, behind the camera, and on the screen, the series provides a critical reexamination of a quintessentially American story—in brilliant color.
Dahomey
Director: Mati Diop
Mati Diop’s film explores the return of 26 Dahomey treasures from Paris to Benin, highlighting the cultural and political impact of repatriation. Through an artistic lens, it amplifies the voices of a new generation demanding restitution and reflects the global movement for reclaiming looted artifacts.
A must-watch for history and museum enthusiasts, it resonates alongside recent high-profile repatriations, challenging viewers to reflect on colonial legacies and cultural justice.
The Greatest Night in Pop
Director: Bao Nguyen
The Greatest Night in Pop is an immersive documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes of the iconic 1985 recording of “We Are the World.” Featuring 47 music legends, it captures the historic collaboration and explores the humanity, leadership, and cultural impact behind the moment. With evocative storytelling and powerful visuals, the film transcends time, connecting audiences to the artists and their legacy. It’s a moving, uplifting tribute to the magic of musical genius and a must-watch for music lovers.
MoviePass, MovieCrash
Director: Muta’Ali
MoviePass, MovieCrash chronicles the rise and collapse of MoviePass, exposing corporate greed, fraud, and racial inequities. Directed by Muta’Ali Muhammad, it reveals how Black co-founders Stacy Spikes and Hamet Watt were ousted before the company’s downfall under Mitch Lowe and Theodore Farnsworth.
Blending scandal with social critique, the film is both entertaining and infuriating, offering a nostalgic yet cautionary tale about ambition, mismanagement, and systemic racism in American business.
Daughters
Directors: Natalie Rae and Angela Patton
Daughters is a deeply moving documentary that explores the bond between incarcerated fathers and their daughters through a transformative prison program culminating in a Daddy-Daughter Dance. Directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, the film captures the emotional journeys of four girls—Aubrey, Santana, Ja’Ana, and Raziah—as they reconnect with their fathers in fleeting but impactful moments of joy and healing.
With poignant cinematography by Michael Cambio Fernandez, the documentary juxtaposes the daughters’ lives outside with their fathers’ realities inside, creating a powerful portrait of love, forgiveness, and resilience. Avoiding moralizing, Daughters focuses on the emotional truths of these relationships, highlighting the systemic challenges of incarceration without losing sight of the human stories at its heart.
This tender and thought-provoking film offers a compelling reminder of the profound impact of connection, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Black Barbie
Director: Lagueria Davis
Black Barbie tells the story of the first Black Barbie, inspired by filmmaker Lagueria Davis’s aunt, Beulah Mae Mitchell, who asked, “Why not make a Barbie that looks like me?” The documentary explores the cultural impact of representation and celebrates the trailblazers at Mattel who paved the way for generations of Black girls.
Emotional and empowering, it’s a tribute to progress, community, and the enduring message: “You can do this, Black Girl.”
Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words
Director: Nneka Onuorah
Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words reveals the woman behind the star, exploring Megan Pete’s journey through fame, grief, and mental health struggles. The documentary highlights her resilience after losing her mother and being shot, offering a relatable story of perseverance and healing.
Patrice: The Movie
Director: Ted Passon
This documentary follows disabled couple Patrice and Garry as they risk losing benefits by holding a commitment ceremony instead of marrying. Their story highlights systemic issues in SSI policies, the need for better advocacy, and reforms to support disabled individuals pursuing love and independence.
Simone Biles Rising
Director: Katie Walsh
Netflix’s Simone Biles documentary captures her journey from stepping back at the 2020 Olympics to her triumphant return. With unmatched skills, including five moves named after her, it highlights her resilience and growth. More than medals, Simone’s story is one of strength and inspiration—true greatness showcased brilliantly.
Luther: Never Too Much
Director: Dawn Porter
Luther: Never Too Much chronicles Luther Vandross’ journey from Sesame Street to love song legend. Featuring rare archives and insights from collaborators, it explores his artistry, privacy, and iconic voice. Standout moments include addressing betrayals and societal biases, with subtle shade aimed at Patti LaBelle’s comments on Vandross’ personal life. This must-see documentary celebrates his legacy, offering fans a chance to relive his magic on the big screen.
Ernest Cole: Lost and Found
Director: Raoul Peck
Raoul Peck’s Lost and Found examines the life of photographer Ernest Cole, whose work exposed apartheid’s brutality in House of Bondage. The film showcases his rise, struggles in New York, and the rediscovery of 60,000 unseen negatives in a Stockholm bank vault. Cole’s tragic story is powerfully brought to life through his haunting images.
Martha
Director: R.J. Cutler
Netflix’s documentary on Martha Stewart charts her rise, fall, and reinvention at 83, offering a candid look at her complex legacy. Told in her own words, it explores her brilliance, business acumen, and challenges, including her prosecution by James Comey. Inspiring and insightful, it’s a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike, though it leaves you wanting more details on her early career.
Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
Director: Johan Grimonprez
Johan Grimonprez’s documentary blends the 1961 assassination of Congolese leader Patrick Lumumba with Louis Armstrong’s jazz tour, revealing colonial exploitation and CIA involvement. Against the backdrop of African independence, it masterfully weaves politics and music into a captivating, insightful narrative.
Union
Director: Stephen Maing, Brett Story
This documentary follows Staten Island Amazon workers as they fight to unionize, revealing internal challenges and exposing Amazon’s harsh practices. Gritty and inspiring, it’s a must-watch for those interested in activism and labor rights.
Watch Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult
Director: Derek Doneen
Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult uncovers the exploitation and manipulation behind 7M Films, a TikTok dance empire accused of cult-like practices. A compelling documentary that exposes the dark side of social media fame, offering a powerful cautionary tale about the hidden costs of viral success.