The 8 Best Documentaries of 2024 (So Far)!

2024 has been a great year for documentaries. So far, the genre has amassed a wide variety of stories that continue to amaze. Whether your interest lies in true crime or maybe the subject of music draws your attention, here are some of the great documentaries that have been stirring up our attention so far this year!

1. Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion

This documentary centers often unlistened to voices in our society: young girls. The documentary follows ex-Brandy Melville employees breaking their silence over the unjust behavior of the company while introducing the dangers of fast fashion. Playing with a brand many of us know and possibly even shop at, Brandy Hellville delves into the despicable owners and leaves you in shock. Stream on Max. 

2. Tell Them You Love Me

For those interested in true crime, Tell Them You Love Me is an eerie and chilling tale following the true story of a professor who develops romantic feelings for a nonverbal man with cerebral palsy. The documentary opening discusses the timeline of the relationship with members of the family and the professor sharing their sides. The film carefully and expertly weaves a tale of consent and the the rights of disabled peoples. Stream on Netflix.

3. Girls State

Girls State poses the question: What would democracy look like if only young girls ran the world? Set in Missouri, the film documents a democratic experiment where young girls are taught about government and sent through a mock trial of running it. A sweet, light, and honest documentary that manages to take an extra curricular and make it entertaining. Stream on Apple TV+. 

4. Faye

Faye Dunaway was an American actress best known for her roles as Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest (1981). The documentary Faye explores not only the actress’s career but her life outside of the business. The film touches on Dunaway’s battles with mental health issues and her strict work ethic. Without shying away for one second from the actress’s intimidating career, the documentary creates an honest look into Faye’s world. Stream on Max. 

5. MoviePass, MovieCrash

MoviePass was a different kind of film subscription service than what we are familiar with today. MoviePass allowed movie goers to buy a ticket a day for a monthly subscription. The film documents the rise and fall of this business, eventually leading the company to be under investigation. MoviePass, MovieCrash is a film about those who love film and the way that corrupt people seek to take advantage of that passion. Stream on Max.

6. How to Rob a Bank

How to Rob a Bank is one of the most interesting approaches to true crime this year. Following infamous bank robbers, Mark Biggins and Steve Meyers, in their prime in the 1990s, the documentary chronicles their final heist -- their biggest heist of all. Knowing that their career of thievery is coming to an end, the duo plan one final hoorah before the cops catch up. Thrilling and deeply fascinating, the film steps fully into the minds of criminals. Stream on Netflix. 

7. As We Speak: Rap Music On Trial

It’s not everyday that we get a music documentary as intriguing and expertly shot as this one. As We Speak shares the ongoing development of law enforcement's negative role in rap music. With Bronx rapper Kemba at the heart of the story, the film sheds light on an overlooked aspect of the music industry that’s been working against artists. Kemba and documentarian J.M. Harper leave no stone unturned in their demand for change. Stream on Paramount+. 

8. Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge

Fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg is one of the biggest names in the fashion world, but how did she get there? Highlighting the ways that Diane paved a way for herself when the industry around her was largely men, the documentary takes a look at how the fashion designer made a name and became the multi-million dollar designer. The film takes on a balance of archival footage alongside present-day Diane. Stream on Hulu.