Photos: Netflix
By 2024, Netflix had nearly 1,000 documentaries and docuseries on the platform, with some great new entries joining the streamer so far this year. Below, we've picked out our favorite releases of the year so far, sorting through new crime docs, nature docs, or anything else.
Before we go any further, we should probably tell you how we're going to break this article down. We're going to effectively split it into two parts. First, we want to pick our favorite new documentaries produced by Netflix and released exclusively by the platform. For the most part, these are available on Netflix globally unless stated otherwise. We'll be featuring six of those added so far in 2024 and three licensed documentaries. These are for the United States, with other territories specifically releasing them or not having access.
As a reminder, you can keep up with all the latest on Netflix via our new Netflix hub page.
The best new Netflix Original documentaries added in 2024
worst roommate ever (Season 2)
Season 3 of Worst Roommate Ever renewed for Netflix
In recent years, Blumhouse has become the benchmark when it comes to horror. Best known for its scripted output, Blumhouse has expanded its signature style into a number of genres, including documentaries.
After premiering Season 1 in March 2022, the series' formula was really refined and honed for the second season, which debuts in June 2024 with four stories, all equally gripping and all equally disturbing.
As you may have heard, not only is a third season of the show already in the works, but we're also happy to report that the team behind the show is working on an official spin-off (which they're calling the worst universe ever). worst ex ever Scheduled to release in August 2024.
The rise of Simone Biles
The Olympics returned this summer and produced dozens of spectacular performances, but for many, the U.S. gymnastics team led by veteran pro Simone Biles was the most talked about. Going on to become one of the most decorated Olympians of all time, this documentary series released just before the Games looks at her career, which goes far beyond the Games, with its many ups and downs.
The documentary also made Netflix history as it is one of the few documentaries to see an increase in viewership even weeks after its debut. Another installment is currently in production, which will retell much of Biles and her gymnast teammates' Olympic story later this year.
How to rob a bank?
Image: Netflix
When it comes to documentaries with many twists and turns and many layers, few come close to 'How to Rob a Bank,' which details the life of '90s serial robber Scott Scurlock, nicknamed Hollywood, who was primarily active in Seattle.
The film works as both a retelling of bizarre bank robberies as well as a character study, and is probably one of the most thoughtful crime documentaries I've seen in several years, in which nothing is as it first seems.
I should also note that this documentary brilliantly weaves together old home footage, interviews and even excerpts from a docudrama, which are well acted and don’t come across as discordant as some other films in this genre.
Mountain Queen: Peaks of Lhakpa Sherpa
Veteran documentary maker Lucy Walker, previously nominated for two Oscars, returns to Netflix for her third major Netflix documentary How to change your mind And Why did you hit me? An absolutely stunning and beautifully shot documentary about a single mother who has a simple job but whose passion is being a record-breaking mountaineer. Despite putting mountaineering at the forefront, this is a very personal story.
It is a story of perseverance and determination, and it will surely make you think about the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people around you.
American Nightmare
American Nightmare Netflix Documentary Series
Rounding out our picks from Netflix Originals, we come to a more straightforward crime documentary series that has become one of the biggest in Netflix history. Over the course of three episodes, you are told the story of couple Aaron Quinn and Dennis Haskins, in which the latter is kidnapped and the former is considered a suspect. A copy of David Fincher's film gone girlDenise appears a few days later, completely safe, which leads to the further story.
Over the past several years, Netflix has mastered the crime documentary format. Although there are some criticisms of the way Netflix dramatizes these real-world (and often tragic) stories, these documentaries are undoubtedly worth watching, and American Nightmare perhaps best symbolizes Netflix's strength in this genre.
The Best New Licensed Documentaries on Netflix in 2024
Hate to Love: Nickelback
Added to Netflix in the United States: June 26, 2024
Image: Submarine Entertainment
Over the past few years, Nickelback has been used as the butt of a joke, or in the words of kids, a full-blown meme. With this phenomenon in mind, this musical documentary takes a look at the band's history and how they achieved massive success despite all the divisive discussions surrounding them and their music.
While there is little actual criticism in this documentary it is well produced and a good presentation for fans, but if you hold a negative opinion don't expect it to change your mind.
My favorite part of the documentary has been reading the reviews. Featured IMDb reviewLooking at the irrational and unbridled hatred continues:
“I hate Nickelback but love documentaries, so we gave it a try. Don't be bothered by it. I still hate Nickelback and now I have their horrible country wannabe metal songs stuck in my head! They still suck!
This was a terrible documentary too. They didn't even explain how they named their stupid band! Shouldn't that be part of every band documentary?
,
This just proves to me how bad the general public's taste in music is and I'll say it again, Canadian music is terrible! There's only been 4 good bands that have ever come out of that country.”
Tickling
Added to Netflix in the United States: 10 July
David Farrier is a New Zealand journalist, actor, and documentary maker who has produced some of Netflix's best documentary series to date. Dark Tourist. Though sadly they haven't greenlit another season, the streamer has picked it up through the licensing of some of their other docs, Tickling Being the latest (Mr. Organ (It's also available on Netflix in the US).
If you've seen the other two films you'll know what to expect. At first glance, this is just a documentary looking at an innocent tickling contest. Of course, if you've already raised your eyebrows, you're right, because the more he digs into this bizarre event, the more layers are revealed.
man on Wire
Added to Netflix in the United States: 7 August, 2024
This Oscar-winning documentary tells the story of Philippe Petit's daring feat of jumping over two of the world's tallest structures, the World Trace Center, in the mid-1970s, in what has been described as “the artistic crime of the century.”
Using contemporary interviews, vintage footage and recreations, you'll get to know the man behind the stunts while feeling intense vertigo throughout. A great documentary that will return to Netflix in August 2024.
What is your favorite new documentary added in 2024 so far? Let us know in the comments.
