Here are the best A24 documentaries including my favourites, award winners, critically acclaimed and cult favourites.
WYALAN star rating explained:
- 5 stars – Highly enjoyed and would highly recommend as a must watch
- 4 stars – Enjoyed and would watch again in the future
- 3 stars – Glad I watched it once, but I’ll probably never watch it again
- 2 stars – Watched to the end, but I wouldn’t watch it again
- 1 star – DNF (did not finish)
Award-Winning
The Deepest Breath (2023) – [Documentary/Sports/Survival]
For fans of: Free Solo, Fire of Love, The Rescue
Laura McGann’s Netflix-distributed doc chronicles the bond between freediver Alessia Zecchini and safety diver Stephen Keenan. Premiered at Sundance and praised for its underwater cinematography and emotional intensity. The film won Best Sports Documentary at the Critics Choice Documentary Awards.
Stephen Curry: Underrated (2023) – [Documentary/Sports/Biopic]
For fans of: The Last Dance, King Richard, Hoop Dreams
Directed by Peter Nicks, this Apple TV+ doc traces Curry’s rise from overlooked college player to NBA legend. Blending archival footage with intimate interviews, it premiered at Sundance to strong reviews. The film celebrates resilience, faith, and the power of belief.
Val (2021) – [Documentary/Biopic/Film History]
For fans of: Amy, The Kid Stays in the Picture, Stories We Tell
Val Kilmer’s life and career unfold through decades of self-shot footage in this Amazon-distributed doc. Directed by Leo Scott and Ting Poo, it earned acclaim for its vulnerability and archival richness. Kilmer’s voice—digitally reconstructed—narrates a poignant reflection on fame and illness.
More best documentary lists:
Documentaries On Netflix 2025 ~ Documentaries On Amazon Prime ~ HBO Documentaries ~ Documentaries On BBC iPlayer ~ Documentaries On Amazon Prime ~ Documentaries on Disney+ & Hulu ~ Documentaries On Apple TV+ ~ Documentaries on Sky Documentaries ~ Football Documentaries ~ Sports Documentaries On Netflix ~ Documentaries On Netflix
Critically Acclaimed
Architecton (2025) – [Documentary/Architecture/Philosophy]
For fans of: Samsara, Koyaanisqatsi, My Architect
Victor Kossakovsky’s meditative film explores the political and emotional dimensions of architecture, featuring Italian designer Michele de Lucchi. The documentary premiered to acclaim for its visual grandeur and philosophical depth. It’s a quiet reflection on how we shape—and are shaped by—space.
Steve! (2024) – [Documentary/Biopic/Comedy]
For fans of: The Comedy Store, George Carlin’s American Dream, The Jinx
Morgan Neville directs this two-part portrait of Steve Martin, blending archival footage, interviews, and personal insight. The film explores Martin’s evolution from stand-up absurdist to Hollywood icon and banjo virtuoso. Premiered at Telluride and praised for its warmth and wit.
Occupied City (2023) – [Documentary/Historical/Experimental]
For fans of: Shoah, The Act of Killing, The Fog of War
Steve McQueen’s four-hour epic juxtaposes archival footage of Nazi-occupied Amsterdam with present-day images of the same locations. The film premiered at Cannes and was lauded for its haunting structure and moral weight. It’s a meditation on memory, trauma, and urban silence.
Look Into My Eyes (2024) – [Documentary/Spiritual/Portraiture]
For fans of: The Work, Procession, Healing Voices
Directed by Lana Wilson (Miss Americana), this film profiles New York City psychics and their clients. The documentary blends intimacy with mysticism, exploring grief, hope, and human connection. Critics praised its empathy and observational style.
My Mercury (2024) – [Documentary/Nature/Personal Essay]
For fans of: My Octopus Teacher, Leviathan, The Velvet Queen
Joëlle Chesselet and Pippa Ehrlich co-direct this poetic exploration of oceanic rhythms and personal transformation. The film combines underwater cinematography with lyrical narration. Early reviews highlight its sensory immersion and emotional resonance.
Open Wide (2024) – [Documentary/Health/Social Commentary]
For fans of: The Bleeding Edge, Unnatural Selection, Escape Fire
Sara Goldblatt’s debut investigates the dental industry’s hidden costs and systemic inequalities. The film blends investigative journalism with personal stories, revealing how oral health intersects with class and race. Premiered at SXSW and praised for its clarity and urgency.
The Last of the Sea Women (2024) – [Documentary/Cultural/Environmental]
For fans of: Honeyland, Fire of Love, Anthropocene
This film documents the final generation of Haenyeo—Korean women who free-dive for seafood off Jeju Island. The cinematography captures both tradition and ecological fragility. Critics praised its cultural preservation and visual poetry.
The Sixth (2024) – [Documentary/Crime/Justice]
For fans of: The Thin Blue Line, The Staircase, Time
This investigative doc explores the wrongful conviction of a man accused of a 1990s murder, unraveling systemic failures. The film blends courtroom footage, interviews, and archival material. Premiered at Tribeca and praised for its narrative clarity.
Cult Favourites
Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind (2022) – [Documentary/Music/Biopic]
For fans of: Gimme Shelter, Searching for Sugar Man, Echo in the Canyon
Directed by Ethan Coen, this portrait of rock pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis mixes performance clips with archival interviews. The tone is irreverent, the storytelling elliptical. Critics admired its swagger and unconventional structure.
This Place Rules (2022) – [Documentary/Politics/Youth Culture]
For fans of: Fahrenheit 11/9, American Dharma, Vice
Andrew Callaghan’s gonzo-style doc captures the lead-up to the January 6 Capitol riot through interviews with fringe groups and influencers. Distributed by HBO and A24, the film sparked debate for its raw access and chaotic tone. It’s provocative, messy, and deeply of its moment.