The Must-Watch Celebrity Documentaries of 2024

Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words provides an intimate and unfiltered glimpse into the life of the Grammy-winning rapper. Offering unprecedented access, the documentary traces L'OFFICIEL cover star Megan Thee Stallion's rise from Houston native to global sensation, capturing her strength as she navigates fame, grief, pressure, and triumph. Through raw and vulnerable moments, it reveals more about Megan Pete, the woman behind the persona, giving fans a deeper connection to the artist they know and love.

R.J. Cutler’s definitive documentary on Martha Stewart unveils the life and legacy of an American icon. Through candid interviews with Martha and those closest to her, the film chronicles her remarkable journey from a teenage model to the trailblazing entrepreneur who became America’s first self-made female billionaire. This documentary captures the essence of the "original influencer" and her enduring impact on lifestyle, business, and culture.

The appropriately titled High & Low: John Galliano unveils how hectic and simultaneously exciting the Dior designer's career is. Galliano proved himself a force of fashion straight out of Central Saint Martins, his designs resembling a vibrant, textural hallucination more than simple clothes. The film exposes the less glamorous side of the fashion industry and the toll it takes even on those in its highest esteem. Kevin Macdonald, who directs this examination of Galliano's life, is experienced in storytelling, having directed the Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, and Mick Jagger films as well. 

Catching Fire, directed by Alexis Bloom and Svetlana Zill, shines a light on iconic 1960s supermodel and actress Anita Pallenberg. The truest embodiment of swinging '60s freedom, the Italian superstar is best known for her roles in Barbarella and Candy. The film is a collaborative effort between the directors and Anita Pallenberg’s son, who helped in the effort to create a gripping redemption tale. This complicated portrait of the legend features every upsetting and glamorous aspect of fame, including but not limited to drugs, addiction, and extremely volatile relationships.

Belgian fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg was a mere 22 years of age when she introduced a wrap dress that would permanently alter the fashion industry. Her designs shot into the mainstream, becoming symbols of women's liberation and autonomy and launching her career into motion. This may have been Furstenberg's original shining moment in the cultural zeitgeist but it certainly would not be her last. Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton, this new documentary film chronicles DVF's rise as a fashion icon in what was previously a male-dominated industry. 

In speaking with Variety on the film's red carpet premiere, the designer said, “I wanted to do a documentary about these badass women that I am," before explaining that “No network wanted to buy it. They didn’t want a movie about the other women. They wanted a movie about me, what they thought about me. But I was interested in doing a documentary about the women that I am. I have lived a long life, and I don’t want to apologize for any of it.” Von Furstenberg also added: “I am entering the winter of my life, and I’m hoping that I can inspire as many women as possible.”

While many celebrity documentaries lean heavily on the subject's involvement in the film, Von Furstenberg was notably not present during the production process, making for a raw, uncompromising final product.

 A raw and, at times, brutal documentary, I AM: CELINE DION investigates the dark underbelly of superstardom and sickness. Directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor (Leave No Trace), the film takes audience members through the day-to-day of chronic illness. Serving primarily as a love letter to her adoring supporters, this magnificent documentary is a must-watch for anyone familiar with Dion's legendary career. I Am: Celine Dion is truly an intimate picture of a star in her downtime navigating the future by reflecting on her past. 

After never-seen-before interviews with Elizabeth Taylor were uncovered in the icon's personal archive, writer and director Nanette Burstein quickly got to work in shaping them into a raw, honest look at the actress' life and career. While Elizabeth Taylor always appeared a picture-perfect vision of poise, elegance, and unparalleled talent, recently uncovered footage and newly discovered items from her archive help to piece together a more complete vision of the actress, revealing her vulnerability and complexity like never before. 

After rising to fame for his groundbreaking music and public persona, Lil Nas X has cemented himself in pop culture history. Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is an intimate, portraiture-style documentary that follows the artist as he prepares to begin his first tour. With an inside look at his family life, identity, and his perception of public opinion, this celebrity documentary is a masterful introduction to the man behind the iconic, unforgettable musician seen on stage.

Although countless exhibits, books, and films have debuted in the name of representing a raw, honest look at Frida Kahlo's life, none have captured her spirit quite like Frida, the latest documentary to premiere. Utilizing content from the artist's many diaries, essays, and interviews, Frida brings the woman herself into the spotlight alongside her incredible works. For fans of the artist or those with an avowed interest in early 20th-century art, Frida is a must-watch celebrity documentary of 2024. 

Exploring the legacy of the legendary Faye Dunaway, Faye offers a candid look at the ups and downs of the acclaimed actress' life. Featuring interviews with fellow Hollywood icons, Dunaway's son, and more industry veterans, the documentary takes a deep dive into her career, spanning from the beginning of Dunaway's career in the '60s all the way to her legacy as an icon of the silver screen today. 

The Greatest Love Story Never Told chronicles Jennifer Lopez's journey towards self-love and all of the most memorable moments of her career, through greatest triumphs and difficult periods alike. The documentary also dives into the behind-the-scenes process of the pop star's latest album and the production of the self-funded musical accompanying it. Whether you're a longtime fan of the artist, or simply curious about how she achieved the level of cultural recognition she has, The Greatest Love Story Never Told reveals it all.