**The Best Netflix Documentaries and Docuseries of 2024: A Year in Review**
As we conclude 2024, it’s an ideal moment to contemplate the narratives that engrossed us, shifted our perspectives, and left us amazed. For numerous viewers, Netflix continued to be a haven of captivating content, with its documentaries and docuseries emerging as some of the year’s most significant offerings. From inspiring stories of perseverance to astonishing true crime tales, Netflix presented a varied collection of narratives that struck a chord with audiences. Here’s a retrospective of five exceptional documentaries and docuseries that marked my streaming experience this year.
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### **1. *The Remarkable Life of Ibelin***
This year, few documentaries touched the heart and spirit quite like *The Remarkable Life of Ibelin*. This moving film narrates the journey of Mats Steen, a young man from Norway battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a crippling genetic disorder that trapped him in his home and ultimately took his life at 25. Despite his physical challenges, Mats discovered freedom, friendship, and meaning in the online world of *World of Warcraft*, where he adopted the persona “Ibelin.”
The film delves into how Mats crafted a vibrant life in the digital realm, establishing profound connections with fellow gamers who recognized him not as a man with disabilities but as a compassionate, lively individual. Following his death, his parents unearthed the deep influence he had on his online network, filled with tributes and reminiscences from his friends across the internet. *The Remarkable Life of Ibelin* serves as a tribute to the strength of online communities and the human spirit’s capacity to flourish despite obstacles.
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### **2. *America’s Sweethearts***
With *America’s Sweethearts*, Netflix provides a glimpse behind the glittering façade of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, one of the nation’s most renowned cheerleading teams. This docuseries transcends the flashy performances and high-energy routines to uncover the grueling practices, personal sacrifices, and emotional experiences of the women who don the uniform.
Led by Greg Whiteley, celebrated for *Cheer* and *Last Chance U*, the series emphasizes themes of empowerment, determination, and collaboration. It’s an engaging exploration of the real stories behind the glamorous image, illustrating the commitment and resilience necessary to thrive in such a demanding field. Combining grit with style, *America’s Sweethearts* is equally uplifting and enlightening, presenting a novel view of a cultural symbol.
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### **3. *The Kings of Tupelo***
If there’s one docuseries this year that rendered me speechless, it has to be *The Kings of Tupelo*. This incredible true crime narrative, crafted by the creators of *Tiger King*, takes viewers on an outrageous journey through a small Southern town, where a rivalry escalates into an all-out conflict involving illicit body parts, an Elvis impersonator, and even an assassination plot against the President.
The tale revolves around a custodian and Elvis impersonator whose extravagant character and dubious choices trigger a series of events so outlandish they seem almost scripted. From online conspiracies to courtroom dramas, *The Kings of Tupelo* excels in storytelling, merging humor, surprise, and tension. It’s the kind of series that keeps you captivated, mouth agape, questioning how such a narrative could truly exist.
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### **4. *Skywalkers: A Love Story***
For those seeking thrills and romance, *Skywalkers: A Love Story* provides a mesmerizing exploration of two daredevils based in Moscow who climb the tallest structures worldwide. The documentary chronicles their high-risk escapades, doubling as an expression of their love and a metaphor for relationship struggles.
The film artfully depicts the couple’s ardor for heights and each other, contrasting breathtaking visuals of their ascents with personal moments that delve into the emotional intricacies of their relationship. At its essence, *Skywalkers* conveys a narrative about trust, vulnerability, and the bravery to confront fears—whether it’s the danger of falling from a skyscraper or the challenge of opening one’s heart to another. It’s a visually captivating and emotionally stirring film that lingers with you long after the credits conclude.
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### **5. *The Kings of Tupelo***
This year, true crime enthusiasts were gifted another standout with *The Kings of Tupelo*. This docuseries explores a local conflict that erupts into a chaotic narrative featuring an Elvis impersonator, illegal trades, and even an assassination attempt on the President. Brought to you by the creative team behind *Tiger King*, this series is just as wild and unexpected as anticipated, merging humor, tension, and astonishing plot twists.
