What if you could explore the hidden corners of the world, dive into ancient mysteries, or unravel modern-day enigmas—all without leaving your screen?
Documentaries have a way of pulling us into stories we didn’t know we needed, exposing the truth behind headlines, or revealing the untold struggles and triumphs of people across the globe.
Whether you’re chasing history, crime, or human resilience, let's take a look at the absolute best YouTube documentaries available in 2024 that'll keep you hooked from start to finish.
Best Documentaries on YouTube
1) Best DW Documentary: The Discreet Lives of the Super Rich
Ever wondered how the ultra-wealthy live when no one’s looking? This DW Documentary dives into the hidden world of the super-rich, showing lives of opulence, secrecy, and influence that exist far beyond public view. It’s an eye-opening look at the power money can wield, often without limits or scrutiny. If you’re fascinated by the extremes of wealth, this documentary offers a glimpse behind the velvet curtain, where luxury knows no bounds.
2) Best Part-Time Explorer Documentary: The Lost Town of the Uncle Sam Mine
“The Lost Town of the Uncle Sam Mine” takes you on an adventure into the ghostly remnants of a mining town long forgotten. Buried deep in the mountains, this documentary uncovers a place rich in history, once bustling with life and now left abandoned to the elements. With stunning visuals and in-depth exploration, it’s perfect for history buffs and anyone who’s ever wondered what stories these forgotten places hold.
3) Best National Geographic Documentary: Mountains (Full Episode) | Hostile Planet
“Mountains” from National Geographic’s “Hostile Planet” series is a breathtaking look at the untamed beauty and dangers of Earth’s highest peaks. The documentary showcases the awe-inspiring resilience of animals and plants that call these harsh landscapes home. With jaw-dropping cinematography and gripping narratives of survival, it pulls you into a world where only the toughest survive. If nature fascinates you, this is a must-watch.
4) Best Smithsonian Channel Documentary: King Tut's Shocking Origins
Take a journey into ancient Egypt with “King Tut’s Shocking Origins,” a Smithsonian Channel documentary that reexamines the iconic pharaoh’s lineage. What secrets lie behind the boy king’s rise to power? This documentary combines science, archaeology, and history to uncover the truths hidden for millennia. For anyone captivated by Egyptian history, this documentary promises a surprising twist to the story you thought you knew.
5) Best Financial Times Documentary: North Korea and the Triads
“North Korea and the Triads” from the Financial Times takes you into a dark and complex web of criminal enterprises spanning continents. It’s a gripping investigation into how North Korea has allegedly teamed up with international crime syndicates to evade sanctions. If global politics, espionage, and shadow economies intrigue you, this documentary will hold your attention with its shocking revelations and intricate details.
6) Best Real Stories Documentary: The Extraordinary Case of Alex Lewis
Prepare to be moved by “The Extraordinary Case of Alex Lewis,” a Real Stories documentary that chronicles one man’s unimaginable battle with illness. After losing all four limbs and parts of his face, Alex’s journey of recovery and resilience is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is a raw, emotional look at human strength and the power of love. If you’re in the mood for a tear-jerker that also uplifts, this one is unmissable.
7) Best Defunctland Documentary: Disney's FastPass
Ever wonder how Disney’s FastPass system came to be? “Disney’s FastPass” from Defunctland dives into the mechanics, history, and impact of this revolutionary theme park invention. It’s a fascinating documentary for Disney enthusiasts and curious minds alike, offering a deep dive into how a simple idea changed the way millions experience theme parks. With plenty of nostalgia and industry insights, this film is a fun and informative watch.
8) Best 48 Hours Documentary: Mandy Stavik
The unsolved murder of Mandy Stavik haunted her community for decades—until a DNA breakthrough finally revealed the killer. “Mandy Stavik” from 48 Hours uncovers the gripping twists and turns of this cold case, leading to a shocking conclusion. If you’re a fan of true crime, this documentary offers a deeply emotional look at justice long overdue, reminding us that answers may come even after years of silence.
9) Best Timeline Channel Documentary: The Ancient Mystery Of Cambodia’s Lost Capital
“The Ancient Mystery Of Cambodia’s Lost Capital” from Timeline transports you to a forgotten world where temples and jungles hold secrets of an ancient civilization. As archaeologists uncover ruins hidden for centuries, they piece together the story of a powerful empire lost to time. History and mystery intertwine in this visually stunning documentary, perfect for anyone who’s ever been captivated by ancient worlds.
10) Best Frontline PBS Documentary: United States of Secrets
“United States of Secrets” from Frontline pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest government surveillance scandals in U.S. history. This hard-hitting documentary delves into the rise of mass data collection after 9/11, revealing how far-reaching the implications of government oversight can be. It’s a gripping watch for those interested in politics, privacy, and the power of technology.
11) Best Telegraph Documentary: The Real Story of MPs' Expenses
“The Real Story of MPs’ Expenses” from The Telegraph unearths the shocking scandal that rocked British politics. What began as routine expense claims spiraled into a nationwide uproar over greed and dishonesty in public office. This documentary lays bare the inner workings of the scandal, with sharp insight into how trust between politicians and the public can so easily erode. It’s an enlightening film for anyone fascinated by political drama and accountability.
12) Best LEMMiNO Documentary: Cicada 3301: An Internet Mystery
“Cicada 3301” by LEMMiNO dives into one of the internet’s most intriguing unsolved puzzles. What started as an enigmatic online challenge has grown into a mystery that’s captivated people worldwide. Is it the work of a secret organization? Or something even more bizarre? This documentary explores the twists and turns of a digital enigma, perfect for those who love conspiracies and cryptography. It’s an engaging ride into the unknown corners of the web.
13) Best VICE Documentary: World's Scariest Drug
VICE takes you on a terrifying journey into the dark world of “The World’s Scariest Drug.” This eye-opening documentary examines scopolamine, a drug so potent it can leave victims powerless to resist. Through interviews and on-the-ground reporting, VICE uncovers the devastating effects of this substance on its unsuspecting users. If you’re curious about the dangers lurking in the underground drug trade, this documentary is equal parts fascinating and chilling.
14) Best Arte.tv Documentary: Rehab Hell
“Kabul: Rehab Hell” from Arte.tv offers a raw, unfiltered look at a rehabilitation center in Kabul for drug addicts. The documentary reveals the harrowing conditions inside the facility, where patients suffer through brutal, inhumane treatment in the name of recovery. It’s a sobering exploration of the dark reality faced by addicts in Afghanistan, showing the desperate need for real reform. If you’re interested in human rights or the global addiction crisis, this film presents a grim and eye-opening narrative.
15) Best Barely Sociable Documentary: The Dark Side Of The Silk Road
“The Dark Side of The Silk Road” reveals the rise and collapse of the infamous online black market. It examines how the Silk Road platform became a haven for illicit activities, including drug trafficking, and traces the downfall of its founder, Ross Ulbricht. The documentary takes you deep into the mechanics of how a seemingly utopian vision of freedom turned into a criminal empire. For those intrigued by the intersection of technology and crime, this is a gripping exploration of the darker side of the internet.
