While many people may be focused on the big fictional movies that will see release in 2018 — like Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Ocean's 8 — others are more interested in discovering all of the amazing documentaries coming out in 2018, and luckily for them, there are a lot of them. From anticipated theatrical premieres to new efforts from Netflix, HBO, and others, the coming year will offer plenty of documentary content — with more ways than ever to consume it.
The subjects explored in 2018 docs will in many ways be a continuation of the conversations people were having in 2017. The #MeToo movement will surely be at the center of documentaries about Harvey Weinstein and Gloria Allred, the still perplexing (and frustrating) election of Donald Trump will be explored in Michael Moore's newest feature-length doc, and transgender issues are likely to be a significant part of a documentary about Chelsea Manning. There's also some lighter fare for people who need a break from heavy-hitting documentaries, including a fun Star Wars doc, a nostalgic look back at everyone's favorite neighbor, Mister Rogers, and a relaxed and rare conversation with Queen Elizabeth II. So take a look below at 19 documentaries coming out in 2018, and be sure your streaming service subscriptions are all up to date.
1
'Rotten'
This new Netflix series, which began streaming in Jan. 2018, takes a look at the many serious problems in the food industry, and it might make you not want to eat ever again.
2
'The Coronation'
Premiering in the U.S. on The Smithsonian Channel on Jan. 14, this doc takes a look at the 1953 crowning of Queen Elizabeth II, with the queen herself recalling the event in her own words.
3
'Weinstein'
The BBC is producing what it's calling the "definitive" Harvey Weinstein documentary, according to The Guardian, and the film will include interviews with both known victims and victims who have not yet spoken publicly. A release date has not been announced.
4
'Over The Limit'
This fascinating look at Russia's hardcore athletic training program premiered at International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) in Nov. 2017, and is currently looking for distribution.
5
'Ladies First'
This short documentary, airing later this year on Netflix, shows the rise of Indian athlete Deepika Kumari, who went from an impoverished child to the number one archer in the world.
6
'I Am Evidence'
Mariska Hargitay produced this film about the plethora of untested rape kits in the United States. It will air on HBO in the coming months.
7
'Silvana'
Another 2017 IDFA premiere that's expected to arrive in the U.S. in 2018, this doc tells the story of Swedish feminist rapper Silvana Imam.
8
'Won’t You Be My Neighbor'
Pretty much everyone loves Mister Rogers, and now the late children's show host will get the feature documentary film treatment when this exploration of his life and impact hits theaters on June 8.
9
'The Number On Great-Grandpa’s Arm'
This documentary, which will premiere on HBO on Jan. 27, allows a Holocaust survivor to describe his life and memories in his own words.
10
'The Empire Strikes Door'
If you're in the mood for something a little more lighthearted, this comical doc sets out to discover the Stormtrooper actor who infamously bumped his head during a scene in Star Wars. It's expected to premiere sometime in 2018, though it's not yet clear when or where that might be.
11
'Seeing Allred'
Netflix unveils this look at iconic women's rights lawyer Gloria Allred, who has represented everyone from Nicole Brown Simpson's family to Roy Moore accuser Beverly Young Nelson, on Feb. 9.
12
'Traffic Stop'
This short documentary looks at the harrowing traffic stop of Breaion King, whose controversial arrest was captured on dashcam footage. It's expected to premiere on HBO sometime in the next few months.
13
'Fahrenheit 11/9'
Michael Moore's next big documentary looks at the election of Donald Trump, which occurred on Nov. 9, 2016, hence the cheeky title. The film is expected to hit theaters sometime in 2018.
14
'Ram Dass, Going Home'
This short documentary, coming soon to Netflix, shows a day in the life of counterculture icon and spiritual guru, Ram Dass.
15
'XY Chelsea'
This doc about the life of military whistle-blower and transgender icon Chelsea Manning — who recently announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate — will premiere on Showtime later this year.
16
'Human Flow'
This heartbreaking look at the lives of refugees from Amazon Studios will soon arrive on the company's Prime Video streaming platform.
17
'Dirty Money'
This new Netflix series, premiering Jan. 26, looks at some of the most notorious white collar crimes in recent times.
18
'David Bowie: The Last Five Years'
This upcoming HBO documentary looks at the powerful music created by David Bowie at the end of his career while he was secretly battling cancer.
19
Corey Feldman's Molestation Documentary
It's not clear yet whether this will actually see the light of day, but the actor is currently raising funds for his long-planned exposé on a Hollywood child molestation ring, with the hopes that it will finally see release in 2018.
These 19 documentaries are some of the best 2018 has to offer, making this year another good ones for fans of nonfiction filmmaking.
