Documentary filmmaking is a form of storytelling that is easily overlooked. With many readily available documentaries presenting a front-and-center depiction of their subjects, documentaries can sometimes be thought of as purely educational and thus not as artistic as fiction films.
However, recent documentaries such as Peter Jackson's They Shall Not Grow Old and Oscar-winner My Octopus Teacher have proven that documentaries can be more powerful than fiction films. Through either presenting an unbiased and intimate look at a subject or through documenting various real-world issues, documentaries can reach emotional and artistic depths that many fiction films can't.
10 The Imposter: 7.5 (Available on Tubi)
Bart Layton's 2016 documentary tells the story of French con man who tricks a grieving family into believing that he is their long-lost son. Much like Layton's follow-up film American Animals, this documentary uses a mixture of dramatic re-enactments and interviews with real-life subjects to show the story in vivid detail.
One of the most acclaimed documentaries of 2012, audiences and critics alike have praised the documentary for its disturbing story as well as its unconventional approach to documentary storytelling.
9 Man On Wire: 7.7 (Available on Amazon Prime)
Man on Wire tells the story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit, whose iconic tightrope walk between the Twin Towers in 1974 awed the nation. Focusing equally on the background of the stunt as well as the stunt itself, the film provides a deep dive into Petit as a person and his motivations.
With a rare 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature to go with it, the film's combination of a personal story told within the context of an awe-inspiring stunt has struck a chord with many viewers.
8 Grizzly Man: 7.8 (Available on Amazon Prime)
Werner Herzog's documentary tells the story of Timothy Treadwell, a bear enthusiast who was tragically killed in a bear attack. Herzog takes the viewers on a deep dive into not only Timothy Treadwell but humanity's connection to nature itself.
Herzog uses his signature documentary style to ruminate on the beauty of nature, as well as the danger of it. Acclaim has been levied at the film's somber tone, its powerful observations on humanity and its treatment of nature, and its exploration of Timothy Treadwell as a person.
7 Diana: In Her Own Words: 7.8
Diana: In Her Own Words utilizes footage of the late Princess of Wales recorded during visits with a vocal coach to provide a vivid look into her inner thoughts of various aspects of her public life. Initially broadcast on Channel 4, this documentary gained popularity after the release of Season 4 of The Crown.
Providing an unfiltered look into a royal family that is often known for being calculated and secretive, this documentary is a fascinating look into the effects that fame and power have on the psyche.
6 Amy: 7.8 (Available on Fubo TV)
Released just a few years after the death of the late superstar Amy Winehouse, Amy tells the story of the embattled singer as she navigates fame while also dealing with her personal demons. Using mostly footage recorded before her death, this documentary provides an intimate look at the singer and her talents.
Directed by Asif Kapadia (Senna), this documentary was lauded for its portrayal of all aspects of Amy Winehouse's life and not being afraid to shy away from the more sordid details.
5 Citizenfour: 8.0 (Available on Tubi)
One of the most talked-about documentaries of recent years, Citizenfour details director Laura Poitras' interactions with Edward Snowden both before and after he infamously leaked information about the NSA's illegal wire-tapping practices.
Still a hot-button topic to this day, Citizenfour differentiates itself from other hot-topic documentaries through the director's relationship with the subject. Poitras is the person that Snowden decided to leak the information to, creating a fascinating tension that has affected many viewers.
4 Waltz With Bashir: 8.0 (Available For Purchase on Amazon Prime)
Ari Folman's Oscar-nominated animated documentary Waltz With Bashir is a fascinating showcase of Folman's own forgotten experiences as a 19-year-old IDF soldier during the 1982 Lebanon War. By searching for his memories, he is forced to confront the demons of his past.
An inherently emotional and memorable story, audiences and critics alike have also been captivated by the film's animation style. Distinctively surreal, the film's visuals amplify the emotional storytelling and create an experience that's visually as well as emotionally resonant.
3 Searching For Sugarman: 8.2 (Available for Purchase on Amazon Prime)
A story of forgotten brilliance, Searching For Sugarman details two superfans as they search for American singer Rodriguez, an artist whose music had unknowingly made him a cultural phenomenon in South Africa while having little success domestically.
One of the strongest feel-good documentaries of recent years, Searching For Sugarman's unbelievable story and heart-warming message has led to success for both the film and its star. The Oscar-winning documentary's success has led to a revival for Rodriguez's career, with him playing his biggest venues at home and abroad after its release.
2 The Cove: 8.4 (Available on Tubi)
An incredibly tough but memorable documentary to watch, The Cove details dolphin activist Ric O'Barry's efforts to stop illegal and immoral dolphin-hunting practices happening in Taiji, Japan. Using state-of-the-art technology, Barry's team must evade the Japanese government as they try to record the activities at a man-made dolphin-hunting cove.
Though there have been a good amount of documentaries dealing with oceanic animal abuse, this one is possibly the most effective due to its intense and disturbing visuals that vividly bring to light the horrid dolphin-hunting practices.
1 Dear Zachary: A Letter To His Son About His Father: 8.5 (Available On Amazon Prime Video)
Dear Zachary details filmmaker Kurt Kuenne as he films a documentary reconstructing the life of his murdered friend Andrew. Initially just a memorial, these plans are changed when Andrew's unhinged murderer turns out to be pregnant with Andrew's child Zachary, making Kuenne repurpose his documentary as a way for Zachary to know what his father was really like.
Widely acclaimed as one of the most affecting documentaries in recent memory, the documentary starts off at a deeply emotional place that progresses through the various legal twists and turns up to the devastating conclusion.
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