Documentary cinema are no longer the underappreciated film style they once were. In the last decade, documentary films has gained mainstream popularity, with documentaries becoming box-office hits, sparking national dialogues, and sometimes taking home high-profile accolades. Titles like *Tiger King*, *Making a Murderer*, and *13th* have captivated audiences just like any commercial film. The documentary boom is one of the most compelling developments in cinema of the decade, and it looks like it’s here to stay.

One of the drivers of this movement is the growing appetite for authentic narratives that are sometimes more intense than fiction. Viewers are turning to the real, unfiltered tales that documentaries offer. Whether it’s true crime, retirement plan planet-focused stories, or social issues, non-fiction films are capturing the moment, delivering gripping, real-world stories that hit home for viewers on a personal level. Filmmakers are also playing with storytelling techniques, using creative methods and styles to make these non-fiction films as captivating as their narrative film equivalents.

Beyond entertainment, these films are emerging as a force for societal change. Many of today’s most impactful documentaries highlight important topics, leading to social movements and prompting real-world responses. Films like *An Inconvenient Truth* or *The Social Dilemma* have not only informed audiences but also sparked actual change and governmental shifts. In this age of powerful non-fiction, documentary features aren’t just giving us knowledge—they’re transforming our world one powerful story at a time.