Documentaries have an incredible ability to capture real life stories offering profound insights into various aspects of the human experience. Over the past decade the documentary genre has seen an explosion of exceptional works that push the boundaries of storytelling, cinematography and social commentary. In this article you will get some of the best documentaries of the decade and highlighting their significance or impact.

The Rise of Documentary Film

The 2010s marked a significant period for documentary films for both in terms of quality and audience engagement. The advent of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime provided filmmakers with unprecedented access to large audiences. Consequently the documentaries have become a powerful medium for education and activism for giving voice to underrepresented communities and raising awareness about critical issues.

“13th” (2016)

Directed by Ava DuVernay, “13th” is a compelling exploration of race the justice and mass incarceration in the United States. The documentary derives its name from the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which abolished slavery except as punishment for a crime. DuVernay meticulously traces the historical roots of systemic racism and its evolution through time for demonstrating that how the American criminal justice system has disproportionately targeted African Americans. “13th” received critical acclaim and numerous awards for solidifying its status as one of the most important documentaries of the decade.

“Free Solo” (2018)

“Free Solo” follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale El Capitan with a 3,000-foot vertical rock face in Yosemite National Park without any ropes or safety gear. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin is the documentary offers a breathtaking and nerve-wracking portrayal of Honnold’s journey. Aside from its thrilling subject matter “Free Solo” delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of Honnold’s life and providing a nuanced character study. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for underscoring its impact on audiences and critics alike.

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (2018)

Directed by Morgan Neville “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” chronicles the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children’s television show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The documentary paints a heartwarming portrait of Rogers emphasizing his commitment to kindness empathy and understanding. Through archival footage and interviews Neville captures the profound influence Rogers had on generations of children and adults. The film’s release was met with widespread acclaim reinforcing Rogers timeless message of love and acceptance.

“Three Identical Strangers” (2018)

Three Identical Strangers is a riveting documentary directed by Tim Wardle that tells the astonishing story of triplets separated at birth and reunited by chance in adulthood. The film begins with the feel good reunion of the three brothers but soon unravels into a darker narrative involving secret scientific experiments and ethical questions. The documentary is twisty suspenseful nature keeps viewers engaged while provoking deep reflection on identity, nature versus nurture and the ethics of scientific research. It remains one of the most thought provoking documentaries of the decade.

“Apollo 11” (2019)

“Apollo 11,” directed by Todd Douglas Miller offers an extraordinary retrospective of the historic 1969 moon landing. Utilizing newly discovered 70mm footage and over 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings and the documentary provides an immersive experience of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. Unlike other space documentaries “Apollo 11” eschews modern narration and lets the original footage speak for itself for creating a visceral and authentic viewing experience. The film’s meticulous craftsmanship and stunning visuals to make it a standout documentary of the decade.

“Minding the Gap” (2018)

Directed by Bing Liu, “Minding the Gap” is an intimate and poignant exploration of friendship, growing up and the challenges of adulthood. Liu documents the lives of himself and two friends over several years by using skateboarding as a lens to examine broader issues such as domestic violence, economic hardship and mental health. The documentary’s raw honesty and emotional depth resonate deeply with audiences for earning it critical praise and numerous accolades.

“The Act of Killing” (2012)

Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, “The Act of Killing” is a groundbreaking documentary that challenges traditional forms of historical documentation. The film focuses on former Indonesian death squad leaders who participated in the mass killings of suspected communists in the 1960s. Oppenheimer invites these men to reenact their crimes through various cinematic genres leading to surreal and haunting performances. The documentary blurs the lines between reality and fiction for forcing viewers to confront the horrors of genocide and the complexities of memory and guilt. Its innovative approach and powerful subject matter make it a landmark film of the decade.

“The Queen of Versailles” (2012)

It is Directed by Lauren Greenfield “The Queen of Versailles” offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of billionaire couple David and Jackie Siegel as they attempt to build the largest house in America. The documentary begins as a portrait of opulence and excess but takes a dramatic turn following the 2008 financial crisis. As the Siegels grapple with the economic downturn the film reveals the fragility of the American Dream and the personal toll of financial instability. Greenfield’s empathetic yet critical eye makes “The Queen of Versailles” a compelling and insightful documentary.

“Senna” (2010)

“Senna,” directed by Asif Kapadia chronicles the life and career of Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna. The documentary is composed entirely of archival footage offering an unfiltered look at Senna’s rise to fame and his untimely death during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Kapadia’s skillful editing and narrative construction create a gripping and emotional portrayal of Senna’s passion, talent and legacy. The film’s universal themes of ambition, rivalry and mortality resonate with viewers and making it a standout documentary of the decade.

Conclusion

The past decade has been a golden era for documentary filmmaking producing works that challenge to inspire and provoke thought. From personal stories of triumph and resilience to critical examinations of societal issue these documentaries demonstrate the power of non fiction cinema to illuminate the human condition. As we look to the future the continued evolution of documentary film promises to bring even more powerful and transformative stories to light.

By exploring the best documentaries of the decade we can appreciate the diverse range of voices and perspectives that contribute to our understanding of the world. These films not only entertain but also educate and inspire proving that the art of documentary filmmaking is more vital than ever.