Documentaries are no longer the overlooked type of film they once were. In modern times, the documentary genre has exploded into the mainstream, with documentaries becoming box-office hits, generating national dialogues, and sometimes taking home high-profile accolades. Titles like *Tiger King*, *Making a Murderer*, and *13th* have captivated audiences just like any mainstream blockbuster. The growth of non-fiction films is one of the most exciting 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 stories from real life that are sometimes more intense than fiction. Viewers are turning to the real, unfiltered tales that documentaries offer. Whether it’s true crime, climate activism, or social justice, non-fiction films are retirement activities tapping into the zeitgeist, bringing riveting, real-world stories that hit home for viewers on a visceral level. Filmmakers are also innovating storytelling techniques, using innovative techniques and styles to create non-fiction films that are as captivating as their narrative film equivalents.

Beyond the entertainment factor, 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 educated viewers but also led to global movements and governmental shifts. In this age of powerful non-fiction, documentary features aren’t just educating us—they’re reshaping the world one compelling narrative at a time.