Documentary films are no longer the niche category they once were. In the past few years, documentary films has entered the spotlight, with these types of movies achieving major box-office success, driving national conversations, and receiving big awards. Titles like *Tiger King*, *Making a Murderer*, and *13th* have gripped audiences just as much as any commercial film. The documentary boom is one of the most compelling film trends 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 increasingly drawn to the real, unfiltered tales that documentaries offer. Whether it’s true crime, climate activism, or social justice, non-fiction films are tapping into the zeitgeist, delivering riveting, real-world stories that hit home for viewers on a personal 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 movie style 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 educated viewers 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 reshaping the world one powerful story at a time.