Documentary films are no longer the underappreciated film style they once were. In modern times, documentary filmmaking has broken into mainstream cinema, with documentary films achieving major box-office success, driving national conversations, and receiving prestigious honors. 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 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 true stories that are often more thrilling and stranger than fiction. Cinema-goers are becoming fascinated with the gritty, authentic stories that such films deliver. Whether it’s real-life mysteries, environmental issues, or social movements, these films are speaking to current trends, bringing intense, real-world stories that resonate with audiences on a visceral level. Film creators are also innovating narrative structure, using innovative techniques and formats to make these non-fiction films as captivating as their fiction-based films.

Beyond entertainment, these films are emerging as a force for societal change. Many of today’s most impactful documentaries bring attention to major issues, inspiring societal change and prompting real-world responses. Films like *An Inconvenient Truth* or *The Social Dilemma* have not only educated viewers but movie style 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 powerful story at a time.