Documentaries are an essential part of cinema history and can provide viewers with an invaluable insight into the lives and events of people from around the world. From classic feature-length films to short clips, documentaries are a great way to learn about the world and to explore the past. This article will explore the best documentary movies by year and provide an overview of the most influential, thought-provoking, and powerful documentary films of each year. We will look at a wide range of documentaries from different genres, from biopics to environmental documentaries, from historical events to modern-day social issues.
We will also discuss the impact that these films have had on society and how they have become part of our collective cultural memory. So, if you're looking for a trip down memory lane, or just want to learn more about the world around us, then this is the article for you!The history of documentary films can be traced back to the late 19th century, when motion pictures began to be used as a form of storytelling. Early documentary films often focused on scientific or educational topics, such as the “actuality” films made by the French Lumière brothers in 1895. In the early 20th century, filmmakers began to explore more creative topics, such as Robert Flaherty’s 1922 classic Nanook of the North. The 1930s saw the emergence of non-fiction feature films, such as Leni Riefenstahl’s Olympia (1938).In the 1940s and 1950s, filmmakers continued to explore creative documentary filmmaking, with some of the most notable films coming from France’s cinéma vérité movement.
The 1960s saw a surge in popularity for documentaries, with filmmakers such as D.A. Pennebaker and Frederick Wiseman exploring new techniques and themes. In the 1970s, documentaries began to take a more political turn, with filmmakers such as Barbara Kopple and Emile de Antonio tackling issues such as labor rights and the Vietnam War. The 1980s saw a shift towards more personal documentaries, with filmmakers such as Errol Morris and Michael Moore exploring topics such as injustice and oppression. The 1990s saw a surge in popularity for documentaries, with films such as The Thin Blue Line (1988) and Hoop Dreams (1994) winning awards and garnering critical acclaim.
The 2000s saw an even greater expansion in documentary filmmaking, with filmmakers exploring a wide range of topics from climate change to human rights. Documentary films from this era often focused on social justice issues and explored topics from around the world. Notable films from this period include An Inconvenient Truth (2006), which explored climate change, and The Cove (2009), which tackled animal rights issues in Japan. Today, documentary films remain popular among audiences and filmmakers alike.
Documentary films continue to tackle important social issues and provide unique insights into the world around us. This article will explore some of the key documentary films released each year and discuss the key themes that have emerged over time. From early pioneers like Robert Flaherty to modern day auteurs like Michael Moore, documentary filmmakers have used their art form to tell stories that may have otherwise gone unheard. Documentary films have long been used as a tool to explore important issues and tell compelling stories. From the earliest days of motion pictures to today’s digital age, documentary filmmakers have consistently pushed boundaries and tackled difficult topics.
This article has explored some of the key documentary films released each year and discussed the key themes that have emerged over time. With its ability to present complex issues in an accessible format, documentary film remains an important medium for exploring our world.
