As a digital technology expert and documentary lover, I‘ve seen firsthand how the internet has revolutionized the way we discover, watch, and engage with nonfiction films. Streaming platforms have made thousands of documentaries available at the click of a button, while online communities have become hubs for unearthing hidden gems and generating buzz for deserving titles. And no online group has quite the fervor for documentaries as Reddit‘s r/Documentaries subreddit.
Discovering Docs in the Digital Age
Gone are the days when documentary viewing was limited to catching a PBS broadcast or stumbling upon a title at the video store. In 2020, the major streaming platforms released over 850 original documentaries, nearly a 100% increase from 2019.^1 Netflix, for instance, has seen documentary viewership grow by around 50% each year since 2016.^2 Suddenly, captivating titles are always at our fingertips, ready to transport us to far-flung places, introduce us to fascinating people, and shed light on the most pressing issues of our time.
But with so much content available, finding documentaries worth your time can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That‘s where a community like r/Documentaries comes in. The subreddit‘s 15 million members are constantly posting about recent releases, lesser-known films, and beloved classics, complete with post titles that clarify what the film is about and why it‘s a must-watch.
A quick scroll through the forum reveals a diverse array of offerings. One day the top post might be an exposé on government corruption, the next an intimate profile of a unique individual, the next a jaw-dropping nature doc. Members provide content warnings, note where to find the film, and offer personal insights that provide valuable context. The real magic happens in the comments, where robust discussions reveal deeper layers to the films and make you think about them in new ways.
Determining the Doc Essentials
So what documentaries tend to rise to the top for Redditors? While there‘s a vast range of titles that have their fans, certain films come up again and again in recommendation threads and "best of" lists. Legendary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman is always a favorite, with his fly-on-the-wall observational style seen in films like Titicut Follies (1967), High School (1968), and Ex Libris (2017).
Avant-garde fare like Koyaanisqatsi (1982), Baraka (1992), and the works of Chris Marker also earn raves for their boundary-pushing style. Marker‘s Sans Soleil (1983) frequently tops Redditors‘ lists of the greatest documentaries ever made. "It is the most unique and thought-provoking documentary I have ever seen," wrote u/respighi in a glowing 2013 post. "It‘s like a strange but vivid dream that follows you into your waking life."^3
True crime and social justice documentaries strike a chord with Redditors for their ability to shine a light on broken systems and advocate for change. Ezra Edelman‘s epic 7.5-hour OJ: Made in America (2016) is a heavily-cited favorite. "This is the best documentary I have ever seen," declared u/LarsThorwald. "It is a masterclass in using one man‘s story to tell the story of race in America in the twentieth century."^4
The Up series, Michael Apted‘s groundbreaking project following the same group of Brits every seven years from childhood through old age, has birthed many a debate on Reddit about class mobility and the impact of being filmed for one‘s entire life. When 63 Up was released in 2019, the r/Documentaries discussion generated over 500 comments comparing all nine installments and marveling at the scope of the 55-year undertaking.^5
Some of the most celebrated documentaries give us a window into eccentric subcultures and larger-than-life personalities. Redditors can‘t get enough of Grey Gardens (1975), the Maysles‘ intimate portrait of a reclusive mother-daughter duo related to Jackie Kennedy, and American Movie (1999), about a filmmaker‘s quixotic quest to make his magnum opus.
War documentaries, particularly those showcasing soldiers‘ firsthand footage, hit hard for Redditors. Restrepo (2010) embeds viewers with a platoon in Afghanistan, revealing the physical and psychological toll of combat. "I‘ve seen many war documentaries and this is one of the best," wrote u/Dittybopper. "Apolitical, it tells the soldier‘s stories and shows their daily lives… Highly recommended."^6
Docs Empowered by Digital Tools
As digital technology has evolved, so too has the documentary artform. In recent years, filmmakers have been harnessing interactive elements and immersive formats to create docs that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
The 2018 doc Memoria: Stories of La Garma uses augmented reality to bring prehistoric cave paintings to life, allowing users to explore the spaces and uncover the stories behind the art. Likewise, Traveling While Black (2019) employs virtual reality to viscerally place viewers within the experience of Black motorists in the Jim Crow South.
"I can‘t stop thinking about Traveling While Black," wrote u/Filmitforme. "The VR made it feel like I was actually in the room with the subjects, which created this whole other level of empathy and connection. It‘s exciting to think about how this technology could be used in future docs."^7
Of course, documentary series have also been popular on r/Documentaries. One of the biggest sensations was Tiger King, the larger-than-life Netflix true crime series that provided a much-needed escape for millions during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. While reactions were mixed, most agreed it was compulsively watchable entertainment.
"Tiger King is a whirlwind of chaos and I am absolutely hooked," wrote u/hazychestnutz. "Truth really is stranger than fiction. The most unbelievable stuff happens in the first episode alone and it just keeps getting more and more insane as it goes on. It‘s the perfect distraction for everything going on right now."^8
Documentaries on Digital Life
Perhaps unsurprisingly, some of the most discussed documentaries on Reddit in recent years have been those examining technology‘s impact on our lives. The Social Dilemma (2020), about the dangerous human impact of social media, sparked a wealth of concerned posts and comments about data privacy and mental health.
"Just finished watching The Social Dilemma and I feel sick to my stomach," wrote u/pinksky1134. "As someone who has suffered from social media addiction, it is terrifying to see how these apps are quite literally designed to keep us hooked. Everyone needs to see this doc, but especially parents of young kids who are growing up with this technology."^9
The Great Hack (2019), about the Cambridge Analytica scandal, also prompted some soul-searching about data rights in the digital age. "A horrifying look at how our personal information is being weaponized against us for political gain," wrote u/AFlockOfTySegalls. "I hope this serves as a wake up call and catalyst for major changes in how data is handled by major tech companies. If you use Facebook, Twitter, Google, etc. you need to see this film."^10
Such documentaries have proven particularly impactful thanks to the discussions they‘ve generated online. While The Social Dilemma was met with some criticism around dramatized scenes, the debates on Reddit and beyond undoubtedly increased its reach and influence. Netflix revealed that the film was its second most watched documentary in 2020, while a study found sustained decreases in social media use intention and increases in privacy concerns and perceived addiction post-viewing.^11
Looking Ahead
As we barrel towards an increasingly digital future, it‘s exciting (and a bit daunting) to imagine how documentaries will continue to evolve. On the narrative front, I suspect we‘ll see even more projects that blend traditional documentary techniques with interactive and immersive elements as those technologies become more accessible. With VR and AR gear getting cheaper and more user-friendly, I can envision a future in which putting on a headset to step inside a nonfiction story is as second-nature as flipping on Netflix.
Advances in artificial intelligence also have fascinating implications for documentaries, from making the editing process more efficient to generating synthetic media to bring historical figures to life. We‘ve already seen the glimmers of this with Welcome to Chechnya (2020), which used deepfake technology to digitally alter the faces of at-risk subjects. While the ramifications of increasingly sophisticated AI are still murky, the technology could be an incredible asset for truth-seeking if leveraged responsibly.
I‘m also optimistic that the connective power of the internet will continue to help important documentaries find the audiences they deserve. While the sheer volume of content out there can be overwhelming, online communities are only getting better at bringing worthwhile films to the surface. I dream of a future in which a groundbreaking documentary by a little-known filmmaker can organically become a worldwide phenomenon overnight because people believed in its message and felt compelled to share it far and wide. Places like r/Documentaries give me hope that that future is possible.
Of course, no amount of technological advancement can replace the simple power of an incredible story, compellingly told. The best documentaries are those that move us, challenge our perspectives, and awaken our sense of empathy and justice. In a world that feels increasingly divided, we need these films to bring us together, spark conversation, and inspire us to build a better tomorrow. As long as there are brave filmmakers willing to shine a light on vital stories, I believe the documentary genre will remain a crucial part of our collective human experience.
Thank you for coming on this journey through some of Reddit‘s most celebrated documentaries. But really, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I encourage you to dive into r/Documentaries for yourself and explore the trove of incredible films this vibrant online community has surfaced. Watch them with an open mind, an open heart, and an eagerness to learn and grow. And don‘t be afraid to join the conversation. In the end, that‘s what documentaries are all about.
