In recent times, documentaries have transformed from the fringes of media viewing to a central part of global entertainment. With a growing desire for truth-based storytelling, audiences are increasingly opting for real-life stories over scripted dramas. As traditional Hollywood struggles to remain relevant in the face of changing audience preferences and industry constraints, documentaries are emerging to offer a new perspective: sincerity, richness, and a connection to reality.
Hollywood Struggles
Hollywood is currently going through its most unpredictable period. Big-budget movies often fail to meet box office expectations, and countless scripted narratives seem either clichéd or disconnected from real life. According to a report by Variety, more than half of the new movies released in 2023 failed to meet box office expectations. Major franchises like Marvel and Star Wars have seen a decline in audience interest, and it is becoming increasingly uncommon to find originality in blockbuster filmmaking.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strike shut down much of Hollywood, creating a content gap that benefits documentaries. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO seized the opportunity by increasing their documentary output, and audiences responded positively.
In comparison, documentaries can generally be made at lower production costs and in a shorter timeframe. They typically require fewer resources, do not rely on well-known actors, and can easily adapt to changing events. While scripted films reflect the losses and challenges during the pandemic, documentaries are thriving because they are timely and relevant.
The Growing Demand for Documentaries
The trend toward documentaries isn’t just a personal observation—it can be measured. According to a 2024 survey conducted by Statista, 71% of Netflix subscribers worldwide watched at least one documentary in the past month. The same study found that documentary consumption on leading streaming services has grown by more than 120% in the past five years.
In 2023 alone, the Netflix documentary series Beckham, focused on football icon David Beckham, reached more than 37 million homes in its first two weeks. Documentaries now compete with scripted series for popularity—and in some cases even surpass them.
Multiple factors play a role in this rise:
- Binge-friendly formats: Multi-episode docuseries appeal to audiences used to streaming.
- Algorithmic boost: Recommendation algorithms on streaming platforms often highlight documentaries, attracting the attention of curious viewers.
- Social media virality: Real-life stories generate conversations, memes, and debates that spread quickly online.
Why Do People Like Documentaries?
The current global environment, marked by misinformation, political unrest, climate concerns, and campaigns for social justice, has led many people to seek out content based on reality. Documentaries fulfill this need in several powerful ways:
- They inform and educate: Viewers often end a documentary feeling more knowledgeable and informed. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 64% of viewers view documentaries as a reliable source of information.
- They spark empathy: Documentaries present viewers to people, places, and issues they might never otherwise encounter. Real faces, authentic voices, and real challenges create an emotional connection that fictional narratives rarely achieve.
- They inspire action. Films such as An Inconvenient Truth (climate change), Blackfish (animal rights), and The Cove (dolphin hunting) did more than just entertain—they sparked worldwide movements.
- They satisfy curiosity. Humans have an innate desire to explore. Documentaries satisfy our desire to understand the world, from crime and science to nature and politics.
- They feel authentic. In an era where CGI-filled blockbusters can feel contrived and overly polished, documentaries offer a more authentic and grounded alternative.
Why Should We Create More Real-Life Stories?
Documentaries don’t just serve as entertainment – they also serve as catalysts for change. The more we tell real stories, the more we:
- Preserve history: Documentaries serve as cultural archives. Whether it’s a conflict, a health crisis, or a social movement, they record events for future generations.
- Amplify voices. Often, marginalized groups find their only representation in documentaries. These films can highlight narratives that are ignored by mainstream media.
- Promote understanding. In a divided society, documentaries can connect people by presenting viewers with different perspectives.
- Encourage accountability. Investigative documentaries keep the powerful in check. Productions like The Panama Papers, Citizenfour, and Dirty Money have exposed wrongdoing and initiated investigations.
- Create sustainable careers. With the rise of independent filmmaking, social media distribution, and crowdfunding, more and more creators – especially from underrepresented backgrounds – are finding ways to tell real stories.
Conclusion
The rise of documentary films signals a significant cultural shift in the way we consume media. As Hollywood struggles with its identity and sustainability, documentaries are stepping into the spotlight, providing audiences with something they increasingly crave: authenticity, relevance, and purpose.