Top Documentaries of 2018
Must-Watch Films That Defined the Year
The year 2018 was a remarkable one for documentary filmmaking. Audiences were treated to a diverse array of compelling non-fiction works that explored fascinating subjects and captivated viewers with their storytelling prowess. From intimate portraits of influential figures to investigations of pressing social issues, documentaries in 2018 offered thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experiences.
The best documentaries of 2018 showcased the power of real-life stories to inform, inspire, and entertain. These films covered a wide range of topics, including politics, nature, sports, and the arts. Many garnered critical acclaim and found success with audiences, demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-crafted documentary filmmaking. The top documentaries of the year left lasting impressions and sparked important conversations about the world we live in.
1) Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" is a heartwarming documentary that explores the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." Directed by Morgan Neville, the film offers an intimate look at Rogers' philosophy and impact on children's television.
The documentary features rare archival footage and interviews with Rogers' family, friends, and colleagues. It delves into his unwavering commitment to kindness, empathy, and understanding, which formed the cornerstone of his long-running show.
One of the film's most memorable moments showcases Rogers' appearance before the U.S. Senate in 1969. His impassioned plea for PBS funding demonstrates his ability to touch hearts and minds, even in the political arena.
"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" received critical acclaim for its touching portrayal of Rogers' life and work. The film reminds viewers of the enduring power of compassion and the importance of treating children with respect and dignity.
2) Free Solo (2018)
Free Solo chronicles rock climber Alex Honnold's attempt to scale El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without ropes or safety gear. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the film captures Honnold's meticulous preparation and the gravity-defying climb itself.
The documentary showcases breathtaking cinematography of Yosemite's majestic landscape and Honnold's seemingly impossible ascent. It delves into the mindset required for such a dangerous feat, exploring themes of risk, passion, and human potential.
Free Solo garnered critical acclaim for its thrilling portrayal of extreme athleticism and psychological fortitude. The film won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
Beyond the climb, the documentary offers insight into Honnold's personal life and relationships, adding depth to the portrait of this unique athlete. It raises questions about the ethics of dangerous pursuits and the impact on loved ones.
3) Three Identical Strangers
Three Identical Strangers (2018) captivated audiences with its remarkable true story. The documentary follows triplets separated at birth who discover each other by chance at age 19.
Director Tim Wardle skillfully weaves together archival footage, reenactments, and present-day interviews to unravel the triplets' incredible journey. The film chronicles their joyous reunion and rise to fame in 1980s New York.
As the story unfolds, a darker mystery emerges about why the brothers were separated. The documentary explores the ethical implications of a secret adoption study that divided the triplets.
Three Identical Strangers raises thought-provoking questions about nature versus nurture and the consequences of scientific experimentation on human subjects. It offers a compelling blend of human interest and investigative journalism.
The film's emotional impact and unexpected twists earned it critical acclaim and numerous awards. It stands out as one of 2018's most riveting and discussed documentaries.
More information on Three Identical Strangers
4) RBG
"RBG" (2018) offers an intimate look at the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the iconic Supreme Court Justice. Directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West, this documentary showcases Ginsburg's journey from her early days as a lawyer to her rise as a cultural icon.
The film explores Ginsburg's groundbreaking work on gender equality cases and her impact on American jurisprudence. It features interviews with Ginsburg herself, along with family members, friends, and colleagues who provide insight into her personal life and professional achievements.
"RBG" highlights Ginsburg's sharp legal mind and her unexpected emergence as a pop culture phenomenon in her later years. The documentary received critical acclaim for its engaging portrayal of the Justice's life and legacy.
Premiering at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, "RBG" went on to earn numerous accolades, including Academy Award nominations for Best Documentary Feature and Best Original Song. The film's success contributed to a renewed public interest in Ginsburg's work and persona.
5) They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
Peter Jackson's groundbreaking documentary brings World War I to life through restored and colorized archival footage. The film offers a unique glimpse into the experiences of British soldiers on the Western Front.
Jackson and his team meticulously restored over 100 hours of century-old footage from the Imperial War Museum. They employed cutting-edge technology to colorize and enhance the images, creating a vivid portrayal of the war.
The documentary features no narration, instead relying on the voices of veterans recorded by the BBC and IWM. These firsthand accounts provide intimate insights into the soldiers' daily lives, thoughts, and emotions.
"They Shall Not Grow Old" received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to historical filmmaking. It was praised for its emotional impact and ability to humanize the soldiers of the Great War.
The film's release coincided with the centennial of the war's end, serving as a poignant tribute to those who fought and died. It offers viewers a powerful and immersive experience of a pivotal moment in history.
6) Minding the Gap
Minding the Gap (2018) is a powerful documentary that explores the lives of three young men in Rockford, Illinois. Directed by Bing Liu, the film follows their shared passion for skateboarding and their struggles with family, relationships, and growing up.
Liu skillfully weaves together footage collected over several years, creating an intimate portrait of his subjects. The documentary delves into themes of masculinity, domestic violence, and economic hardship in a declining Rust Belt town.
Minding the Gap received widespread critical acclaim for its raw honesty and emotional depth. It won numerous awards, including the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Filmmaking at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
The film stands out for its authenticity and the trust Liu builds with his subjects. It offers a poignant look at how young men navigate difficult circumstances and find solace in friendship and skateboarding.
Minding the Gap's success cemented its place as one of the most impactful documentaries of 2018, praised for its compassionate storytelling and unflinching examination of complex social issues.
More information on Minding the Gap
7) Shirkers
Shirkers is a captivating documentary released in 2018 that tells an extraordinary story of lost and found cinema. Directed by Sandi Tan, the film chronicles her experience making an independent movie in Singapore during the early 1990s.
As a teenager, Tan and her friends embarked on an ambitious film project, only to have their work stolen by their enigmatic American mentor. The original footage mysteriously disappeared for over two decades.
The documentary skillfully weaves together recovered scenes from the original film with present-day interviews and reflections. It explores themes of artistic ambition, friendship, and the impact of betrayal on creative endeavors.
Shirkers received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling and its exploration of Singaporean culture. The film won the World Cinema Documentary Directing Award at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
Tan's personal journey of reclaiming her lost work resonated with audiences worldwide. The documentary offers a unique perspective on filmmaking, memory, and the enduring power of creativity.
More information on Shirkers (2018)
8) The Dawn Wall
The Dawn Wall (2018) chronicles an extraordinary feat of rock climbing. Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson attempt to scale the notoriously difficult 3,000-foot Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
This documentary captures the climbers' intense physical and mental challenges as they spend 19 days on the sheer granite face. The film showcases their remarkable skill, determination, and partnership in tackling this unprecedented free climb.
Directors Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer blend stunning visuals of the climbers against the massive rock face with intimate moments of struggle and triumph. The documentary delves into Caldwell's backstory, including his traumatic experiences that fueled his dedication to climbing.
The Dawn Wall offers viewers a unique perspective on the world of elite rock climbing. It highlights the meticulous planning, years of preparation, and unwavering commitment required for such an ambitious ascent.
More information on The Dawn Wall
9) Hale County This Morning, This Evening (2018)
Hale County This Morning, This Evening offers a poetic glimpse into the lives of Black residents in Hale County, Alabama. Directed by RaMell Ross, this documentary eschews traditional narrative structure in favor of an intimate, observational approach.
The film follows various individuals, including Quincy Bryant and Daniel Collins, as they navigate daily life in the rural South. Ross captures small moments and mundane activities, weaving them into a tapestry that reflects the community's experiences.
Through its unconventional storytelling, the documentary challenges stereotypes and provides a nuanced portrayal of African American life. Ross's background as a photographer is evident in the film's striking visual composition.
Hale County This Morning, This Evening received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to documentary filmmaking. It won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Creative Vision at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
The film was also nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 91st Academy Awards, marking a significant achievement for Ross's directorial debut.
10) Science Fair (2018)
"Science Fair" follows nine high school students from around the world as they compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair. The documentary showcases their innovative projects and personal journeys.
Directed by Cristina Costantini and Darren Foster, the film offers an inspiring look at young scientific talent. It highlights the dedication and passion of these students as they strive to make groundbreaking discoveries.
The documentary received critical acclaim for its engaging portrayal of the competitors. It won audience awards at both the Sundance Film Festival and South by Southwest.
"Science Fair" provides an intimate glimpse into the world of competitive science fairs. It explores the challenges faced by participants, including rivalries, setbacks, and the pressure to succeed.
The film celebrates the diversity of its subjects, featuring students from various countries and backgrounds. It emphasizes the global nature of scientific innovation and collaboration.
Impact of 2018 Documentaries
Documentary films in 2018 made significant waves in both the cultural landscape and critical spheres. They shed light on important issues, sparked conversations, and garnered recognition from audiences and critics alike.
Social and Cultural Influence
Several 2018 documentaries tackled pressing social issues and influenced public discourse. "The Bleeding Edge" exposed problems in the medical device industry, raising awareness about patient safety. "On Her Shoulders" highlighted the plight of Yazidi women, bringing attention to human rights abuses.
"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" celebrated Fred Rogers' legacy, reminding viewers of the importance of kindness and empathy. This film resonated strongly with audiences, rekindling interest in Rogers' teachings.
Some documentaries prompted real-world action. "The Judge" spotlighted the first woman appointed to a Shari'a court in the Middle East, inspiring discussions on gender equality in legal systems.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
2018's documentaries received significant critical recognition. "Free Solo" won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, praising its breathtaking cinematography and compelling narrative. "RBG" earned widespread acclaim for its portrayal of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, securing two Oscar nominations.
"Minding the Gap" garnered praise for its intimate exploration of skateboarding culture and masculinity. It won numerous awards, including the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Filmmaking at Sundance.
Critics lauded "Three Identical Strangers" for its shocking revelations and ethical questions. The film's twists and turns captivated audiences and critics, earning it multiple award nominations.
Evolution of Documentary Filmmaking
Documentary filmmaking has undergone significant changes since its inception in the late 19th century. Technological advancements and innovative storytelling techniques have shaped the genre's development, allowing filmmakers to capture and present reality in compelling new ways.
Technological Advancements
The evolution of camera technology has greatly impacted documentary filmmaking. Early documentaries relied on bulky, stationary cameras with limited capabilities. The introduction of lightweight 16mm cameras in the 1960s revolutionized the field, enabling more intimate and spontaneous footage.
Digital cameras further transformed the landscape, making high-quality equipment more accessible to independent filmmakers. This democratization of technology led to a surge in documentary production.
Editing software advancements allowed for more sophisticated post-production techniques. Filmmakers could now manipulate footage, add special effects, and create complex narratives with greater ease.
Narrative and Storytelling Techniques
Documentary storytelling has evolved from straightforward, observational approaches to more creative and diverse methods. Early documentaries often featured voice-over narration and a strict adherence to factual presentation.
Contemporary documentaries employ a wider range of techniques, including:
Reenactments
Animation
Interactive elements
Personal narratives
These methods blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction, creating more engaging and immersive experiences for viewers.
Filmmakers now frequently incorporate themselves into their documentaries, adding a subjective layer to the storytelling. This approach allows for more nuanced exploration of complex topics and personal perspectives.
