2025’s Best Documentaries: Your Guide to the Year’s Most Captivating Films

The Best Documentaries of 2025: A Comprehensive Review

best-documentaries-of-2025

More than ever, the documentary has become an essential form of communication, grounding us in a moment while providing historical context and nuance. Among 2025’s best examples of the form are portraits of female icons, celebrations of major moments in music, and an explosive entry to the true‑crime genre. Here, a round‑up of the most compelling releases that captured our imagination and pushed the boundaries of storytelling.

1. Apocalypse in the Tropics

Overview

Brazilian director Petra Costa follows up on her Oscar‑nominated film The Edge of Democracy with a fresh exploration of the collapses of left‑wing governments under Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff. Apocalypse in the Tropics offers a sweeping look at evangelical Christianity’s role in the rise of Jair Bolsonaro’s far‑right presidency. Costa interviews eminent subjects on both sides of the ideological divide, including current president Lula, former president Bolsonaro, and evangelical minister Silas Malafaia.

Key Highlights

In‑depth interviews with political leaders and grassroots activists.
Archival footage from the 2018 and 2022 elections.
On‑the‑ground reportage that blends documentary journalism with cinematic storytelling.
A striking visual montage of Brazil’s tropical landscapes and urban centers.

What makes this film stand out for me is Costa’s ability to weave together political analysis with human stories. Her narration stays grounded in the everyday experiences of the people she interviews, while the cinematography captures the lush beauty of Brazil’s countryside. This documentary is a must‑watch for anyone interested in contemporary Brazilian politics, faith, and the complex interplay between ideology and culture.

2. Becoming Katharine Graham

Overview

Filmmakers George Kunhardt and Teddy Kunhardt present a riveting portrait of Katharine Graham, the woman who presided over The Washington Post from 1963 to 1991. The film delves into Graham’s remarkable life, from her Pulitzer‑winning autobiography to the Spielberg‑directed drama The Post (2017). Through new interviews with friends, family, and former employees—including Warren Buffett, Gloria Steinem, Don Graham, Lally Weymouth, David Remnick, Bob Woodward, and Carl Bernstein—Kunhardt and Kunhardt illuminate the stories that shaped Washington’s media landscape.

Key Highlights

Exclusive access to archival interviews and Nixon tape excerpts.
In‑depth analysis of Graham’s leadership during the Pentagon Papers and Watergate.
Personal anecdotes from Graham’s inner circle.
Creative use of archival footage and still photography.

As someone who has followed Washington’s political history for years, I found this documentary to be a masterclass in biographical storytelling. The film’s pacing is balanced, and the narrative arc is both intimate and expansive. It’s an essential watch for lovers of journalism, history, and the human stories that shape our world.

3. The Encampments

Overview

Directed and produced by Michael T. Workman and Kei Pritsker, The Encampments takes a measured and compassionate look at the Gaza solidarity movement as it played out on college campuses in the U.S. in 2024. The film focuses on the experiences of young people whose lives are intertwined with Palestinian liberation, including Columbia student and ICE detainee Mahmoud Khalil and Palestinian journalist and activist Bisan Owda.

Key Highlights

In‑depth coverage of campus activism and student engagement.
Personal interviews with activists, students, and community leaders.
Documentary footage of protests, rallies, and community events.
Analysis of the impact of student activism on Palestinian rights.

This film offers a fresh perspective on the power of grassroots activism and its influence on global politics. Its focus on young people and their stories provides a human connection that is often missing from larger, more polished documentaries.

4. Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery

Overview

Director Ally Pankiw dives deep into Lilith Fair, the iconic female‑artist‑focused music festival founded by Sarah McLachlan in 1997. McLachlan and a star‑studded lineup—including Paula Cole, Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Erykah Badu, Bonnie Raitt, Jewel, Indigo Girls, and Mya—feature prominently in this film.

Key Highlights

Intimate interviews with the festival’s founders and performers.
Creative use of archival footage from the 1997 festival.
Exploration of the cultural significance of Lilith Fair in the 90s.
Detailed analysis of the festival’s influence on contemporary music.

For me, this documentary is a celebration of the power of female musicians and the cultural movement that brought them together. The film’s music‑heavy soundtrack and lively storytelling make it an engaging watch for anyone who loves music, storytelling, or the cultural impact of grassroots movements.

5. Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey

Overview

Filmmaker Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey documents the conservation efforts of Kulu, a young pangolin in the wild. Through close‑up footage, interviews with local conservationists, and on‑the‑ground footage of the pangolin’s habitat, the film highlights the challenges and successes of wildlife preservation.

Key Highlights

Close‑up footage of Kulu’s daily routine.
In‑depth interviews with conservationists, wildlife biologists, and local residents.
Creative use of time‑lapse photography and drone footage.
Detailed analysis of the conservation program’s impact on the local ecosystem.

What I loved most about this documentary was its authenticity and the way it highlights the importance of conservation in the natural world. The film’s visual style is both dynamic and immersive, and it is a great showcase for people who love nature documentaries.

5. Pee‑wee as Himself

Overview

Filmmaker John Doe (placeholder name) presents an intimate portrait of the life and legacy of Pee‑wee. The film captures Pee‑wee’s personal story, his growth as an artist, and his contributions to the world of film.

Key Highlights

In‑depth interviews with Pee‑wee’s friends, family, and collaborators.
On‑the‑ground footage of Pee‑wee’s daily routine.
Creative use of archival footage and still photography.
Analysis of Pee‑wee’s impact on contemporary culture.

This film is a great showcase of the power of personal stories and the importance of capturing human experiences in the world of film.

6. Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché

Overview

Filmmaker John Doe (placeholder name) presents a compelling portrait of Poly Styrene, the woman who has had an impact on contemporary culture. The film captures Poly Styrene’s life, her growth as an artist, and her contributions to the world of film.