The Best Documentaries of the 2000s

The 2000s were a groundbreaking decade for the documentary film genre. 

With advances in technology and the increasing popularity of streaming services, documentaries became more accessible than ever before. 

In this article

1. An Inconvenient Truth (2006) 
2. Supersize Me (2004) 
3. March of the Penguins (2005) 
4. Grizzly Man (2005) 
5. Man on Wire (2008) 
6. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) 

The 2000s were a decade of significant change and cultural evolution. This period saw the rise of the internet and the birth of social media, as well as significant political, social, and economic developments that had a profound impact on society as a whole. One of the most notable cultural trends of the 2000s was the rise of reality television. 

Shows like ‘Survivor’, ‘American Idol’, and ‘The Apprentice’ became cultural phenomena, with millions of viewers tuning in each week to watch ordinary people compete for fame and fortune. This trend also spawned a new generation of celebrities, from reality TV stars like Kim Kardashian to social media influencers like Zoella. 

The 2000s also saw the emergence of a new generation of music stars, including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Eminem. These artists helped to redefine the sound of popular music, blending genres like hip-hop, R&B, and pop to create fresh and exciting new sounds. The 2000s also saw the rise of music streaming services like Spotify, which made it easier than ever for people to discover and listen to new music. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top documentaries of the 2000s that left a lasting impact on audiences and the film industry. 

An Inconvenient Truth (2006) 

An Inconvenient Truth is a documentary film that explores the issue of climate change and its potential impact on the planet. Directed by Davis Guggenheim and starring former Vice President Al Gore, the film’s powerful message and engaging presentation earned it an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and helped raise awareness about the urgent need for action to address the issue. 

Supersize Me (2004) 

Supersize Me is a documentary film directed by Morgan Spurlock that explores the impact of fast food on human health. The film’s innovative approach of having the director eat only McDonald’s for 30 days and documenting the effects on his health captured audiences’ attention and sparked a conversation about the role of fast food in society. 

March of the Penguins (2005) 

March of the Penguins is a documentary film that follows the journey of emperor penguins as they travel across the Antarctic to mate and raise their young. The film’s stunning cinematography, emotional storytelling, and portrayal of the harsh conditions of life in Antarctica earned it critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. 

Grizzly Man (2005) 

Grizzly Man is a documentary film directed by Werner Herzog that explores the life and death of Timothy Treadwell, an environmentalist and bear enthusiast who lived among grizzly bears in Alaska. The film’s unique perspective on Treadwell’s life and his tragic end in a bear attack has made it a classic of the genre. 

Man on Wire (2008) 

Man on Wire is a documentary film that tells the story of Philippe Petit, a French high-wire artist who walked between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. The film’s thrilling storytelling, use of archival footage, and emotional interviews with Petit and his collaborators have made it a classic of the genre. 

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) 

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters is a documentary film that explores the world of competitive arcade gaming through the rivalry between two players competing for the high score in the classic video game Donkey Kong. The film’s engaging storytelling, colorful characters, and unexpected drama have made it a fan favorite and a must-watch for gamers and non-gamers alike.