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How do documentaries fair in comparison to blockbuster movies when it comes to movie rankings and popularity?

Gregg Gorley

When it comes to movie rankings and popularity, documentaries and blockbuster movies operate on two entirely different scales. Blockbuster movies typically receive a lot of media hype and marketing leading up to their release, which can build up a great deal of anticipation and excitement surrounding their release. The heavy investment that blockbuster movie studios put into these films often results in a high production value that is hard to match by documentaries. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they fare better than their documentary counterparts. In fact, documentaries attract a huge following of their own, especially amongst an audience that values educational, non-fiction storytelling over pure entertainment.

One of the main reasons that documentaries have gained popularity over the years is the growth of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and many more. These platforms have become the go-to place for documentaries, allowing the genre to reach a larger audience, making them more accessible and affordable. Documentaries provide educational value to viewers, shedding light on real-world issues and providing deeper insights that blockbusters simply don’t or can’t provide. In recent years, documentaries have tackled a variety of subjects ranging from social injustice to environmental concerns to mental health, which have captured viewers’ interest and inspired them to learn more.

One of the most significant advantages that documentaries possess is their ability to touch on real-world topics and characters that blockbuster movies can’t always do while still being entertaining. For instance, documentaries like Blackfish, which explored the lives of orcas captured and held captive in theme parks, created a ripple effect that led to major changes in how these animals are treated. Another powerful documentary is Food, Inc., which examines America's corporate-controlled food industry, revealing shocking truths about the food we consume. These documentaries make a difference, and their popularity is a testament to this.

Despite the differences between documentaries and blockbuster movies, it’s a proven fact that each genre has its unique audience, and we can argue that documentaries are more popular amongst older people, while blockbuster movies tend to be more popular with younger generations. The fast-paced, action-packed films typically attract viewers who want to escape reality and be entertained while movies catered to older audiences often focus on the real world, and its problems are tackled in a logical and informative way.

In conclusion, to compare documentaries and blockbuster movies is to compare apples and oranges. Both provide unique entertainment experiences and different levels of value to their viewers, but what really matters is that they both coexist in the film industry and provide an array of forms of storytelling for people to choose from. The rise of streaming platforms has leveled the playing field allowing documentaries to gain more and more fans, proving that even in an industry where big budget movies rule supreme, there will always be an audience ready to learn and grow through the art of documentary filmmaking.