I Watched 30+ New Documentaries In 2025, And There Are 10 That Are Going To Stick With Me

Looking back over the past year of movies, I’ve been impressed by the number of great documentaries. I’ve watched almost 130 new films since January, and nearly a third of them were documentaries. From powerful and disturbing films like The Alabama Solution to deeply personal and moving stories like My Mom Jayne, it’s been an exceptional year for the documentary format.

I haven’t managed to see every new documentary out there – some didn’t play in my local theaters and others aren’t hitting streaming services until next year. But I’ve seen enough to know that a lot of them are truly powerful. Here are 10 that I think will stay with me for a long, long time…

The Alabama Solution

I saw The Alabama Solution a few months ago and was struck by how important documentaries like this are. The film, largely shot by inmates using their cell phones within the Alabama prison system, is a powerful and moving look at the harsh realities and uncomfortable truths surrounding how we treat people in prison. It’s as impactful as classic documentaries like Harlan County, USA, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it wins an Academy Award.

Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey

I initially watched Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey expecting a typical nature documentary about an animal’s journey home. I was completely wrong to assume so! While it is a beautiful nature film, it’s also a moving story about the unexpected connection between a vulnerable pangolin and a person trying to find meaning and healing in their own life. I don’t want to spoil anything, but this film is truly an inspiring and emotional experience.

The Perfect Neighbor

Among this year’s most distinctive documentaries, The Perfect Neighbor stands out. The film primarily uses bodycam and interrogation footage to tell the story of a neighborhood conflict that escalates tragically. It’s a deeply emotional, powerful, and unflinching look at a heartbreaking situation – watching the story unfold and ultimately lead to a life-altering encounter is truly devastating. While critics generally appreciated it more than general audiences, it’s a film worth watching.

Thoughts & Prayers

Without a doubt the most impactful documentary I’ve seen this year, Thoughts & Prayers was something I hesitated to watch. While it doesn’t focus on the details of specific school shootings like Columbine, Uvalde, or Sandy Hook, it reveals a disturbing trend. The film examines the multi-billion-dollar industry built around preparing for active shooters and how schools are increasingly used to test and market new security technologies and products.

John Candy: I Like Me

Growing up with John Candy movies, I was excited and a little sad to watch the documentary John Candy: I Like Me. It’s a wonderful and moving film that made me both laugh and cry, and really reminded me how much of an impact this funny, kind comedian had on so many people. The documentary uses interviews with his loved ones, scenes from his movies, and old footage to create a truly heartfelt and beautiful picture of the man.

2000 Meters To Andriivka

I don’t usually talk about this, but I’m a huge fan of PBS Frontline documentaries. They consistently cover important issues, and a recent one is particularly powerful. Called 2000 Meters to Andriivka, it focuses on the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive during the second year of the Russo-Ukrainian War, following several soldiers as they fight to reclaim territory from Russia. The nearly two-hour film is shot primarily through body cameras, giving a raw and intense look at the realities of war. It’s definitely not easy to watch, but it’s incredibly impactful and worth seeing.

Come See Me In The Good Light

I wasn’t familiar with Andrea Gibson or their work before seeing Come See Me in the Good Light. But after watching the trailer a few weeks ago, I knew I needed to see the full documentary, and I’m so glad I did. The film focuses on Gibson’s years-long fight with ovarian cancer and their choice to make the most of their final months, weeks, and days. Despite the difficult subject matter, it’s an uplifting and empowering film that left me feeling hopeful, not sad. It’s a deeply moving documentary filled with love, and I think it has a message for everyone.

Grand Theft Hamlet

You probably know Hamlet and Grand Theft Auto, but imagine combining the two! That’s exactly what happens in Grand Theft Hamlet, a documentary I watched on Mubi. It follows a group of actors putting on Shakespeare’s famous play inside a video game. It’s completely wild – think dancing aliens and players randomly disrupting the performance – but surprisingly moving. The film really captures the feelings of isolation and uncertainty many experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it offers a genuinely thoughtful look at what it means to be human.

In Waves And War

I was deeply moved by the documentary In Waves and War this year. It’s a powerful and insightful film that explores trauma, grief, and the possibility of healing. The documentary follows veterans as they use a spiritual and psychedelic journey to address the lasting effects of war on their minds, bodies, and spirits. Featuring compelling interviews and firsthand stories of combat, along with stunning animation, this film offers a groundbreaking approach to the documentary genre and has stayed with me long after watching it.

My Mom Jayne

Mariska Hargitay’s documentary about her mother, Jayne Mansfield, was a truly moving experience this year. My Mom Jayne is a powerful story about family, loss, and ultimately, love, and it actually helped me reflect on my own roles as a son and father. The film explores Hargitay’s journey to understand her mother, who passed away when she was young, while also being a deeply personal story of self-discovery. It’s a fascinating and loving tribute to a mother-daughter relationship, and I highly recommend watching it.

Here are 10 documentaries from the last year that I really enjoyed. It was tough to narrow it down, and there were many other great ones I couldn’t include.

2025-12-26 21:09