Best-Reviewed Documentaries 2018

2018 was a banner year for documentary filmmaking, with films focusing on unbelievable mysteries, incredible feats, heartfelt portraits, and larger-than-life personalities. The year’s best-reviewed film in the category goes to a tearjerker of a profile on one of the most beloved children’s television icons to grace the small screen.

The order of the rank below reflects the Adjusted Score as of December 31, 2018. Scores might change over time.

#1

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
97%

#1

Adjusted Score: 111092%

Critics Consensus: Won't You Be My Neighbor? takes a fittingly patient and honest look at the life and legacy of a television pioneer whose work has enriched generations.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Morgan Neville examines the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the popular children's TV show... [More]

Starring: Joanne Rogers, Bill Isler, Hedda Sharapan, Margaret Whitmer

Directed By: Morgan Neville

#2

McQueen (2018)
99%

#2

Adjusted Score: 105401%

Critics Consensus: McQueen offers an intimate, well-sourced, and overall moving look at a young life and brilliant career that were tragically cut short.

Synopsis: Archival footage and interviews with friends and family offer insight into the extraordinary life and career of British fashion designer... [More]

Starring: Bernard Arnault, Joseph Bennett, Detmar Blow, Katy England

Directed By: Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui

#3

Three Identical Strangers (2018)
96%

#3

Adjusted Score: 106072%

Critics Consensus: Surreal and surprising, Three Identical Strangers effectively questions the nature of reality and identity.

Synopsis: Identical triplets become separated at birth and adopted by three different families. Years later, their amazing reunion becomes a global... [More]

Starring: Robert Shafran, David Kellman, Lawrence Wright, Will Ennis

Directed By: Tim Wardle

#4

Free Solo (2018)
98%

#4

Adjusted Score: 106324%

Critics Consensus: Free Solo depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason - and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal.

Synopsis: Alex Honnold completes the first free solo climb of famed El Capitan's 3,000-foot vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park.... [More]

Starring: Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Sanni McCandless, Jimmy Chin

Directed By: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin

#5

Minding the Gap (2018)
100%

#5

Adjusted Score: 106517%

Critics Consensus: Minding the Gap draws on more than a decade of documentary footage to assemble a poignant picture of young American lives that resonates far beyond its onscreen subjects.

Synopsis: Three young men bond together to escape volatile families in their Rust Belt hometown. As they face adult responsibilities, unexpected... [More]

Starring: Bing Liu

Directed By: Bing Liu