Documentary vs. Feature Film: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 8, 2024
A documentary presents factual content and real events, while a feature film is a fictional, narrative-driven movie often for entertainment.
Key Differences
A documentary is a genre of filmmaking that focuses on documenting real-life events, situations, or people, often with an educational or informative intent. Feature films, in contrast, are primarily narrative-driven works, created for entertainment, and typically fictional, showcasing crafted stories, characters, and settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
The nature of a documentary is to depict reality, often with the purpose of informing, educating, or maintaining a historical record. Feature films, however, prioritize storytelling, using scripted dialogue, professional actors, and directed scenes to convey a story that may or may not be based on true events.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
In documentaries, the emphasis is on authenticity and factual accuracy, utilizing interviews, real footage, and voice-over narrations to present a real-world issue or story. Feature films, on the other hand, often employ artistic elements like dramatic performances, special effects, and creative cinematography to enhance viewer engagement.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Documentaries often tackle social, political, or environmental issues, aiming to raise awareness or provoke thought among viewers. Feature films, while they can also address these themes, are more focused on delivering a compelling narrative, with the freedom to explore imaginative plots and fictional universes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
The production process of a documentary involves extensive research and sometimes real-time filming of events as they unfold. In contrast, feature films usually follow a pre-defined script, with a more controlled and staged production environment, including set designs, costumes, and rehearsals.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To inform or educate about real events.
To entertain through a narrative story.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Content
Based on factual, real-world events.
Often fictional with scripted scenarios.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Production
Involves real footage and interviews.
Utilizes actors, sets, and special effects.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Audience Engagement
Aims to provoke thought or awareness.
Focuses on entertainment and emotional impact.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
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Documentary and Feature Film Definitions
Documentary
A genre of filmmaking that explores real-world issues and stories.
The documentary on the civil rights movement was eye-opening.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 16, 2023
Feature Film
A movie that tells a fictional story through actors and scripted scenes.
The feature film was a romantic comedy that had the audience laughing throughout.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 16, 2023
Documentary
A film or television program presenting facts and reality.
The documentary on climate change was both informative and alarming.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 16, 2023
Feature Film
A main or primary film intended for theatrical release.
The feature film received critical acclaim for its groundbreaking storyline.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 16, 2023
Documentary
A motion picture that educates or informs about a specific subject.
The health documentary provided valuable insights into nutrition and wellness.
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Dec 16, 2023
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Feature Film
A full-length movie produced for commercial entertainment.
They went to see a feature film at the new cinema downtown.
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Dec 16, 2023
Documentary
A film that presents actual events and people without fictionalization.
The war documentary offered a raw, unfiltered view of the conflict.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 16, 2023
Feature Film
A cinematic work with a narrative structure, typically over 60 minutes long.
The director's latest feature film was a hit at the international film festival.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 16, 2023
Feature Film
A major motion picture with a complete and self-contained story.
The action-packed feature film was a box office success.
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Dec 16, 2023
Documentary
Presenting facts objectively without editorializing or inserting fictional matter, as in a book or film.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Documentary
A work, such as a film or television program, presenting political, social, or historical subject matter in a factual and informative manner and often consisting of actual news films or interviews accompanied by narration.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Documentary
(of a film, book etc) Presented objectively without the insertion of fictional matter.
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Dec 13, 2023
Documentary
A film, TV program, publication etc. which presents a social, political, scientific or historical subject in a factual or informative manner.
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Dec 13, 2023
Documentary
Pertaining to written evidence; contained or certified in writing.
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Dec 13, 2023
Documentary
A film or TV program presenting the facts about a person or event
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Dec 13, 2023
Documentary
A non-fictional motion picture intended to document reality.
She watched a documentary about wildlife conservation in Africa.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 16, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a documentary?
A documentary is a film or TV program presenting factual content about real-life events or issues.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
How do documentaries and feature films differ in content?
Documentaries focus on factual, real-world events, while feature films often present fictional stories.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Can documentaries be entertaining?
Yes, many documentaries are engaging and can be as entertaining as feature films, depending on the subject and presentation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
What defines a feature film?
A feature film is a primary, full-length movie intended for commercial release, typically narrative-driven.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Are documentaries always serious and educational?
While many documentaries have an educational component, they can also be light-hearted or focus on entertaining subjects.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Do feature films always depict fictional stories?
Not always; some feature films are based on true events but often include fictionalized elements for dramatic effect.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Do documentaries use actors?
Typically, no. Documentaries focus on real people and events, although reenactments in documentaries may involve actors.
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Jan 08, 2024
Do feature films always have a happy ending?
No, feature films can have a wide range of endings, from happy to tragic, depending on the story.
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Jan 08, 2024
What is the typical length of a feature film?
Feature films are usually over 60 minutes, with most ranging between 90 to 120 minutes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Can a feature film be a documentary?
While they are distinct categories, some feature films adopt a documentary style or incorporate documentary elements.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Are all feature films made for cinemas?
While many are, feature films can also be made for television, streaming platforms, or direct-to-DVD releases.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Do documentaries use scripts?
Some documentaries use scripts for narration, but the core content is typically unscripted and real.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
What is the main goal of a documentary?
The main goal is to inform, educate, or provide a factual representation of a subject or event.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Do feature films always have professional actors?
While most do, some feature films may cast non-professional actors for authenticity in certain roles.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
How important are special effects in feature films?
Special effects are important in many feature films, especially in genres like sci-fi and action, to enhance the visual experience.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Can a documentary be about a person?
Yes, many documentaries focus on the life and experiences of a single individual.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
How do filmmakers choose subjects for documentaries?
Subjects are often chosen based on relevance, interest, social impact, or personal connection to the filmmaker.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Are all feature films fictional?
No, some feature films are adaptations of real-life events, though they may include fictionalized elements.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Can documentaries be biased?
While they aim to present facts, some documentaries may reflect the filmmaker's perspective or bias.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
What is the biggest challenge in making a documentary?
One major challenge is accurately and authentically presenting real events and people.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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