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Main features: Strong political messages, often produced or commissioned by governments, persuasive techniques. Key directors: Leni Riefenstahl, Dziga Vertov.

Main features: Focused on social issues, government and corporate sponsorship, voice-of-God narration. Key directors: John Grierson, Humphrey Jennings.

Main features: Use of handheld cameras, natural lighting, and synchronous sound recording to capture the reality. Key directors: Jean Rouch, D.A. Pennebaker.

Main features: Emphasis on visual rhythm and composition, lack of narrative or characters, focus on actuality footage. Key directors: Henri Chomette, Jean Vigo.

Main features: Observational style, avoidance of narration and interviews, emphasis on reality and candid moments. Key directors: Richard Leacock, Albert Maysles, Frederick Wiseman.

Main features: Use of pre-existing footage, often from disparate sources, to create a new work. Key directors: Bruce Conner, Dara Birnbaum.

Main features: Filmed on location, use of non-professional actors, themes of everyday life struggles. Although not purely documentary, its style influenced documentaries. Key directors: Roberto Rossellini, Vittorio De Sica.

Main features: Focus on LGBTQ+ themes and characters, an experimental approach, and use of narrative storytelling. Key directors: Marlon Riggs, Cheryl Dunye.

Main features: Focus on social issues and injustice, often with a persuasive purpose, engagement with the subject matter. Key directors: Pare Lorentz, Frederick Wiseman.