There are many creative works - literary, artistic, architectural and cinematographic projects, among others - that transport us to different places and times and give us the impression that we are experiencing other realities. Recognizing the importance of immersion and its use in emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), this study aimed to investigate applications of VR in the world of documentaries. We sought to understand how immersion and interactivity can enhance the user s knowledge and understanding in the discussion of socially relevant topics through documentary language. Based on a review of the scientific literature covering topics such as documentaries, immersion, interaction and interactivity, we built a theoretical foundation on documentaries in virtual reality. Then, we carried out a thorough and comprehensive survey of currently existing documentaries that use VR or similar resources, such as 360° resources, at national and international levels. Among the results found, we selected a group of documentaries representing the diversity of these experiences and their characteristics. And, finally, we applied an analysis methodology to three of these selected documentaries, with the intention of verifying whether the contents of the messages and information provided by the experiences are enhanced with the use of immersion and interactivity in VR, as well as whether they provide their viewers/users a better understanding and greater involvement in the issues addressed. These analyzes and their results are discussed in depth at the end of the study, aiming, in conclusion, at a better understanding of the role of the sensation of immersion and its potential contribution to documentaries that use VR technological resources.