Top 50 Creepiest Documentaries Ever Made

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the documentaries that tackle dark subjects in unsettling ways. For this list, we’ll only be looking at standalone projects, so no docuseries, as they deserve a list of their own. There will be spoilers!

#50: “Tell Me Who I Am” (2019)

If you forgot your worst experiences, would you want to hear about them or live in blissful ignorance? That was the struggle Marcus Lewis went through when his brother, Alex, lost his memory at 18. “Tell Me Who I Am” follows the two siblings. It starts out wholesome, with Marcus painting a picture of a perfect childhood. Things fall apart when Alex finds a horrific childhood photo, leading to the revelation that their mother had abused them. The final part reveals what Marcus could never say to his brother: that she allowed men to hurt them as well. It’s a harrowing look into the effects of trauma, and how telling a happy lie can help the one telling it cope with the truth.

#49: “The Witness” (2015)

For decades, Kitty Genovese’s murder was explained away as a result of the bystander effect. It wasn’t until her brother Bill’s investigation in “The Witness” that the truth came out. It follows Bill as he investigates the then fifty-year-old case, from tracking down known witnesses to looking through interviews conducted by officers. It revealed that the initial story of thirty-eight people ignoring her cries for help had been a fabrication. Many called the police, but were rebuffed as they had already been told about it. Others were unaware of the true nature of the attack. One woman even held Kitty as she passed. It deconstructs everything the world has known about the case and forces us to see it for the tragedy it was.

#48: “Gladiator Days: Anatomy of a Prison Murder” (2002)

What drives a person to murder? It’s hard to say for sure. “Gladiator Days: Anatomy of a Prison Murder” attempts to answer that question by showing the viewer the lead-up to and carrying out a violent killing. It’s centered around Troy Kell, a convicted murderer who earned his spot on death row by repeatedly stabbing another inmate to death. In his interviews, he gives the audience glimpses into his mind, from his hateful, white supremacist viewpoints to the apathy driven into him by the prison system. While neither excuses his actions, it gives insight into some of the factors that may have contributed to the act.

#47: “Three Identical Strangers” (2018)

As adults Edward Galland, David Kellman, and Robert Shafran learned they were each other’s long-lost triplets, but that was just the beginning of their story. “Three Identical Strangers” delves into their discovery and how they learned that their entire lives had been the result of a psychological study. At birth, they were separated and placed into different homes, in order to study the nature versus nurture phenomenon. Even their adoptive parents were left in the dark. The cherry on top? The results won’t be published until 2066, leading to both the subjects and the audience wondering if it was worth it. Not only did it reveal a less-known form of human experimentation, it also showed how it manifested into each of their psyches as adults.

#46: “An Unknown Compelling Force” (2021)

One of the most compelling mysteries of the 20th century is explored in “An Unknown Compelling Force,” which offers an in-depth analysis of the Dyatlov Pass case. The film attempts to answer the question of what happened the night a group of hikers chose to flee their tent despite being unprepared for the freezing weather. Interviews with outside sources helped fill in some of those missing pieces, interspersed with re-enacted footage of what occurred the night of their deaths. There are also various theories presented, including one that suggests they’d been attacked. Though it ends without any conclusive answers, it’s so well done that it will leave you at the edge of your seat the whole time.

#45: “Hated: GG Allin and the Murder Junkies” (1993)

If there was ever a documentary that perfectly summed up its subject, it’s this one. “Hated: GG Allin and the Murder Junkies” shows us the subject's incredibly literal take on the phrase “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.” It showcases Allin’s career, from his intense and often nude performances to his sexual proclivities off stage. His penchant for violence and obscenity helped create a punk persona to hide the broken man behind it. From self-harm to admitting that he felt he would be a serial killer if he wasn’t performing, it’s clear that there was much more than met the eye. It didn't take away from any of the vile acts he committed, but did offer another perspective of his mindset.

#44: “Jonestown: The Women Behind the Massacre” (2018)

By now, it’s clear just how evil Jim Jones was. However, he wasn’t the only one pulling the strings. “Jonestown: The Women Behind the Massacre” puts the female companions in his life on the metaphorical stand. Though they were likely ensnared in his manipulative trap, they still had a hand in carrying out his infamous massacre. Not only did they reportedly come up with the correct poison-to-flavored-drink ratio for each person, they may have even helped distribute it to minors. The documentary reveals their correspondence, wherein they were candid about their own eventual deaths and the love they had for the People’s Temple. It’s a fascinating look into how one can be a victim and a perpetrator all at once.

#43: “Just, Melvin: Just Evil” (2000)

After hearing about the contents of this documentary, you’ll vehemently agree with its title. “Just, Melvin: Just Evil” is centered around Melvin Just’s family and how he permanently impacted them. He sexually assaulted nearly a dozen of his relatives from the time they were young. Yet the true focus of the film is about how several of them had gone on to live hollow lives. Several of his daughters – blood related or not – were shown struggling with substance use disorder, homelessness, physical trauma and even thoughts of taking their lives. The worst part? He was never punished for these attacks. It is a bleak yet eye-opening look into how trauma is the antithesis of linear progression and how some never fully recover from what they've been through.

#42: “Black Gold” (2006)

You may not think the coffee industry has much to offer in the way of dark entertainment. Yet “Black Gold” is proof that there’s much more to the beverage than we think. Despite Ethiopian coffee being sought-after in the Western world, those growing it hardly get to reap the benefits. The documentary follows their union’s leader on his journey for the price of the beans to be raised, so that those growing them can be fairly compensated. This leads to the farmers praying to a higher power for their struggles to end. It’s a stark look into how something many in the States take for granted is the key to someone’s success and livelihood elsewhere.

#41: “Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills” (1996)

Their case is an infamous miscarriages of justice – and this documentary was among the reasons the defendants in the case were eventually freed. It focuses on the 1993 case wherein the West Memphis Three – Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley – were accused of assaulting and killing three boys while partaking in a Satanic ritual. The film documents their trials, from a dubious confession from Misskelley to religious imagery being used against Echols. The parents of the deceased were also interviewed, serving as a reminder that despite the injustice, the crime led to understandably heightened emotions. The movie gives a glimpse into how easily manipulated the justice system can be – especially when it comes to securing a guilty verdict.

#40: “Experiments in the Revival of Organisms” (1940)

Some of our greatest advancements have come at the expense of others, particularly animals. There’s no greater example of that than “Experiments in the Revival of Organisms.” The Soviet Union documentary follows the process of using machines to replicate bodily functions in order to reanimate organs. The parts in question were sourced from a dog – whose decapitated head even makes an appearance. It’s exposed to aerated oxygen, which then allows it to briefly respond. It’s distressing and fascinating all at once. That description becomes even more apt when they temporarily put another dog down, before connecting the corpse to their machinery and successfully bringing it back to life. However groundbreaking it may be, it’s a hard watch, especially for dog lovers.

#39: “Orozco the Embalmer” (2001)

When a death occurs, most of the ceremonies following it sanitize the reality of what just occurred. Events like wakes and funerals focus more on the memory of the deceased, rather than the death itself. There’s one place where the reality comes out: the embalming table. “Orozco the Embalmer” is centered around a man working in the death industry in Colombia. The viewers are treated to close-ups of the corpses as they’re worked on. It highlights the underappreciated work he and others do to prepare bodies, from washing and dressing them to casually slicing into them. The nonglamorous presentation highlights just how mundane both death and the violence nearby have become, and how it's just another day for him.

#38: “Missing 411” (2016)

People go missing every day. But when multiple cases all look eerily similar to one another, some connections are going to be created. “Missing 411” is a documentary investigating the disappearances of five youths. Yet rather than assuming this was carried out by another human, director David Paulides suggests they fell victim to something more fantastical or even paranormal. The victims all have similar disappearance stories, all the way down to having supposedly traveled miles despite being young. Though there were no definitive conclusions by the end of the film, the evidence being presented forces viewers to consider that these coincidences may be more intentional.

#37: “Gimme Shelter” (1970)

What was intended to merely be a free show ended in horror. “Gimme Shelter” followed The Rolling Stones on the tail end of their 1969 U.S. tour, including a ticketless concert in California. The security was handled by the Hells Angels, a notorious biker gang. The film shows the copious drugs being taken and fights breaking out. Things only got worse. At one point, 18-year-old Meredith Hunter got into a fight with one of the Angels, who then stabbed him to death on camera. It’s a harrowing look into one of the most controversial nights in rock ‘n’ roll, and the worst part is that it was entirely avoidable.

#36: “I Am Jane Doe” (2017)

It’s no surprise that the Internet can be a seedy place, especially when it comes to personal ads. “I Am Jane Doe” exposes just how horrific it can be. It investigates a now-removed website called Backpage, where users could and did pay for sex. Many of those being advertised were underage. The documentary focuses on two girls that had been kidnapped and trafficked, with posts advertising them appearing on Backpage. The families tried suing the site, but courts were siding with the business. While they had more luck with the Senate, by the time the film ended nothing had come of the suits.

#35: “The Dying Rooms” (1995)

The one-child policy in China was intended to reduce the population. It succeeded, but at the cost of countless girls across the country. “The Dying Rooms” focuses on orphanages that house minors — primarily girls and disabled boys — that have been abandoned by their parents. There, they were left to die of neglect. What the crew found while filming can only be described as horrific. Victims were tied in place on makeshift potty chairs or packed together in cribs, and protocols confirming safety and hygiene were ignored. Despite the horrific footage, the policy remained in place for another twenty years.

#34: “Tell Them You Love Me” (2024)

The thought of someone abusing their position to take advantage of others is awful. “Tell Them You Love Me” follows Anna Stubblefield, a former college professor who’d been helping Derrick Johnson - a nonspeaking man with cerebral palsy - express himself. The documentary shows examples of their communication, giving off the impression that they were becoming closer. Eventually, Stubblefield took advantage of him, claiming they were in love. That’s when it was revealed that he was incapable of communicating with her in the way she claimed and that there was no way he could have consented. This reveal recontextualized both their entire relationship and the film as a whole. Even after being convicted in 2015, she’s still convinced she hasn’t done anything wrong.

#33: “The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan” (2010)

It’s shocking how normalized some acts are — even if they’re technically illegal. 2010’s “The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan” delves into one of the more twisted underground sects of society: bacha bazi. Boys are kidnapped or coerced into dancing for older men, under the guise of making money for their families. Though banned in Afghanistan at the time of filming, it was still a thriving industry. Between footage of victims dancing while dressed in feminine regalia were scenes depicting men training a new child. What's even worse is that the abuse goes far beyond the performance — and that they are harshly punished if they fight back. It’s a stark, brutal reminder of the dark underbelly of society, and how it continuously preys on the most vulnerable.

#32: “Manson” (1973)

The Tate-LaBianca slayings of 1969 shocked the country. Four years later, a documentary centered around the perpetrators — Charles Manson’s cult The Family — was released, offering an in-depth view into their lives. “Manson” had begun filming the year of the massacre. Afterwards, Charles allowed him to continue documenting them. The result is a compilation of disturbing interviews with members. Multiple clips make it clear just how revered Manson was, with him even being referred to as a God. That combined with their penchant for guns and violence makes it clear just how dangerously unhinged the cult was. The creepiest part is members’ old photos edited in next to scenes of their new selves, showing how far they’d fallen since getting swept into his cult of personality.

#31: “Zoo” (2007)

You may remember this incident from the infamous video that circulated the web in the mid-2000s. “Zoo” covers not only Kenneth Pinyan’s — more commonly known as Mr. Hands — life, but also the horrid act that led to his death and permanent notoriety. In 2005, his passing following a sexual act with a horse led to an investigation that would unsettle even the bravest viewers. The farm Pinyan had utilized was a cover for an underground zoophile ring, where several men gathered to engage in adult activities with stallions. The documentary includes interviews with those engaged in the acts and even re-enactments. It’s an insane deep dive into one of the most disturbing paraphilias and how it went unpunished for years.

#30: “Killer Legends” (2014)

Telling scary stories is a formative experience for many, but the roots of some of the most iconic ones have often been ignored. “Killer Legends” sets out to fix that, by taking four of the most well known urban legends and delving into their history. From the Candyman to evil clowns, each villain is analyzed, with some of the most wicked having connections to serial killers like John Wayne Gacy. It perfectly hits the balance between creepy and informative, and makes viewers realize just how much overlap there is between reality and horrific fiction. After watching this, it’ll be practically impossible to hear a haunted tale without wondering what real-life monster served as the inspiration.

#29: “The Blackout Experiments” (2016)

Despite it going against so many of our natural instincts, there are still people that will intentionally put themselves through the most extreme or terrifying circumstances. So what exactly drives them to do this? “The Blackout Experiments” dives into this phenomenon by interviewing those who had taken part in an uncomfortably immersive haunted house experience. Although they’re put through extremely intense scares – ranging from being partially stripped to being put through various methods of torture – they still come back for more. As the sessions continue to ramp up, the audience is left wondering when it will all go too far. It’s a fascinating look at how far some will go to push themselves, even when there’s no reward for doing so.

#28: “Grizzly Man” (2005)

This demonstrates that nature isn’t as docile as it’s portrayed in Disney movies. Following the final years of Timothy Treadwell’s life, “Grizzly Man” is the ultimate cautionary tale. It documents his steadily increasing delusions of befriending bears, and how this leads to his horrific fate. It’s made even more hard-hitting with clips and recordings made by Treadwell himself, including one that captures every grisly second of his and his girlfriend’s deaths. The audio was reportedly so horrific that the director omitted it, meaning it was left to the viewers’ imaginations to fill in the blanks themselves. It’s a harsh reminder on the mindless brutality of nature, and how love for a wild animal will always lose to its base instincts.

#27: “Beware the Slenderman” (2016)

The internet has allowed even the creepiest creations to become widespread phenomena, for better or for worse. When Slender Man first took the web by storm, no one could’ve ever guessed it would culminate in a brutal murder attempt. The documentary about the case delves into the teenaged suspects’ mentalities, such as their belief in the bogey man and their insistence that the stabbing was at his bequest. Despite physical proof of their obsession, such as chilling drawings, their parents were still left in the dark up until the stabbing took place, showing how easily concerning behavior can slip under the radar. As if the crime itself wasn’t enough, it’s accompanied by unsettling animations and visuals that would frighten even the bravest souls.

#26: “Jonestown: The Life and Death of People's Temple” (2006)

Although the fates of Jim Jones and those he led was heavily covered by the media at the time, the full extent of his abuse wasn’t really known by the general public. In 2006, the public was given fresh insight from surviving members themselves. The movie covered the cult’s history, from indoctrination to death. In between stories of his unfettered perversion were clips of his speeches, wherein he pitted his followers against the rest of society. Each lurid detail reveals more of Jones’ twisted intentions and acts, all leading up to the mass death event orchestrated by him. While undoubtedly gripping, it’s hard not to watch without realizing just how easy it is to fall victim to manipulation disguised as charm.

#25: “A Certain Kind of Death” (2003)

In the modern age, practically everything is turned into an industry, even death itself. Covering every step of the process from the moment a body is found to the moment it is disposed of, “A Certain Kind of Death” is a raw look at what occurs after someone passes away. The film pulls no punches whatsoever, showing everything from recently deceased corpses in all their glory to smoldering bones. The macabre imagery is coupled with the morticians’ seemingly detached emotions from their work, proving that one can become numb to even the most upsetting things. The result is an undoubtedly fascinating yet dark look into a process that everyone will eventually go through, even though they won’t be aware of it.

#24: “Tickled” (2016)

The Internet is full of strange rabbit holes that are often tempting to dive down. However, in doing so, you may come across something you can never unsee. The director of “Tickled” experienced this first-hand after stumbling across a video depicting competitive endurance tickling and immediately knew he had to know more. The film covers his descent into the phenomenon, all while being insulted and threatened by the company distributing tickling videos. Things only become more twisted as victims remarked on the financial abuse and blackmail they underwent by the perpetrator. After seeing this, it’ll be near impossible to see a piece of odd content without wondering about the person on the other end or their true intentions for making it.

#23: “The Nightmare” (2015)

While we may think bad dreams are only confined to our minds, there are ways that they can manifest in the real world. Sleep paralysis – a temporary condition wherein one’s brain wakes up but their body remains frozen – is the center of “The Nightmare.” Sufferers recount their experiences with the state, including visual and auditory hallucinations and even feeling as though they were being touched. As if that isn’t off-putting enough, they then recreate each person’s tale with visual representations of the supposed demons bothering them. They also delve into how other cultures see the phenomena as proof of demonic possession and the ancient rituals they use to expel them. It shows how our minds will find ways to work against us, even while unconscious.

#22: “Girl in the Picture” (2022)

Even the worst crimes can go on completely unnoticed for decades. No case exemplifies that more than the kidnapping and eventual murder of a girl known only in life by her fake name, Sharon Marshall. Her tragic story lives on in “Girl in the Picture,” which details every aspect of her horrific torment leading up to her death, and the search to find her true identity. While the details of her upbringing – including being forced to marry the man who abducted and raised her – were horrid enough on their own, what makes it even scarier is how it went unnoticed until her mysterious death. It’s unfortunate proof of how we truly never know what’s going on behind closed doors, often until it’s too late.

#21: “Deliver Us from Evil” (2006)

The Catholic Church has had a hand in covering up numerous underage abuse cases. This documentary dives into one case in particular – and how the internal protection of a predator had a ripple effect across several lives. It’s centered around a Californian priest responsible for the assault of over two dozen young victims during his tenure. Between haunting letters he sent detailing his horrific acts to testimonies revealing his vile manipulation tactics, it’s hard not to watch without feeling extreme disgust. It was even revealed that other officials were aware of his crimes for years and took measures to shield him from the law – implying that they silently allowed the mistreatment to continue.

#20: “Mommy Dead and Dearest” (2017)

Released by HBO, “Mommy Dead and Dearest” chronicles the events that led to Dee Dee Blanchard’s death. It details how she committed factitious disorder imposed on another, or what was once known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, on her daughter, Gypsy Rose. Blanchard essentially made it seem like her daughter suffered from a number of terrible ailments. While upholding the lie, the mother put her child through unnecessary surgeries and other terrible things. Gypsy Rose then conspired with her boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to kill Blanchard. It’s unsettling to think of the horrors that pushed a daughter to slay her own mother. No matter how you view it, “Mommy Dead and Dearest” makes for one creepy viewing experience.

#19: “Tabloid” (2010)

Back in September of 1977, Mormon missionary Kirk Anderson was supposedly abducted and abused by a woman named Joyce McKinney. The story became known as the Manacled Mormon case. This terrifying story was extensively covered in the British tabloids, specifically the warring rivals Daily Express and Daily Mirror. The documentary “Tabloid” conveys these events with unnerving detail and is even narrated by Joyce McKinney herself. That shocking choice immediately brings viewers closer to the case than they expected. As a result, those watching will further question the story that she weaves because it has multiple viewpoints and perspectives.

#18: “There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane” (2011)

This troubling documentary tells the story of the 2009 Taconic State Parkway crash, a nasty traffic collision that resulted in eight deaths. It was caused by a woman named Diane Schuler — the titular Aunt Diane. On that fateful day, she was the one traveling on the parkway in the wrong direction. It’s a very disconcerting story that is rooted in unimaginable tragedy. Throughout the documentary, upsetting questions are raised about Schuler’s state of mind. Between footage of the accident, interviews with grieving individuals, and some rather uncomfortable topics, “There's Something Wrong with Aunt Diane” puts forth a very uneasy atmosphere.

#17: “Team Foxcatcher” (2016)

The story of John du Pont was famously captured in the 2014 film “Foxcatcher,” which earned five Oscar nominations. “Team Foxcatcher” was released two years later and serves as an eerie companion piece, retelling the story with a more grounded, and arguably more disturbing, angle. This Netflix documentary uses harrowing archival footage to tell its story. Viewers are also given a rather personal and alarming glimpse into the mind of a killer. By incorporating all these details, viewers get a sense of what led to du Pont’s horrifying actions. The documentary explores how mental illness, wealth, and power can create a nightmarish situation.

#16: “Capturing the Friedmans” (2003)

What started as a short film about birthday party entertainers devolved into something much, much darker. “Capturing the Friedmans” delves into the activities of a disturbed man and his son, whose crimes are thought to range from possession of abhorrent material to using computer classes as a guise for luring in victims. Once that came to light, the rest of the dominos came crashing down. It features recordings made by some of his sons, giving the audience glimpses into their troubled home life. However, even more disturbing than this is the defense of his vile actions. Both aspects make an already off-putting documentary all the more disturbing, creating a watch that is difficult for many viewers to get through.

#15: “This is the Zodiac Speaking” (2008)

Much has been written about the Zodiac killings. At this point, the case is among the most discussed serial tragedies in American history. “This Is the Zodiac Speaking” is one of the most definitive documentaries about the case. It contains interviews with retired police officers and criminal profilers. Their firsthand accounts of the case give viewers unfettered access into the distressing story that has captivated Americans and true crime enthusiasts for decades. The disturbing story covers how Zodiac targeted innocent people and flippantly discussed his crimes. All the interviews in the documentary play on his notoriety. Seeing the impact the case has had on people’s psyches is arguably even scarier than the story itself.

#14: “The Killing of America” (1982)

Released in 1982, “The Killing of America” argues that the United States is in the midst of a messy cultural collapse. The title has both metaphorical and literal layers to it. Much of the film is centered around the incredible wave of violence that struck America in the ‘60s and ‘70s. This includes the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy, the rise of serial killers, and a very distressing shooting. It’s a shocking documentary that leaves viewers feeling extremely uncomfortable. Featuring genuine footage of violence and interviews with the likes of criminals like Sirhan Sirhan and Ed Kemper, “The Killing of America” makes for one distressing watch.

#13: “The Cannibal That Walked Free” (2007)

Having aired on the British station Channel 5, “The Cannibal That Walked Free” is a nightmarish glimpse into one of humanity’s darkest crimes. Through the lens of Japanese criminal Issei Sagawa, it explores the psychology behind cannibalism. In June of 1981, Sagawa killed and desecrated a student named Renée Hartevelt. But he was allowed to walk free thanks to a legal snafu between France and Japan. This documentary delves into Sagawa’s crimes and the psychology behind his actions through interviews with Sagawa himself. Seeing this perturbing story get conveyed through the lens of the perpetrator can be skin-crawling. For many, it may prove too much to bear.

#12: “Wisconsin Death Trip” (1999)

Based on a nonfiction book of the same name, “Wisconsin Death Trip” is a sinister docudrama about a turbulent time in Wisconsin history. The story follows a series of disturbing occurrences that plagued the state in the late 19th century. This includes the abandoning of children, homicides, arson, and supernatural delusion. As if the subject matter wasn’t troubling enough, the docudrama is also shot in silent black and white to convey the style of old movies. The aged cinematography immediately puts viewers on edge. Meanwhile, the contemporary newspaper accounts are chillingly narrated by Ian Holm. The combined effect is one of deep and uncomfortable surrealism.

#11: “Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer” (1993)

Aileen Wuornos was a sex worker who killed seven clients between 1989 and 1990. Two years later, Nick Broomfield made a documentary. Most of the film is centered around Broomfield’s attempts at conducting an interview with Wuornos in prison. As she discusses the case, viewers witness the troubling defense that she put forth and the implications that it represented. The interviews with Wuornos are also bone-chilling. It’s clear that her life was full of extensive pain and suffering at every stage. Years later, the documentary became an enormous inspiration for Charlize Theron, who would later win an Oscar for playing Wuornos in “Monster.”

#10: “The Imposter” (2012)

In 1994, 13-year-old Nicholas Barclay disappeared in Texas. Three years later, a man claiming to be Nicholas came forward, but this man wasn’t Nicholas at all: he was Frédéric Bourdin, a French con artist. “The Imposter” explains how Bourdin was able to get away with it for so long, despite being significantly older than Nicholas and not looking anything like him. It’s incredibly disturbing how Bourdin inserted himself into the Barclay family and tricked them into accepting him. Most remarkable of all, however, is that director Bart Layton conducted interviews with Bourdin himself, which makes the case even more complex as he somehow manages to come across as sympathetic.

#9: “Cropsey” (2010)

A pair of filmmakers who grew up on Staten Island decided to take a closer look at the New York version of the boogeyman, Cropsey, and how or if this urban legend fits into the mysteries involving a series of kidnapped youth in the '70s and '80s. From the letters prime suspect Andre Rand sends the documentarians claiming his innocence; to investigating the tunnels underneath the condemned Willowbrook State School for people with neurodevelopmental disabilities; and finally theories about devil worshippers, “Cropsey” is sure to send a chill down your spine.

#8: “The Bridge” (2006)

The Golden Gate Bridge may be one of America’s most iconic landmarks, and the image that comes to mind when you think of the city of San Francisco, but for many, its looming presence is a symbol of tragedy. This documentary takes a closer look at some of these tragic incidents in 2004, but it certainly isn’t easy viewing. It remains controversial, with reports of bridge jumpers increasing after the documentary was released, and in 2015 it was even removed from Netflix in New Zealand.

#7: “Holy Hell” (2016)

While searching for a new home and a new purpose in the 1980s, film grad Will Allen fell in with the Buddhafield new religious movement – a cult based in West Hollywood at the time. Allen became the group’s documentarian and lived with them for 22 years, finally leaving in 2007. He became inspired to make a movie, and used all the footage he had of his time with the Buddhafield cult and its leader, Michel, to create “Holy Hell.” This direct look at the inner workings of a cult is both rare and creepy, made all the more unsettling by the fact the cult continues to this day, now based in Hawaii.

#6: “The Family I Had” (2017)

Originally intended to examine juvenile criminals in the US, this documentary quickly shifted to focus on the personal tragedy faced by Charity Lee in February 2007 involving her young daughter. It follows Charity as she grapples with the reality of her son having killed her daughter, as she mourns Ella’s loss but refuses to abandon Paris, still visiting him in prison. It’s difficult to know what to make of this uncomfortable watch, as the film leans into the fact that with true crime, there are no easy answers.

#5: “Titicut Follies” (1967)

One of the most disturbing films ever made, “Titicut Follies” was banned for over 20 years upon release. Shot in black and white with no narration, it’s a raw exposé of the injustices that Americans with mental health issues faced in the 1960s. Specifically centered on the Bridgewater State Hospital in Massachusetts, the film shows the gross mistreatment of the inmates - all people in need of real care who were dehumanized and abused by those tasked with looking after them. Despite being banned, the film was able to draw attention to these issues, though it still took decades for this to begin.

#4: “Jesus Camp” (2006)

This look at a summer camp for one branch of evangelical Christians has been disturbing viewers around the world since its initial release. Seen by many as a damning portrayal of allegedly abusive practices at camps like the featured Kids on Fire School of Ministry, it played a role in getting the camp shut down; the camp pastor Becky Fischer was forced to close the retreat due to backlash. But it’s arguably a credit to the directors that you can’t necessarily tell where their own sympathies lie while watching this movie. It’s down to the viewer to decide what’s right and what’s wrong.

#3: “Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father” (2008)

A harrowing watch, “Dear Zachary” follows Kurt Kuenne as he makes a movie about Andrew Bagby, his lifelong friend who was allegedly murdered by his ex, Shirley Jane Turner. Turner revealed shortly after Andrew’s death that she was pregnant with their child, but police had a difficult time pinning the murder on her. The movie is intended as an archive of Andrew, a widely loved person by all accounts, for his son Zachary. But the project became more complex the longer it went on, and by the time it was finished, it had become a full-fledged documentary. An examination of loss and grief, “Dear Zachary” is as poignant as it is upsetting.

#2: “The Act of Killing” (2012)

With subject matter this heavy, “The Act of Killing” was always going to be a tough watch. In Indonesia, filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer interviews former executioners who took part in the Indonesian mass killings of 1965 to 1966. They re-enact the killings in a variety of genres, including westerns and musicals, while Oppenheimer asks them both about their artistic choices in the portrayals and about the events themselves. The “fun” re-enactments juxtaposed with the horrific topics they portray is extremely disturbing. It’s not hard to see why this documentary remains so controversial.

#1: “Abducted in Plain Sight” (2017)

Jan Broberg’s story is particularly disturbing. When she was just an adolescent in the 1970s, one of the Broberg family’s neighbors, Robert Berchtold, befriended Jan’s parents and inserted himself into their lives. Twice, Berchtold abducted Jan, including taking her to Mexico. His manipulation knew no bounds; even after Jan was brought home the first time, her parents still allowed Berchtold to be around her, even letting him sleep in her bed. By far, the strangest detail is the recordings Berchtold made of aliens to further increase his influence on Jan. Thankfully, Jan and her family survived the long ordeal.

Which of these documentaries is the most likely to keep you up at night? Let us know in the comments!