If you were captivated by the raw, intimate storytelling of 'American Commune' (2013), a documentary exploring life in a 1970s utopian commune, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article delves into titles that share themes of alternative living, communal experiments, and personal journeys, offering a mix of documentaries and dramas that will resonate with fans of the original.

Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults (2020)
Description: Examines the rise and fall of a notorious cult, highlighting the allure and dangers of communal living under a charismatic leader, mirroring themes of idealism and tragedy.
Fact: The series features never-before-seen footage and interviews with former members, offering a comprehensive look at the group's history.


The Joneses (2009)
Description: Examines the facade of a perfect family living in a suburban community, revealing the pressures and deceptions behind maintaining a collective image.
Fact: The film satirizes consumer culture by portraying a family that is secretly a marketing unit tasked with promoting products to their neighbors.


The Other F Word (2011)
Description: Explores the tension between rebellion and responsibility, particularly within subcultures, echoing themes of identity and community.
Fact: The documentary features punk rock musicians discussing their experiences balancing their anti-establishment roots with parenthood.


The Institute (2013)
Description: Delves into a mysterious organization that blurs the line between art and life, reflecting themes of collective identity and the search for meaning within a structured group.
Fact: The film documents a real-life alternate reality game that took over San Francisco, involving thousands of participants.


The Wolfpack (2015)
Description: Chronicles the lives of siblings raised in isolation, highlighting the power of shared imagination and the bonds formed within a closed community.
Fact: The brothers recreated their favorite films scene-by-scene using homemade props, as a way to cope with their confined upbringing.


The Commune (2016)
Description: Portrays the complexities and conflicts of communal living, focusing on interpersonal relationships and the challenges of shared spaces and ideals.
Fact: The film is set in 1970s Denmark and explores the era's counterculture movements and their impact on family dynamics.


The True Cost (2015)
Description: Focuses on the global impact of consumerism, highlighting the collective consequences of individual choices, akin to themes of communal responsibility.
Fact: The film exposes the environmental and human rights abuses in the fast fashion industry, featuring interviews with workers and activists.


The Red Pill (2016)
Description: Investigates the Men's Rights Movement, exploring the formation of tight-knit communities around shared ideologies and grievances.
Fact: The documentary sparked controversy for its portrayal of gender politics, leading to heated debates and protests at screenings.


Holy Hell (2016)
Description: Explores the dynamics of a cult-like community, focusing on the psychological and emotional impact on its members, similar to themes of communal living and disillusionment.
Fact: The documentary was directed by a former member of the Buddhafield cult, providing an insider's perspective on the group's inner workings.


The Secret (2006)
Description: Promotes the idea of collective belief shaping reality, emphasizing the power of shared thoughts and intentions within a community.
Fact: The documentary became a cultural phenomenon, popularizing the Law of Attraction and inspiring countless self-help books and seminars.
