Must-Watch Documentaries Similar to The Trials of Ted Haggard

Description: A classic drama about a charismatic but morally ambiguous salesman who becomes a successful evangelist, exploring themes of charisma, corruption, and redemption.

Fact: Burt Lancaster won an Academy Award for his performance. The film is based on the novel by Sinclair Lewis.

Description: A documentary that follows a former child evangelist as he exposes the inner workings and financial exploitation within the world of revivalist preaching.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Marjoe Gortner was a real-life child preacher who later became an actor.

Description: A fictional story about a fraudulent faith healer who begins to question his own motives after encountering a small town in need, blending themes of redemption and skepticism.

Fact: Steve Martin starred in the film, which was inspired by the real-life practices of traveling evangelists. The movie features original gospel music.

Description: A drama about a disgraced preacher seeking redemption, exploring themes of faith, sin, and the complexities of religious leadership.

Fact: Robert Duvall wrote, directed, and starred in the film. It was praised for its authentic portrayal of Pentecostal worship.

Description: A documentary that follows a church group as they prepare a haunted house attraction designed to scare people into converting to Christianity, highlighting the use of fear in evangelism.

Fact: The film provides an inside look at the controversial 'Hell House' phenomenon. It was shot over the course of several weeks during the preparation for the event.

Description: A documentary that explores the intense indoctrination of children into evangelical Christianity, highlighting the fervor and emotional manipulation often present in religious movements.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It sparked controversy for its portrayal of children being taught to be 'soldiers for Christ.'

Description: A satirical documentary that critiques organized religion through interviews and comedic commentary, focusing on the absurdities and contradictions within various faiths.

Fact: Bill Maher stars in and co-wrote the film. It was a box office success despite its controversial subject matter.

Description: A psychological drama that examines the relationship between a charismatic leader of a religious movement and a troubled follower, delving into themes of control and belief.

Fact: The film was shot in 65mm, a rare format for modern movies. It was inspired by the early days of Scientology but is not a direct portrayal.

Description: A dark comedy series that satirizes the excesses and hypocrisies of a wealthy televangelist family, blending humor with critiques of megachurch culture.

Fact: The show was created by Danny McBride. It features a mix of over-the-top comedy and dramatic family dynamics.

Description: A biographical drama that delves into the rise and fall of a televangelist, showcasing the intersection of faith, media, and personal downfall.

Fact: The film is based on the documentary of the same name. Jessica Chastain won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Tammy Faye Bakker.