If you were moved by the haunting documentary 'What Haunts Us' (2017), you might be searching for similar films that explore dark truths, institutional abuse, or personal reckonings. This article highlights 10 gripping movies and shows that share its themes of trauma, justice, and resilience, offering viewers more thought-provoking stories to engage with.

Capturing the Friedmans (2003)
Description: A documentary that explores a family's disintegration amid criminal allegations, revealing complex truths about memory and perception. It shares themes of hidden family trauma and societal judgment.
Fact: The film uses extensive home movie footage shot by the family themselves. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


The Cove (2009)
Description: An investigative documentary exposing animal cruelty, featuring covert operations to reveal hidden truths. It shares themes of activism against institutionalized abuse.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It used hidden cameras to capture dolphin hunting practices in Japan.


Bully (2011)
Description: A powerful documentary that examines the impact of bullying in schools, highlighting systemic failures to protect vulnerable individuals. It shares themes of institutional neglect and personal trauma.
Fact: The film's release was delayed due to an MPAA rating controversy. It features real-life stories of bullied children and their families.


The Invisible War (2012)
Description: This documentary exposes systemic issues within institutions, focusing on sexual assault in the military. It shares a theme of uncovering hidden truths and institutional failures.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It led to significant policy changes in the U.S. military regarding sexual assault cases.


The Act of Killing (2012)
Description: This documentary examines historical violence through the perspectives of perpetrators, revealing uncomfortable truths about collective memory. It shares themes of confronting painful history and institutional complicity.
Fact: The film features perpetrators reenacting their crimes in various cinematic genres. It won numerous awards including a BAFTA for Best Documentary.


The Central Park Five (2012)
Description: This documentary examines a notorious case of wrongful conviction, highlighting systemic racism and injustice. It shares themes of institutional failure and the search for truth.
Fact: The film was directed by Ken Burns, his first venture into contemporary history. The case resulted in a $41 million settlement for the wrongfully convicted men.


Blackfish (2013)
Description: This documentary exposes the dark side of marine parks, focusing on institutional neglect and animal suffering. It shares themes of systemic abuse and public deception.
Fact: The film significantly impacted SeaWorld's attendance and stock value. It features footage of Tilikum, an orca involved in three human deaths.


The Hunting Ground (2015)
Description: This documentary investigates sexual assault on college campuses, exposing institutional cover-ups. It shares themes of systemic abuse and the struggle for justice.
Fact: Lady Gaga performed the Oscar-nominated song 'Til It Happens to You' for this film. It sparked nationwide discussions about campus sexual assault policies.


Three Identical Strangers (2018)
Description: A documentary that uncovers a shocking secret about separated triplets, exploring themes of identity and unethical experimentation. It shares themes of hidden truths and institutional betrayal.
Fact: The film won the Special Jury Award at Sundance. The triplets' story was previously featured in a 1980 New York Times article.


The Witness (2015)
Description: A documentary that re-examines a famous crime case, exploring themes of truth, memory, and justice. It shares an investigative approach to uncovering hidden aspects of well-known events.
Fact: The film focuses on the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese and challenges the bystander effect narrative. It took 11 years to complete.
