If you loved Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street (2019), a gripping documentary exploring the legacy of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 and LGBTQ+ representation in horror, you'll adore these 10 similar films and shows. This list dives into chilling documentaries, queer horror narratives, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood tales that resonate with the same bold storytelling and cultural impact.

The Thin Blue Line (1988)
Description: A groundbreaking documentary that redefined the genre by using stylized reenactments to investigate a wrongful conviction. The film's innovative approach to storytelling helped free an innocent man from death row.
Fact: This was the first documentary to successfully overturn a criminal conviction. Director Errol Morris developed the


Capturing the Friedmans (2003)
Description: A disturbing examination of family dynamics and alleged crimes, using intimate home videos that reveal more than intended. The film's ambiguous approach to truth challenges viewers' perceptions throughout.
Fact: The Friedman family recorded hundreds of hours of home videos during their legal ordeal, providing unprecedented access to private moments. The documentary sparked controversy for its portrayal of the justice system's handling of child abuse cases.


Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)
Description: A raw and emotional documentary that unfolds like a thriller, revealing shocking twists through personal storytelling. The film's exploration of injustice and its devastating impact on families creates a powerful, haunting narrative.
Fact: The filmmaker began making this as a personal project to document his murdered friend's life for the friend's unborn son. The documentary's production timeline extended for years as new developments occurred in the real-life case.


The Imposter (2012)
Description: This documentary thriller examines identity deception and the psychological manipulation of truth, featuring a bizarre true story where a French con artist convinced a Texas family he was their missing son.
Fact: The real-life imposter, Frédéric Bourdin, actually participated in the film's production. The documentary uses dramatic reenactments that blend seamlessly with real footage to create an unsettling atmosphere.


The Act of Killing (2012)
Description: This documentary explores the blurred lines between reality and performance, as former Indonesian death squad leaders reenact their crimes in various cinematic genres. The film's unsettling approach to truth and memory resonates with themes of confronting past horrors.
Fact: The filmmakers allowed the subjects to choose how they wanted to reenact their killings, resulting in surreal musical numbers and gangster movie homages. It was initially banned in Indonesia but later screened after significant controversy.


The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015)
Description: This true crime series follows an eccentric millionaire suspected of multiple murders, building tension through interviews and investigative revelations. The shocking conclusion features one of the most memorable unguarded moments in documentary history.
Fact: Robert Durst's apparent confession in the finale was recorded when he didn't realize his microphone was still on. The filmmakers worked on the project for nearly a decade before its release.
