If you were captivated by the raw and emotional journey of 'Breaking Amish' (2012), you'll love these 10 similar shows and movies that explore themes of cultural transition, self-discovery, and personal freedom. This article is perfect for fans who want to dive deeper into stories about leaving restrictive communities and forging new paths in life.

The Devil You Know (2019)
Description: A documentary series investigating controversial religious figures and organizations, examining the psychological and social mechanisms that keep followers devoted to questionable leaders.
Fact: The series includes rare interviews with former cult members. It explores how charismatic leaders manipulate followers through psychological techniques.


Sister Wives (2010)
Description: A documentary-style series about a polygamous family living outside mainstream society, dealing with societal judgment and internal family dynamics while maintaining their unconventional lifestyle.
Fact: The Brown family became the first polygamous family to publicly advocate for plural marriage rights in the U.S. The show has sparked numerous legal and social debates about polygamy.


Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015)
Description: An exposé documentary about a controversial religious organization, featuring interviews with former high-ranking members who describe psychological manipulation and institutional control.
Fact: The film was based on Lawrence Wright's Pulitzer-winning book. It was nominated for seven Emmy Awards and won three.


Escaping Polygamy (2014)
Description: This series documents individuals leaving fundamentalist polygamous groups, showcasing their difficult transitions into mainstream society and the challenges of breaking away from insular communities.
Fact: The show features real escapees helping others leave polygamous groups. It highlights the underground network that assists people in leaving these communities.


The Path (2016)
Description: A dramatic series exploring the inner workings of a fictional religious movement, examining the psychological manipulation and personal conflicts within such organizations.
Fact: The show blends elements of various real-life movements into its fictional cult. It explores how belief systems can both comfort and control followers.


Holy Hell (2016)
Description: A documentary examining a spiritual group that became increasingly controlling, featuring firsthand accounts from former members about manipulation and abuse within the community.
Fact: The filmmaker was a member of the group for 22 years. The documentary includes never-before-seen archival footage from inside the cult.


One of Us (2017)
Description: A documentary following individuals who have left an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, detailing their painful transitions and the consequences of abandoning their former lives.
Fact: The film provides rare access to the insular Hasidic community in Brooklyn. It highlights the legal and social challenges faced by those who leave.


Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath (2016)
Description: An investigative series exposing the inner workings of a controversial religious organization, featuring personal stories of former members and their struggles after leaving.
Fact: The show won an Emmy for Outstanding Informational Series. It led to increased scrutiny of the organization's practices and multiple lawsuits.


My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding (2012)
Description: A reality series exploring the lives of American Gypsies, focusing on their unique traditions, family structures, and the tension between cultural preservation and modern influences.
Fact: The show brought widespread attention to Romani American culture. It features extravagant weddings that often cost more than the families' annual incomes.


Return to Amish (2014)
Description: This reality series follows young Amish adults as they navigate life outside their strict religious community, exploring themes of cultural identity, family conflict, and personal freedom.
Fact: The show is a spin-off that continues the stories of some original cast members. It features real-life struggles with shunning from the Amish community.
