- The Source Family (2012)
- Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015)
- Holy Hell (2016)
- The Vow (2020)
- Children of God: Lost and Found (2007)
- Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)
- The Family (2019)
- Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults (2020)
- Deprogrammed (2015)
- Wild Wild Country (2018)
Delving into the world of cults can be both fascinating and chilling. These documentaries offer a window into the minds of those who lead and follow, shedding light on the manipulation, control, and often tragic outcomes of such groups. Here's a curated list of 10 documentaries that delve into the mysterious and often disturbing world of cults, providing not just entertainment but also a deeper understanding of human psychology and societal dynamics.
The Source Family (2012)
Description: This documentary follows the rise and fall of Father Yod and his Source Family, a spiritual commune in Los Angeles in the 1970s.
Fact: The Source Family was known for its organic vegetarian restaurant, which was a popular hangout for celebrities like John Lennon.
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Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015)
Description: This film explores the Church of Scientology, its practices, and its controversial history, revealing the experiences of former members and the organization's efforts to silence critics.
Fact: The documentary is based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
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Holy Hell (2016)
Description: A former member of the Buddhafield cult shares his 22 years of footage, offering an insider's perspective on the group's practices and the charismatic leader Michel Rostand.
Fact: The filmmaker, Will Allen, was a member of the cult for over two decades, giving him unique access to document the inner workings.
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The Vow (2020)
Description: This series investigates NXIVM, a self-improvement group that turned into a cult, exploring the experiences of former members and the legal battles that ensued.
Fact: The series features interviews with high-profile former members like Sarah Edmondson and Mark Vicente.
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Children of God: Lost and Found (2007)
Description: This documentary examines the Children of God cult through the eyes of two sisters, one who left and one who stayed, exploring the impact of their upbringing.
Fact: The film was directed by Noah Thompson, who was also a member of the cult.
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Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)
Description: This documentary recounts the tragic events leading up to the mass suicide and murder of over 900 members of the Peoples Temple in Guyana.
Fact: The film includes interviews with survivors and former members, providing a firsthand account of the events.
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The Family (2019)
Description: This series uncovers The Family, a secretive Christian fellowship with significant influence in Washington, D.C., and around the world.
Fact: The series is based on Jeff Sharlet's book "The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power."
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Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults (2020)
Description: This documentary series delves into the Heaven's Gate cult, which ended in the mass suicide of 39 members in 1997, exploring the group's beliefs and the events leading to their end.
Fact: The series includes never-before-seen footage and interviews with former members who left the group before the tragic event.
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Deprogrammed (2015)
Description: This documentary looks at the practice of deprogramming, where individuals are forcibly removed from cults, focusing on the ethical and legal implications.
Fact: The film includes interviews with Ted Patrick, known as the "Black Lightning" for his controversial deprogramming methods.
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Wild Wild Country (2018)
Description: This series documents the Rajneesh movement's attempt to establish a utopian community in Oregon, leading to conflicts with local residents and authorities.
Fact: The series was critically acclaimed and won an Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.
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