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32 Essential Horror Documentaries

32 titles

Default order ↑PopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox office
  1. 1Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & VideotapeMovie · 2010 · 72mThis documentary examines the controversy surrounding "video nasties" in Britain throughout the 1980s.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.8
  2. 2Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13thMovie · 2013 · 400m · DocumentaryBased on Peter M. Bracke's comprehensive book of the same title, this seven-hour documentary explores the production of every film in the *Friday the 13th* series, featuring fresh interviews with cast and crew.Stream onIMDb 8.4TMDB 7.9
  3. 3The American NightmareMovie · 2000 · 73mThis film explores the world of 1960s and 70s horror movies, focusing on the creators behind them and how these films mirrored the concerns of the time.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8
  4. 4The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family PortraitMovie · 1988 · 60mThis documentary explores the making of the iconic film 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,' featuring interviews with the film's stars Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal, John Dugan, and Jim Siedow.Stream onIMDb 6.0TMDB 6.2
  5. 5Terror in the AislesMovie · 1984 · 84m · Horror, DocumentaryThis film brings together terrifying scenes from classic horror movies for a thrilling experience. It features iconic moments that have frightened audiences for decades, combining suspense and jump scares into a collection of chilling sequences. The film explores the haunting world of horror cinema, promising to keep viewers guessing and on edge until the very end.Stream onIMDb 6.4TMDB 6.1
  6. 6S&ManMovie · 2006 · 84mS&Man, released in 2006, is presented as a pseudo-documentary exploring the underground horror film scene. The film blends genuine interviews with independent horror filmmakers with a narrative storyline that unfolds gradually, becoming clearer in the latter half.Stream onIMDb 5.6TMDB 4.6
  7. 7Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser IIMovie · 2015 · 476mLeviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II is a feature-length documentary exploring the history and production of Clive Barker's films, *Hellraiser* and *Hellbound: Hellraiser II*.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4
  8. 8Halloween: The Inside StoryMovie · 2010 · 84mThis documentary explores the making of John Carpenter's *Halloween*, a hugely successful film that significantly shaped the horror genre in the late 1970s. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the iconic frightfest.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.3
  9. 9I Am NancyMovie · 2011 · 71mThis film explores Heather Langenkamp's distinctive journey portraying Nancy Thompson, Wes Craven's iconic teen heroine. Heather playfully questions why Freddy Krueger achieved such widespread popularity while Nancy Thompson did not. Having firsthand witnessed the frenzy surrounding Freddy Krueger, the growth of horror fandom, and the success of the *Nightmare on Elm Street* franchise, Heather considers the enduring importance of heroic figures in today's world of monster enthusiasts.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4
  10. 10Something to Scream AboutMovie · 2003 · 65mFamous for their intense performances in horror films, a group of actresses share their experiences working in the B-movie world and building careers in the genre.Stream onIMDb 6.3TMDB 4.2
  11. 11Nightmares in Red, White and BlueMovie · 2009 · 96mThis film delves into what makes horror so captivating, featuring interviews with many of the genre's most celebrated directors.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6
  12. 12Inside Story - The Silence of the LambsMovie · 2010 · 91mThis documentary features interviews with the cast and crew, including Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, and director Jonathan Demme. It explores how a young director, with a background in low-budget films, created one of the most frightening movies of recent years. The film also examines how a struggling studio produced a box office and award-winning project.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.1
  13. 13Boogeymen: The Killer CompilationMovie · 2001 · 58mThis film presents a collection of scenes from seventeen iconic slasher movies.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.1
  14. 14Document of the DeadMovie · 1981 · 66mThis documentary explores the work of George A. Romero, focusing on a detailed look at the making of his film *Dawn of the Dead*. It offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the production.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5
  15. 15Masters of HorrorMovie · 2002 · 90mThis documentary explores the work of leading directors in horror cinema. It includes interviews with these directors, behind-the-scenes footage, and clips from well-known horror movies. Bruce Campbell, star of *The Evil Dead* (1981), hosts the film.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.7
  16. 16American GrindhouseMovie · 2011 · 82m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines the forgotten history of American exploitation films. It explores this frequently overlooked genre of U.S. cinema, revealing the often brazen and sometimes shocking beginnings of this popular form of entertainment.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7
  17. 17Screaming in High Heels: The Rise & Fall of the Scream Queen EraMovie · 2011 · 63mIn 1980s Los Angeles, three women unexpectedly gained a devoted following, shifting from modeling to starring in low-budget horror films during the video boom. Known as "The Terrifying Trio"—Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, and Michelle Bauer—they appeared in over ten films annually, battling monsters, teenagers, and deadly creatures. They became central figures in campy cult classics like *Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-a-Rama* and *Nightmare Sisters*. The trio toured the world, met President Reagan, and developed successful businesses around memorabilia. But their fame eventually faded. This documentary explores the lives of these actresses and their frequent collaborators, examining their deliberate embrace of a comedic persona.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7
  18. 18Flesh and Blood: The Hammer Heritage of HorrorMovie · 1994 · 100mJoin horror legends Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing on a chilling exploration of Hammer Studios, the most celebrated horror film company ever. This film delves into the history of England's leading independent horror producer, a studio marked by conflicts, censorship struggles, and fluctuating fortunes. Relive the iconic legacy of Hammer with interviews featuring stars like Raquel Welch, Veronica Carlson, and Christopher Lee himself, alongside behind-the-scenes footage and shocking scenes from over 40 classic films, including *Horror of Dracula*, *Curse of Frankenstein*, and *The Curse of the Werewolf*. It's the ultimate look at a cornerstone of horror cinema.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2
  19. 19Scream: The Inside StoryMovie · 2011 · 90mIn 1996, Wes Craven's *Scream* arrived, a slasher film designed for a new wave of teenage movie fans.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.0
  20. 20Dario Argento: An Eye for HorrorMovie · 2001 · 57mThis documentary examines Dario Argento's career in film.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6
  21. 21Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher FilmMovie · 2006 · 88m · DocumentaryThis film examines the history of slasher movies, featuring clips from classics like *Halloween*, *Friday the 13th*, and *Prom Night*. Directors, writers, producers, and special effects artists discuss the films' creation and popularity. The movie follows how slashers became increasingly violent with shrinking budgets during the Reagan era, eventually losing their audience. *A Nightmare on Elm Street* revitalized the genre, and later, in the late 1990s, *Scream* introduced humor and television actors to the formula.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8
  22. 22American ScaryMovie · 2006 · 92mThis film fondly remembers and celebrates the distinctive American tradition of the horror movie host.Stream onIMDb 6.6TMDB 7.6
  23. 23Halloween: 25 Years of TerrorMovie · 2006 · 83m · DocumentaryThis film charts the development of the "Halloween" franchise over the last twenty-five years. It explores the enduring appeal of the movies and revisits key locations from the original films, examining their impact on the communities where they're situated. Featuring interviews with cast, crew, critics, and fans, this is a comprehensive retrospective on the entire "Halloween" phenomenon.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8
  24. 24Machete Maidens Unleashed!Movie · 2010 · 85m · DocumentaryDuring the last few decades of the 20th century, the Philippines offered an environment where independent filmmakers could freely create almost any movie they envisioned. With minimal labor restrictions and a welcoming approach to artistic expression, the country became a hub for low-budget films. This documentary explores the history and unique characteristics of this genre in a lighthearted, reflective way.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.6
  25. 25My Amityville HorrorMovie · 2013 · 88m · Documentary, HorrorThirty-five years later, Daniel Lutz shares his account of the 1975 Amityville haunting that deeply affected his family. The story of George and Kathleen Lutz became a bestseller and inspired films that continue to captivate audiences. This documentary explores the reality of being part of a world-famous haunting, revealing the lasting psychological impact on Daniel. Filmmaker Eric Walter combines extensive research with insights from reporters and witnesses, presenting Daniel Lutz's most personal and detailed account yet.Stream onIMDb 5.4TMDB 5.6
  26. 26FantasmMovie · 2013 · 56mAt fifteen, Kyle Kuchta attended his first horror convention. Years later, he revisits several conventions, seeking to understand their significance for fans, vendors, and visiting celebrities.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 7.0
  27. 27Room 237Movie · 2012 · 102m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines different interpretations of Stanley Kubrick’s film *The Shining*, exploring various theories about hidden meanings within the story. It presents five distinct perspectives, using narration, film excerpts, animation, and dramatized scenes to illustrate each viewpoint.Stream onIMDb 6.1TMDB 6.1
  28. 28Killer LegendsMovie · 2014 · 86m · Documentary, History, CrimeThis horror documentary explores the roots of our most frightening urban legends, examining the real-life events that may have sparked these stories.Stream onIMDb 6.2TMDB 5.8
  29. 29More Brains! A Return to the Living DeadMovie · 2011 · 120m · DocumentaryThis documentary looks back at the creation of "The Return of the Living Dead," the horror film that became a cult favorite.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4
  30. 30Best Worst MovieMovie · 2009 · 93m · Documentary, ComedyThis is a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the movie *Troll 2* (1990), charting its path from being widely considered one of the worst films ever made to achieving a devoted following as a beloved cult classic.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1
  31. 31Jaws: The Inside StoryMovie · 2010 · 90mSteven Spielberg offers a look at the production of a beloved film.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.3
  32. 32Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street LegacyMovie · 2010 · 240m · DocumentaryFor decades, Freddy Krueger has terrorized the dreams of countless teenagers, generating over half a billion dollars at the box office across eight frightening and visually impressive movies.Stream onIMDb 8.5TMDB 7.8