13 Shocking Documentaries About Scientology
Scientology has garnered a lot of attention over the years. As a result, many documentaries have been created to shed some light on what goes on within the questionable organization.
From TV reporters trying to get inside to former members exposing their secrets, the documentaries cover a range of aspects, providing an almost complete picture of the activities within the secretive organization. In this blog post, we'll look at six documentaries about Scientology that offer an in-depth exploration of the controversial religion.
1. Panorama: Scientology and Me (2007)
Panorama: Scientology and Me is a BBC documentary by reporter John Sweeney. The film follows Sweeney as he attempts to investigate the organization's practices. He is met with hostility from members, and things get heated as he tries to interview Tom Davis, a high-ranking member of Scientology.
This Scientology doc is tense and offers viewers an insight into the organization's methods of controlling and silencing journalists.
Panorama: Scientology and Me on IMDb
2. Scientology: The Science of Truth or the Art of Deception? (2020)
Scientology: The Science of Truth or the Art of Deception? is a Scientology exposed documentary that takes a different approach to the subject matter.
One of several shows about scientology, it examines whether the organization's teachings align with science and whether their claim to be a religion holds up. The documentary features experts in various fields, and their input is vital in exploring the controversial faith.
👉 Buy Scientology: The Science of Truth or the Art of Deception? as DVD on Amazon
3. Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath (2016)
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath is a TV show that ran for three seasons and featured former Scientologist and actress Leah Remini. She interviews ex-members and shares their experiences with the religion.
The show's aim was to convince anyone associated with Scientology that they weren't alone and that there was a world outside of the church. The show is personal and emotional, as the interviewees share their stories of exploitation and abuse.
👉 Watch Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath as DVD on Amazon
4. Panorama: The Secrets of Scientology (2010)
Panorama: The Secrets of Scientology is another BBC documentary that takes viewers inside the organization.
The film focuses on how Scientology handles people who try to leave the church. The documentary portrays the group as ruthless and determined to silence critics and whistleblowers, making it an excellent addition to the collection of documentaries about Scientology.
Panorama: The Secrets of Scientology on IMDb
5. My Scientology Movie (2015)
My Scientology Movie stands out from the rest of the documentaries on this list. It is a docudrama that follows actor and documentarian Louis Theroux as he attempts to create a documentary about Scientology.
The film features re-enactments of events witnessed by former members who the secretive organization disillusioned. The movie is a creative and unique look at Scientology that is entertaining and informative.
👉 Watch My Scientology Movie on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy My Scientology Movie as DVD on Amazon
6. Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015)
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief is another HBO documentary that takes a comprehensive look at the organization.
The film reveals secrets and stories that haven't been told before, and the directors have managed to get some high-profile ex-members to speak about their experiences. The documentary explores how Scientology is all about controlling its members through various means, from blackmail to separating families.
👉 Watch Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief as DVD on Amazon
7. Scientologists at War (2013)
This BBC Panorama documentary examines allegations of intimidation, physical threats, and violence between the top two leaders of Scientology, David Miscavige, and Marty Rathbun.
Scientologist Katie Holmes’s high-profile divorce from Tom Cruise and the former couple’s daughter, Suri, also serve as a backdrop for the story.
👉 Watch Scientologists at War on Amazon Prime
8. Scientology: History of Violence (2013)
This documentary examines the church of Scientology’s alleged history of violence. It provides an in-depth look at the controversies surrounding David Miscavige, the current leader of the Church of Scientology, and Tom Cruise, its most famous member.
It also includes testimonies from former members who claim they were verbally, physically, and emotionally abused during their time in the organization.
The Church of Scientology History of Violence on YouTube
9. The Simi Valley Story: Escape from Scientology (2013)
This documentary tells the harrowing tale of Phil and Willie Jones, who were members of the Church of Scientology for over 30 years. The couple decided to leave the organization and tell the world about their experiences.
However, their exit from the church was not easy as they faced threats, harassment, and stalking from the organization and its members.
The Simi Valley Story: Escape from Scientology on YouTube
10. Inside the Scientology Celebrity Centre: An Ex-Parishioner Reveals All (2014)
This documentary features an interview with a former Scientologist who was once a member of the organization’s Celebrity Centre. The interview provides an inside look at the workings of the organization and how it targets celebrities to further its mission.
Inside the Scientology Celebrity Centre: An Ex-Parishioner Reveals All on YouTube
11. Scientology: The Ex-Files (2010)
This documentary delves into the world of ex-Scientologists who claim they were abused, brainwashed, and harassed by the organization.
It features interviews with former members like Marc Headley, who was once assigned to work at Tom Cruise’s estate, and his wife, who escaped the organization after being held against their will for years.
Scientology: The Ex-Files on IMDb
12. The Shrinking World of L Ron Hubbard (2007)
This documentary explores the life and legacy of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology. It provides an in-depth look at his controversial life and beliefs, as well as how he built his organization and rose to power.
The Shrinking World of L Ron Hubbard on IMDb
Conclusion
The documentaries on Scientology provide viewers with a diverse exploration of the organization. Some documentaries are personal and emotional, while others are informative and investigative. As a result, there is no single documentary that provides a complete picture of Scientology, but watching a collection gives a better understanding of the religion.
With more and more documentaries being made, it is apparent that the interest in Scientology is not going away anytime soon.
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