10 Scariest Documentaries of All Time
Documentaries are one of the most intriguing and terrifying forms of media. They are meant to inform and educate us on issues we may not have been aware of, providing narratives that are both informative and entertaining. But sometimes documentaries take on a life of their own, presenting stories that are so bone-chilling that they stay with us for days, or even weeks, after we’ve watched them. Here are the top ten scariest documentaries of all time.
The Nightmare (2015)
This documentary takes a terrifying look at sleep paralysis, a condition that leaves sufferers fully aware of their surroundings, but unable to move or communicate. Through interviews with eight individuals who have experienced sleep paralysis firsthand, the documentary reenacts their worst nightmares and vividly portrays the experience as terrifying and life-altering. The Nightmare sets out to scare its viewers by tapping into the fear of the unknown, leaving them wondering if they too could be visited by the same monsters.
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The Act of Killing (2013)
This documentary explores the Indonesian genocide of the 1960s, in which the government killed up to two million people they considered to be communists. Director Joshua Oppenheimer convinces the perpetrators of the killings to reenact their crimes on camera, allowing his audience to witness the gruesome acts committed from the perspective of the perpetrators themselves. The documentary is a chilling commentary on the cruel and horrifying nature of humanity.
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Cropsey (2009)
The film tells the story of Andre Rand, a convicted child killer who preyed on young children at the abandoned Willowbrook State School, located in Staten Island. The documentary interviews several former employees and residents of the facility, creating a truly creepy and unsettling narrative about the horrors that went on behind its walls. Cropsey is a spine-tingling example of how the truth can be stranger, and more terrifying, than fiction.
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Demon House (2019)
This documentary focuses on the real-life account of the Ammons family, who was apparently haunted by strange and demonic forces in their home in Gary, Indiana. The documentary allows the audience to witness actual exorcisms performed on the family, and the bizarre paranormal activity that surrounded them. The film is an incredibly disturbing exploration of the supernatural and an excellent reminder that evil may indeed live among us.
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A Certain Kind of Death (2003)
This documentary is perhaps one of the most depressing and unsettling films ever made. It tells the story of what happens to people who die with no family or next of kin to handle their affairs. The documentary gives the audience a chance to witness the most intimate details of the lives of these people, and how they must be dealt with after their deaths. It is an unblinking portrayal of the fragility of human life, and an excellent reminder of our own mortality.
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Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness (2021)
If you love documentaries, you probably have seen your fair share of crime and investigation-based documentaries. While some of them are fun and thrilling to watch, some might be too intense and scary for some viewers. This documentary narrates the story of David Berkowitz, also known as the Son of Sam- a notorious serial killer who terrorized New York City in the '70s. It's a creepy tale that involves satanic cults and conspiracy theories linked to the murder. If you enjoy documentaries with a possibility of a supernatural twist, this one's for you!
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Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)
Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple tells the harrowing story of Jonestown- a religious cult that ended in a mass suicide of over 900 people. The documentary features actual footage and interviews from survivors, making it an eerie, uncomfortable watch that delves into what drives people to commit such acts.
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Something Walks in the Woods (2023)
A documentary that is yet to be released, it's already creating buzz as one of the most anticipated scary documentaries of all time. The movie follows a group of hikers who encounter something dangerous and supernatural in the woods. What makes this documentary even scarier is that it's based on real-life events and is shot in a found-footage style that amps up the suspense.
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Killer Legends (2014)
If you love true crime documentaries, be sure to add Killer Legends to your watch list. The film focuses on famous urban legends related to serial killers such as the clown killer, Cropsey and a Candyman-inspired killer. It's a documentary that throws light on how and when and why such tales are born and spread - making it all too real and unsettling.
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Albert Fish: In Sin He Found Salvation (2007)
Albert Fish: In Sin He Found Salvation tells the story of Albert Fish, also known as the Gray Man, who was a cannibal and serial killer in the early 20th century. The film is full of gory details about his murders and how he got away with them. The storytelling is so vivid that it's difficult to forget and makes it not recommended for those with a weak stomach.
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Conclusion
Documentaries are a fantastic source of education and entertainment, but when they tap into the fear and horror that already exists within us, they take on a life of their own. The top ten scariest documentaries of all time will forever remain etched in our minds and a testament to the power of filmmaking as an art form. These documentaries remind us that, no matter how educated or sophisticated we think we are, we are not immune to the horrors that life has to offer. Indeed, sometimes real life can be more terrifying than anything we can imagine.
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