While we hesitate to call it entertainment, true crime has a very obvious pull in mainstream media. There are now thousands of podcasts, documentaries, and miniseries dedicated to exploring harrowing tales of murder, corruption, and other sinister plots. The stories told are often unfathomable, yet we can't help but be transfixed by the details. Be it a desire to understand the criminal mind or simply to indulge in a thrilling narrative, true crime has become an undeniable staple of pop culture.
Missing teens and cold cases may take the headlines most frequently, but there's one subgenre of true crime that tends to fly under the radar until it's too late: cults.
Unlike your average criminal syndicate, cults position themselves as something virtuous and desirable. They can masquerade for years, with leaders relying on psychological manipulation and control to maintain power. Cult docuseries explore the extreme behavior of people who have become enamored by powerful figures and radical ideologies.
From the well-known radical religious sects to seemingly innocent popular movements that unfold into something far darker, these investigations provide a glimpse into the power of cults and how quickly normalcy can turn sinister. For those looking to dive into the murky depths of cults past and present, here are 15 cult docuseries to dive into.
How to Become a Cult Leader (2023)
Ever wonder how cult leaders like Jim Jones, Charles Manson, and David Koresh rose to power? This brand-new series (narrated by none other than Game of Thrones' Peter Dinklage) traces the lives of some of the world's most infamous cult leaders to build a fascinating narrative about the inner workings of cults.
The Vow (2020-2022)
This HBO docuseries gained massive attention in 2020 as it uncovered the shocking manipulation and deceit occurring inside NXIVM, an organization advertised as a self-help group. The series follows ex-members—which included a few celebrities—of the group's inner circle as they attempt to expose the truth about Keith Raniere and his empire.
Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey (2022)
The story of Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints has been told in various forms since his arrest in 2006. Unlike the narrative accounts, however, this series aims to provide a candid perspective on life as a member living inside one of his polygamist compounds.
Wild Wild Country (2018)
Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh—more infamously known as Osho—was a controversial Indian guru who built a Utopian-like city in the middle of the Oregon country. The series dives into the chaos and scandal that unfolded as the cult clashed with local communities over land rights and religious freedom.
Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults (2020)
This four-part docuseries tells the back story of the largest mass suicide to ever occur on United States soil. Through interviews with former members, we learn about the group's resilient belief system and its prophetic leader, Marshall Applewhite.
The Way Down (2021)
What happens when you pair hardcore religion with a hardcore diet? You get Gwen Shambling Lara, the diet guru and heavily hair-sprayed church leader of Remnant Fellowship. This docuseries peels back the layers of her carefully crafted image to reveal the controversial practices lurking behind the scenes.
The Deep End (2022)
Teal Swan has amassed a huge cult-like following online as a highly controversial spiritual teacher. Unlike many cult docs, this one has the cooperation of the leader, as she takes viewers into her world and shares her powerful messages. But is her enlightened persona masking something more manipulative?
In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal (2023)
Four Korean leaders claiming to be prophets of God held their followers under a spell of control and manipulation. This series revisits the case and reveals how they managed to coerce hundreds into following their belief without question—and the chilling truth of what they were hiding.
The Family (2019)
The Family documents an alleged mysterious Christian organization that wields an immense amount of influence in the U.S. government and beyond. With an author who was temporarily sucked into the organization's orbit as our guide, this docuseries dives into the group's curious secrets and reveals how far they're willing to go to maintain power.
Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets (2023)
While not technically a cult, the ultra-conservative reality TV family, the Duggars, exhibits a lot more cult behavior than most households. This series dissects the controversies and secrets of the family, including allegations of abuse and their highly restrictive lifestyle.
Waco: American Apocalypse (2023)
The Waco siege on Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh and his followers in 1993 will go down in history as one of the most controversial standoffs in history. This series takes a deep dive into those tense 51 days, revealing the inner workings of Koresh's community and what ultimately led to its downfall.
Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle (2018)
As one of the most infamous cults in history, Jonestown is rarely discussed without mentioning its fatal end orchestrated by leader Jim Jones. This series delves into his twisted world and examines how he managed to convince hundreds of people to completely devote their lives to him—with horrific consequences.
True Believers (2022)
This Vice series documents people who attempt to find healing and connection by joining some seriously bizarre organization. Each episode details a different group, so you'll get to explore a range of cults—from demon fighters to alien worshipers.
John of God: The Crimes of a Spiritual Healer (2021)
This series follows the story of João Teixeira de Faria—more famously known as 'John of God'—a Brazilian spiritual healer who gained fame and admirers around the world. But what was hiding behind his charming persona? This docuseries reveals how he was able to convince millions to believe in him and how it all came to a crashing end.
Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence (2023)
This series dives into the strange case of Lawrence Ray, a dad who manipulated his way into the walls of Sarah Lawrence College and proceeded to control the lives of students. As their stories unfold, viewers will get an inside look at how he managed to take over their lives—and what it took for them to break free.
