Documentaries, which we cinephiles adore, are full of realism. Not that only cinephiles enjoy documentaries, but most individuals who don’t see a lot of movies enjoy documentaries. Documentaries, on the other hand, are divided into several categories, with the most disturbing documentaries being the most popular among Gen-Z. Not only do young people enjoy or favor this genre of documentaries, but it is popular among individuals of all ages due to its intriguing and gruesome approach.
17 Most Disturbing Documentaries
These “most disturbing documentaries” can be seen on several different OTT platforms. And finding these most disturbing documentaries on the internet is quite tough. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered; these are all listed according to their availability on various OTT platforms.
Most Disturbing Documentaries On NETFLIX
Cropsey (2009)
IMDb – 6.3
Genre – Horror
What is most disturbing about it – Cropsey’s background on Staten Island is examined in this documentary. The Willowbrook State School appears to be at the center of the legend. It’s a work camp for the mentally ill. The abandoned hospital and the Greenbelt forest that surrounded it in the heart of Staten Island became the subject of numerous legends. Hence, added to the list of most disturbing documentaries.
Shoah (1985)
IMDb – 8.7
Genre – War
What is most disturbing about it – “Shoah” is a Hebrew word that means “destruction,” and that is exactly what the Holocaust was: a genocide that resulted in the annihilation of religions, cultures, philosophies, and more. As told by the people who lived in and near the camps, this is their experience. Each aged face and sad eye tells a story filled with truth and anguish. Well, you can see now why is it added to the most disturbing documentaries list.
The Imposter (2012)
IMDb – 7.5
Genre – Mystery
What is most disturbing about it – THE IMPOSTER, a much-lauded documentary that was all over the media when it was released last year, reveals an intriguing narrative and comes as a complete shock because you honestly don’t think people can be as naïve as the ones here. It tells a strange story, and as is often the case with these things, telling too much about it would be a spoiler. Legit reason to get this in the most disturbing documentaries list.
Abducted in Plain Sight (2017)
IMDb – 6.8
Genre – Crime
What is most disturbing about it – How trusting are people? How dependable are they? What if someone takes that trust and abuses it? Then you end up with a situation like the one shown above. The headshaking and bewilderment you will experience may result in a neck injury. But this did happen and, when you think about it, it’s far out there. The cause behind why is it added in the most disturbing documentaries list is now clearly seen, right?!
House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths (2021)
IMDb – 7.5
Genre – Crime & History
What is most disturbing about it – Suicide? Is this a case of mass murder? Or is it something else entirely? By retracing the family’s history and demonstrating the whys and hows of the suicide, this documentary covers practically all topics. It’s a mind-numbing 3 episode documentary that should be watched and debated as widely as possible. The filmmakers deserve credit for addressing journalistic ethics and mental health. This is really one of the good ones making it to the list of most disturbing documentaries.
Most Disturbing Documentaries On AMAZON Prime Video
Who Took Johnny (2014)
IMDb – 7.2
Genre – Drama
What is most disturbing about it is – It’s a spooky moment in Who Took Johnny? This film begins in 1982, when Johnny Gosch, a West Des Moines, Iowa paperboy boy, was kidnapped. ‘Who Took Johnny?’ shows how missing children cases were handled 30 years ago. This film should be required viewing for everyone. Creepy? Well, yeah that’s why this is in the list of most disturbing documentaries which will boggle your mind.
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)
IMDb – 8.5
Genre – Crime
What is so disturbing about it – An unfortunate accident, a shift of events that occurred halfway through the film, is what elevates it from good to great. Indeed, it is that unexpected moment when the subject you chose suddenly becomes even more vital that makes all great documentaries what they are. A creepy documentary can never be simple yet this is quite simple and has made it to this list of most disturbing documentaries.
The Woman Who Wasn’t There (2012)
IMDb – 6.8
Genre – Psychological thriller
What is most disturbing about it is – It’s a documentary about an unbearably wicked woman. ‘Tania Head’ (she has several names, including this one) rose to prominence as a leader in the 9/11 survivor community. She was frequently in the spotlight, working as a spokeswoman for all of the terrorist attack survivors. The difficulty is that she was never present during the 9/11 attacks, and it appears that she wasn’t even living in the United States at the time.
Missing 411 (2016)
IMDb – 6.4
Genre – Suspense
What is so disturbing about it is – Something weird is going on in America’s most distant locations. People are going disappearing without a trace in National Parks. These are unresolved mysteries that occur regularly. Clearcut cases of foul play, kidnapping, or animal attacks are not investigated by Paulides. We’ve got a few cases here that have a curious resemblance. The supernatural is suggested, but never officially declared.
The Bridge (2006)
IMDb – 7.2
Genre – Drama
What is so disturbing about it – Eric Steel’s little-known documentary on suicide jumpers from the Golden Gate Bridge is both intriguing and horrifyingly captivating in its connection while remaining non-exploitation of the lives lost. The Bridge is also something that, in the end, might be very useful to individuals who stumble across it on DVD or television. Thus, it is added to the list of most disturbing documentaries.
Most Disturbing Documentaries on YOUTUBE
Gladiator Days: Anatomy of a Prison Murder (2002)
IMDb – 7.4
Genre – Crime
What is so disturbing about it – This unsettling documentary follows Troy Kell’s life from the age of 18 when he murdered a young man in the Nevada Desert with another teenager and a teenage girl, through the brutal murder of a fellow inmate at the Utah State Prison, which resulted in his death sentence. The killing was caught on camera by a surveillance camera. Gruesome yet one of the most disturbing documentaries.
This Is the Zodiac Speaking (2008)
IMDb – 7
Genre – Crime
What is so disturbing about it – Interviews with police officers who worked the case in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as well as Bryan Hartnell, who survived a Zodiac attack by claiming to be dead, are featured in this documentary about the unsolved Zodiac Killer mystery. At least with accurate maps that give a clear impression of the houses and roads in relevant places, the film includes some pretty impressive animation effects.
The Cannibal That Walked Free (2007)
IMDb – 6.3
Genre – Suspense
What is so disturbing about it – The Cannibal That Walked Free (also known as Cannibal Superstar) is a British documentary made by Visual Voodoo that tackles Japanese cannibal Issei Sagawa’s odd psychology and perverted celebrity status. To summarize, the cannibal is a disturbing individual. He butchered a woman, ate her, and now lives freely in his homeland. And this is why this made it to the list of most disturbing documentaries.
Most Disturbing Documentaries On HBO GO
Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017)
IMDb – 7.4
Genre – Crime
What is so disturbing about it – It’s difficult to think that anything so complicated, engaging, and scary could happen in real life. Is Gypsy just a helpless victim? Is he a serial liar? A victim of abuse? A little girl who is mentally ill and physically stunted? Most likely a blend of all of these things and more, with each taking a turn at the forefront of her personality. A tragic, engrossing, and pulpy crime documentary.
There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane (2011)
IMDb – 6.7
Genre – Crime
What is so disturbing about it – The documentary “There Is Something Wrong With Aunt Diane” is about the terrible Taconic NY State Parkway vehicle crash that killed eight people. As the film begins, it is “July 26, 2009,” and we show security footage of a minivan pulling up to a gas station, with a woman exiting and requesting OTC medication, which the gas station does not carry.
Disturbing documentaries on HULU
The Family I Had (2017)
IMDb – 6.8
Genre – Crime
What is most disturbing about it – Get in front of the TV and don’t blink. The documentary is quite well-made. There is no filler material, no wasted shots, and no repetition. This is a disturbing and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a family’s impossible condition following the sad death of one of their underage siblings by another.
Tabloid (2010)
IMDb – 7
Genre – Crime
What is so disturbing about it – Earl Morris’ “Tabloid” is a well-made and engaging documentary about Joyce McKinney, a woman suspected of kidnapping a Mormon named Kirk Anderson. That’s right, you read that correctly. I’ve got something else for you. In Korea, she also had her dog cloned. In the late 1970s, Joyce McKinney’s story made headlines across the United Kingdom. She was the queen of the tabloids, appearing on television and on the covers of magazines. Spicy? Juicy? Apparently, this definitely justifies being in this list of most disturbing documentaries.
