Horror Related Documentaries
A list of documentary features surrounding horror movies, people of horror and more. Compiled by Eric Myford, author of The Encyclopedia of Horror and Suspense Movies book series...
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153 titles
- DirectorFrank H. WoodwardStarsRobin Atkin DownesNeil GaimanPeter StraubA chronicle of the life, work and mind that created the Cthulhu mythos.
- DirectorChristopher P. GaretanoStarsRay AdellMark BorchardtRon AtkinsTake a walk on the scary side with guerrilla horror filmmakers and the bizarre culture that drives them to pursue their dreams. In 2003, filmmaker Christopher P. Garetano began what would become a two-year journey to discover what possesses people to become horror filmmakers. Armed with nothing but a camera and a microphone, Chris traveled all over the United States to visit independent filmmakers on and off their sets. In Horror Business, you will witness that quest unfold and meet some truly independent filmmakers including Mark Borchardt (American Movie) and Dave Gebroe (Zombie Honeymoon), along with monster movie personalities like Herschell Gordon Lewis (Blood Feast), Joe Bob Briggs (cult film critic and author), and Sid Haig (Foxy Brown, The Devils Rejects). This timeless essay of popcorn-generation nostalgia and behind-the-scenes moments just may prove "movie making really is no way to spend a life!"
- DirectorDaniel FarrandsStarsNatalie AdamsDiane AlmeidaErich AndersonA documentary exploring 30 years of the "Friday The 13th" film series featuring all new interviews with cast and crew from all 12 films and various horror fans and filmmakers.
- DirectorMichael Paul StephensonStarsGeorge HardyPita RayMicki KnoxA look at the making of the film Troll 2 (1990) and its journey from being crowned the "worst film of all time" to a cherished cult classic.
- DirectorJeff McQueenStarsEd GreenWes CravenJohn CarpenterA documentary on the history of the slasher film.
- DirectorElijah DrennerStarsRobert ForsterEric SchaeferEddie MullerA documentary about the history of exploitation movies, from the silent-film era to the 1970s.
- DirectorConstantine NasrStarsJames CromwellWilliam FriedkinSteve JonesDocumentary about the great 1940s horror movie producer Val Lewton, featured on the 2005 DVD release "The Val Lewton Horror Collection."
- DirectorBarbara BrancaccioJoshua ZemanStarsJoshua ZemanBarbara BrancaccioBill EllisRealizing that the urban legend of their youth has actually come true, two filmmakers delve into the mystery surrounding five missing children and the real-life boogeyman linked to their disappearances.
- DirectorMark HartleyStarsPhillip AdamsGlory AnnenChristine AmorThe story of the Australian exploitation genre cinema of 1970s and 80s.
- DirectorBill PhilputtStarsJules BrennerDon CalfaJames DalesandroRetrospective documentary about the making of the horror cult classic "The Return of the Living Dead."
- DirectorChris SmithStarsMark BorchardtMike SchankTom SchimmelsDocumentary about an aspiring filmmaker's attempts to finance his dream project by finally completing the low-budget horror film he abandoned years before.
- DirectorDaniel FarrandsAndrew KaschStarsHeather LangenkampStacey AldenErika AndersonExplore the origins of "dream demon" Freddy Krueger in this award-winning documentary that takes you behind the scenes of the most frightening and imaginative horror franchise in motion picture history!
- DirectorBret WoodStarsRod SteigerExplores the sources of our fears and reveals the birth of the frightful conventions from which the modern-day horror movie has evolved, including the menacing shadows of the German Expressionists.
- StarsChristopher LeeRoger CormanHugh HefnerClips from Horror Films.
- 20091h 36mUnrated7.1 (2.9K)DirectorAndrew MonumentStarsLance HenriksenLarry CohenJoe DanteAn exploration of the appeal of horror films, with interviews of many legendary directors in the genre.
- DirectorStefan HutchinsonStarsP.J. SolesIrwin YablansMoustapha AkkadA retrospective documentary about the Halloween films.
- DirectorJosh JohnsonStarsBen JousanDavid GregoryMicah MatthewsHome video changed the world. The cultural and historical impact of the VHS tape was enormous. This film traces the ripples of that impact by examining the myriad aspects of society that were altered by the creation of videotape.
- DirectorDan LundStarsJames Dean HealyCathee SchultzJohn Tucker
- DirectorMark HartleyStarsRoger CormanJohn LandisPete TombsA fast moving odyssey into the subterranean world of the rarely explored province of Filipino genre filmmaking.
- DirectorJustin JohnsonAaron MarshallErik MauckStarsEmily HaginsMegan HaginsJerry HaginsEmily Hagins is making a zombie movie. It's feature-length, it's bloody, and the zombies don't run. Just like it should be. But there's just one difference between her film and every other zombie movie you've ever seen. Emily is twelve.
- DirectorLeon FergusonStarsMark KermodeDario ArgentoJohn CarpenterDocumentary that explores Argento's film career.
- DirectorAdam SimonStarsGeorge A. RomeroJohn CarpenterTom SaviniAn examination into the nature of 1960s-'70s horror films, the artists involved, and how they reflected contemporary society.
- DirectorNicolas GarreauStarsNicolas GarreauMarkus PonathFrank KoenigIn 1968, George Romero traumatized a whole generation with his legendary and revolutionary "Night of the Living Dead," which truly marks the birth of modern horror movies.
- DirectorEric WalterStarsDaniel LutzSusan BartellLaura DiDioFor the first time in 35 years, Daniel Lutz recounts his version of the infamous Amityville haunting that terrified his family in 1975.
- DirectorJason Paul CollumStarsLinnea QuigleyBrinke StevensMichelle BauerThree actresses "accidentally" became cult horror film icons in the late 1980s and created the modern interpretation of the "Scream Queen" image.
- DirectorGarry S. GrantStarsAdrienne BarbeauJohn CarpenterNick CastleChronicles the work of cult director John Carpenter through interviews with him and his associates, with emphases on the earlier work.
- DirectorAlex StapletonStarsRoger CormanMartin ScorseseQuentin TarantinoA documentary on DIY producer/director Roger Corman and his alternative approach to making movies in Hollywood.
- DirectorRodney AscherStarsBill BlakemoreGeoffrey CocksJuli KearnsAn exploration of various interpretations of Stanley Kubrick's horror film, The Shining (1980).
- DirectorJeffrey SchwarzStarsForrest J. AckermanJohn BadhamDiane BakerChronicles the last great American showman, filmmaker William Castle, a master of ballyhoo who became a brand name in movie horror with his outrageous audience participation gimmicks.
- DirectorBrett ThompsonStarsMaila NurmiDolores FullerPaul MarcoHow was it possible that a movie like Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957) could be made? This documentary about Edward D. Wood Jr.'s masterpiece gives the answer.
- DirectorKevin VanHookStarsHoward BergerRob BottinJosh BrolinThis documentary delves into the art of make-up effects with the best industry legends.
- DirectorDonald FarmerStarsMichelle BauerMartine BeswickJanus BlytheWomen who have made a career out of starring in the B horror and science fiction genres are interviewed, and clips and trailers from their films are shown.
- DirectorJake WestStarsJulian PetleyMarc MorrisAndy NymanA documentary analyzing the furore which so-called "video nasties" caused in Britain during the 1980s.
- DirectorJake WestStarsSian BarberMartin BarkerGraham BrightPrepare to be corrupted and depraved once more by the sequel to the definitive guide to the Video Nasties phenomenon--the most extraordinary and scandalous era in the history of British film. All 82 films that fell foul of the Director of Public Prosecutions DzSection 3dz list are trailer-featured, with specially-filmed intros for each title.
- DirectorNoah BaumbachJake PaltrowStarsBrian De PalmaMark HamillAmy IrvingA documentary about writer and director Brian De Palma.
- 20136h 40mNot Rated8.5 (2.7K)VideoDirectorDaniel FarrandsStarsCorey FeldmanPeter M. BrackeSamantha DelutriA chronicle of the history of the Friday the 13th franchise.
- DirectorJohn BorowskiStarsSteve GiannangeloRick StatonRich Hillen Jr.Serial Killer Culture examines the reasons why artists and collectors are fascinated by serial killers.
- DirectorDan M. KinemLevi PereticStarsLloyd KaufmanAnthony TimponeKeith J. CrockerA documentary capturing the modern day VHS culture and VHS collectors.
- DirectorStuart SamuelsStarsJohn WatersBen BarenholtzAlejandro JodorowskyFrom 1970-1977, six low budget films shown at midnight transformed the way we make and watch films.
- DirectorNicolas KleimanRob LindsayStarsAlexandre AjaChris AlexanderDave AlexanderWhy Horror? Is a feature documentary following horror fan Tal Zimerman as he looks at the psychology of horror around the world in order to understand why we love to be scared.
- DirectorDerek PykettStarsPaul AnnettGeoffrey BayldonAnn BellA 2-disc celebration of Amicus Films, Hammer's greatest rivals, best remembered for their series of anthology films inspired by the 1945 "Dead of Night."
- DirectorPaul McColloughStarsJohn A. RussoTom SaviniIn this video, hosted by fright-master Tom Savini,creator of the gut wrenching special effects in DAWN OF THE DEAD,and FRIDAY THE 13TH. Gives you step-by-step demonstrations of how some of his most shattering effects are achieved. If you are a film fan or a budding effects artist, you will gain a firsthand look at how cinematic illusions are created and you'll be able to do many of them yourself.
- DirectorMichael FelsherStarsTom AtkinsAdrienne BarbeauPasquale BubaDetails the making of Stephen King & George A. Romero's 1982 horror anthology classic, from conception through to completion.
- DirectorFrank HenenlotterJimmy MaslonStarsMal ArnoldJohn BloomDuane CarneyGory, Gory, Hallelujah! Take an outrageous ride through the wild world of exploitation films with this often-hilarious documentary, HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS, THE GODFATHER OF GORE!
- DirectorDonna DaviesStarsGabriel BartalosHoward BergerSteve BiodrowskiAn inside look at the world of Hollywood special effects and the company paving the way, KNB Effects.
- DirectorBrad ShelladyStarsJohn DuganJim SiedowEdwin NealA documentary about the classic 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' film, including interviews with Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal, John Dugan and Jim Seidow.
- DirectorRob KuhnsStarsGeorge A. RomeroFred RogersH. Rap BrownA documentary that shows how George A. Romero gathered an unlikely team of Pittsburghers to shoot his seminal film: Night of the Living Dead (1968).
- DirectorMichael Paul StephensonStarsVictor BariteauTina BariteauGwen BariteauIn a small Massachusetts community, three Halloween-obsessed households transform into neighbor-terrifying supernatural wonderlands.
- DirectorRoy FrumkesStarsGeorge A. RomeroSusan TyrrellNicole PotterA documentary about George A. Romero's films, with a behind scenes look at Dawn of the Dead.
- DirectorJoshua ZemanStarsRachel MillsJoshua ZemanStephen WinickDelving into our collective nightmares, this horror-documentary investigates the origins of our most terrifying urban legends and the true stories that may have inspired them.
- DirectorJeff HerbergerStarsJane AdamsKathleen BurkeLon Chaney Jr.Frankenstein, Dracula, the Mummy, and the Wolf Man helped build a golden age for horror movies at Universal Studios. With talented directors, iconic actors, and shocking scares, Universal changed the world of horror forever, with an impact that still resonates today. Here's the story of the Universal monsters.
- DirectorJeff HerbergerStarsForrest J. AckermanSamuel Z. ArkoffAaron ChristensenFrom THINGS to BODY SNATCHERS to CREATURES FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, sci-fi monsters dominated 1950s horror. Take a ride to an era of drive-ins, Red Scares, low budgets and big bugs with SPACE INVADERS AND DRIVE INS.
- DirectorJeff HerbergerStarsAaron ChristensenDwight KemperJon KitleyPart three of a multi-part documentary series with distinguished actors, directors, writers, composers and special effects mavens examining the history of the horror, fantasy and science fiction films from the groundbreaking silent 1920s through the Golden Age of Universal, the Silver Age of Hammer and up through the 1980s and beyond.
- DirectorJeff HerbergerStarsLinda HarrisonWilliam MarshallRobert QuarryPart four of a multi-part documentary series with distinguished actors, directors, writers, examining the history of the horror, fantasy and science fiction films from the groundbreaking silent 1920s through the Golden Age of Universal, the Silver Age of Hammer and up through the 1980s and beyond.
- DirectorRick BarnesOlivia Neergaard-HolmJon NguyenStarsDavid LynchLula LynchEdwina LynchArtist and filmmaker David Lynch discusses his early life and the events that shaped his outlook on art and the creative process.
- DirectorKenneth PowellThomas Edward SeymourStarsMike AranskyAlan BaghTroy BernierThis lively documentary explores the rise and fall of physical media and its effect on Independent and cult films. Ranging from the origin of home movies through the video store era, it's sure to entertain. With icons like Joe Bob Briggs (MonsterVision), Lloyd Kaufman (Toxic Avenger), Greg Sestero (The Room), Debbie Rochon (Return to Nuke 'Em High), Deborah Reed (Troll 2), Mark Frazer (Samurai Cop), James Nguyen (Birdemic) and many others.
- 20141h 37mNot Rated7.5 (4.4K)DirectorDavid GregoryStarsRichard StanleyKier-La JanisseMichael GingoldA behind the scenes chronicle of how clash of vision, bad creative decisions, lack of interest and really bad weather plagued the disastrous production of the infamous The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996).
- DirectorDavid GregoryStarsDavid FlintBenito FrattariGualtiero JacopettiA look at the careers of Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi who invented the mondo genre with MONDO CANE in 1962. It follows their career until their split in following the making of GOODBYE UNCLE TOM in 1971.
- DirectorAlexandre O. PhilippeStarsKyle William BishopCharlie AdlardJoanna AngelThe definitive zombie culture documentary, brought to the screen by the makers of THE PEOPLE vs. GEORGE LUCAS.
- DirectorMichael FelsherStarsBruce CampbellJosh BeckerScott SpiegelA documentary about the making of Evil Dead 2.
- DirectorDerek Dennis HerbertStarsKane HodderMike AloisiJohn Carl BuechlerThe emotional story of Kane Hodder who survived a harrowing childhood and near-death accident to become one of films biggest and most beloved horror icons.
- DirectorJohn CampopianoJustin WhiteStarsBrad GreenquistSean ClarkMark E. AnastasioThis documentary is a detailed look into the making of Pet Sematary (1989).
- DirectorDavid GregoryStarsChris TheobaldNorman AbbottBarrie GoldAn in-depth analysis of the "Video Nasty" scandal of the early 1980s in Britain.
- DirectorDonald F. GlutStarsDonald F. GlutJulia B. GlutForrest J. AckermanA collection of Donald F. Glut's (The Empire Strikes Back) amateur short films including: Captain America Vs. The Mutant, Spider-Man, Batman & Robin and Tor, King Of Beasts. A companion piece to the documentary I Was A Teenage Moviemaker.
- DirectorGilles PensoAlexandre PoncetStarsRick BakerJoe DanteGuillermo del ToroFrom King Kong to Avatar, from Star Wars to The Lord of the Rings, movie creatures have never been more popular as they are today. Yet the art of creating monsters for the big screen is as old as cinema itself.
- StarsTony AngellottiYancy CalzadaSam EganThis documentary fills in the backstories of the making of Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988), as well as much of Cassandra Peterson's career. It also provides a lot of insight into the workings of Hollywood production.
- DirectorAlexandre O. PhilippeStarsMarli RenfroAlfred HitchcockTere CarrubbaAn unprecedented look at the iconic shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960), the "man behind the curtain", and the screen murder that profoundly changed the course of world cinema.
- DirectorAine LeichtStarsAlvin AlexisJoe AugustynAllison BarronRetrospective documentary on the making of the low-budget horror cult favorite Night of the Demons (1988).
- DirectorDavid MitchellStarsJohn CarradineDavid Del ValleJohn FlorescuExamining the history of Bram Stoker's classic novel "Dracula" and the controversy in Romania regarding its release
- DirectorAlexandre O. PhilippeStarsClarke WolfeNicholas CullWilliam LinnAn in-depth voyage into the sci-fi film Alien (1979) with the visionary filmmakers who created it. See how one of the most terrifying movies of all time came to life 40 years ago, inspired by ancient mythology and our universal fears.
- DirectorDustin FergusonStarsTodd Jason CookJohnny DickieDonald FarmerA documentary about cheap and cheesy horror films and the masters of sleaze who made them.
- DirectorDavid A. WeinerStarsTom AtkinsDoug BradleyJohn BloomAn exploration of '80s horror movies through the perspective of the actors, directors, producers and SFX craftspeople who made them, and their impact on contemporary cinema.
- DirectorMalcolm LeighStarsAlex SandersMaxine SandersGuy StandevenA visual exploration into the origins of witchcraft in the UK and in particular the demystification of symbolism still embedded today within many modern religious artefacts and rituals.
- DirectorFederico CaddeoStarsDario ArgentoLamberto BavaBarbara BouchetA celebration of the genre with interviews by many contributors - a gialli filmmakers.
- DirectorMichael Beach NicholsStarsChristopher BarciaMiguel BeyTrevor J. BlankIn Florida, parents can hire Wrinkles the Clown to scare their misbehaving children.
- DirectorDan T. HallStarsTracy BaconMyrna CookeAlex HallFollows Dan T. Hall as he explores the haunting of the Fox Hollow Farm estate.
- DirectorDevon BelangerStarsJen DixonTommy DixonRebeca DonovanGrowing up in the famed farmhouse investigated in the blockbuster hit The Conjuring, Andrea Perron's past has inspired her to write a tell-all book, House of Darkness House Of Light. Now, with footage and reenactments to support her stories, Perron delves into the haunting tales of her upbringing.
- DirectorJason ImpeyStarsMichael LeeA documentary looking at the story of the much loved UK film on distributor VIPCO told by the rarely seen founder Michael Lee.
- StarsDoug BradleyHugh RossSimon BamfordRetrospective documentary on the making of the horror/fantasy creature feature Nightbreed (1990).
- DirectorJohn A. RussoStarsDick SmithLet Dick Smith, the creator of the magical special effects for ALTERED STATES, THE EXORCIST, THE HUNGER and AMADEUS, show you how it's done. You'll never have to worry about searching for a Halloween costume again. Using easily available materials, you can transform yourself into any kind of creature that you wish to become.
- DirectorDavid GregoryStarsAl AdamsonSamuel M. ShermanChris PoggialiMaverick indie filmmaker Al Adamson's real life was even crazier than one of the 30-plus sex 'n' schlock drive-in movies he made in the '60s and '70s.
- DirectorRoman ChimientiTyler JensenStarsCecil BaldwinMark PattonRobert EnglundA retrospective look at A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) and the life of its lead actor, Mark Patton.
- DirectorAnthony BuenoStarsAlice DrummondAnnie PottsDan AykroydCast and crew of Ghostbusters (1984) discuss the making of the film.
- DirectorDavid GregoryStarsJacques ThorensDocumentary short on the legendary Parisian horror movie theater Le Brady, which opened in 1956 on the Boulevard de Strasbourg.
- DirectorJason BakerStarsJohn AmplasTom AtkinsHoward BergerA documentary about the life of Tom Savini. The film covers his early days in Pittsburgh, and his rise to stardom as Hollywood's most sought after special effects wizard.
- DirectorTony NewtonStarsPhil AnselmoJames BalsamoGlenn BerggoetzVHS Collecting, SOV filmmaking and all things VHS.
- DirectorTony NewtonStarsChristopher BouchieDan BrownlieRichard ChandlerVHS Documentary looking at the culture of VHS and collectors.
- DirectorKevin McDonaghStarsDoug BradleyKenneth CranhamAndrew RobinsonA documentary uncovering the history and the making of Clive Barker's Hellraiser (1987) and Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988) films.
- DirectorChristopher GriffithsStarsBrian ThompsonJon GriesChris SarandonAn extensive look at the making of Fright Night (1985) and Fright Night Part 2 (1988) featuring exclusive interviews with cast and crew members, rare photographs, behind-the-scenes footage and more.
- DirectorSimone ScafidiStarsNicola NocellaAntonella FulciCamilla FulciThe first biopic about Lucio Fulci. With never seen before footage, photos and interviews.
- DirectorJulie NgStarsRyan MerrimanChelan SimmonsYan-Kay Crystal LoweDEAD TEENAGER MOVIE is a short-format documentary examining a specific sub-genre of teen slasher films; namely the Dead Teenager Movie - a term coined by movie critic, Roger Ebert. Through the use of interviews with cultural professors, film historians, directors, writers, producers and film critics, and with visual aids from movie clips of several dead teen horror films, the documentary explores the origins of these stories from their beginnings in urban legends to their jump to the big screen in the late 70s to their modern incarnations (like FINAL DESTINATION 3 and its two predecessors). It look sat what clichés and stereotypes define the sub-genre, and how they have developed in cinema over time, particularly finding a home at New Line Cinema.
- DirectorJon SchnitzerStarsJason BlumJen SoskaMcKenzie WestmoreHaunted houses for Halloween have spawned a growing subculture of extreme "full contact" terror simulations. But how far is too far?
- DirectorDustin FergusonStarsJames BurkeKenneth J. HallJerry SmithA documentary about the direct-to-video horror hits of the 90s.
- DirectorAndre GowerStarsShane BlackFred DekkerSeth GreenThis documentary explores the power of cult film told through the lens of The Monster Squad (1987) and the impact it has on fans, cast and crew, and the industry.
- DirectorSeth BreedloveStarsLyle BlackburnA documentary about the Mothman phenomenon. A direct sequel to The Mothman of Point Pleasant (2017).
- DirectorJyunko OkamotoStarsShinsuke ArakiHideshi HinoMasayuki HisamotThe making of Sai Enterprise's Guinea Pig, Ginî piggu 2: Chiniku no hana, and Ginî piggu 3: Senritsu! Shinanai otoko.
- DirectorJason Paul CollumStarsBrinke StevensJulie StrainDebra De LisoActresses best known for the power of their lungs in horror classics and cult favorites discuss what it's like to work within the B-movie industry and have a career based in horror.
- StarsMitch HorowitzPhil Nobile Jr.Ryan TurekCursed Films is a five part documentary series which explores the myths and legends behind some of Hollywood's notoriously cursed horror film productions.
- DirectorDavid GregoryStarsAshim AhluwaliaChris AlexanderJoko AnwarA documentary exploring the subject of horror anthology movies.