Documentaries can be fascinating films which offer great insight into a subject, from historical events to pop culture, movies in particular. For especially beloved movies that have had a lasting impact, documentaries give fans more to enjoy than just the films themselves, with added insight and valuable memories from the people who were there as the film took shape.
That’s especially true of horror, a genre which has been explored in countless documentaries. They offer a deeper look at its most iconic films and the legacy they have left behind, with plenty more content to enjoy, from behind-the-scenes clips to interviews with the cast and crew, some with impressive runtimes which far surpass the original films. The best of them are not only informative but entertaining in their own right, making them must-see companion pieces for fans.
10’Living with Chucky' 2022
Directed by Kyra Elise Gardner
InLiving with Chucky, filmmakerKyra Elise Gardner—whose father,Tony Gardner, has worked on the films as a makeup artist and puppeteer—explores the legacy of theChild’s Playfranchise and its instantly recognizable villainous doll, the titular Chucky, with interviews from those involved in the franchise. The film also delves into the lasting impact the franchise has had, as well as Gardner’s relationship to it and the impact it had on her family.
While not as well-regarded as some other documentaries covering beloved horror franchises—and although it can be repetitive—Living with Chuckystill has a lot to offer. While the film doesn’t feature much new information for die-hard fans and could benefit from an even deeper dive, it takes a different angle compared to most other documentaries.Gardner’s perspective is a unique one, thanks to her close ties to the franchise.
Watch on Prime
9’In Search of Darkness' (2019)
Directed by David A. Weiner
The three-part documentaryIn Search of Darknessfocuses on ‘80s horror. With each part clocking in at over four hours long and dedicated to a different aspect of the genre that decade, there’s almost nothing the documentary doesn’t touch on, from individual films to broader commentary on the genre and its subgenres. The final installment is dedicated to films with limited theatrical releases or that went straight to video and were released in 2022.
In Search of Darknessis a fascinating look at ‘80s horror.
Although it doesn’t cover one specific film,In Search of Darknessis a fascinating look at ‘80s horror, a decade that spawned some of the genre’s most beloved films, and its length and thorough examination of the films of the decade make it a must-watch for fans. The trilogy is as close to a comprehensive history of ‘80s horror as it gets, and it manages to hold viewers’ interest despite the long runtime.
8’Halloween: 25 Years of Terror' (2006)
Directed by Stefan Hutchinson
Just as the title suggests,Halloween: 25 Years of Terroris a retrospective that coverstheHalloweenfranchisefrom the very first film, released in 1978, throughHalloween: Resurrection, released in 2002. The documentary dedicates time to each film, from creation to production, and also spends some time at aHalloweenconvention in South Pasadena, where the first movie was filmed. It features interviews with the cast and crew, includingJohn Carpenter, who directed the first film.
Halloween: 25 Years of Terroris a retrospective that covers theHalloweenfranchise from the very first film.
Halloween: 25 Years of Terroris a thorough look back at the franchise, made with die-hard fans in mind.Some of the documentary’s most interesting segments come from the sequels, which failed to live up to the quality and hype of the first, plus interviews with those involved with the franchise and filmmakers whose work has been inspired by it. The DVD release goes even further, with features on filming locations and more.
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7’Just Desserts: The Making of Creepshow' (2007)
Directed by Michael Felsher
Just Dessertsis a look at the making of the 1982 classic horror anthologyCreepshowby genre iconsGeorge A. RomeroandStephen King, inspired by the popular and sometimes controversial EC comics of the 1950s and equal parts horrific and comedic. The documentary features rare behind-the-scenes footage and photos paired with interviews with those involved, including Romero himself and renowned makeup and effects artistTom Savini. It also spends some time discussing the comics that inspired the film.
Just Dessertsis an interesting and engaging look behind the scenes ofCreepshow,with great information from the cast and crew. Like the best film documentaries—horror or otherwise—Just Dessertsis a true love letter to the original film, which offers a thorough look at the original film’s creation and the work and care that went into making it the beloved classic it is today, from beginning to end.
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6’Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist' (2019)
Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe
InLeap of Faith,William Friedkin, director ofThe Exorcist, tells the story ofthe iconic horror moviein his own words. Using almost exclusively a single interview with Friedkin, the documentary explores his influences and filmmaking process, starting with his early life, and also touches on how his faith and the role of fate informed his work. It was directed byAlexandre O. Philippe, known for other acclaimed horror documentaries.
While documentaries on film tend to feature numerous interviews with cast and crew,Leap of Faithinstead charts the making ofThe Exorcistsolely through Friedkin’s point of view, with particular attention paid to those themes of faith and fate. As a result, it’s a fascinating look at not just the film but Friedkin himself, and it’s a much more personal documentary than the typical making-of—and it’s typical of director Philippe to take a very focused approach.
5’Pennywise: The Story of It' (2021)
Directed by John Campopiano and Christopher Griffiths
Pennywiseexplores the making of the miniseriesIt, based on theStephen Kingnovel of the same name, through interviews with the cast and crew, includingTim Curry, who playedthe evil clown Pennywisehimself. The documentary also includes a look at the film’s early concept art and behind-the-scenes footage, and the Blu-ray collector’s edition goes even further, with features that include a look at the manuscript, score, and more.
Ithelped make clowns even more terrifyingthan they already were, andPennywiseis a great look behind-the-scenes into what made the miniseries, as well as the clown himself, so scary and memorable. Elements of the series’ creation, such as concept art, show how it took shape to become the classic fans know and love to this day. The documentary itself is informative and enjoyable enough, but the bonuses included with the Blu-ray release make it a must for fans.
4’Memory: The Origins of Alien' (2019)
Memorycharts the creationof classic sci-fi horrorAlien, starting with its inspiration by tracing its influences from classic horror literature all the way back to ancient mythology, as well as the iconic art byH.R. Giger. The documentary also includes interviews with the cast and crew and addresses the film’s social and political themes, as well as the universal human fears that made the film so effective and memorable.
Alienis known for its wonderfully effective blend of horror and sci-fi, and it’s no surprise it’s become a beloved classic that went on to spawn a massive franchise that’s still releasing new films to this day.Memorygoes beyond a simple, straightforward making-of documentary and presents something more thoughtful. One of its greatest strengths is the way it treats the film, as well as art itself, as a collective medium, with each work informed by everything that came before it.
Watch on Peacock
3’Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th' (2013)
Directed by Daniel Ferrands
With a seven-hour runtime,Crystal Lake Memoriescovers the complete history of theFriday the 13thfilms, from the creation of the very first filmthrough to its reboot released in 2009, including some of the controversy that surrounded the original film and detailed analysis of villain Jason Voorhees. The documentary features rare and previously unreleased clips, photos, and more and was inspired by the book of the same name.
With new information and insight for even the most die-hard fans.
At seven hours long,Crystal Lake Memoriestruly presents the complete history of theFriday 13thfranchise, as promised. There’s plenty for fans to enjoy, with new information and insight for even the most die-hard fans who think they’ve heard it all, and it’sjust as entertaining as it is informative. The film is a true love letter to the franchise, with ample time and attention devoted to each film.
Directed by Rob Kuhns
Birth of the Living Deadfocuses onGeorge A. Romero’s classicNight of the Living Dead, starting with Romero’s use of Pittsburgh-area residents to get the film made—a surprising team of largely blue-collar workers who had no experience with or ties to filmmaking. The documentary also exploresthe film’s long-lasting impactand its social and political themes. It includes interviews with Romero himself as well as with writers, filmmakers, and more.
Night of the Living Deadgave rise to the zombie subgenre of horror, making it perfect documentary fodder.Birth of the Living Deadprovides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the film’s origins,with entertaining and insightful interviews from Romero himselfand others who discuss the impact the film had on their own work, including modern zombie horror likeThe Walking Dead. The documentary also contextualizes the film by addressing the major events and political issues of the time.
Watch on Tubi
1’Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy' (2010)
Directed by Daniel Farrands and Andrew Kasch
Never Sleep Againexplores the history and legacy of theNightmare on Elm Streetfranchise, except the 2010 remake, as well as the rise of New Line Cinema. The film includes exclusive photos, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with the cast and crew, and with an impressive four-hour runtime, it’s a deep dive that covers just about all there is to cover andaddresses each film in detail.
Never Sleep Againis an award-winning must-see for fans of the franchise, regarded as one of the best horror documentaries ever made, with an impressive 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Although it’s four hours long, it certainly doesn’t feel like it—it remains consistently interesting and engaging, with enough content and insight to satisfy even the most die-hard fans who think they’ve seen and heard it all, exactly what a great horror documentary should accomplish.
Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy
NEXT:7 Horror Documentaries to Watch to Learn More About the Genre
