Wild Wild Country is a gripping documentary series that delves into the rise and fall of the Rajneeshpuram community in Oregon during the 1980s. If you were captivated by its blend of true crime, cult dynamics, and historical intrigue, you’ll find the following 20 movies equally fascinating. For more information on Wild Wild Country, check out the official site.
1. The Source Family
The Source Family explores the unconventional lifestyle of a 1970s Los Angeles commune led by the charismatic Father Yod. The documentary features interviews with former members and rare archival footage, starring Father Yod and his followers.
2. Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
This documentary delves into the controversial practices of the Church of Scientology. Directed by Alex Gibney, it features interviews with former high-ranking officials and members, including Paul Haggis and Jason Beghe.
3. Holy Hell
Holy Hell offers a first-hand look at life inside the Buddhafield cult, led by the enigmatic Michel. The film is directed by Will Allen, a former member who spent over 20 years documenting the group.
4. The Vow
This HBO series investigates the NXIVM cult and its leader, Keith Raniere. Featuring interviews with former members like Sarah Edmondson and Mark Vicente, it provides an in-depth look at the organization’s manipulative practices.
5. Wild, Wild West
While not a documentary, this action-comedy film starring Will Smith and Kevin Kline offers a fictional take on the Wild West. It’s a fun, adventurous romp that complements the historical intrigue of Wild Wild Country.
6. The Family
The Family is a Netflix documentary series that investigates a secretive Christian group known as The Fellowship. Directed by Jesse Moss, it features interviews with former members and political insiders.
7. Waco
This miniseries dramatizes the 1993 standoff between the FBI and the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. It stars Taylor Kitsch as David Koresh and Michael Shannon as FBI negotiator Gary Noesner.
8. Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple
This documentary explores the tragic story of Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple, culminating in the mass suicide at Jonestown. Directed by Stanley Nelson, it features interviews with survivors and rare footage.
9. The Keepers
The Keepers is a true-crime documentary series that investigates the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a nun in Baltimore. The series uncovers a web of abuse and corruption within the Catholic Church.
10. The Path
This drama series follows a family involved in a controversial cult known as Meyerism. Starring Aaron Paul, Michelle Monaghan, and Hugh Dancy, it explores themes of faith, loyalty, and power.
11. American Experience: Ruby Ridge
This documentary examines the 1992 standoff between the Weaver family and federal agents at Ruby Ridge. It provides a detailed account of the events and their impact on American militia movements.
12. The Devil Next Door
The Devil Next Door is a Netflix documentary series about John Demjanjuk, a Cleveland grandfather accused of being a notorious Nazi concentration camp guard. The series explores his trial and the search for justice.
13. Three Identical Strangers
This documentary tells the astonishing story of triplets separated at birth who find each other years later. Directed by Tim Wardle, it uncovers a shocking secret about their adoption.
14. The Imposter
The Imposter is a documentary about a French con artist who impersonates a missing Texas teenager. Directed by Bart Layton, it features interviews with the family and the imposter himself.
15. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
This HBO miniseries investigates the mysterious life of real estate heir Robert Durst. Directed by Andrew Jarecki, it combines interviews, reenactments, and Durst’s own words to unravel a series of unsolved crimes.
16. Tickled
Tickled is a documentary that begins with a light-hearted investigation into competitive endurance tickling but soon uncovers a dark and disturbing underworld. Directed by David Farrier and Dylan Reeve, it’s a bizarre and compelling watch.
17. The Act
This Hulu series dramatizes the true story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and the murder of her mother, Dee Dee. Starring Joey King and Patricia Arquette, it delves into themes of Munchausen syndrome by proxy and family secrets.
18. Abducted in Plain Sight
This documentary tells the shocking story of the Broberg family, whose daughter was kidnapped twice by a family friend. Directed by Skye Borgman, it’s a disturbing look at manipulation and betrayal.
19. The Staircase
The Staircase is a documentary series that follows the trial of Michael Peterson, accused of murdering his wife, Kathleen. Directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, it offers an in-depth look at the American judicial system.
20. Evil Genius
This Netflix documentary series investigates the bizarre and tragic case of the “pizza bomber” heist. Directed by Barbara Schroeder, it delves into the complex web of conspiracies and criminal minds behind the crime.
