From Terrifying, To Heartwarming – 15 Documentaries For When You Want To Be Scared Or Need To Be Uplifted
buzzfeed.com
5 min read
From Terrifying, To Heartwarming – 15 Documentaries For When You Want To Be Scared Or Need To Be Uplifted
A good documentary can be a great way to spend an evening. They can be fascinating, terrifying, or incredibly fun.
Sometimes we may want to be gripped by a harrowing event, and other times we’re looking for a cathartic, uplifting experience. So, with that in mind, here are seven disturbing documentaries and eight others that are lovely, emotional, and uplifting:
Warning: The first eight points discuss documentaries with disturbing content including sexual crimes and other horrific acts. If you want to skip to the lighter ones, they begin at point eight.
1. The Act of Killing
Dogwoof PicturesThis brave yet devastating documentary focuses on the inpiduals involved in the genocidal killings of the ’60s in Indonesia. It looks back on the harrowing events in conversation with one of the primary perpetrators, Anwar Congo, who is said to have personally killed over a thousand people.
Where to watch: Peacock
Have a look at the trailer here:
BBC OneThis harrowing documentary covers the child abuse ring in Rochdale and the surrounding towns from the mid-2000s to mid-2010s. It features the testimonies of the victims, and reveals shocking truths about the crimes and who was involved.
Where to watch: Youtube
Have a look here:
NetflixThis documentary looks into the wife of one of France’s most notorious and disturbing criminals. It reveals her roles in Michel Fourniret’s predatorial and murderous crimes from the 1980s to 2000s, and examines how she actively assisted him in his evil acts.
Where to watch: Netflix
Have a look here:
Channel FiveAs you may have guessed, this doc focuses on Issei Sagawa, who walked free after killing and eating a 25-year-old woman. To add to the disturbing crimes, the documentary explores the minor fame he received after being released from an asylum in Japan.
Where to watch: Youtube, Mubi
5. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills
HBOThis film, and the subsequent two follow-ups, cover the trials of the West Memphis Three – three men, who were accused of murdering and mutilating three boys in West Memphis in 1993. The film includes interviews with people close to the case, including the victim’s families, the accused’s families, and members of the police department.
Where to watch: DirectTV
Here’s the trailer:
LionsgateThis film documents the capture and slaughter of dolphins in Japan as it exposes, with gruesome footage, the brutal 400-year-old practice that has been condemned by activists. There was some backlash concerning the depiction of Japanese people, but the director refuted these criticisms.
Where to watch: Peacock, Hulu
Here’s the trailer
Cinema PurgatorioThe documentary begins with a look into the urban legend of ‘Cropsey’ – a sort of boogeyman figure from New York. It then goes into examining the child kidnapper, sex offender, and suspected murderer, Andre Rand and his crimes from the ’70s and ’80s.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Here’s the trailer:
Focus FeaturesThis film takes you through the life and philosophy of Fred Rodgers, the beloved host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It tells the story of what Fred was like as a person and his guiding legacy as a role model. The film is a touching and powerful insight into the life of someone who had such an impact on America.
Where to watch: Netflix
Have a look here:
NetflixIt’s a well-known one, but if you haven’t seen it and are in the mood to laugh and cry, it’s a good one to watch. We follow the incredible story of a filmmaker as he is taught about loyalty and friendship by an octopus he finds while ping in a kelp forest.
Where to watch: Netflix
Check it out here:
Gravitas VenturesThis incredibly well-made documentary follows the unique story of Steve Glew. During a time when Pez dispensers were extremely expensive, Steve took it upon himself to smuggle them in from Eastern Europe and sell them. He even made a small fortune, until the disgruntled powers that be got involved.
Where to watch: Netflix
Look at the trailer:
NetflixFor all food lovers, Chef’s Table is a go-to series for an in-depth look into the lives and processes of some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. It spans different cuisines and techniques – from the traditional to the extravagant – while also focusing on the chef’s personal lives and the communities which bind them to their location. It’s always an easy watch, but maybe not one to do on an empty stomach.
Where to watch: Netflix
Watch the trailer:
Magnolia PicturesThis film documents the life of comedian, actor, and writer, Gilda Radner using her diaries, home movies, and recordings to show how she lived her life. We hear from friends of the SNL star including Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, and Mellissa McCarthy, while capturing her spirit in a truly elegant way.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Take a look here:
Le PacteThis documentary follows the late French director, Agnès Varda, and artist JR as they travel around rural France becoming an unlikely, but lovable duo. On their travels, they create portraits of the people they meet, and each share their experiences. It’s a moving and uplifting documentary.
Where to watch: AMC+
Take a look:
Cinema VThis fun, laid-back documentary follows Mike Hynson and Robert August on a surf trip around the world. On their trip, they discover surf spots and introduce the sport to locals they meet along the way. It’s a happy, fun, and pleasant one to put on for surfers and non-surfers alike.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Have a look:
StudioCanalWhile certain aspects of this documentary about the singer Rodriguez have been called into question, particularly some specific omissions about the singer’s career – it’s still worth a watch. It follows two avid fans on a quest to find out what happened to the singer once touted as the new Dylan. It’s fun, emotional, political, and certainly interesting.
Where to watch: Max
Here’s the trailer:
NetflixThis nature documentary revolves around the courting and mating rituals of exotic birds – how they dance, display, or build bowers in order to secure a mate. It’s narrated by Stephen Fry and is an easy, fun watch that’ll keep you interested and entertained.
Where to watch: Netflix
Have a look here:
View this video on YouTube
If you’ve got any more disturbing OR uplifting docs to recommend, leave a comment below!
Related News & Content
-
Use wp.media templates to create totally custom modal
Use wp.media templates to create totally custom modal,Following up on this answer I'm trying to determine how to create a modal with completely unique menu items/content than the media modal. If you add a new state you can add a new menu tab and hav... -
Get post by tag
Get post by tag,I want to get several post by tag. So I try to use get_posts() function: <?php $args = array( 'numberposts' => '3', 'post_status' => 'publish', 'tag' => 'travel' ); $ -
Elementor + ACF: How to insert dynamic JSON-LD formatted code into ACF field without sanitizing the script tag?
Elementor + ACF: How to insert dynamic JSON-LD formatted code into ACF field without sanitizing the script tag?,On a normal website, I am able to add JSON-LD structured data, such as below, into a Elementor HTML widget, in a proper way. However, as soon as I insert JSON-LD format into an ACF field (Textarea)... -
Gutenberg InnerBlocks noallowedblocks on parent but allowedblock on Child
Gutenberg InnerBlocks noallowedblocks on parent but allowedblock on Child,This is a continuation of the following post: Custom Gutenberg block with nested InnerBlocks renderAppender not displaying add button I solved one problem but created a different problem. I'm recr... -
Delay Issue: Using Wget with JSON Endpoint – Need Help Understanding Headers
Delay Issue: Using Wget with JSON Endpoint – Need Help Understanding Headers,On a WooCommerce website, I have a REST endpoint created with register_rest_route that returns a JSON response. To perform a routine with a certain frequency and urgency, I have added this instruct... -
How do I change top header background color
How do I change top header background color,Please refer to website: https://virginiafrank.com I cannot get the top header background color (or phone numbers) to change color. I would prefer the background gold and text black. I can't make t... -
How to display the_tags() as plain text
How to display the_tags() as plain text,the_tags by default is displaying as URL. I need to display it as plain text to insert inside HTML attribute. <?php $tag = the_tags(''); ?> <div class="image-portfolio" data-section... -
Give to site admin the option to "skip confirmation email" when adding new user
Give to site admin the option to "skip confirmation email" when adding new user,in wordpress multisite when we give to site admin the option to add new users, site admin dont have the "checkbox" to add the new user without sending the user email with link activation (see the -
Facing Hamas and Tehran, Israel is left with only vengeful madness | Opinion
Facing Hamas and Tehran, Israel is left with only vengeful madness | Opinion,Despite the Terrible Disaster on October 7, and the Failures It Exposed, Israel Is Still Convinced That the Image of the Mad Man Will Ensure Its Security -
I’ll Show You The Inside Of 12 Disney Homes, All You Have To Do Is Tell Me Which Movie They’re From
I'll Show You The Inside Of 12 Disney Homes, All You Have To Do Is Tell Me Which Movie They're From,I believe in you. -
Carol Kirkwood stuns in figure-hugging dress amid BBC Breakfast technical chaos
Carol Kirkwood stuns in figure-hugging dress amid BBC Breakfast technical chaos,CAROL Kirkwood stunned in a figure-hugging dress amid a technical blunder. BBC Breakfast was flung into chaos this morning after a string of sound issues. However Carol, 61, was all smiles as she p… -
Families ‘to sue prison’ where loud inmates ‘terrorise kids’ with screaming
Families 'to sue prison' where loud inmates 'terrorise kids' with screaming,Residents living next door to a new prison who say their kids have to sleep wearing headphones and some leave during weekends due to the racket are threatening to sue the prison service -
Doctor Strange’s Secret Wars Role May Be More Important Than You Thought – Looper
Doctor Strange's Secret Wars Role May Be More Important Than You Thought - Looper,According to entertainment leaker Alex Perez, Doctor Strange will find himself confronting his inner struggles as he headlines "Avengers: Secret Wars." -
I’ll Show You The Inside Of 12 Disney Homes, All You Have To Do Is Tell Me Which Movie They’re From
I'll Show You The Inside Of 12 Disney Homes, All You Have To Do Is Tell Me Which Movie They're From,I believe in you. -
Here’s to Our Favorite Tortured Poets
Here’s to Our Favorite Tortured Poets,Taylor Swift and her various modern idiots join a long line of pop-culture poets sanctimoniously performing soliloquies, from real-life figures (‘Shakespeare in Love’) to the fictional but equally tortured (‘Dead Poets Society’). -
‘What Jennifer Did’: Netflix doc explores shocking Ont. murder-for-hire case
'What Jennifer Did': Netflix doc explores shocking Ont. murder-for-hire case,Most of Jennifer Pan's entire life was made up of lies. When her parents began to catch on, she decided to bring in hired hitmen. -
What’s behind the lack of enthusiasm for this year’s music festivals?
What's behind the lack of enthusiasm for this year's music festivals?,The public sentiment about this year's crop of music festivals is an overwhelming "meh." There are good reasons for this. -
JERA backs AboitizPower’s plan to build offshore wind projects
JERA backs AboitizPower’s plan to build offshore wind projects,JERA Co. Inc., Japan’s largest power generation company, is willing to back Aboitiz Power Corp. should it decide to pursue offshore wind projects. -
Insurance penetration declines to 1.75% of GDP
Insurance penetration declines to 1.75% of GDP,The insurance industry saw its net income slightly decline to almost P10 billion in the first quarter amid a drop in the life segment.
Warning: file_get_contents(https://www.scienceradars.com/wp-output-content.php?pg=1&cat=&kw=&lvl=): Failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 526 in /home/wwwroot/xuenou.com/wp-content/themes/chromenews/template-parts/content.php on line 169
Warning: file_get_contents(https://www.bayuexiang.com/wp-output-content.php?pg=1&cat=&kw=&lvl=): Failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 526 in /home/wwwroot/xuenou.com/wp-content/themes/chromenews/template-parts/content.php on line 173
![iFi's GO Bar Kensei Dongle DAC Supports K2HD Technology With Some Samurai Swagger [Updated]](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.ecoustics.com/db0/wblob/17BA35E873D594/33FF/45A11/QTXOLJR4xDKSNMMk2WlTgjaIlvSgcYpeU1xJzUwIoYs/ifi-go-bar-kensei.jpg?w=768&ssl=1 "iFi's GO Bar Kensei Dongle DAC Supports K2HD Technology With Some Samurai Swagger [Updated]")
