by JC Farris
As a lifelong horror fan and filmmaker, I enjoy delving deeper into horror cinema through documentaries. They provide essential insights for filmmakers and an exciting sneak peek behind the curtain for any horror fan. Access has become challenging with the increasing prices of streaming services (along with everything else). To address this, I have scoured the internet
for free horror documentaries. The appreciation and preservation of documentary films deserve just as much respect as narrative films. It’s important to talk about them and support them. Let’s spread the love!
Below is a list of 20 documentaries about the making of horror films, horror film icons, or an exploration into subgenres of horror. These films are made by a variety of creators, ranging from experienced filmmakers to horror fans. I hope you’ll find these films enlightening, educational, and enjoyable. Who knows, they might even help you win at your next trivia night!
You can find these films on YouTube, Tubi, or Kanopy. Tubi is a free streaming service accessed online or through streaming players. Kanopy is likewise a free on-demand streaming video platform accessed online or through streaming players using your library card.
Consider visiting your local library to borrow films; it’s free and supports your community. Even just getting a library card can help.
Happy viewing!
Pennywise: The Story of It (2021)
An in-depth look at the 1990 TV horror series based on Stephen King’s novel IT. This documentary features interviews with many of the key players.
Available on: Tubi and Kanopy
Re-Resonator: Looking Back at From Beyond (2023)
Interviews from the cast and crew regale their behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the 1986 film From Beyond. This doc goes deep into the special effects, composing, editing, writing, acting, and other such treats.
Available on: YouTube
Phil Tippett: Mad Dreams and Monsters (2019)
Considered one of the greatest stop motion and visual effects artist in history, this doc chronicles Phil Tippett’s life and work from his time on huge blockbusters to his more personal films.
Available on: Tubi and Kanopy
Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story (2022)
A unique peak into the life and career of Robert Englund, a classically trained actor and director who became a horror icon.
Available on: Tubi and Kanopy
Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street (2019)
A brave and intimate look into actor Mark Patton who shares the story of his life and the aftermath of starring in 1985’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge.
Available on: Tubi
Living With Chucky (2022)
Filmmaker Kyra Elise Gardner explores the enduring appeal of the Child’s Play franchise and its iconic killer doll Chucky while also delving into her experience of growing up with her father as
the film’s animatronic effects supervisor.
Available on: Tubi and Kanopy
Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror (2021)
Featuring over 200 films and over 50 interviews, this doc explores the phenomenon and history of folk horror in cinema.
Available on: Kanopy
Room 237 (2012)
This documentary explores the numerous theories about the hidden meanings and messages within Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film The Shining.
Available on: Kanopy
Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on the Exorcist (2019)
A cinematic essay on The Exorcist, explores uncharted depths of William Friedkin’s mind, the nuances of his filmmaking process, and the mysteries of faith and fate that have shaped his life and filmography.
Available on: Kanopy
Machete Maidens Unleashed! (2010)
This documentary highlights Filipino genre films of the ‘70s and ‘80s. A look into films where more relaxed labor practices afforded filmmakers to quickly churn out cheap exploitation films.
Features interviews with cult movie icons like Roger Corman, Joe Dante, John Landis, Sid Haig, Eddie Romero, with a jaw-dropping story to tell about filmmaking with no budget, no scruples, no boundaries, and – more often than not – no clothes.
Available on: YouTube
Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth (2000)
A dive into the stories behind the making and fallout of the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre film. Interviews from the director, actors, and several crew members.
Available on: YouTube and Tubi
King on Screen (2022)
More than 50 directors have adapted the master of horror’s books, in more than 80 films and series, making him the most adapted author still alive in the world. This documentary is an inside look at the directors who’ve adapted Stephen King’s work for screen.
Available on: Kanopy
Memory: The Origins of Alien (2019)
An in-depth look into the sci-fi masterpiece 1979 film Alien with the visionary filmmakers who created it. See how one of the most terrifying movies of all time burst to life 40 years ago,
inspired by ancient mythology and our universal fears.
Available on: Kanopy
Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster (2021)
This documentary examines the illustrious 60-year career in the entertainment industry and the enduring legacy of horror icon Boris Karloff.
Available on: Tubi
Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini (2015)
The story of iconic horror film special effects artist, Tom Savini, whose genre-defining creations and work earned him the title of ‘The King of Splatter.’
Available on: Tubi
Birth of the Living Dead (2013)
The story of a college drop-out who went to Pittsburgh, gathered real townspeople to help make Night of the Living Dead, and put zombies on the map.
Available on: Tubi and Kanopy
I Heart Monster Movies (2012)
An honest, behind-the-scenes view into horror fans’ obsessions, fears, ethos, and philosophies, revealing what really draws them into the macabre. Includes several celebrity interviews
including Sid Haig, Tom Savini, Doug Bradley, Bill Moseley, Dee Wallace, and many others regarding their work in horror films and their experiences with fans.
Available on: Tubi
78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene (2017)
In 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s film Psycho changed film history forever with its taboo-shattering shower scene. With 78 camera set-ups and 52 edits over the course of 3 minutes, Psycho redefined screen violence and set the stage for decades of slasher films to come.
Available on: Kanopy
The Horror Crowd (2020)
A revealing, intimate documentary from veteran actor-insider Ruben Pla who spotlights the Hollywood horror community, covering such wide-ranging topics as Women In Horror, Race Relations, Being The Weird Kid, Sparking The Imagination, Helping Each Other, Film Festivals,
and The Dark Side.
Available on: YouTube and Kanopy
The Witches of Hollywood (2020)
A study of the witch archetype in Hollywood cinema from the 1930s to modern day with an emphasis on the “danger” a woman having such power presents.
Available on: Tubi
JC Farris is a Chicago-based filmmaker and screenwriter. Her work often delves into classism, gender inequality, fear, and injustice, with a focus on transformation and healing. With experience across film, theatre, improv, and festivals, JC has also honed her craft through several industry labs and competitions. Her interest lies in women-driven horror and sci-fi. She is a screener for film festivals and provides script analysis for competitions. Learn more about JC Farris here!
NightTide Magazine 
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