Can’t get enough of horror documentaries? Me too! There is nothing quite like devouring behind-the-scenes stories or hearing an analysis of my favorite horror films. I love exploring how these films were made, listening to stories from the cast and crew about the production, and examining their deeper meaning. It truly adds a cherry on top of my horror film knowledge sundae.
Here are ten horror docuseries to sink your teeth into. Some focus on the creation of your beloved horror films, while others provide insightful analyses of them.
Note: some of these documentaries seem feature-length but were originally produced as docuseries, which is why they were included.
Happy viewing!
100 Years of Horror (1996)
This docuseries explores the history of horror movies from the earliest experimental chillers through the unforgettable Golden Age of movie monsters.
A must-see for horror fans. The series presents footage from many notable films and interviews with prominent actors, filmmakers, and various crew from the silent era up to the 1990s. I particularly enjoyed the clips from interviews of Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, who rarely made public appearances. As a bonus, you get to enjoy Christopher Lee as the host. Mmmm, that voice!
Available on Amazon Prime & The Roku Channel
Post Mortem with Mick Garris (2009)
Interviews with the titans of horror films.
A titan himself, filmmaker/author Mick Garris dives deep into the devious minds of the greatest filmmakers and creators of horror cinema. He does an incredible job with these interviews digging into the dark minds of these artists and keeping you captivated. He continues this series in his podcast with the same name so check that out too.
Available on YouTube
Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II (2015)
A documentary uncovering the history and the making of Clive Barker’s Hellraiser (1987) and Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988) films.
If you are a diehard Hellraiser fan, add this series to your list. This extensive documentary includes a ton of interviews. Unfortunately, Clive Barker and Ashley Laurence declined to be included, stating they were tired of talking about these films for so many years. However, there is a wealth of material covering fascinating stories behind the films’ production.
There are a few different versions of this documentary floating around the internet. According to IMDb, the total running time is 7 hours 56 minutes, but the versions found online and streaming are much shorter.
Available on Screambox & YouTube
You’re So Cool, Brewster! The Story of Fright Night (2016)
An 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.
Fright Night is one of my favorite horror films so I found this documentary particularly exciting. It features insightful interviews that share entertaining stories about the making of the films, including the challenges faced during production. My, my Stephen Geoffreys is truly a champ!
There is a companion book roaming around that is difficult to find. I managed to find one on eBay going for over $700, eek! If anyone finds this elsewhere, potentially at a lower price, please let me know.
Available on Screambox
Cursed Films (2020-2022)
A documentary series which explores the myths and legends behind some of Hollywood’s notoriously cursed film productions.
This docuseries offers a unique and intriguing perspective to the so-called ‘cursed’ films. We have all heard stories about certain films related to unethical filmmaking practices, on-set accidents, and deaths that appear to plague those involved. The filmmakers effectively debunk some of these ‘curses’ while providing a comprehensive examination of each incident. It’s an informative and entertaining experience that can be heartbreaking at times to watch.
Available on Shudder, AMC+, & Apple TV
Behind the Monsters (2021)
This series examines the horror icons who have broken free of the confines of the film from which they were born and become the stuff of legend.
You know these horror film icons well but there is always more to discover. This engaging and fun series explores our famous and beloved villains through the perspectives of the creators and actors who brought them to life. It delves into the social and pop culture significance of these characters and analyzes their lasting impact on horror history.
Available on Shudder, AMC+, & Apple TV
The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time (2022)
Master filmmakers and genre experts celebrate the most terrifying moments from the greatest horror films, exploring how these scenes were created and why they seared themselves into viewers’ brains.
This is a nostalgic treat for horror fans eager to revisit memorable moments from their favorite films. I have noticed some criticism online regarding spoilers, but honestly, it’s hard to avoid them when discussing the scariest scenes. So, be prepared to fast-forward or cover your ears if there are films you haven’t watched yet.
Available on Shudder, AMC+, & Apple TV
Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror (2022)
A documentary telling the story of LGBTQIA+ horror and the relationship between queer audiences and horror, and the queer horror community as a whole.
A unique series examining queer themes in horror, the historical context since the genre’s inception, the queer artists who helped shape it, and analyzing the subtext in horror films. There are wonderful points of discussion to take from this series. I’ve had a few fascinating conversations since its debut.
Note: If you enjoy this series, also check out the book ‘It Came from the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror’. It contains 25 essays of writers speaking about their relationship and connections to horror. A very worthwhile read.
Available on Shudder, AMC+, & Apple TV
Amityville: An Origin Story (2023)
This limited series is the first-ever elevated look at the strange alchemy of mass murder, 1970s paranormal obsession, and the explosion of the horror film genre that gave rise to The Amityville Horror sensation.
This series investigates the true-life crimes and ‘haunting’ that sparked the creation of the famous Amityville horror film franchise. Fans of horror, both fiction and non-fiction, will appreciate this series. Keep an open mind and come to your conclusion about the validity of the haunting.
Available on MGM+
Horror’s Greatest (2024)
Embark on a thrilling journey through the genre’s best with insights from the masterminds behind your favorite scares.
Horror experts celebrate the best of the genre: the giant monsters, essential Stephen King adaptations, the wildest Japanese horror films, and the funniest horror comedies. They explore films that both embrace and subvert tropes & clichés. The series gives insight from the masterminds behind your favorite scares.
Available on Shudder & AMC+
Horror documentaries dive into why we’re so drawn to what scares us, giving us a deeper, fascinating look into the roots of fear. They uncover horror’s history, the creators behind iconic films, and why the genre always seems to tap into our darkest anxieties and biggest thrills. Watching these docs is like getting insider knowledge on why we love horror—from exploring taboo topics to understanding how fear shapes us, these documentaries make horror feel more powerful, connecting, and exciting than ever. Essential viewing for anyone who loves a good scare and wants to know the “why” behind it all!
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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