Documentaries can sometimes be powerful tools that make us question everything that is going on in society.
Let’s be honest, guys. We all have watched documentaries that have made us wonder if something like that really happened in real life.
In fact, such incidents can sometimes stick with us for an extended period of time.
From shocking true crime stories to eye-opening investigations into social issues, these films have the power to shake us to our core and make us question everything we thought we knew.
Here are ten mind-bending documentaries that will leave you questioning the world around you.
But before that, disclaimer alert: This is my personal list, and your list can actually vary depending on your preferences.
1. John Wayne Gacy: Devil In Disguise (2021)
Imagine a friendly neighborhood clown who entertains children by day and commits unspeakable horrors by night.
This chilling documentary dives deep into the life of John Wayne Gacy.
Now, if you don’t know who John Gacy is, then let me tell you that he is one of America’s most notorious serial killers.
This awesome documentary is directed by Rod Blackhurst.
Director Rod Blackhurst takes us on a journey through Gacy’s double life. He explored how Gacy managed to evade suspicion for so long despite glaring warning signs.
Through interviews with Gacy himself and those affected by his crimes, the series paints a haunting picture of evil hiding in plain sight. As you watch, you’ll find yourself questioning the very nature of humanity and the masks we all wear.
2. The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann (2019)
On a warm May evening in 2007, three-year-old Madeleine McCann vanished from her family’s holiday apartment in Portugal. When the news broke, it instantly became a media sensation and attracted the media from around the world.
One of the people who got intrigued by hearing about this phenomenon was Director Chris Smith. So, in 2019, he decided to make a documentary to tell the people what really happened back there.
This eight-part series digs deep into this puzzling case. Furthermore, it also explores the various theories and suspects that have emerged over the years.
As you follow the investigation’s twists and turns, you’ll question the reliability of eyewitness accounts. You will also learn about the role of the media in such high-profile cases. In addition to that, you will also realize the lengths parents will go to find their missing child.
3. God Knows Where I Am (2016)
In an abandoned New Hampshire farmhouse, a woman’s body is discovered alongside a haunting diary.
This documentary focuses on the story of Linda Bishop, a well-educated mother whose battle with severe bipolar disorder led her to a tragic end.
And the sad tale of Linda was heard by, Directors Jedd and Todd Wider. Both the directors manages to create a longlasting impact on the mind of every viewer.
Through Linda’s own words, beautifully narrated by actress Lori Singer, we witness her descent into madness and her unwavering faith in divine intervention.
In fact, this documentary will leave you questioning society’s treatment of the mentally ill and the fine line between personal freedom and necessary intervention.
4. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez (2020)
Brace yourself for a heart-wrenching journey into one of the most shocking cases of child a*use in recent memory.
Director Brian Knappenberger’s series examines the tragic life and death of eight-year-old Gabriel Fernandez.
It’s tough to imagine that Gabriel suffered such unimaginable abuse at the hands of his own mother and her boyfriend.
As the documentary uncovers the systemic failures that allowed this tragedy to occur, you’ll find yourself questioning the effectiveness of child protective services.
Furthermore, it also makes us realize the responsibility we all share in protecting society’s most vulnerable members.
5. The Confession Tapes (2017)
“I did it.” Three simple words can seal a person’s fate. But what if those words were forced?
Kelly Loudenberg’s true crime series delves into cases where convicted murderers claim their confessions were false or coerced.
As you watch the psychological tactics used in interrogations, you’ll start to question the reliability of confessions.
In fact, by the end of this series, you start to realize how our justice system heavily relies on these confessions.
This series will leave you wondering: how many innocent people are behind bars due to false confessions?
6. The Death And Life Of Marsha P. Johnson (2017)
In 1992, the body of Marsha P. Johnson, a well-known figure in the gay rights movement, was found floating in the Hudson River.
Initially, Her death was ruled a su*cide, but many believed it was mu*der.
Director David France was also intrigued by this baffling case. So in 2017, he decided to make a documentary about it.
France’s documentary follows activist Victoria Cruz as she reopens this cold case, which uncovers new evidence. In fact, it also sheds light on the ongoing violence against trans women.
This powerful creation will make you question society’s treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and the value we place on seeking justice for marginalized communities.
7. Audrie & Daisy (2016)
In the age of social media, how do we protect our youth from the devastating effects of cyberbullying?
Directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk tackle this question head-on in their heart-wrenching documentary. It follows the life of two teenage girls who were se*ually assaulted and then tormented online.
As you follow the stories of Audrie Pott and Daisy Coleman, you’ll be forced to confront uncomfortable truths about ra*e culture, victim-blaming, and the dark side of technology.
8. 13th (2016)
Did you know that the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, contains a loophole that has been exploited for over 150 years?
Ava DuVernay’s powerful documentary explores how this clause has been used to perpetuate racial inequality in America’s prison system.
Through a series of eye-opening interviews and historical footage, 13th traces the evolution of racial oppression from the end of the Civil War to the present day.
This film will challenge everything you thought you knew about freedom and justice in America.
9. The Social Dilemma (2020)
We’re all addicted to our smartphones, but at what cost?
Jeff Orlowski-Yang’s documentary-drama hybrid features interviews with tech experts and former employees of major social media companies.
The documentary reveals the manipulative design behind these platforms.
As you learn about the psychological tactics used to keep us engaged, you’ll start to question your relationship with technology and the true price of “free” social media.
10. What the Health (2017)
Is everything you thought you knew about nutrition wrong?
Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn’s controversial documentary challenges conventional dietary wisdom, arguing that animal products are detrimental to human health.
Through interviews with doctors and health advocates, the film explores the influence of the meat and dairy industries on public health policies.
Whether you agree with its conclusions or not, What the Health will certainly make you question what’s really on your plate.
These ten documentaries offer a glimpse into our world’s complex, often troubling realities.
They challenge our assumptions, expose hidden truths, and force us to confront uncomfortable questions.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a mind-bending experience, skip the fiction and dive into one of these thought-provoking documentaries. Just be prepared – once you start questioning everything, there’s no turning back.