Favorite Horror Documentaries
Updated: 1/11/13
List activity
3.9K views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
65 titles
- DirectorAlex StapletonStarsRoger CormanMartin ScorseseQuentin TarantinoA documentary on DIY producer/director Roger Corman and his alternative approach to making movies in Hollywood.
- DirectorLaurent BouzereauStarsSteven SpielbergPeter BenchleyDavid BrownExcellent and very detailed documentary on the making of a classic. Filled with appealing trivia, exhaustive interviews with cast and crew members, and never before seen footage.
- DirectorElijah DrennerStarsRobert ForsterEric SchaeferEddie MullerA documentary about the history of exploitation movies, from the silent-film era to the 1970s.
- DirectorMark HartleyStarsPhillip AdamsGlory AnnenChristine AmorThe story of the Australian exploitation genre cinema of 1970s and 80s.
- DirectorChris SmithStarsMark BorchardtMike SchankTom SchimmelsDocumentary about an aspiring filmmaker's attempts to finance his dream project by finally completing the low-budget horror film he abandoned years before.
- StarsHilarie Burton MorganMartin ScorseseJennifer TillyFilm-makers, performers, genre authorities and selected high-profile fans count down the most chilling moments in cinematic history. Not just from horror films, but from such thrillers as Wait Until Dark (1967) and Jaws (1975) and such science-fiction films as The Terminator (1984) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). This entertaining and authoritative special, originally telecast for 5 nights leading up to Halloween 2004, has gone beyond seasonal programming to become one of the Bravo cable network's most popular and oft-encored specials.
- DirectorLeon FergusonStarsMark KermodeDario ArgentoJohn CarpenterDocumentary that explores Argento's film career.
- DirectorTed HaimesStarsKevin SpaceyJonathan DemmeAlfred HitchcockThis documentary is a fascinating look at the cinematic genius of Alfred Hitchcock. Briefly covering much of his early British works, the film primarily focuses on his American classics, such as "Shadow of a Doubt", "Notorious", "Rear Window", "Vertigo", "Psycho" and "The Birds". The movie also covers his television years and neatly examines the Hitchcock signature touches, from his inevitable brief cameo to his famous MacGuffin. Kevin Spacey narrates, and there are interviews with his delightful daughter Pat as well as such film directors as Brian De Palma, Jonathan Demme, Curtis Hanson, Robert Altman, Ronald Neame and Peter Bogdanovich, along with cast and crew members Tippi Hedren, Joseph Stefano, Norman Lloyd, Robert F. Boyle, Teresa Wright and Janet Leigh.
- DirectorStanley SheffStarsDavid Del ValleVincent PriceVincent Price is one of the most beloved stars Hollywood ever saw. His extraordinary career spanned over five decades, and covered every media: film, television, radio, theater. Although best known as a horror movie star, Price's own immeasurable charm and warmth was always reassuring, always compelling. The centerpiece of this program is a 62 minute interview of Vincent Price conducted in 1987 by film historian David Del Valle. Also included are two complete TV programs highlighting Vincent Price's television career--"Half Hour to Kill: Freedom to Get Lost" (1958, 30 min.) and "Shindig!: The Wild Weird World of Dr. Goldfoot" (1965, 30 min.). "Three Skeleton Key" (1958, 30 min.), a radio drama from the series "Escape," rounds out the collection--truly a Vincent Price fan's dream!
- DirectorDavid J. SkalStarsDavid J. SkalRon PalumboChris CostelloA behind the scenes documentary by Universal studios about the movie Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948).
- DirectorGary HertzStarsDario ArgentoEva AxénJoan Bennett
- DirectorKevin BurnsStarsJack PalanceCassandra Peterson"Monster Mania" traces the evolution of horror films, featuring footage from classic and contemporary favorites.
- DirectorStuart SamuelsStarsJohn WatersBen BarenholtzAlejandro JodorowskyFrom 1970-1977, six low budget films shown at midnight transformed the way we make and watch films.
- DirectorDavid J. SkalStarsRudy BehlmerDavid J. SkalIan McKellenA detailed look at the making of the classic horror film and it's sequels by film historian Rudy Behlmer.
- DirectorMichael MatessinoStarsJohn CarpenterDavid FosterBill LancasterA revealing and insightful look into the making of this underrated horror film.
- DirectorStefan HutchinsonStarsP.J. SolesIrwin YablansMoustapha AkkadA retrospective documentary about the Halloween films.
- DirectorAdam SimonStarsGeorge A. RomeroJohn CarpenterTom SaviniAn examination into the nature of 1960s-'70s horror films, the artists involved, and how they reflected contemporary society.
- DirectorJason Paul CollumStarsLinnea QuigleyBrinke StevensMichelle BauerThree actresses "accidentally" became cult horror film icons in the late 1980s and created the modern interpretation of the "Scream Queen" image.
- DirectorBarbara BrancaccioJoshua ZemanStarsJoshua ZemanBarbara BrancaccioBill EllisRealizing that the urban legend of their youth has actually come true, two filmmakers delve into the mystery surrounding five missing children and the real-life boogeyman linked to their disappearances.
- DirectorDaniel FarrandsStarsNatalie AdamsDiane AlmeidaErich AndersonA documentary exploring 30 years of the "Friday The 13th" film series featuring all new interviews with cast and crew from all 12 films and various horror fans and filmmakers.
- DirectorKevin BrownlowStarsKenneth BranaghForrest J. AckermanMichael F. BlakeLon Chaney, the silent movie star and makeup artist, renowned for his various characterizations and celebrated for his horror films, becomes the subject of this documentary.
- DirectorRick MarchesanoJohn SimmonsStarsDario ArgentoCharles BandWes CravenA documentary about the works of novelist Stephen King and his influence on popular culture and his impact on horror film and novels. Portions of this documentary were repackaged and released as "This is Horror", released in 1989.
- DirectorDavid GregoryStarsMatthew BellRobert A. BurnsTobe HooperA documentary primarily focusing on the filming and release of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
- DirectorToby KeelerStarsPatricia ArquetteAngelo BadalamentiRobert BlakeFrom an early age, David Lynch was inspired by the arts and the warm inner glow that comes with the pursuit of creative expression. "Pretty as a Picture:The Art of David Lynch" examines how this modern day Renaissance man makes a motion picture, and examines, through his artistic explorations, the very nature of creativity.
- DirectorJoe BerlingerBruce SinofskyStarsTony BrooksDiana DavisTerry WoodA horrific triple child murder leads to an indictment and trial of three nonconformist boys based on questionable evidence.
- DirectorPerry MartinStarsGeorge A. RomeroRichard P. RubinsteinDario ArgentoFeature documentary produced for the "Dawn of the Dead : Ultimate Edition" DVD set which profiles both the film and the career of director George A. Romero. Includes extensive interviews with all principle cast members and production personel.
- DirectorDavid J. SkalStarsCarla LaemmleClive BarkerBob MadisonA look at the history of the infamous vampire Dracula, and how the original 1931 film came to be.
- DirectorJeffrey SchwarzStarsDavid Del ValleAnthony TimponeMark BorchardtA documentary on the history of the Friday the 13th films.
- DirectorMalcolm LeoAndrew SoltStarsDan AykroydJohn CandyCheech MarinPopular comedians watch and give comments about the worst and silliest films from Hollywood.
- StarsLesley BannatyneCandice BergenJamie Lee CurtisThe origins of Halloween are explored in this engrossing program on the subject. A ghoulish array of costumes, make up, and decoration descend on communities every year on October 31st, but few people are aware of how the celebration came to exist. Harry Smith attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery in THE HAUNTED HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN, which delves into the 3,000 years of hoopla that traditionally unfolds when October comes around. As the history is explained, so are various failed attempts to co-opt the festival by various religious groups; but the most compelling revelation is how little the festival has changed over the centuries. A marvelous way to gain a historical perspective on this entertaining holiday, Smith's program is almost as fun as carving a pumpkin, donning a spooky costume, and undertaking a little trick or treating! (Sourced from Metadata)
- DirectorSarah KellyStarsRick StriblingKen BondyAmy Minda CohenA documentary about the production of From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and the people who made it.
- DirectorMark HartleyStarsRoger CormanJohn LandisPete TombsA fast moving odyssey into the subterranean world of the rarely explored province of Filipino genre filmmaking.
- DirectorBrad ShelladyStarsJohn DuganJim SiedowEdwin NealA documentary about the classic 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' film, including interviews with Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal, John Dugan and Jim Seidow.
- DirectorJohn E. HudgensStarsMike PriceJoseph FotinosGeorge Chastain"American Scary" is a 2006 documentary look at horror hosting in the USA.
- StarsBill MumyCassandra PetersonForrest J. AckermanAn hour of gargantuan gorillas, deadly dinosaurs, one-eyed giants & colossal beasts!
- DirectorLarry O'ReillyStarsPeter RobertsThis short film examines the role in mid-20th century America of superstitions, personal rituals, taboos, talismans, and the black arts.
- 20091h 36mUnrated7.1 (2.9K)DirectorAndrew MonumentStarsLance HenriksenLarry CohenJoe DanteAn exploration of the appeal of horror films, with interviews of many legendary directors in the genre.
- DirectorGarry S. GrantCharles PreeceStarsMark KermodeTim LucasFabrizio BavaDocumentary that explores Bava's film career.
- DirectorLaurent BouzereauStarsStephen KingKevin McCarthyDana WynterAuthor Stephen King discusses the various types of horror films and why they are so popular with moviegoers.
- DirectorDonna DaviesStarsGeorge A. RomeroTom SaviniGreg NicoteroA documentary that gives us a panoramic through the zombie movies, with footage about the main peaks in the gender.
- DirectorDavid J. SkalStarsJoe DanteChristopher BramScott MacQueenDocumentary about the making of 1935's "Bride of Frankenstein."
- DirectorTed NewsomStarsBud AbbottLouise AllbrittonBarry AndrewsA history of the famous vampire of books and movies, using film clips, previews and other methods.
- DirectorLaurent BouzereauStarsAbigail BreslinEric BrevigRory CulkinNearly every possible aspect of fimmaking used to produce the motion picture Signs (2002) is closely examined here. This serves as a good companion to the film, normally where a commentary track would. Though it does feature a portion of promotional value, it is still very informative and interesting to watch director M. Night Shyamalan at work.
- DirectorGeorge RatliffStarsAria AdlooAshley AdlooAmy AllredEach Halloween, youth members of Trinity Church, Texas construct a 'Hell House'; a modern-day fire-and-brimstone sermon, presented in the form of a haunted house, seen by over 10,000 visitors each year.
- DirectorMichael FelsherStarsDaniel PearlTim HardenEdwin NealA multi-storied look into the making of and long-lasting success of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE.
- DirectorBarry GrayStarsUwe BollEverett BurrellJohn CarpenterThe sound of flapping bat wings, an empty coffin, glistening fangs, tiny punctures on the neck, the sensual taste of blood, a blank reflection, fear of the cross, and death from daylight. These are the creatures of the night, and as legendary (but fictional) vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing exclaimed: "Gentlemen, we are dealing with the undead!" Perhaps the most enduring film genre of all time, vampire films continue to haunt us on the big screen. Why are we fascinated with the myth of these immortal souls? Could it be the living forever part, or perhaps the fact that they have an unearthly sexual attraction to both males and females? Whatever it is, audiences around the world can't seem to get enough of them.
- DirectorJeffrey SchwarzStarsJessica BielJonathan TuckerErica LeerhsenFeature length documentary about the making of the 2003 film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
- DirectorJeff McQueenStarsEd GreenWes CravenJohn CarpenterA documentary on the history of the slasher film.
- DirectorChristopher P. GaretanoStarsRay AdellMark BorchardtRon AtkinsTake a walk on the scary side with guerrilla horror filmmakers and the bizarre culture that drives them to pursue their dreams. In 2003, filmmaker Christopher P. Garetano began what would become a two-year journey to discover what possesses people to become horror filmmakers. Armed with nothing but a camera and a microphone, Chris traveled all over the United States to visit independent filmmakers on and off their sets. In Horror Business, you will witness that quest unfold and meet some truly independent filmmakers including Mark Borchardt (American Movie) and Dave Gebroe (Zombie Honeymoon), along with monster movie personalities like Herschell Gordon Lewis (Blood Feast), Joe Bob Briggs (cult film critic and author), and Sid Haig (Foxy Brown, The Devils Rejects). This timeless essay of popcorn-generation nostalgia and behind-the-scenes moments just may prove "movie making really is no way to spend a life!"
- DirectorMark Patrick CarducciStarsForrest J. AckermanCarl AnthonyStephen C. ApostolofA documentary detailing the making of the infamous "Plan 9 From Outer Space," and interviews with cast members and prominent filmmakers about the film and its creator, Edward D. Wood Jr.
- DirectorDavid J. SkalStarsDavid J. SkalRudy BehlmerSara KarloffThis is a documentary on the making of the masterpiece "Frankenstein" from 1931. Every aspect of the above movie is covered and detailed. From the initial involvement from director Robert Florey and Bela Lugosi to the eventual casting of Boris Karloff, this is a thoroughly entertaining and insightful documentary.
- DirectorDavid J. SkalStarsScott MacQueenSusanna FosterCarla LaemmleA home video extra to Universal's 1943 remake of "Phantom of the Opera". This documentary, directed by David J. Skal and hosted by Scott MacQueen, cover the 1925 Lon Chaney film and the 1962 Hammer iteration. It also shows clips for various other Universal films, including the Phantom reworking "The Climax" (1944) and other movies that reused the 1925 opera auditorium set or are somehow tangentially related and sold by Universal. There's too some rare clips from the 1930 sound reissue of the 1925 silent version.
- DirectorSteve PurcellNeil SteinbergStarsGeorge HamiltonForrest J. AckermanSamuel Z. Arkoff"Heartstoppers: Horror at the Movies" was a television documentary special on horror and science fiction movies from the past up to the 1990s.
- DirectorMike MendezDave ParkerStarsDario ArgentoBruce CampbellJohn CarpenterMore clips from horror movies, plus interviews with other horror legends.
- DirectorChris RodleyStarsSaskia ReevesMichael PowellLeo MarksA documentary about the film Peeping Tom (1960). How and why it was made, how the uniformly bad reaction from the critics at the time affected everybody concerned and how it is regarded now. Interviews with the cast and writer and with film critics past and present. Older critics still try to justify their bad reviews, some referring to it as a "snuff movie" despite the fact that the only death we see is that of the killer. It was released just as writer 'Leo Marks' was about to publish his autobiography of his time in SOE so there is quite a bit about wartime influences on the study of fear.
- DirectorRobert WeaverA documentary about movie monsters.
- DirectorRoy FrumkesStarsGeorge A. RomeroSusan TyrrellNicole PotterA documentary about George A. Romero's films, with a behind scenes look at Dawn of the Dead.
- StarsChristopher LeeRoger CormanHugh HefnerClips from Horror Films.
- DirectorAndrew J. KuehnStarsDonald PleasenceNancy AllenFred Asparagus"Terror in the Aisles" is a compilation of scenes from many science fiction, crime drama and horror movies of the 1930s through 1980s.
- DirectorMichele SoaviStarsDario ArgentoRomano AlbaniFiore ArgentoDocumentary on horror/mystery film maker Dario Argento. Features an in-depth interview with Argento and covers his work from 1969 to 1985.
- DirectorMichael EmersonStarsJohn CarpenterGlenn CloseScott Glenn
- DirectorBret WoodStarsRod SteigerExplores the sources of our fears and reveals the birth of the frightful conventions from which the modern-day horror movie has evolved, including the menacing shadows of the German Expressionists.