Documentaries about cults and their moot practices are surely fascinating. There has been a surge in such projects in recent years. Furthermore, it looks like Netflix is one of the best makers of such feature films. The quality of their content is supreme, and they also fully analyze the situation the victims were in. Apart from being engaged in the story, they even interview people who fall prey to baleful cults.
According to Britannica, a cult is a bunch of people devoted to logic, an idea, or a person. Some of the most threatening cults were The Manson Family, Heaven’s Gate, Aum Shinrikyo, Children of God, The People’s Temple, etc. Several individuals lost their lives after being involved with these groups. Furthermore, the fallout is still felt to this day.
Here is a list of Netflix factual films about cults for fans of such projects.
Wild Wild Country
Released in 2018, Wild Wild Country showcased the exploits of an Indian guru named Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, aka Osho. One of these gurus’ communities was located in Wasco County, Oregon, US. Furthermore, this six-episodic documentary series focused on Osho’s one-time personal assistant, Ma Anand Sheela.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the synopsis of Wild Wild Country reads,
“When a dubious guru builds a utopian city in the Oregon desert, it causes a massive conflict with local herders. Furthermore, this feature film narrates the conflict, which led to the first bioterror attack in the United States and a massive case of illegal wiretapping. It is a pivotal but largely forgotten time in American cultural history that tested the country’s tolerance for the separation of church and state. Brothers Mark and Jay Duplass serve as executive producers on the series.”
Maclain Way and Chapman Way directed this documentary series. Moreover, the runtime of every episode is between 64 to 71 minutes.
Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator
Netflix released Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator in 2019. This 86-minute-long documentary showcased the exploits of an Indian-American yoga guru named Bikram Choudhury. He is a highly controversial figure who was accused of sexual assault. Furthermore, he was even accused of discrimination against racial and sexual minorities.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the synopsis of Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator reads,
“Filmmaker Eva Orner examines the dramatic rise and fall of hot yoga founder Bikram Choudhury. Orner covers many of the details addressed in the podcast miniseries “30 for 30.”
Eva Orner directed this documentary. It starred Larissa Anderson, Francesca Asumah, and Sarah Baughn.
Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey
Released in 2022, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey showcased the exploits of the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This cult is a variation of mainstream Mormonism. Its current leader is the 68-year-old Warren Jeffs. Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey covered disturbing themes such as underage marriage and pregnancy.
According to Netflix’s official YouTube channel, the synopsis of Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey reads,
“An in-depth look into the secretive polygamous sect of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the rise of self-professed prophet Warren Jeffs. From forced underage marriage and pregnancy to a complete unraveling into an oppressive criminal cult under Warren Jeffs’ rule, the story uncovers extraordinary bravery battling tyrannical control in modern America.”
Grace McNally and Rachel Dretzin directed this documentary miniseries. Furthermore, it is one of the most-watched docuseries on the platform.
