Behind the Screams: Horror Docs to Keep the Spooky Vibes Going

Hello and welcome back to Hack or Slash University! Class is in session, and today we’re talking all about horror documentaries! If you recall, earlier this month, the faculty and staff of Hack or Slash U issued you an assignment (should you choose to accept it) to watch a horror documentary this month to get you primed and ready for the real deal next month.

But Chel, you may ask, why would I want to watch a documentary about a horror movie when I could just WATCH that movie? And I’d tell you…that’s Dean of the Damned to you, thank you. (Just kidding!) 

I’d actually tell you that while watching the movies is always great, especially when you’ve seen it enough times that you can identify and appreciate those finer details. Horror documentaries are meant to amplify the watching experience. They often give you the behind the scenes info about how the movies were made, their inspirations and even how the casts and crews of those films felt about being part of cinematic horror history. Take all of that context and then return to the original document and I bet you’ll find that movie, no matter how many times you’ve watched it before, looks a little different, often in a good or even better way!

Now that we have instilled in you a little context as to why horror documentaries ought to be part of a balanced horror movie diet, here are a few hand-picked suggestions to get you started!

• Crystal Lake Memories
  • Summary: This documentary is narrated by the original Tommy Jarvis, Cory Feldman, and goes through all of the Friday the 13th movies and sequels, along the way inviting the directors, actors, special effects artists and horror fans to give their takes and insights into the many entries into this franchise.
  • Runtime: 6 hours, 40 minutes
  • Currently Streaming: AMC+ ; Hoopla

• Never Sleep Again
  • Summary: Similar to “Crystal Lake Memories” this documentary covers all of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, including how Freddy’s fame surpassed the movie screen making him a pop culture icon. Also features leading stars like Robert Englund and Heather Langenkamp alongside other guest stars and directors who had a role in creating this franchise.
  • Runtime: 4 hours
  • Currently Streaming: Tubi

• Scream, Queen: My Nightmare on Elm Street
  • Summary: Also about NOES, this one focuses on Mark Patton, the star of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge, who faced struggles surrounding his sexuality and eventual illness following his starring role in the film.
  • Runtime: 1 hour, 39 minutes
  • Currently Streaming: Pluto; Tubi

• Doc of Chucky
  • Summary: A playful version of the comprehensive documentary format featuring the stars and creative minds behind the Child's Play / Chucky franchise as well as a look into how Chucky evolved from an evil doll to almost a comedic cult leader in later films.
  • Runtime: 4 hours, 55 minutes
  • Currently Streaming: AMC+ ; Shudder

• Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror
  • Summary: This documentary charts the highs and lows of Black representation in horror, in front of and behind the camera. This film features some of horror's greatest icons including Tony Todd, Keith David and Jordan Peele.
  • Runtime: 1 hour, 23 minutes
  • Currently Streaming: AMC+ ; Shudder

• Room 237
  • Summary: If watching The Shining wasn’t enough to drive you a little insane, then this documentary that covers the original story, the production and a whole slew of literary interpretations based on some of the movie’s most minute details will do it.
  • Runtime: 1 hour, 42 minutes
  • Currently Streaming: AMC+; Mubi; Plex; Pluto; Shudder; Tubi

• Pennywise: The Story of It
  • Summary: This documentary focuses mainly on the development and making of the 1990 “It” miniseries, including the return of its original cast and fans of the miniseries to talk about the cultural impact this miniseries has brought to horror fans in the 30+ years since its premiere. 
  • Runtime: 2 hours, 6 minutes
  • Currently Streaming: Prime Video; Hoopla; Roku; Tubi

Ok, class. Time to lock in, click “play” and dig a little deeper into your favorite horror movies! 

For a little extra credit, please submit your movie selection to the Horror Documentaries Discord Thread and share your thoughts and recommendations with your fellow classmates!