Documentary as a genre is king on streaming platforms. A single feature can steer the public’s view of any event, crime, or situation in a different direction in a matter of hours. At the same time, there are a lot of scary documentaries no one has heard about before, produced by independent filmmakers and journalists, that offer a fresh perspective despite the limited resources.
In this list, we’re focusing on the scary documentary movies that surpass true crime episodes and horror movies in suspense.
Breaking The Silence: Victims Of Abuse (2017)
#SocialIssues #DomesticViolence
Directed by: Alex Zinzopoulos
Starting with a genuinely horrifying feature, and not in an entertaining kind of way. This documentary tells about five courageous young women sharing their stories of overcoming childhood abuse and neglect. Their narratives shed light on the complexities of abuse and its ripple effects on families, communities, and future generations.
Breaking the Silence is a call to action that illuminates the voices of survivors of childhood abuse and sexual trauma. Through powerful interviews, it reveals the impact of systemic neglect—and the path to healing, recovery, and collective awareness.
KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau (2023)
#Historical #EducationalDocumentary
Directed by: Anonymous
Such a heavy topic is rarely approached in a raw and amateur way, but still in a very hard-hitting way. This film is merely a recording of an on-site lecture about the Dachau concentration camp from the years of WWII, narrated by the guide in English. Nothing more, nothing less. You’re a silent spectator from the crowd? Presented with the inner workings of hell on earth.
Here’s the synopsis from the author, explaining the production process and the idea behind it:
In 2023, I went to Dachau. I just wanted to record a little of what Stephanie was saying, but I was just so moved by her words, I made this a film from the 2 hours of lecture this amazing person did. I hope you enjoyed it, and sorry for the bad audio. This was not meant to be a short film”.
Beyond the Legend: Mothman (2023)
#Paranormal #Mystery Documentary
Directed by: Cora Anne
Finally, a classic scary documentary movie about an urban legend you’ve probably heard of. If you’re into creepy stories and mysterious creatures, this short documentary dives into the eerie Mothman legend that haunted West Virginia in the 1960s.
Back then, residents began reporting sightings of a large, winged creature with glowing red eyes. Descriptions of the creature varied, but it was often described as being humanoid, with a wingspan of over 10 feet, and was often seen flying or lurking near abandoned buildings and power lines. These sightings sparked widespread fear and intrigue, especially when they seemed to coincide with a series of mysterious events and tragedies, including the collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967, which killed 46 people. Many locals believed the Mothman was a harbinger of doom, signaling the impending disaster.
While the documentary gives a quick overview of the strange happenings, it definitely leaves you wanting to learn more about this cryptid and its place in folklore.
Nuclear Waste (2012)
#Experimental #EnviromentalIssues
Directed by: Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi
Mostly silent and set in the hauntingly quiet Chernobyl exclusion zone, which exists to this day, this film follows Sergiy and Sveta as they navigate their daily routines amidst the remnants of a nuclear disaster. Their lives are marked by a relentless rhythm, shaped by the radioactive environment they inhabit. The film offers a stark portrayal of life in a post-apocalyptic setting, highlighting themes of survival, monotony, and the long-lasting impacts of nuclear fallout.
Fugura (2015)
#ShortFilm #Silent
Directed by: Katarzyna Gondek
In this surreal short film, slightly reminiscent of the ‘creature feature’ genre, a colossal religious statue embarks on a journey across snowy landscapes, passing through towns and villages, until it reaches a hill adorned with various oddities. But even if the film is a satirical commentary on the creation of myths, religious iconography, and the human desire for grandeur, it’s a visually striking piece that blends absurdity with profound symbolism, inviting viewers to reflect on the intersections of faith, culture, and art.
Can you recognize the figure right away?
Dust Away (2022)
#ShortFilm #ImmigratonIssues
Directed by: Dea Gjinovci
This experimental documentary gives voice to undocumented Latin American immigrants who worked as cleaners in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Through a blend of personal testimonies and evocative imagery, the film explores their unrecognized labor, health struggles, and the lingering effects of their work. It’s a poignant meditation on sacrifice, invisibility, and the complexities of the American Dream.
This documentary isn’t scary per se, and offers more of a feeling kind of report rather than the informational one, with a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history. Rightfully so, it won “Best National Film” at 2017 Dokufest, received “Best New Talent” mentions at both ZagrebDox 2021 and Biografilm 2020.
Documentary Horror Movies You’ve Never Seen Before On UVOtv
UVOtv has a wider selection of documentary movies if you’re interested in topics outside of this selection. If you’re in the mood for more scary films to liven up your evening, feel free to browse UVOtv’s horror movies.
