10 Documentaries So Disturbing They Will Leave You Shocked and Horrified!

True crime documentaries can be incredibly disturbing and leave a lasting impact on viewers. These documentaries delve into real-life crimes and often reveal the dark and disturbing aspects of human nature. If you're a fan of true crime, here are 10 documentaries that will leave you horrified:

1. Dreams of a Life: This documentary tells the story of Joyce Vincent, a young woman in her thirties who was a socialite and had a large network of friends. She was remembered as a vibrant and outgoing person who had a lot to look forward to, but for some unknown reason, she left her old life behind and moved to a new location. She cut off contact with her loved ones and enrolled herself in a shelter for victims of abuse. Her body was found in her apartment three years after her death, and no one knew how or why she died. The documentary attempts to answer some of the questions surrounding her mysterious death. The film uses a combination of interviews with friends, family, and people who knew her, as well as archive footage and reenactments to tell the story of Joyce's life and death. Through the film, viewers are given a glimpse into the life of a woman who appeared to have everything going for her, but ultimately met a tragic end.
2. Cropsey: This documentary is about a real-life boogeyman known as Cropsey, who was thought to be a legend by the children of Staten Island. However, he turned out to be a real person who was accused of kidnapping and murdering children. The documentary explores the impact of this case on the community and the individuals involved. The film takes a closer look at the legends and rumors that surrounded the case and how they influenced the investigation and the public's perception of the events. Through interviews with community members, law enforcement officials, and even the alleged perpetrator himself, the film provides a comprehensive look at a case that shook the community and left a lasting impact on those involved.
3. The Killing of America: This documentary looks at the high number of serial killers in America and the challenges of connecting victims to the same perpetrator due to lack of progress in forensic science. It also examines the impact of these killings on American culture and society. The film covers some of the most notorious serial killers in American history, including Charles Manson and Ted Bundy, and how they were able to evade capture for so long. The documentary also looks at the societal factors that may have contributed to the rise of serial killers in America, such as the breakdown of traditional values and the proliferation of violent media. Through interviews with experts and individuals who were directly impacted by these crimes, the film provides a sobering look at the darker side of American society.
4. Dear Zachary: This documentary tells the tragic story of a young boy, Zachary, and the events leading up to his murder at the hands of his father. The film, which was directed by Kurt Kuenne, is a personal tribute to his close friend Andrew Bagby, who was murdered by his ex-girlfriend, Shirley Turner. The film explores the legal system's handling of the case and the impact it had on Andrew's family. The documentary also delves into the mind of Turner and her actions leading up to the murder, as well as her trial and the subsequent events. It also examines the relationship between Andrew and his family, including his parents and his young son Zachary, for whom the film is dedicated. The film also critiques the legal system, highlighting the flaws in the system that allowed Turner to flee to Canada and avoid extradition, and the lack of support for the victims' families during the trial. The film has been praised for its emotional storytelling and its ability to bring awareness to the issues surrounding the case and the legal system.
5. Shoah: The documentary Shoah delves into the horror and tragedy of the Holocaust, specifically focusing on the Chelmno death camp in Poland. The film, which is in Hebrew, features interviews with survivors, perpetrators, and those who were involved in the events. With its powerful and emotional storytelling, Shoah has been widely acclaimed as a masterpiece by both critics and audiences. The film's title, Shoah, is a Hebrew word that means 'disaster' but has come to represent the Jewish genocide of the Holocaust. The term is often used in Hebrew-speaking communities in place of the Greek word 'Holocaust' which means 'sacrifice by fire'.
6. Imposter: The story of Nicholas Barclay's disappearance and eventual return is the focus of the documentary Imposter. At just thirteen years old, Nicholas vanished without a trace, leaving his family with little hope of ever finding him alive again. However, three years later, Nicholas returned, alive and well. But something was not quite right. The person who returned was not the same teenage boy that had disappeared, but a 23-year-old French man named Frédéric. The family appeared to accept him as their lost son, but how could they not realize that this was not their child? Imposter delves deep into this bizarre case to try and understand how such a deception could occur.
7. American Murder: The Family Next Door: The disappearance of Shanann Watts, her two young daughters Bella and Cece, and her unborn child, just days before the start of the school year, is the subject of the documentary American Murder: The Family Next Door. Shanann's friend Nichole contacted the police when Shanann failed to answer her calls or attend an important medical appointment. When Chris Watts returned home, he found his wife's wedding ring by the bed and her phone still in the house. He immediately appeared on television, pleading for help in finding his family. But what had really happened to this seemingly happy family? American Murder: The Family Next Door provides a chilling look into this case and the events that led to the tragic outcome.
8. Abducted in Plain Sight: is a documentary that delves into the shocking case of Jan Broberg, a 12-year-old girl who was kidnapped by a family friend, Robert Berchtold, not once, but twice. The way the Brobergs behaved during the ordeal raises many questions - were they truly naive or were there underlying factors at play? This film peels back the layers of the case like an onion, leaving viewers both confused and outraged, and ultimately feeling deeply sympathetic for a young girl who lost her innocence far too early. It is considered one of the most disturbing documentaries on Netflix.
9. House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths is a documentary that explores the horror that occurred in the capital of India when 12 members of a single family were found hanging in a single room. The Burari story is so extraordinary and disturbing that it almost seems too bizarre to be true. Rather than delving into the gruesome details of mass suicide, this documentary focuses on building a larger narrative that examines the underlying reasons for the tragedy - such as patriarchal society, societal pressure, and media influence.
10. The Man Who Made a Family Vanish: is a documentary that tells the story of Amarjit Chohan, a successful businessman who lived in a beautiful bungalow in rural London with his wife and two young children. In 2003, his sister-in-law's brother, Onkar, became concerned when he stopped receiving calls from her. When he went to visit her family, he was horrified to find that the entire group of five was missing. This film raises questions about the safety and security of those who dream of moving abroad, and it will leave viewers feeling a sense of vulnerability that they cannot shake off.

Overall, these 10 documentaries offer a glimpse into some of the most disturbing and horrifying true crime stories that exist. From the mysterious death of Joyce Vincent in "Dreams of a Life" to the tragic murder of Zachary in "Dear Zachary", these films provide a window into the darkest aspects of human nature. They remind us of the atrocities that can happen in our own communities and the impact that these events have on individuals and society as a whole. While these documentaries may be disturbing, they are also important in helping us to understand and come to terms with these tragic events. They also serve as a powerful reminder to always be vigilant and aware of the dangers that exist in the world around us.