Summary
Several excellent documentaries likeDancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cultcritique social media, uncover scams, and expose cults.Dancing for the Devilunveils shocking revelationsabout the alleged cult within the Shekinah Church.The three-part Netflix docuseries delves into the past and present actions of Robert Shinn, a Los Angeles pastor, through the narratives of two pairs of sisters. Melanie Wilking is worried about her sister Miranda, who joined the church after signing with Shinn’s management company, 7M Films. The Lee sisters, Melanie and Priscylla, former members of the Shekinah Church, recount their troubling experiences with Shinn.
The series follows the Wilking family’s online campaign to raise awareness about Miranda’s situation, which brought significant attention to Shinn’s alleged cult-like practices. Due to the Wilking family’s efforts, numerous former Shekinah Church members share their stories in thisNetflix true crime docuseries.With rapid technological developments, various business scams, and all kinds of cults, there is no dearth of such storiesfor filmmakers to investigate. For those who enjoyed the storytelling style, twists, and themes ofDancing for the Devil,the good news is that there are many other similar documentary films and shows across streaming platforms.
For more streaming recommendations, check out thebest movies on Netflixand thebest TV shows on Netflix.
The 16 Best Cult Documentaries Ranked
One of the most intriguing facets of true crime, cult documentaries are equal parts fascinating and horrifying. What are the best ones to watch?
The Social Dilemma
Cast
The Social Dilemma is a 2020 documentary directed by Jeff Orlowski, exploring the dangerous human impact of social networking. Through interviews with tech experts, the film reveals how social media companies manipulate user behavior to drive engagement and raise concerns about privacy, mental health, and democracy. Featuring insights from former executives of major tech firms, the documentary highlights the pervasive influence of algorithms on modern society.
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
84%
The Social Dilemmaunequivocally merits a place on any “best documentaries” list due to its incisive and timely critique of social media’s impact on individuals and society. Directed by Jeff Orlowski,this Netflix documentary delves into the psychological damage inflicted by social media, from bullying and peer pressure to the relentless barrage of news and political content. By highlighting how platforms use artificial intelligence to predict and manipulate user behavior, the film exposes the underlying mechanisms designed to maximize user engagement at any cost.
The Social Dilemmafeatures interviews with former employees from tech giants like Google and Facebook, as well as medical doctors and psychiatrists, providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s inner workings and its effects on mental health.It also scrutinizes how social media is exploited to influence public opinion and spread misinformation on a massive scale.This powerful and thought-provoking documentary challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with technology and underscores the urgent need for societal change.
The Social Dilemmareceived seven Emmy nominations, winning for Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program.
Unveiling The Shocking Abuse Within The Academy At Ivy Ridge
The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping
The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping is a docuseries that delves into the dark underbelly of fraud, cult behavior, and abduction. The series investigates real-life cases, exploring the human psychology behind these manipulative schemes and criminal activities. Through firsthand accounts and expert analysis, it sheds light on how individuals get entangled in deceptive and often dangerous situations.
7.5/10
100%
The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnappingoffers a gripping and harrowing exploration of the Academy at Ivy Ridge. Directed by Katherine Kubler,this documentary series uncovers the dark reality behind what was marketed as a reformative boarding school for troubled teens. Through the firsthand accounts of former attendees, the series reveals the horrifying abuse and misuse of power that occurred within Ivy Ridge. Run by the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASP), Ivy Ridge is one of many similar facilities, several of which have been shut down due to reports of mistreatment.
However,Netflix’sThe Programrevealseven more shocking details about the systemic abuse perpetrated under the guise of rehabilitation. By documenting these chilling experiences, the series not only serves as a powerful indictment of WWASP but also amplifies the voices of those who suffered within its walls.The Programis essential viewing for its courageous and unflinching examination of the corrupt practiceswithin youth reform programs.
The Tinder Swindler
The Tinder Swindler is a true-crime documentary that explores an Israeli conman’s scheme of posing as a wealthy diamond mogul to defraud women he met online. The film details the impact on his victims and their efforts to seek justice. Released on July 14, 2025.
7.1/10
97%
The Tinder Swindleris a shockingdocumentary perfectly suited for the Internet age.This Netflix film follows the shocking true-crime story of Shimon Hayut, who posed as the son of a diamond mogul on Tinder to scam women out of $10 million. By contacting women and convincing them to loan him money, which he never repaid, Hayut used these funds to finance lavish dates with other victims, perpetuating a cycle of deceit and theft.
The documentary reveals how Hayut’s fraudulent activities spanned the globe, swindling numerous women before his eventual exposure. Remarkably, he remained active on Tinder until the film’s release prompted the platform to ban him. A crowd favorite,it amassed 45.8 million viewing hours in its first week and ranked in the top 10 in 92 countries.The Tinder Swindlernot only highlights the dark side of online dating but also serves as a compelling warning, making it a must-watch.
The Tinder Swindlerreceived five Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.
The 25 Best Documentaries On Netflix Right Now
Netflix has many critically lauded documentaries to check out but the sheer number is overwhelming. Which are the best to check out first?
How A Promised Luxury Event Turned Into A Chaotic Nightmare
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened" is a gripping documentary that delves into the chaotic unraveling of the Fyre Festival, a luxury music event that famously imploded in 2017. Promoted as an exclusive party on a remote island, the festival was a disaster marked by logistical nightmares and unmet expectations, leaving attendees stranded without the promised lavish amenities. The film explores the ambitious vision of its co-founder Billy McFarland, the deceptive marketing tactics employed through social media influencers, and the massive fallout that ensued, shedding light on the darker side of the entrepreneur’s quest for fame and success.
7.2/10
93%
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happenedis a riveting and eye-opening exploration of the infamous Fyre Festival debacle. Thisunique documentary about pop culturedelves into the chaotic unraveling of the 2017 luxury music event that was promoted as an exclusive party on a remote Bahamian island. Instead, it became a disaster marked by logistical nightmares and unmet expectations, leaving attendees stranded without the promised lavish amenities.The film provides an in-depth look at the ambitious vision of co-founder Billy McFarland, the deceptive marketing tactics employed through social media influencers, and the massive fallout that ensued.
Featuring candid interviews with both the festival organizers and the stranded attendees,Fyreunveils the shocking secrets and gross mismanagement that led to the catastrophe. The firsthand accounts are as comedic as they are tragic, making the documentary both an entertaining and cautionary tale. By shedding light on the darker side of entrepreneurship and the quest for fame,Fyreoffers a compelling examination of deceit, hubris, and the power of social media.
6.7/10
96%
Veteran filmmaker Eva Orner’s documentaryBikram: Yogi, Guru, Predatoris a harrowing and meticulous exploration of the dark side of the world-famous Bikram yoga practice.This compelling hour-and-a-half film delves into the life of Bikram Choudhury, the founder of the patented Bikram yoga movement, which consists of 26 poses practiced in a hot room. Choudhury built an empire admired by millions globally, but as his practice flourished, disturbing allegations surfaced, casting a shadow over his legacy.
Orner unravels the questionable and often predatory behavior of Choudhury through detailed interviews and thorough investigation, making the documentary both enthralling and unsettling. Despite its critical acclaim,Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predatorremains one of themost underrated watches on Netflix, offering a poignant look at the abuse of power and the importance of accountability in the wellness industry. This documentary is a must-watch for its courageous storytelling and its illumination of a troubling truth behind a globally celebrated practice.
6Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal (2021)
A Thorough Examination Of The Darker Side Of The American Education System.
Operation Varsity Blues: College Admissions Scandal is a documentary and reenactment film about the nationwide scandal involving rich and famous families scamming their children into the US' top universities. Directed by Chris Smith, Matthew Modine stars as Rick Singer, the mastermind behind the Varsity Blues Scandal who was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.
6.9/10
88%
Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandaldissects the infamous 2019 college admissions scandal involving wealthy parents, CEOs, and celebrities like Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman. Through a blend of reenactments, revealing data, and forthright interviews with educators and other key figures,the film provides a multifaceted look at the systemic classism within higher education.It delves into the mechanics of Rick Singer’s “side door” scam, which guaranteed admissions to elite schools in exchange for hefty bribes.
The Netflix documentary exposes the shocking extent of corruption, with parents paying between $300,000 and $500,000 to secure their children’s spots.Operation Varsity Bluesalso highlights the light punishments received by many involved, contrasting the severity of the crime with the leniency of justice served. Drawing from real FBI transcripts,the film offers an unfiltered look at the unethical lengths some will go to secure social status.
10 Best Documentaries You Need To Watch Right Now
The world of documentaries is massive and rich in educational entertainment across many topics. Here are the 10 best documentaries to watch right now.
7/10
86%
The Great Hackis an insightful exploration of the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal, one of the most significant international scandals in recent history.This Netflix documentary takes a fascinating look at how data collection and social media manipulation have impacted major world events, including the Brexit movement and the 2016 Presidential Election in the United States.The Great Hackstands out as one of the most terrifying documentaries of the modern digital era, revealing the extensive access organizations have to user data and the alarming potential for its misuse.
The film provides a thorough examination of the profound implications of data manipulation, illustrating how personal information can be weaponized to influence political outcomes and societal behavior.
Through compelling interviews and detailed analysis,The Great Hackexplores issues surrounding privacy, democracy, and the power of information, offering a chilling glimpse into the future of data-driven manipulation and its far-reaching consequences.
Coded Biasis a timely and critical examination of AI and its profound implications for humanity, particularly minorities. Thisexistential Netflix documentaryexplores the intersection of AI and societal biases, highlighting the urgent need for ethical standards in technology development. Its broader narrative begins with a striking anecdote:MIT researcher Joy Buolamwini discovers that many facial recognition technologies failed to recognize her face unless she wore a white mask.
The film then uncovers the inherent prejudices programmed into AI systems and delves into the potential consequences for people of color and other marginalized groups. In an era where AI’s role in society is rapidly expanding,Coded Biassheds light on the pressing issue of technological bias and its impact on justice, privacy, and equality. It is essential viewing for anyone interested in the future of technology and its ethical implications, offering a powerful critique and a call to action for more inclusive and fair AI development.
Big Vape: The Rise and Fall Of Juuldelves deep into the world of vaping, particularly focusing on the rise and impact of the Juul brand. Over four episodes,this docuseries delivers a comprehensive exploration of the vaping industry and its damaging consequences.Pulling no punches,Netflix’sBig Vapereveals shocking truthsabout Juul’s marketing tactics, its connection to big tobacco, and its impact on a new generation of smokers. Through interviews with former high school students, marketing directors, and parents, it exposes the insidious ways in which Juul targeted young users and downplayed the risks of vaping.
One of the most striking aspects of the series is its focus on the medical and marketing aspects of vaping. Viewers are presented with thorough research and compelling evidence of the harmful effects of Juul devices, as well as the deceptive strategies employed by the company to promote its products. Ultimately,Big Vape: The Rise and Fall Of Juulis a warning about the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the importance of regulationin the face of emerging industries.
LuLaRichunveils the insidious nature of multilevel marketing (MLM) companies like LuLaRoe, shedding light on their exploitative practices and deceptive promises. Targeting vulnerable demographics such as stay-at-home moms and single parents,these companies offer false hopes of financial independence and flexible schedules. However, behind the facade lies a system designed to prey on the financial and emotional vulnerabilities of its consultants, often leaving them in debt and disillusioned.
Through candid interviews with founders, consultants, and critics, theAmazon Prime Video showexposes how MLMs operate like pyramid schemes, profiting off the recruitment of new consultants rather than the sale of actual products. It delves into the cult-like culture promoted by these companies, where conformity is encouraged, dissenting voices are silenced, and members are manipulated into prioritizing the interests of the company over their own well-being. Ultimately,LuLaRichserves as a stark warning about the dangers of MLMs, urging viewers to approach such opportunities with caution and skepticism.
