As a history enthusiast and someone who’s always been intrigued by the veil of secrecy that surrounds secret societies, I found “Secret Societies: In the Shadows” to be an engaging and informative journey through time. The series delves deep into the origins of various secret societies like the Illuminati, Yale University’s secret societies, and the Freemasons, tying them neatly into modern-day myths and stories.
Today, the realm of true crime has expanded far beyond just chronicling cases of serial killers. Now, fans of this genre have a wealth of series and films at their disposal, delving into topics ranging from internet deception (catfishers) to burglars. Additionally, there’s a niche subgenre focusing on cults and clandestine groups. Despite our initial thoughts that such events could never touch us or that we’d never be swayed, the allure of stories about ordinary people whose lives took an unexpected turn upon encountering a charismatic figure is undeniable.
12 Escaping Twin Flames (2023)
Many individuals yearn deeply for love, sometimes reaching a state of great desperation. Regrettably, as the book “Escaping Twin Flames” reveals, there are certain individuals who exploit this vulnerability. The term “twin flame” signifies someone who is nearly or exactly your soulmate, your ultimate counterpart. Jeff and Shaleia Divine established Twin Flames Universe, a group that aimed to guide followers towards spiritual growth and their true partner.
Love Isn’t All We Need
This three-part documentary explores the process by which individuals were drawn into the Twin Flames Universe and managed to escape. The actions taken by the two leaders are shocking. As reported by those involved, Jeff and Shaleia promoted stalking, convinced people to alter their gender identities, and discouraged challenges to their authority. Some may find it difficult to empathize with cult narratives, but when presented alongside a universal human desire for love, audiences will immediately relate to the victims portrayed in this series.
Stream on Netflix
11 Inside Secret Societies (2016)
Exploring Hidden Groups: This lesser-known series offers viewers a deeper understanding of various prominent yet secretive cults, religious entities, crime syndicates, and the like. Each episode, approximately an hour long, sheds light on subjects such as the Ku Klux Klan, the Order of Assassins, and the Brotherhood of Blood, to name a few. The inaugural episode, “The Nazi Occult Societies,” offers comprehensive analysis into the rise of Nazism. However, it goes beyond their ascent to power by exploring the unusual beliefs held by many of its members, including occult and mystical ideologies that are less frequently discussed in mainstream education.
More than Meets the Eye
This documentary series blends historical footage, expert opinions, and dramatized scenes to vividly portray the stories. Unlike many other docuseries, these episodes have a more educational and historical vibe. But don’t mistake that for dullness – each episode is meticulously researched, delving deeper than the common knowledge to offer valuable insights. Although it might require careful viewing to avoid missing crucial details, it’s definitely worth your time.
Stream on Tubi
10 The Synanon Fix (2024)
One concerning characteristic of cults is that they frequently originate with an intention to do well or help people. This is what many are initially persuaded of. For instance, when Chuck Dederich established Synanon, a more accommodating drug rehabilitation program, it appeared to be a positive initiative. Being a former alcoholic himself, Dederich understood his target demographic. Synanon gained recognition and respect for its straightforward, “honest” methods, and quickly expanded its reach across the nation.
Spiraled Out of Control
The story began by recovering addicts assisting each other. Over time, more people joined, including famous personalities. However, as is often the case, power and wealth started to corrupt Chuck’s actions, leading to a downfall. Various books, podcasts, and articles have been produced detailing Synanon’s events. With an Oscar-nominated director and producer, The Synanon Fix promises a new and comprehensive perspective on the subject matter.
Stream on Max
9 Secrets of Playboy (2022)
The iconic brand, Playboy, is undeniably one of the world’s most identifiable. Despite its mixed reputation, it remains synonymous with the men’s magazine and lifestyle, symbolized by bunny ears. The man behind this empire, Hugh Hefner, was not just a business magnate but also a symbol of sexual freedom and a wealthy bachelor lifestyle. However, delving into the private life of Hefner, as portrayed in “Secrets of Playboy“, former playmates and other women associated with him expose the shocking truth about the happenings at the Playboy Mansion.
Can’t Turn Away
Hefner was known for dating many of the women employed by Playboy. One such woman was Holly Madison, who is now a reality TV star and podcast. When she described a “cult-like” atmosphere in episode 2, viewers couldn’t tear their focus away from her story. Every single interviewee has an equally fascinating and troubling account of their time with Playboy. While Playboy isn’t held on as high of a pedestal as it was in the past, this eye-opening Hulu documentary will still change how you view its legacy.
Stream on Hulu
8 Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult (2024)
It’s a tale as old as time, or rather, as old as whenever it became clear social media could lead to fame and fortune. At first, it was YouTube that could launch a singing career, à la Bieber. Then Instagram could secure brand deals for influencers worth millions. Now, the spotlight is on TikTok. Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult explores the 7M management company/church that promised dancers on TikTok fame and fortune.
The Dark Side of Social Media
In a rather unusual twist, this management company and church combination raised eyebrows. But it wasn’t just the odd mix that was concerning; the leader kept the dancers separated from their loved ones and controlled their earnings. It’s common knowledge that social media offers a filtered view of reality, but watching the dancers’ performances online while knowing about the hidden truth is spine-tingling. The term ‘brainwashing’ seems insufficient to capture the ordeal these individuals experienced. “Dancing for the Devil” might just reshape how we perceive online content.
Stream on Netflix
7 Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle (2018)
In the realm of American history, few cults have sparked as much conversation as Jim Jones and his Jonestown group. The events that unfolded on November 18, 1978, continue to resonate in pop culture and remain a topic of fascination for millions even today. Despite extensive coverage, the Jonestown case maintains its captivating allure. Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle provides a significant contribution to this already congested field.
A Look Back
Forty years following the tragedy, this documentary series initially delves into the character Jones emerged as an adult, rather than merely discussing his upbringing. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t aim to absolve him of his past wrongdoings. Instead, it subtly hints at the ambition that would later manifest in a more significant manner. Survivors and experts related to Jonestown are interviewed throughout the four episodes. Since so much time has passed since the events, these individuals can now offer insights gained from hindsight, something earlier documentaries could not provide.
Stream on AMC+
6 Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets (2023)
Back in 2008, I found myself captivated by none other than the Duggar family when their reality series debuted on TLC. Originally titled “17 Kids and Counting“, it eventually evolved into “18 Kids” and later “19 Kids“. Hailing from Arkansas, they were a deeply religious Baptist family who chose to educate their brood at home, keeping them largely sheltered from the world outside. The Duggars embraced traditional values to an extreme degree, which made them seem quite unusual to many viewers – a quirkiness that kept us hooked for ten seasons!
Why It’s Worth a Watch
Over time, signs of trouble emerged within the Duggars’ family. One of their sons was found guilty of child exploitation, and they were linked to questionable individuals. The documentary “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” uses this family as a starting point to shed light on a broader problem: the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) and its founder Bill Gothard, who is accused of running a cult. What makes this series particularly intriguing is that one of the individuals exposing IBLP is a member of the Duggar family herself.
Stream on Prime Video
5 The Vow (2020)
The Vow explores the NXIVM cult, a movement that promised self-improvement and personal growth to its members. However, behind the scenes, the charismatic leader Keith Raniere manipulated his followers by having them pledge obedience and forcing some women into sex trafficking. To expand the cult’s influence, he utilized existing members, including an actress, to recruit new individuals.
A Lot of Material
In contrast to many other documentary series, “The Vow” extends across two seasons. The first season delves into the cult’s origin, the process of recruiting followers, and their shift towards criminal activity. The second season examines Raniere’s trial and the consequences following his arrest. Both seasons are equally captivating, with this Max true crime series featuring individuals who have disavowed Raniere as well as those who still consider him a savior.
Stream on Max
4 The Deep End (2022)
Teal Swan is recognized as a spiritual figure whose teachings have attracted both praise and skepticism. In the documentary titled “The Deep End“, filmmakers documented her life over a three-year period. On some occasions, her practices appear soothing and motivational – such as meditative gatherings around a fire or speeches emphasizing people’s hidden strength within them. However, there are instances where Swan’s teachings and the intensity surrounding her give off warning signals. Her devotees often view her as a deity, while she encourages followers to immerse themselves deeply in her presence, which might raise concerns for some.
Is This Even a Cult?
Among those connected to Swan, one person expresses their role as determining if Swan represents a cult or not. After the series ended, opinions have been diverse. In contrast, leaders in other docuseries seem to have a more unified view. Here, it’s less clear whether Swan is just an appealing figurehead or if there might be something darker underlying the situation.
3 Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence (2023)
Fans of romantic comedies might remember Sarah Lawrence College being mentioned as the protagonist’s desired school in “10 Things I Hate About You.” However, this once all-female college has become the setting for stories that are far from dreamy and more like terrifying nightmares. The book titled “Stolen Youth: Unraveling the Cult at Sarah Lawrence” delves into a group of freshmen who encounter an unexpected roommate’s father, Larry Ray, upon arrival at their dormitory. He is an ex-convict who eventually resides within the dorm and indoctrinates these young, vulnerable individuals with his unique perspective on life.
Truly Unfathomable
It took time for Larry to gain acceptance among the teenagers, which added an eerie dimension to his later influence. The deeds he manipulated and compelled the teens into seemed straight out of a horror movie script. Even the victims themselves are shocked by their own actions. This case presents numerous frustrations, from the negligence of those who enabled it to Larry’s cruel behavior. The home videos lend an air of reality to the story, but they only make it harder to bear.
Stream on Hulu
2 Secret Societies: In the Shadows (2022)
Unveiling Secret Societies: From Shadows to Light
Digging Up Forgotten History
Without a major broadcast network, this documentary series appeared briefly without drawing much notice. It delves deeper into conspiracy theories than other shows of similar subject matter might, which could deter some viewers. However, conspiracies play a role in an organization’s past, and the show Secret Societies: In the Shadows manages to blend fact and myth effectively.
Stream on Roku
1 Wild Wild Country (2018)
You might not be familiar with the tale of “Wild Wild Country”, but after watching it, you’re bound to remember it for a long time. Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, who was also known as Osho, was an influential guru from India. In India, he attracted tens of thousands of followers with his teachings on topics like sexuality, capitalism, and spirituality. The allure of this movement spread to the deserts of Oregon, where Westerners were eager to join. Rajneesh eventually purchased a large piece of land in Oregon to establish a commune.
Chaos in a Small Town
When Osho arrived in the United States, not everyone welcomed him with open arms. Some locals disapproved and responded to their disagreement with violence. In response, Osho chose a confrontational approach, escalating the situation further. Given the recent Jonestown massacre, there was already a heightened sense of caution regarding such communities. However, this didn’t deter Osho from taking aim at those he perceived as threats, even targeting politicians. The events that unfolded in Wasco County, Oregon, are shocking and raise questions about why this case isn’t more widely known.
Stream on Netflix
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2024-09-14 23:02