аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

25 Best TV Series about Cults

From true crime docuseries diving into notorious real-world cult tragedies to scripted dramas rendering fictionalized looks inside controversial new religious movements, television has recently fixated fascination on psychological portraits of extreme devotion and authoritarian control.

Miniseries like Waco dramatize historical standoffs between government forces and fringe groups like the Branch Davidians, while works like Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath provide first-hand looks through testimonies of ex-members alleging abuse.

Across genres from docudrama to Black comedy satire, recent small-screen storytelling demonstrates intense curiosity into the social conditions, charismatic demagogues, violent ideology, and loss of self at the dark heart of indoctrinating groups who warp from subversive to authoritarian.

These riveting, often terrifying top series offer outsider attempts at unraveling the mysterious bindings tethering followers to collective delusion. Here, we’ll explore 25 of the best TV series about cults, each offering a unique perspective on the chilling allure of these secretive communities.

1. Waco

Released in 2018, Waco recounts the tragic events of the 1993 Waco siege, where the Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh, faced a violent confrontation with law enforcement.

Taylor Kitsch delivers a compelling performance as Koresh, and the series provides a harrowing glimpse into the dynamics of the cult and the government’s response. Other stars on the show include Michael Shannon, Andrea Riseborough, and Paul Sparks, who all provide a nuanced and multi-faceted perspective on the events that unfolded.

This Paramount+ show deftly interweaves fictionalized accounts with real-life footage and interviews, creating a compelling narrative that delves into the motivations and perspectives of both the Branch Davidians and the authorities involved.

2. Leah Remini: Scientology & The Aftermath

This documentary series, hosted by Leah Remini, exposes the inner workings of Scientology, the controversial religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard.

Airing from 2016 to 2019, Remini, a former Scientologist, interviews ex-members to unveil the alleged abuses and manipulations within the organization.

With its gripping narrative and unflinching exploration of Scientology’s dark side, ‘Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath‘ has garnered critical acclaim and sparked important conversations about cults, religious freedom, and the power of truth.

The series has run for three seasons, each offering a deeper insight into the complex and often disturbing world of Scientology.

3. Jonestown: Terror in The Jungle

In 2018, the Sundance TV docuseries Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle captivated audiences with its chilling exploration of the 1978 mass suicide of over 900 members of the Peoples Temple, a cult led by the charismatic yet manipulative Jim Jones.

This four-part series, based on the book “Road to Jonestown” by Jeff Guinn, delves into the dark history of the Peoples Temple, from its early days in Indiana to its tragic end in Guyana. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews with survivors, and expert commentary, Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle paints a disturbing portrait of a cult that thrived on control, fear, and isolation.

The series sheds light on Jones’s methods of manipulation, the psychological toll he took on his followers, and the events that led to the devastating mass suicide.

4. Helter Skelter

Based on the true crime book, Helter Skelter, this documentary series revisits the notorious Charles Manson and his “Manson Family.”

Released in 2020 on Epix, this six-part docuseries presents a comprehensive and never-before-seen look into the cult’s origins, motivations, and the devastating impact they had on society.

Through a combination of interviews with former family members, archival footage, and newly unearthed images, Helter Skelter unravels the complex layers of Charles Manson’s manipulation, the cult’s twisted ideology, and the tragic events that unfolded under their influence.

Viewers are transported back to the tumultuous era of the 1960s, witnessing the rise of the counterculture movement and the Manson Family’s descent into darkness.

Helter Skelter  is a 1968 song by The Beatles, which Manson interpreted as a call to action by violence and death. 

5. Deadly Cults

A true crime series, Deadly Cults, premiered in 2019, delves into various cults that turned deadly. Released on Oxygen, each episode explores a different case, unraveling the motivations behind these cult leaders and the tragic consequences for their followers.

Gripping reenactments and expert insights make it a riveting watch. It sheds light on the complex dynamics within cults, revealing how charismatic leaders exert control over their followers, often leading to devastating consequences.

6. People Magazine Investigates: Cults

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Peeling back the layers of infamous cults, People Magazine Investigates: Cults is a documentary series that premiered in 2018. From the Manson Family to Heaven’s Gate, the series scrutinizes cults that made headlines, providing a comprehensive look at the motivations and manipulations that led to tragedy.

Released in 2018 on Investigation Discovery, the series delves into the shocking stories of ordinary people who, lured by promises of eternal life or a higher spiritual purpose, get caught up in the terrifying web of cult manipulation.

Through in-depth interviews with survivors, journalists, and experts, the series unravels the tactics and motivations of cult leaders, exposing the devastating impact these groups have on individuals and families.

The first two seasons of the series, spanning 12 episodes, offer a chilling glimpse into a world where loyalty and devotion can be twisted into instruments of control and exploitation.

7. Unorthodox 

While not a traditional cult, Unorthodox (2020) explores the oppressive nature of ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities.

Released on Netflix in 2020, this German drama series stars the captivating Shira Haas as Esty Shapiro, a young Hasidic woman from Brooklyn, New York, who flees her arranged marriage and embarks on a journey of self-discovery in Berlin.

The series is based on the memoir “Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots” by Deborah Feldman, offering a fictionalized account of her experiences. Unorthodox sheds light on the struggles of breaking free from ingrained traditions.

8. Caliphate 

Caliphate, released in 2020, takes a gripping dive into the world of terrorism and religious extremism. The Swedish series revolves around a journalist investigating a potential ISIS recruit, intertwining the stories of radicalization and the consequences of blind faith.

Released on the streaming platform Netflix in 2020, Caliphate has garnered critical acclaim for its compelling narrative, captivating performances, and thought-provoking themes.

The series follows the intertwined stories of Fatima, a Swedish Security Service agent investigating an impending terrorist attack, Pervin, a young woman lured into the clutches of ISIS, and Sulle, a teenage girl grappling with the influence of a charismatic student assistant.

9. The Family

Released in 2019 on Netflix, The Family unveils the secretive Christian organization known as The Family or The Fellowship. Through a blend of documentary footage and dramatization, the series explores the organization’s influence on global leaders and its agenda of shaping world events through religion.

Telling the story in three episodes, this documentary series chronicles the rise and fall of a secretive religious group known as The Family, led by the enigmatic and charismatic Anne Hamilton-Byrne.

Through archival footage, interviews with former members, and expert commentary, the series unravels the complex tapestry of beliefs and practices that ensnared its followers, many of whom were children.

The series offers a unique perspective, primarily told through the voices of those who escaped the cult’s clutches, shedding light on the psychological manipulation and control tactics employed by its leaders.

10. Save Me 

Save Me (2017) takes a different approach, portraying a mother’s relentless quest to rescue her daughter from a dangerous cult. Lennie James, who also co-created the series, delivers a gripping performance in this psychological thriller that explores the impact of cults on families.

With its gripping narrative, complex characters, and thought-provoking exploration of cult dynamics, Save Me has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.

The series features a talented cast led by Seo Yea-ji as Sang-mi, Ok Taec-yeon as her childhood friend and protector, and Woo Do-hwan as the charismatic and enigmatic cult leader.

11. Sacred Lies

A unique narrative unfolds in Sacred Lies (2018), a series inspired by the cult of the Handless Maiden. The story revolves around a young woman with no hands who escapes a cult and finds herself embroiled in a juvenile detention center, suspected of knowing who killed the cult leader.

Along with Detective Harper, Elsie embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, unraveling the secrets of her past and the sinister forces that lurk within the cult she left behind.

Released on Facebook Watch, the series combines mystery and psychological drama.

12. The Path 

Premiered in 2016 on Hulu, The Path follows the members of a fictional cult called Meyerism. Led by charismatic leader Cal Roberts (Hugh Dancy), the series explores the complex relationships within the cult and the existential crises faced by its members.

It delves into the complexities of faith, indoctrination, and the power of belief and follows the entangled lives of Eddie Lane (Aaron Paul) and Sarah Lane (Michelle Monaghan), a devoted couple raising their children within the Meyerist Movement, a spiritual organization shrouded in mystery.

As Eddie begins to question the movement’s teachings and his own place within it, his journey leads him to confront the dark underbelly of Meyerism, unraveling the secrets that lie beneath its seemingly benevolent façade.

13. The Leftovers 

±áµþ°¿â€™s The Leftovers stands out as a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the aftermath of a fictional mysterious disappearance that leaves 2% of the world’s population without a trace.

Released in 2014, this fictional drama takes viewers on a journey of grief, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit as the remaining population grapples with the inexplicable event and its profound impact on their lives.

The Leftovers stars Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, Amy Brenneman, and Liv Tyler. It weaves together multiple perspectives, offering insights into the diverse reactions and coping mechanisms of individuals and communities in the wake of the Sudden Departure.

The series delves into the rise of cults and fringe groups seeking answers and solace, showcasing the power of belief and the human need for meaning in the face of unimaginable loss.

14. The Following 

A psychological thriller, The Following (2013) centers on FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) and his pursuit of a charismatic and deadly cult leader, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy).

Having premiered on Fox, the series delves into the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and the cult.

Carroll, a twisted and intelligent man, has amassed a devoted following of cult members who are ready to carry out his every command.

As Hardy races to stop Carroll before he unleashes his next deadly plan, he must confront his own demons and grapple with the complexities of loyalty and betrayal.

15. Sons of Anarchy

While ostensibly about a motorcycle club, Sons of Anarchy explores themes of loyalty and brotherhood that parallel cult dynamics.

Premiered in 2008, the series follows the lives of the outlaw motorcycle club, Sons of Anarchy, as they navigate internal and external threats.

Created by Kurt Sutter, the series aired on FX for seven seasons, following the story of Jax Teller, the conflicted vice president of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original (SAMCRO), as he grapples with his loyalty to the club, his love for his family, and his growing desire to break free from the cycle of violence.

16. Aquarius

Set in the late ’60s, Aquarius premiered in 2015 and follows the trail of Detective Sam Hodiak (David Duchovny), a seasoned homicide detective who finds himself drawn into the investigation of a missing teenage girl.

As he delves deeper into the case, Hodiak’s path intertwines with that of Charles Manson (Gethin Anthony), a charismatic and enigmatic figure who is slowly building his infamous ‘family’ of devoted followers.

17. The OA 

Released on Netflix in 2016, The OA combines elements of science fiction and mysticism. The series follows the enigmatic story of Prairie Johnson, a young woman who mysteriously returns home after having been missing for seven years.

Upon her return, Prairie, now calling herself “The OA,” possesses extraordinary abilities and recounts her experiences in a parallel dimension.

As she reconnects with her past and forms new bonds, Prairie’s story intertwines with the lives of a group of high school students and their teacher, who become drawn into her enigmatic world.

Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, “The OA” is a fictional narrative that delves into themes of trauma, resilience, and the power of human connection.

While not explicitly focused on a specific cult, the series explores concepts of manipulation, control, and the allure of alternative realities, mirroring the dynamics often found within cult environments.

18. American Horror Story: Cult

Part of the anthology series, American Horror Story: Cult (2017) explores the aftermath of Donald Trump’s win in the 2016 U.S. election.

Debuting on FX, the series immerses viewers in the fictional town of Brookfield Heights, Michigan, where the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election has fueled a growing sense of fear and division.

Amidst this backdrop, a mysterious cult emerges, preying on the anxieties of the townsfolk and manipulating them into a web of fear and paranoia. Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters lead the stellar cast, bringing their signature intensity and versatility to the roles of Ally Mayfair-Richards and Kai Anderson, respectively.

Ally, a grieving therapist, struggles to cope with the political turmoil and her own personal demons, while Kai, a charismatic and manipulative figure, exploits the climate of fear to establish his own cult of personality.

19. Cult 

A short-lived series that aired on The CW in 2013, Cult is a metafictional thriller. this fictional drama follows Jeff Sefton, a journalist blogger, and Skye Roberts, a production researcher on a popular television crime series called “Cult,” as they investigate a series of mysterious disappearances that appear to be inspired by the show’s storylines.

As the duo delves deeper into the lives of the show’s fans, they uncover a sinister network of individuals blurring the lines between reality and fiction, raising questions about the influence of media on our perceptions and the potential for real-world consequences.

20. Q: Into the Storm

Released in 2021 on HBO, this six-part series delves into the enigmatic phenomenon of QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory that has captivated millions of people worldwide.

Director Cullen Hoback takes viewers on a labyrinthine journey to uncover the forces behind QAnon, tracing the movement’s origins from the online forums of 8chan to its infiltration into the political mainstream.

Through interviews with key players, including QAnon believers, researchers, and journalists, the series unravels the complexities of the movement and its impact on American society.

Q: Into the Storm’s strength lies in its unbiased approach, presenting a balanced perspective that avoids sensationalism. Hoback presents the facts without judgment, allowing viewers to form their own conclusions about the movement’s validity and its potential dangers.

21. Unveiling the Cults

This investigative series, Unveiling the Cults, dives deep into lesser-known cults that have often operated under the radar. Premiered in 2020, the show employs expert interviews and survivor testimonials to unravel the intricacies of various cults, examining the tactics employed by leaders to control and manipulate their followers.

Each episode provides a chilling exploration of the dynamics at play within these secretive communities, emphasizing the importance of awareness and understanding to prevent further tragedies.

22. Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey

Exploring the dark underbelly of polygamous communities, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey focuses on the experiences of individuals within a cult that practices polygamy.

Premiered in 2016 on Netflix, the series delves into the lives of those who strive to break free from the constraints of a rigid belief system that dictates every aspect of their existence.

With a mix of interviews and dramatic reenactments, the show exposes the struggles faced by those attempting to escape the clutches of a culture built on control and conformity in the course of 1 season.

23. The Keepers

A true crime documentary series, The Keepers premiered on Netflix in 2017. This seven-episode docuseries delves into the unsolved murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik, a beloved nun who taught at Archbishop Keough High School in Baltimore in 1969.

The series follows Gemma Hoskins and Abbie Schaub, two former students of Sister Cesnik, as they embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind their teacher’s untimely death and expose a web of secrets surrounding the school and the Baltimore Archdiocese.

As they dig deeper, they uncover allegations of sexual abuse by a former priest at the school, uncovering a dark chapter in the institution’s history and raising questions about the role of cults and institutions of power in protecting their own.

24. Cults and Extreme Belief

Hosted by journalist Elizabeth Vargas, Cults and Extreme Belief is a documentary series that premiered in 2018 on Hulu. Each episode focuses on a different cult, examining the charismatic leaders and the psychological tactics used to control followers.

Vargas interviews former members who share their harrowing experiences, shedding light on the emotional and physical manipulation within these groups.

The series serves as a cautionary exploration of the vulnerabilities that can lead individuals to join such movements and the challenges they face when attempting to break free.

25. Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults

The documentary series Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults provides a comprehensive look at one of the most infamous cults in modern history.

Released on HBO Max in 2020, the series delves into the beliefs and practices of the Heaven’s Gate cult, culminating in the tragic mass suicide of 39 members in 1997.

Through archival footage and interviews with former members, the series explores the charismatic leadership of Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, unraveling the complexities that led to the cult’s ultimate and shocking conclusion.

Whether through fictional narratives that draw inspiration from real-life events or documentaries that expose the harsh realities of cult existence, these series offer a nuanced understanding of the psychological and emotional toll of belonging to such groups. As viewers, we are compelled to contemplate the thin line between devotion and manipulation, making these shows both intriguing and cautionary tales in equal measure.