Horror & exploitation filmmaking documentaries
Updated on regular basis - in random order. They're mostly full-length documentaries about horror and exploitation filmmaking, plus some noteworthy featurettes.
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- DirectorJeff McQueenStarsEd GreenWes CravenJohn CarpenterA documentary on the history of the slasher film.
- DirectorElijah DrennerStarsRobert ForsterEric SchaeferEddie MullerA documentary about the history of exploitation movies, from the silent-film era to the 1970s.
- 20091h 36mUnrated7.1 (2.9K)DirectorAndrew MonumentStarsLance HenriksenLarry CohenJoe DanteAn exploration of the appeal of horror films, with interviews of many legendary directors in the genre.
- DirectorRay GreeneStarsRay GreeneRoger CormanDavid F. FriedmanA look at several legendary 'exploitation' film-makers from the golden days of drive-in movies, and how they had a lasting effect on the movie landscape in general.
- StarsMark GatissJohn CarpenterMichael RobertsMark Gatiss examines the history of the horror film, from classic Hollywood monsters to Hammer's glory days and beyond.
- DirectorJörg ButtgereitStarsRick BakerJohn CarpenterJoe ColemanMonsterland journeys through time and around the world, exploring diverse monster types, from the origins of the latex monster in devastated postwar Japan to the aliens and serial murderers of 1980s American cinema, and on to the rise of King Kong's digital descendants in the face of 21st-century terrors. One after another, a broad spectrum of monsters emerges that mirrors the range of our fears and longings. Director Jörg Buttgereit, himself a monster fan and also a director of horror films, assembles before the camera the great masters and connoisseurs of the genre: monster-makers such as Gremlins creator Joe Dante, analytical horror director John Carpenter, monster designers like H.R. Giger and painter Joe Coleman, special effects guru Gregory Nicotero, make up artist Rick Baker and Godzilla performer Kenpachiro Satsuma. They discuss their lives and their work with and for their monstrous creatures and relate to us the dark passion that they share. This documentary is a visual journey of exploration to the centers of monster culture: the megacity of Tokyo, a gigantic organism spawning machine-monsters; the sunshine city of Los Angeles, where knife-wielding killers roam night time streets; and the graceful skyscrapers of New York, which in both film and reality have been transformed into a doomsday panorama. Impressions of these places converge in the dense images of old and new monster films, blending with sinister, surreal drawings by monster designers, views into the chamber of horrors of the special effects studios, and pictures of fans in bizarre monster costumes.
- DirectorAdam SimonStarsGeorge A. RomeroJohn CarpenterTom SaviniAn examination into the nature of 1960s-'70s horror films, the artists involved, and how they reflected contemporary society.
- DirectorKevin VanHookStarsHoward BergerRob BottinJosh BrolinThis documentary delves into the art of make-up effects with the best industry legends.
- DirectorJohn McCartyStarsJohn AgarDario ArgentoSamuel Z. ArkoffHalf-hour profiles of ten of the screen's masters of classic terror and suspense, based on the book THE FEARMAKERS (St. Martin's Press, 1994) by John McCarty.
- DirectorBarry GrayStarsUwe BollEverett BurrellJohn CarpenterThe sound of flapping bat wings, an empty coffin, glistening fangs, tiny punctures on the neck, the sensual taste of blood, a blank reflection, fear of the cross, and death from daylight. These are the creatures of the night, and as legendary (but fictional) vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing exclaimed: "Gentlemen, we are dealing with the undead!" Perhaps the most enduring film genre of all time, vampire films continue to haunt us on the big screen. Why are we fascinated with the myth of these immortal souls? Could it be the living forever part, or perhaps the fact that they have an unearthly sexual attraction to both males and females? Whatever it is, audiences around the world can't seem to get enough of them.
- DirectorLeon FergusonStarsMark KermodeDario ArgentoJohn CarpenterDocumentary that explores Argento's film career.
- StarsChristopher LeeRoger CormanHugh HefnerClips from Horror Films.
- DirectorChristopher P. GaretanoStarsRay AdellMark BorchardtRon AtkinsTake a walk on the scary side with guerrilla horror filmmakers and the bizarre culture that drives them to pursue their dreams. In 2003, filmmaker Christopher P. Garetano began what would become a two-year journey to discover what possesses people to become horror filmmakers. Armed with nothing but a camera and a microphone, Chris traveled all over the United States to visit independent filmmakers on and off their sets. In Horror Business, you will witness that quest unfold and meet some truly independent filmmakers including Mark Borchardt (American Movie) and Dave Gebroe (Zombie Honeymoon), along with monster movie personalities like Herschell Gordon Lewis (Blood Feast), Joe Bob Briggs (cult film critic and author), and Sid Haig (Foxy Brown, The Devils Rejects). This timeless essay of popcorn-generation nostalgia and behind-the-scenes moments just may prove "movie making really is no way to spend a life!"
- DirectorPaolo FazziniStarsDario ArgentoLamberto BavaRuggero DeodatoOffers a critical appreciation of Italian horror cinema, pioneered by directors such as Dario Argento and Mario Bava, a genre that influenced filmmakers from Quentin Tarantino to Takashi Miike.
- DirectorAshley FesterStarsJörg ButtgereitMitch DavisFiona ForbesCelluloid Horror explores Kier-La Janisse's tireless crusade to bring obscure cult horror film to the masses through her independently run international film festival, CineMuerte, 'cinema of death', and the obsessive nature required to obtain your goals.
- DirectorDamon SantostefanoStarsTom SaviniGeorge A. RomeroDoug ClaytonA documentary detailing the career of makeup artist Tom Savini, including clips from the various movies he's worked on.
- StarsJonathan RossRic MeyersDavid F. FriedmanThis show is a series of documentaries focusing on the world of psychotronic movies. Episodes focus on the lives of such diverse filmakers as Hershell Gordon Lewis, Saim Raimi, Doris Wishman, Ed Wood Jr, and Tsui Hark. Weird movie genres, like Mexican wrestling movies and Hong Kong horror films, are also examined.
- DirectorDaniel FarrandsAndrew KaschStarsHeather LangenkampStacey AldenErika AndersonExplore the origins of "dream demon" Freddy Krueger in this award-winning documentary that takes you behind the scenes of the most frightening and imaginative horror franchise in motion picture history!
- StarsEmily BoothErin BrownEduardo Sánchez"Shock Movie Massacre" was a 25 minute documentary series hosted by Emily Booth was the Presenter. The series ran for twelve (12) shows during 2003.
- DirectorDaniel FarrandsStarsNatalie AdamsDiane AlmeidaErich AndersonA documentary exploring 30 years of the "Friday The 13th" film series featuring all new interviews with cast and crew from all 12 films and various horror fans and filmmakers.
- DirectorMichael MatessinoStarsJohn CarpenterDavid FosterBill LancasterA revealing and insightful look into the making of this underrated horror film.
- DirectorStefan HutchinsonStarsP.J. SolesIrwin YablansMoustapha AkkadA retrospective documentary about the Halloween films.
- DirectorMichael FelsherStarsAndre GowerJonathan A. ZimbertDuncan RegehrThis is a feature-length look into the creation of the 20 year old cult-classic, Monster Squad, including interviews with writer/director Fred Dekker, stars Tom Noonan, Duncan Regehr, Andre Gower and more.
- DirectorMichael MacDonaldStarsForrest J. AckermanRay BradburyBobbie BreseeFamous Monster takes a fast-paced, colorful look at the life of science fiction's greatest fan - Forrest J. Ackerman, whose 85 year love affair with the genre helped bring it into the mainstream and shape the way we view science fiction today.
- DirectorJeffrey SchwarzStarsForrest J. AckermanJohn BadhamDiane BakerChronicles the last great American showman, filmmaker William Castle, a master of ballyhoo who became a brand name in movie horror with his outrageous audience participation gimmicks.
- DirectorSophie FiennesStarsSlavoj ZizekSlavoj Zizek examines famous films in a philosophical and a psychoanalytic context.
- DirectorKevin Sean MichaelsStarsDavid J. SkalForrest J. AckermanZack Beseda"Vampira: The Movie" is a 2006 documentary on Maila Nurmi and her horror hosting character "Vampira".
- DirectorRobert V. GalluzzoStarsJason AllentoffSharen CamilleMike CucinottaThe cast and crew of all four Psycho films recall their time working on the influential horror series as today's masters of horror reminisce on what the movies stirred in them.
- DirectorStuart SamuelsStarsJohn WatersBen BarenholtzAlejandro JodorowskyFrom 1970-1977, six low budget films shown at midnight transformed the way we make and watch films.
- DirectorElijah DrennerStarsRobert ForsterEric SchaeferEddie MullerA documentary about the history of exploitation movies, from the silent-film era to the 1970s.
- DirectorMichael Paul StephensonStarsGeorge HardyPita RayMicki KnoxA look at the making of the film Troll 2 (1990) and its journey from being crowned the "worst film of all time" to a cherished cult classic.
- DirectorChris SmithStarsMark BorchardtMike SchankTom SchimmelsDocumentary about an aspiring filmmaker's attempts to finance his dream project by finally completing the low-budget horror film he abandoned years before.
- DirectorJake WestStarsJulian PetleyMarc MorrisAndy NymanA documentary analyzing the furore which so-called "video nasties" caused in Britain during the 1980s.
- DirectorDavid GregoryStarsChris TheobaldNorman AbbottBarrie GoldAn in-depth analysis of the "Video Nasty" scandal of the early 1980s in Britain.
- DirectorDavid GregoryStarsChris TheobaldMary WhitehouseGraham BrightAn investigation of UK video censorship after the video recordings act was introduced.
- DirectorMark Patrick CarducciStarsForrest J. AckermanCarl AnthonyStephen C. ApostolofA documentary detailing the making of the infamous "Plan 9 From Outer Space," and interviews with cast members and prominent filmmakers about the film and its creator, Edward D. Wood Jr.
- DirectorJörg ButtgereitStarsJörg ButtgereitMonika M.A feature length documentary following the making of horror director, Jorg Buttgerreit's movies.
- DirectorChristopher HollandStarsClive BarkerRobert RussellExplores the art and mind of horror icon Clive Barker.
- DirectorFrank H. WoodwardStarsRobin Atkin DownesNeil GaimanPeter StraubA chronicle of the life, work and mind that created the Cthulhu mythos.
- DirectorRoy FrumkesStarsRoy FrumkesVictoria AlexanderGlenn AndreievA documentary about the making of the cult classic horror film Street Trash (1987).
- DirectorPhil Nobile Jr.StarsRob NaughtonRob ZombieAnthony Masi"Halloween: The Inside Story" takes a look at one of the most successful film franchises of all time as it goes behind the scenes of John Carpenter's "Halloween," the "frightfest" that redefined the horror genre in the late 1970s. Viewers will learn how writer and director John Carpenter made movie magic on a shoestring budget and how the costume department created one of the most iconic horror villains in movie history by spray-painting a mask of Captain Kirk. It's an inside look at Michael Myers and the Halloween terror he unleashes on the poor teenagers of Haddonfield, Illinois.
- DirectorMark HartleyStarsRoger CormanJohn LandisPete TombsA fast moving odyssey into the subterranean world of the rarely explored province of Filipino genre filmmaking.
- StarsStanley WiaterLarry CohenJoseph StefanoThey have created the dreams that mark our nightmares, forging an unforgettable world of dark fantasy, horror and suspense. After thirty years of accruing in-depth interviews, award-winning author Stanley Wiater has created the ultimate video library of horror icons as SMASH VISION presents "Dark Dreamers; - Volume One." This four-DVD set features one-on-one interviews with over 30 writers, directors, producers, actors and SFX artists - including "I Am Legend" author Richard Matheson. From John Landis to Stan Winston; Forrest J Ackerman to Clive Barker; John Saxon to Wes Craven; Sean S. Cunningham to Larry Cohen..... the artistic world of horror would not exist without these dark dreamers. Why did they enter this dimension? How did they make their mark? What is it about their craft that drives their passion? Respected journalist and horror aficionado Stanley Wiater spent decades developing relationships with renowned subjects, and their stories will entertain, enlighten, and perhaps even scare the dark dreamer in us all.
- StarsAlexander ArmstrongRichard O'BrienDarrell WilkinsA documentary looking at the various conventions and scare techniques of the horror genre.
- StarsJenna FischerRick HoffmanShawnee Smith30 more scary moments are counted down.
- StarsHilarie Burton MorganMartin ScorseseJennifer TillyFilm-makers, performers, genre authorities and selected high-profile fans count down the most chilling moments in cinematic history. Not just from horror films, but from such thrillers as Wait Until Dark (1967) and Jaws (1975) and such science-fiction films as The Terminator (1984) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). This entertaining and authoritative special, originally telecast for 5 nights leading up to Halloween 2004, has gone beyond seasonal programming to become one of the Bravo cable network's most popular and oft-encored specials.
- DirectorSage StalloneStarsSage StalloneCarl Gabriel YorkeThis documentary follows Carl Gabriel Yorke, an actor turned Berkeley professor, who, after 25 years of silence, is finally willing to speak about his participation in the controversial film Cannibal Holocaust (1980).
- DirectorGarry S. GrantStarsAdrienne BarbeauJohn CarpenterNick CastleChronicles the work of cult director John Carpenter through interviews with him and his associates, with emphases on the earlier work.
- DirectorMichael FelsherStarsTom AtkinsAdrienne BarbeauPasquale BubaDetails the making of Stephen King & George A. Romero's 1982 horror anthology classic, from conception through to completion.
- DirectorRobert L. LucasChris RoeStarsGeorge A. RomeroDuane JonesJudith O'DeaA definitive documentary that recaps the evolution of an American Cinema Classic over the past 40 years.
- DirectorPerry MartinStarsBruce AbbottJeffrey CombsBarbara CramptonFeature-length documentary detailing the making-of Re-Animator (1985).
- DirectorRobert HayesStarsBrinke StevensCharles BandJ.R. BookwalterActress Brinke Stevens interviews producers and directors of low-budget horror and exploitation films.
- DirectorRobert HayesStarsBrinke StevensForrest J. AckermanRobert QuarryActress Brinke Stevens interviews producers and directors of low-budget horror and exploitation films.
- DirectorJ.R. BookwalterStarsBrinke StevensOlivia BarashMichelle BauerActress Brinke Stevens interviews producers and directors of low-budget horror and exploitation films, and shows some trailers for and outtakes from some of those films.
- DirectorJ.R. BookwalterStarsBrinke StevensDavid P. BartonRodger BurtActress Brinke Stevens interviews producers and directors of low-budget horror and exploitation films.
- DirectorTed NewsomStarsPeter CushingChristopher LeeRoy Ward BakerThe history of Hammer Films and their legacy, narrated by the studio's most beloved stars, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.
- DirectorRussell WallStarsChristopher LeeHazel CourtPhilip LeakeyThe Birth of Special Makeup Effects occurred at Hammer Films in the mid-1950's. Make-up wizard Phil Leakey was the first artist ever to be given on-screen credit for"Special Makeup Effects". Using unusual chemicals and materials, Leakey strived to create greater realism in his fantastic effects and in so doing engineered the transition from science fiction to full colour, gory, gothic horror. In this lively documentary, Phil takes us back to the Brat Studio years, and explains how the effects were achieved for Stolen Face, The Quatermass Xperiment, Quatermass 2, X The Unknown, The Curse Of Frankenstein, and Dracula. "Hammer had no laboratories or ovens or anything to cook rubber prosthetics with. I had to take them home and do it. I used to ring up my wife and say: don't cook anything tonight dear I'll need the oven to bake a rubber head." Phil Leakey Through interviews and makeup demonstrations, this great documentary provides a valuable and unique insight into the success and importance of what the world now calls Hammer Horror.
- DirectorRussell WallStarsRoy AshtonElizabeth AshtonPhilip Leakey
- DirectorDaniel GriffithStarsJeff BurrJohn CarpenterRon CobbExploring the controversial story behind John Carpenter (Halloween & The Thing) and writer Dan O Bannon's (Alien & Return of the Living Dead) from first feature film. From its humble beginnings as a USC student film, to its modern day status as a cult masterpiece. It also offers a rare glimpse inside the creative minds of two USC film students... who would eventually go on to change the way horror films are made.
- DirectorFrank HenenlotterJimmy MaslonStarsMal ArnoldJohn BloomDuane CarneyGory, Gory, Hallelujah! Take an outrageous ride through the wild world of exploitation films with this often-hilarious documentary, HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS, THE GODFATHER OF GORE!
- DirectorMark HenryFrank H. WoodwardStarsAlexandre AjaDarren Lynn BousmanAlex FernandezA look back at the first decade of 21st Century horror films and the filmmakers that re-energized the genre.
- DirectorDominic MurphyStarsChristopher LeeDario ArgentoClive BarkerFor those who don't understand the appeal of horror movies believe the genre has nothing to offer audiences. However, the 1991 TV documentary "Fear In The Dark" might make some naysayers into horror believers.
- DirectorDan Lee WestStarsUwe BollGreg GutfeldRichard KyankaWidely recognized as the planet's worst film director, Uwe Boll embarks on a quest to conquer Hollywood and take vengeance upon the film fanatics striving to destroy him. Filmed over three years on and off the set, 'Raging Boll' is a walk in the shoes of a man people love to hate.
- DirectorAndrew AbbottRussell LevenStarsMark KermodeNeve CampbellJohn CarpenterDocumentary tracing the rise of the 'slasher' movie.
- DirectorCalum WaddellStarsEmily BoothTom HollandFred Olen RayA celebration of slasher cinema - from PSYCHO to the present day, with a focus on highlighting many of the genre's forgotten cult classics, deconstructing how to survive a slice and dice movie and meditating upon why it is almost always a final girl and rarely a final guy... this is a documentary which is designed for both the biggest fan of "mad maniac" movies and the person who may only have seen HALLOWEEN and SCREAM. Either way, this is a documentary that proves the SLASHER FILM is truly FOREVER!
- DirectorJen AdcockStarsRichard CrouseGeoff PevereRodrigo GudiñoNightmare in Canada is a one-hour television documentary that tells the story of Canada's contribution to the horror film industry.
- DirectorTom WyrschStarsBob WilkinsJohn StanleyBob Shaw"Watch Horror Films, Keep America Strong!" was a 2008 direct-to-dvd documentary on "Creature Features" that was hosted by Bob Wilkins and later by John Stanley.
- StarsDerek FordValerie M. FordPeter Mackenzie LittenDocumentary/promotional film on the making of the horror film Don't Open Til Christmas.
- DirectorErik HollanderStarsSteve AltenJoe AlvesRoy ArbogastAfter three decades, Jaws continues to intrigue, thrill and frighten viewers. This documentary focuses on the many ways Jaws has helped to shape common elements of pop culture.
- DirectorBret WoodStarsRod SteigerExplores the sources of our fears and reveals the birth of the frightful conventions from which the modern-day horror movie has evolved, including the menacing shadows of the German Expressionists.
- DirectorJason Paul CollumStarsLinnea QuigleyBrinke StevensMichelle BauerThree actresses "accidentally" became cult horror film icons in the late 1980s and created the modern interpretation of the "Scream Queen" image.
- DirectorBill PhilputtStarsJules BrennerDon CalfaJames DalesandroRetrospective documentary about the making of the horror cult classic "The Return of the Living Dead."
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsRobert ZemeckisJim FyfeTrini Alvarado
- DirectorDonna DaviesStarsGabriel BartalosHoward BergerSteve BiodrowskiAn inside look at the world of Hollywood special effects and the company paving the way, KNB Effects.
- 20136h 40mNot Rated8.5 (2.7K)VideoDirectorDaniel FarrandsStarsCorey FeldmanPeter M. BrackeSamantha DelutriA chronicle of the history of the Friday the 13th franchise.
- DirectorRob KuhnsStarsGeorge A. RomeroFred RogersH. Rap BrownA documentary that shows how George A. Romero gathered an unlikely team of Pittsburghers to shoot his seminal film: Night of the Living Dead (1968).
- DirectorDamon SantostefanoStarsAnnetteHarvey BernhardRoger CoyleDocumentary tracks the rise of devil cults, witches and other elements of the "black arts."
- DirectorVirgile IscanStarsDave CopelandWilliam LustigJean-François RaugerA portrait of Joe Sarno, one of the pioneering directors of the 1960s 'sexploitation' films
- DirectorÁngel AgudoStarsMick GarrisPaul NaschyJavier AguirreA documentary depicting the life and films of Spain's 'King of Horror' Paul Naschy, aka Jacinto Molina, actor, writer, producer, and director.
- DirectorGarry S. GrantCharles PreeceStarsMark KermodeTim LucasFabrizio BavaDocumentary that explores Bava's film career.
- DirectorGabriele AcerboRoberto PisoniStarsDario ArgentoFabrizio BavaLamberto BavaMario Bava Operazione Paura", hosted by Joe Dante, is an hommage of the Master of the Terror, the italian director Mario Bava
- StarsPenelope McGhieBrigitte LahaieMonica SwinnProducers of the acclaimed UK TV-series 'Eurotika!', from Boum Productions, have amassed a huge library of interviews and archive footage from cult and underground movies, and directors from European sleazy films.
- DirectorSophie FiennesStarsSlavoj ZizekSlavoj Zizek examines famous films in a philosophical and a psychoanalytic context.
- DirectorSophie FiennesStarsSlavoj ZizekPhilosopher Slavoj Zizek examines the hidden themes and existential questions asked by world renowned films.
- DirectorAlex StapletonStarsRoger CormanMartin ScorseseQuentin TarantinoA documentary on DIY producer/director Roger Corman and his alternative approach to making movies in Hollywood.
- DirectorScott EssmanStarsAlan AugustShielu BharwaniDevon DavidsonThe life of Universal makeup legend Jack P. Pierce is told through narration, stills, and recreations of scenes from six famous Universal horror films. Sixteen actors perform in elaborate makeup applied by top Hollywood professionals recreating the look and feel of the famous creations. Performed live on June 17, 2000 at the International Makeup Artist Trade Show in Pasadena, California.
- DirectorLaurens C. PostmaStarsDavid CronenbergJeff GoldblumStephen KingDocumentary about the career of director David Cronenberg, with clips from his films and interviews with friends, colleagues, film critics and Cronenberg himself.
- DirectorMark HartleyStarsSam FirstenbergDavid PaulsenLuigi CozziThe history of the independent film company, The Cannon Film Group, Inc..
- DirectorElijah DrennerStarsSimon BoyesJoe DanteLucio Fulci
- StarsForrest J. AckermanSamuel Z. ArkoffVeronica CarlsonA Documentary Film Series that covers the making and evolution of Fantastic Films.
- DirectorRodney AscherStarsBill BlakemoreGeoffrey CocksJuli KearnsAn exploration of various interpretations of Stanley Kubrick's horror film, The Shining (1980).
- DirectorDonald FarmerStarsMichelle BauerMartine BeswickJanus BlytheWomen who have made a career out of starring in the B horror and science fiction genres are interviewed, and clips and trailers from their films are shown.
- 20141h 37mNot Rated7.5 (4.4K)DirectorDavid GregoryStarsRichard StanleyKier-La JanisseMichael GingoldA behind the scenes chronicle of how clash of vision, bad creative decisions, lack of interest and really bad weather plagued the disastrous production of the infamous The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996).
- DirectorJason BakerStarsJohn AmplasTom AtkinsHoward BergerA documentary about the life of Tom Savini. The film covers his early days in Pittsburgh, and his rise to stardom as Hollywood's most sought after special effects wizard.
- DirectorJohn CampopianoJustin WhiteStarsBrad GreenquistSean ClarkMark E. AnastasioThis documentary is a detailed look into the making of Pet Sematary (1989).
- StarsAxelle CarolynHeidi HoneycuttKristy JettA panel of female journalists and filmmakers briefly provide a female take on the depiction of mostly female puberty in modern cinema.
- DirectorMichael SteverStarsSusan AdriensenJohn AmplasAdrienne BarbeauStever gets up close and personal with many of the talented filmmakers and stars in exclusive backstage interviews. Stever captures the set-up of the memorabilia and collectibles stands by the hard-working staff and volunteers, the panel discussion with Romero, Barbeau and others moderated by Roy Frumkes, and the long lines of fans, some adorned in full costume and make-up, waiting to get autographs of their favorite horror legends.