Hi all!

Today I am sharing five amazing documentaries on Shudder. This horror/thriller streaming service has some very underrated gems, worth highlighting and discussing. Shudder is only $6.99 a month in Australia. It gives you access to lots of exclusives, originals and new releases. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

1.) The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments Of All Time 

Shudder is worth getting purely for this documentary alone. It launched in October, releasing a new episode per week, as it counted down from 101 to the #1 scariest horror movie moment of all time. It was so much fun trying to guess what was coming next. It also gave me plenty of spooky films to add to my watch list. Not only that, there were some surprising and exciting guests featured throughout the series, discussing the impact of those particular scenes. It will absolutely renew your love for the genre. If you only check out one recommendation from this list, let it be this one.

2.) Queer For Fear: The History Of Queer Horror 

This four part docuseries focuses on queer history throughout horror films. Guests from the LGBTQ+ community (including past contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race), discuss how they felt represented in the genre and what it meant to them. You do not have to be queer to enjoy this documentary. In fact, I encourage all to check it out and learn something. It was a joy to watch.

3.) The Found Footage Phenomenon

If you’re only just starting to foster an appreciation for this particular horror sub-genre, I recommend The Found Footage Phenomenon. Not only will you gain some excellent movie recommendations, you’ll learn how it began and what has made it increasingly popular over the years. Various directors and actors speak on the techniques used to make an effective found footage feature, as well as how found footage cemented itself in cinematic history. It’s short but worth your time.

4.) Leap of Faith: William Friedkin On The Exorcist

Leap of Faith is more of a niche recommendation. If you love The Exorcist – and wish to learn more about the movie-making process from the director himself – this one is for you. He speaks so earnestly about how fate pushed him to take on this iconic film and the way destiny continued to affect the final product. It’s less about the cursed set and more about the executive decisions made, as it was being shot. I learned so much. It’s absolutely worth checking out.

5.) Horror Noire: A History Of Black Horror 

Last, but not least, we have Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror. Similar to Queer for Fear, you do not have to be a POC to enjoy this documentary. I highly encourage everyone watch it. Filmmakers and actors/actresses of colour, converse with one another about the importance of black history in horror. From Jordan Peele’s Get Out, to Night of the Living Dead, audiences receive an honest perspective on how black people have been represented in spooky cinema, over the course of many years. It’s deep but quite lighthearted at times. I’m so glad it exists.

Thank you so much for reading! What are some of your favourite Shudder documentaries? 

Peace & Love xoxo