Movies like The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary (1996)
The best movies like The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary (1996) are Pennywise: The Story of ‘It’ (2021), Doc of the Dead (2014) and Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019). If The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary hooked you with its documentary and horror, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Crash (2026)6.8/10 from 201 votes
- NewestA Toxic Love Story (2026)Released 2026
Pennywise: The Story of ‘It’ (2021)
Thirty-plus years after its release, the popular two-part miniseries "It" and its infamous villain Pennywise live on in the minds of horror fans around the world. This documentary captures not only the buzz the "It" saga generated in 1990 but also the lasting impact it has had on an entire generation and the horror genre at large. Several years in the making, the film features exclusive interviews with many of the cult classic's key players, from cast members Richard Thomas, Seth Green, and Tim Curry, who portrayed the notorious monster clown Pennywise, to director Tommy Lee Wallace and special effects makeup artist Bart Mixon. The documentary also boasts a wealth of archival material and never-before-seen footage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDoc of the Dead (2014)
The definitive zombie culture documentary, brought to the screen by the makers of THE PEOPLE vs. GEORGE LUCAS.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHorror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019)
Delving into a century of genre films that by turns utilized, caricatured, exploited, sidelined, and finally embraced them, this is the untold history of black Americans in Hollywood through their connection to the horror genre.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLovecraft: Fear of the Unknown (2008)
A chronicle of the life, work and mind that created the Cthulhu mythos.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisUnknown Dimension: The Story of Paranormal Activity (2021)
A deep dive into the making of the Paranormal Activity films with first time ever interviews with cast and crew, never-before-seen footage from the movies, and a preview of the seventh installment in the franchise.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLiving with Chucky (2022)
A filmmaker who grew up alongside Chucky the killer doll seeks out the other families surrounding the Child's Play films as they recount their experiences working on the ongoing franchise and what it means to be a part of the, "Chucky" family.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGoing to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film (2006)
This historical and critical look at slasher films, which includes dozens of clips, begins with Halloween, Friday the 13th, and Prom Night. The films' directors, writers, producers, and special effects creators comment on the films' making and success. During the Reagan years, the films get gorier, budgets get smaller, and their appeal wanes. Then, Nightmare on Elm Street revives the genre. Jump to the late 90s, when Scream brings humor and TV stars into the mix.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLeap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist (2019)
A lyrical and spiritual cinematic essay on The Exorcist, the last film of Alexandre O. Philippe explores the uncharted depths of William Friedkin’s mind’s eye, the nuances of his filmmaking process, and the mysteries of faith and fate that have shaped his life and filmography.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTerror in the Aisles (1984)
A non-stop roller coaster ride through the scariest moments of the greatest terror films of all time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNightmares in Red, White and Blue (2009)
An exploration of the appeal of horror films, with interviews of many legendary directors in the genre.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIn Search of Darkness: Part II (2020)
The ultimate ‘80s Horror retrospective just got BIGGER. In Search of Darkness: Part II is a four-hour-plus sequel to the Rondo Hatton-nominated In Search of Darkness, adding 15 new interviewees and 40+ returning favorites for the biggest and most comprehensive ‘80s Horror documentary cast ever assembled.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Toxic Love Story (2026)
A string of threatening emails escalates into a revenge plot involving a newly married US marshal and his ex-girlfriend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Menendez Brothers (2024)
Serving life in prison for murdering their parents, Lyle and Erik Menendez speak out in this documentary explaining the shocking crime and ensuing trials.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Crash (2026)
A teen slams her car into a building, killing her boyfriend and his friend. What seems like a tragic accident becomes a murder case.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHis Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th (2010)
A retrospective documentary about the groundbreaking horror series, Friday the 13th, featuring interviews with cast and crew from the twelve films spanning 3 decades.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Mystery of D.B. Cooper (2020)
This documentary brings to life the stories of four people believed by their family and friends to be “DB Cooper,” a man who hijacked a 727 flying out of Seattle and jumped from the plane over the wilds of Washington State with a parachute and $200,000, never to be heard from again.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAileen: Queen of the Serial Killers (2025)
Aileen Wuornos remains a rarity: a female serial killer. From childhood abuse to death-row revelations, this documentary revisits her life and crimes.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMaternal Instinct (2026)
Police pull over a woman who claims she just gave birth. But the baby — and the blood — aren't hers. Twisted lies unravel in this true-crime documentary.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMy Mom Jayne (2025)
Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, an extraordinary and complex woman.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDirty John: The Dirty Truth (2019)
John Meehan created a terrifying trap of seduction, deceit and betrayal for countless victims. The illuminating revelations into his backstory showcase a series of events that flipped switches to create a monster wired for psychopathy. Goffard exposes John’s troubled background that built the foundation for his ominous fantasy world of lies and manipulation. In addition to hearing the Newell family’s terrifying tale, John’s first wife Tonia Bales and her daughters Emily and Abigail Meehan speak out, along with other women from his past who were caught in his web of lies.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
SnoozefestMovies like thisChainsaw Redux: Making a Massacre (2004)
Feature length documentary about the making of the film featuring interviews with producer Michael Bay, director Marcus Nispel, executive producers Brad Fuller and Andrew Form, screenwriter Scott Kosar, and the cast and crew.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & horror
The Chicken Run (2015)
For Crissy, waking up was the beginning of the nightmare, discovering her hands and feet bound, her body drenched in sweat from the brutal Texas heat and her brother Bobby, clinging to life, impaled on a nearby meat hook. These were the 'visible clues' to horror that lay ahead, the 'audio clue' was the growing sound of a revving chainsaw getting louder and louder, closer and closer, only hinting at the terrifying fate and formidable aggressor on the other side of the ominous, gleaming metal door of the room in which she was trapped... and then the door opened.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & documentary
In Search of All American Massacre: The Lost Texas Chainsaw Film (2022)
A documentary team sets out to find "All American Massacre", the lost "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" spin-off that was supposed to be released in the year 2000. Since 2000 the film's whereabouts have spawned numerous rumors and urban legends. Could some of them be true?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & horror
Dinner with Leatherface (2024)
A look at poet, author, filmmaker, actor, and horror icon Gunnar Hansen—the original Leatherface in the first Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Including perspectives from friends, colleagues, filmmakers, actors, and anyone else who knew one of the nicest people affiliated with the horror genre.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & horror
The Legacy of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (2022)
Philipp Escott returns to the roots of THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE, accompanied by familiar filmmakers and critics, delving into the reasons behind the movie’s impact on an entire generation and its perpetuating legacy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & horror
Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth (2000)
A documentary primarily focusing on the filming and release of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait (1988)
A documentary about the classic 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' film, including interviews with Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal, John Dugan and Jim Siedow.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Weedhacker Massacre (2025)
How many remakes of a bad horror movie can you remake? The cast and crew of "The WeedHacker Massacre" boldly film where gruesome murders occurred years ago and the masked killer has returned. It’s going to be their worst movie ever.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Gasoline (2019)
A very dark and disturbing Texas Chainsaw fan film which sees two poor victims knocking on the wrong door when they run out of gas.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary?
The closest matches to The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary are Pennywise: The Story of ‘It’ (2021), Doc of the Dead (2014) and Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary?
Start with Pennywise: The Story of ‘It’ (2021), the closest match to The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary?
The Crash (2026), rated 6.8/10 by 201 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary?
A Toxic Love Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary?
Yes: Pennywise: The Story of ‘It’ (2021), Doc of the Dead (2014) and Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019).
How are movies similar to The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Documentary, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.