Ever wondered what happens when faith, power, and absolute certainty collide? Grab some popcorn (and maybe a notebook), because this list of documentaries dives headfirst into the fascinating, sometimes shocking world of fundamentalist Christian movements. From tight-knit communities to controversial leaders, these films explore belief taken to the extreme – and the real people living inside it.
1. Jesus Camp (2006)
- Directors: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady
- Country: USA
- Focus: Evangelical child indoctrination
Jesus Camp follows children attending a Pentecostal summer camp where they are trained to become “soldiers for Christ,” revealing how political ideology, nationalism, and religious absolutism are instilled at a young age.
Prime watch
Netflix watch
2. Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets (2023)
- Directors: Olivia Crist, Dan Cutforth
- Focus: IBLP / Quiverfull movement
- Country: USA
Shiny Happy People exposes the authoritarian teachings behind the Duggar family’s public image, examining sexual abuse cover-ups, patriarchy, and the power structures of evangelical fundamentalism.
Prime watch
3. Pray Away (2021)
- Director: Kristine Stolakis
- Country: USA
- Focus: Conversion therapy
Pray Away follows former leaders of the “ex-gay” movement recounting how evangelical extremism promoted psychological harm under the guise of religious salvation.
Netflix watch
