Louis Theroux's 20 Best Documentaries: From Savile and Scientology to Prisons and Painkillers
Louis Theroux has wrestled until he vomited, posed naked for adult photos, and now he is about to take on the manosphere for Netflix. As we look back at the interviewer's most jaw-dropping shows, it is clear that his career has been defined by fearless exploration and unique storytelling.
Three Decades of Groundbreaking Documentaries
It has been almost 30 years since Louis Theroux began making documentaries for the BBC. Few could have predicted that the endearingly dorky figure from his first series, Weird Weekends, would become a public figure as famous as many of his celebrity interviewees. With nearly 100 BBC titles under his belt, Theroux is now transitioning to Netflix. Inside the Manosphere, the first programme he has presented for the streamer, dives into the world of the men's rights movement and explorations of masculinity in the extremely online era. Ahead of its release on 11 March, we have selected 20 of Theroux's finest documentaries to date.
Top 20 Documentaries: A Detailed Overview
- Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends: Survivalists (1998) – A fascinating dive into a world of people preparing for societal collapse, featuring underground bunkers and armed patriots.
- When Louis Met Max Clifford (2002) – An exploration of tabloid spin with the celebrity publicist, ending in a dramatic confrontation.
- Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends: Rap (2002) – A fun look at the rap game, including Theroux's viral hit Jiggle Jiggle.
- My Scientology Movie (2016) – A unique film using actors to re-enact troubling scenarios due to the church's hostility.
- A Place for Paedophiles (2009) – A sensitive exploration of a hospital for sexually violent predators.
- Louis, Martin & Michael (2003) – An entertaining quest to gain access to Michael Jackson, despite losing out to Martin Bashir.
- By Reason of Insanity (2015) – A two-part series offering insight into the minds of those with serious mental illness who have committed crimes.
- Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends: Porn (1998) – A rare behind-the-scenes peek into the pornography industry, with Theroux's playful participation.
- Miami Mega Jail (2011) – A brutal look at the US prison system, with access to every part of a Miami jail.
- Louis Theroux's Forbidden America: Extreme and Online (2022) – An exploration of far-right characters online, with Theroux facing backlash from interviewees.
- A Different Brain (2016) – A heartbreaking look at living with long-term effects of brain injury, featuring emotional personal stories.
- Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends: Wrestling (1999) – A fun classic where Theroux trains until he vomits, showcasing his early goofy style.
- Dark States: Heroin Town (2017) – A bleak portrayal of a town devastated by opiate addiction, indicting the pharmaceutical industry.
- When Louis Met the Hamiltons (2001) – A film that swerves into chaos when the subjects face sexual assault accusations during filming.
- Extreme Love: Dementia (2012) – A tender and painful exploration of dementia, filled with love and care despite the disease's cruelty.
- When Louis Met Jimmy (2000) – A grimly fascinating document of Theroux's time with Jimmy Savile, later revisited in 2016.
- The Settlers (2025) – A return to form covering illegal settlements in the West Bank, showcasing Theroux's journalistic best.
- Louis and the Nazis (2003) – A firecracker documentary exploring racism in the US, with tense confrontations and unsettling scenes.
- Drinking to Oblivion (2016) – A tough and moving watch about alcoholism, featuring an emotive story of a young man battling addiction.
- The Most Hated Family in America (2007) – Jaw-dropping viewing about the Westboro Baptist church, with incredible access and unbelievable characters.
Legacy and Future Projects
Louis Theroux's documentaries have consistently pushed boundaries, offering unique insights into controversial and often hidden worlds. From his early days on the BBC to his upcoming Netflix series, his work remains a testament to the power of investigative journalism. Inside the Manosphere is set to premiere on Netflix on 11 March, continuing his tradition of fearless storytelling.
