They’re all highly recommended.
It has been 18 years since Theroux’s first show on the BBC aired and like many of you, we’re massive fans of his unique interviewing style and unbiased approach to his subjects.
He currently has five series that are all available on Netflix (we’ve done our best to include as many of those as possible below) along with an enormous back catalogue of stunning work.
Ahead of the cinematic release of My Scientology Movie In no particular order, we highly recommend all of the following.
The Most Hated Family in America (2007)
Outline: An up close and personal look at the family that’s at the core of the Westboro Baptist Church. The organization was led by Fred Phelps (who has since died) and the documentary examines why Westboro Baptist Church members believe that the United States government is immoral due to its tolerance of homosexuality. It’s a stunning piece of work.
Clip via – BBCWorldwide
Louis Theroux: The City Addicted to Crystal Meth (2009)
Outline: Theroux examines the toll that crystal meth has taken on several addicts in Fresno, California. Simply put, some of the stories will break your heart.
BBC 2 | CITY ADDICTED TO CRYSTAL METH from Geoffrey O’Connor / Copious Pict on Vimeo.
Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends – Survivalists (1998)
Outline: In Idaho, Louis meets military enthusiasts and right-wing patriots who are preparing for a global catastrophe, including trips to survivalists’ store Safetrek and a mountain refuge for conspiracy theorists called Almost Heaven.
Clip via – louistherouxdotcom’s channel
Louis Theroux: Behind Bars (2008)
Outline: Theroux visits San Quentin prison where he meets and speaks to murderers, gang members, at-risk inmates and guards.
Clip via – BBCWorldwide
Louis Theroux LA Stories – Edge of Life (2014)
Outline: Louis Theroux meets patients battling for their lives in LA’s most famous hospital.
Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends – Wrestling (1999)
Outline: Louis takes a look at different types of wrestling from the high profile World Championship Wrestling (WCW) to people organizing events in their spare time. He meets several WCW wrestlers, including Rowdy Roddy Piper, Goldberg, Randy Savage, Berlyn, Raven, and Pez Whatley.
Clip via – BBC Brit
Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends – Looking for Love (2000)
Outline: The documentarian visits a Bangkok marriage agency where Western men meet Thai brides.
Clip via – BBC Brit
Truth be told, there are so many other Theroux documentaries that we could include but the two glaring omissions from the above list are Gambling in Las Vegas and Law and Disorder in Johannesburg. Check them out.
