18 Most Insightful Documentaries About Religion

Lists
Written By Habiba Abdou

Religion is an important aspect of societies all over the world. It shapes people's culture, traditions, and values. Documentaries offer an excellent way to learn about religion and to explore different worldviews and beliefs. They reveal the intricate details of religious practices, the history behind them, and the impact they have on individuals and societies.

If you're fascinated by religion, then here are some of the best documentaries that you shouldn't miss.

1. Jerusalem: Center of the World (2009)

This documentary takes you on a journey through the ancient city of Jerusalem, exploring its cultural and religious significance to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

The movie delves into the history and conflict surrounding the holy site, as well as the rituals and traditions that connect the three faiths.

👉 Watch Jerusalem: Center of the World on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Jerusalem: Center of the World as DVD on Amazon

2. Around The World in 80 Faiths (2009)

This series takes you on an extraordinary journey across the globe to explore the different religions practiced by people around the world. The show features a British journalist who visits various countries and immerses himself in the local customs and beliefs.

From Hinduism in India to Voodoo in Haiti, this series presents fascinating insights into the diversity of religious practices.

👉 Watch Around The World in 80 Faiths on Amazon Prime

3. Holly Hell (2016)

This Netflix series explores the history of cults and their influence on modern-day society. The show highlights some of the most extreme and dangerous religious cults in the world- from the Branch Davidians in Waco to the Heaven's Gate cult.

"Holly Hell" also offers a glimpse into the psychology of cults and why individuals are drawn to them.

👉 Watch Holly Hell on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Holly Hell as DVD on Amazon

4. Among The Believers (2015)

The documentary highlights the radical Islamic movement in Pakistan led by cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz. The movie provides an insight into the madrasas (Islamic seminaries) in Pakistan, which are breeding grounds for extremists.

By using interviews with both the supporters and opponents of the movement, the movie provides a balanced look into the current political situation in Pakistan.

👉 Watch Among The Believers on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Among The Believers as DVD on Amazon

5. Beyond Our Differences (2008)

This documentary explores how different religious traditions can come together to tackle global issues such as climate change, poverty, and conflict.

The film features interviews with leaders and experts from different religious backgrounds, who discuss their perspectives on what unites humanity and how we can all work together to create a better world.

👉 Watch Beyond Our Differences on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Beyond Our Differences as DVD on Amazon

6. The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha (2010)

This documentary tells the story of the Buddha's life from his early days as a prince to his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

The movie provides insights into the teachings of Buddhism, the importance of compassion and mindfulness, and the challenges of achieving enlightenment in a world full of suffering.

👉 Buy The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha as DVD on Amazon

7. A History of God (2001)

This three-part series, based on Karen Armstrong's book, explores the history of religion and spirituality across the globe. It provides an in-depth analysis of religious beliefs from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, to Buddhism and Hinduism.

The documentary also delves into the complex history of religion, from the ancient Greeks to modern times. "A History of God" is a great choice for people interested in the intersection of religion, philosophy, and history.

👉 Buy A History of God as DVD on Amazon

8. Outside Man — Millionaire Clergy (2014)

This fascinating BBC documentary sheds light on the South African followers of the Prophet. It provides an eye-opening look at the followers way of living.

The documentary follows Reggie Yates on a trip to South Africa to meet the Prophet Mboro. Mboro was a type of Pentecostal leader leading a rich lifestyle. The documentary is a great way to to learn more about the rise of Evangelical Churches and the Church of Incredible Happenings prophet's claims he can performs miracle

Outside Man — Millionaire Clergy

9. Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison of Belief (2015)

This 2015 documentary is a deep dive into the controversial religion of Scientology. Based on Lawrence Wright's book, the documentary provides a detailed and often shocking look into the inner workings of the church, its founder L. Ron Hubbard, and the stories of former members who have left the church.

The documentary is a must-watch for anyone intrigued by Scientology and the controversies surrounding it.

👉 Watch Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison of Belief on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison of Belief as DVD on Amazon

10. A History of Christianity (2004)

This BBC documentary series delves into the history of Christianity. It provides an in-depth look at the beliefs, practices, and culture of Christianity throughout the centuries.

The documentary explores the different factions within the religion, as well as the impact of Christianity on the world over the centuries. It is an excellent watch for anyone interested in the culture, history and impact of the world's largest religion.

A History of Christianity

11. Walking The Bible (2005)

Based on Bruce Feiler's book, "Walking the Bible" takes viewers on a journey through the Middle East and explores the stories from the Bible in their original context.

The documentary is not just informative but is also visually stunning with breathtaking vistas and historical sites. Whether you're religious or not, this PBS documentary is an amazing exploration of one of the world's most popular books and the communities that strive to keep its legacy alive.

Walking The Bible

12. Ex-Shaman (2018)

The documentary, ‘Ex-Shaman', explores the Amazon rainforest's ancient shamanic practices. The film follows the journey of Alberto, an ex-shaman, as he discusses his experiences and the ceremony of ayahuasca.

The film explores the impact the practice has on people's lives and the reasons they seek it. The film also raises discussions of cultural appropriation, decolonization, and the impact of outside forces on traditional practices.

Ex-Shaman

13. InnSaei — The Power of Intuition (2016)

‘InnSaei — The Power of Intuition' explores the value of intuition in daily life. The documentary follows two women's journeys as they explore how they value and use their intuition.

The film takes a spiritual turn and explores the intuitive practices of Buddhism, Hinduism, and more. The documentary provides a unique perspective, and the viewer might discover new ways of thinking based on their intuition.

👉 Watch InnSaei — The Power of Intuition on Amazon Prime UK

👉 Buy InnSaei — The Power of Intuition as DVD on Amazon UK

14. One of Us (2017)

The interesting documentary, ‘One of Us,' focuses on three Hasidic Jews who have left their community. The film examines the hardships these individuals had to endure to leave their community and adapt to the secular world.

The documentary explores the complexity of the Hasidic community and how leaving comes at great personal cost. The film presents an emotional exploration of identity, family, and faith.

One of Us

15. Believer (2018)

‘Believer' explores how religious practices can change and evolve through the work of Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons.

Reynolds takes on the religious institution of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after discovering the elevated suicide rates among its members. The film highlights the struggle of reconciling LGBTQ rights and faith that is not always welcoming of such practices.

👉 Watch Believer on Amazon Prime

16. A Girl in the River (2015)

‘A Girl in the River' tells the story of an eighteen-year-old girl from Pakistan, who is the victim of an attempted honor killing. The documentary delves into the patriarchal norms of the Pakistani society, and how they influence women's place in religion and the community.

The documentary examines the progress Pakistan has made, and the work that still needs to be done to address the issue of honor killings.

👉 Watch A Girl in the River on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy A Girl in the River as DVD on Amazon

17. The Family (2019)

The documentary series ‘The Family,' explores the activities of The Fellowship, a conservative Christian group that has its hold on powerful politicians. The organization is notorious for keeping its operations hidden from the public and has ties to regimes whose values contradict what USA calls for.

The documentary takes a critical look at the people who lead the Fellowship and the impact it has on people globally and domestically.

The Family

18. The Story of India (2007)

‘The Story of India' is a six-part documentary series that explores the history and culture of India. The documentary delves into India's past, from the Indus Valley Civilization to the present, and examines its religious and cultural practices.

The series highlights the diversity of India and its people. The documentary provides a viewer with in-depth insight into religion throughout India's long history.

👉 Watch The Story of India on Amazon Prime

Conclusion

Religion is a fascinating topic that affects billions of people around the world. By watching documentaries, we can learn about different religions and their impact on individuals and societies.

Whether you're looking for historical and cultural insights or exploring spirituality and personal growth, there are countless documentaries that can satisfy all your interests. So start watching and discover the wonders of religion captured on film.

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Habiba Abdou
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