9 Louis Theroux Documentaries Everyone Must See

Louis Theroux is a British journalist whose documentaries have garnered a heap of praise over the years, and if you haven't heard of him, we seriously suggest you check him out.

The documentaries, which often take the form of a Gonzo-style journalism (a style of reporting told in the first person with Louis as its main character) sees the socially-awkward Brit come face-to-face with people many would label deplorable, such as those who have committed heinous crimes, or individuals condemned for their racial and political views.

In a nutshell, Louis' topics of interest are often what makes his documentaries so impressive, and coupled with his inquisitive nature and relatable characteristics; you get a collection of unique documentaries.
With that in mind, and with his first cinematic documentary about the controversies surrounding the Church of Scientology recently released, we take a look back at what we think are 9 of the intrepid journalist's greatest works.

9. Weird Weekends

Weird Weekends was Louis' first foray into the world of televisual journalism, and it was a great success. Of the 18 episodes, which were each around 30-minutes long, the series explored an array of fringe groups in America and Louis threw himself right into their world.
Enthralling in their subject matters, Weird Weekends saw Louis get up-close-and-personal with everyone and everything, from UFO enthusiasts and porn stars to pick up artists and swinger clubs without ever passing judgement. If anything, he often seemed enamoured by the actions and beliefs of his subjects, and it was his willingness to do almost anything (in one episode he strips naked when reporting on Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley porn district) that marked Theroux out as an extraordinary and likeable storyteller.

8. The Most Hated Family in America

The Phelps family have become infamous in recent years for their bigoted and outright deplorable views on anything that goes against their church's scripture but Louis attempted to get to know them on a more personal level.
Following 'The Most Hated Family In America' around, Theroux quickly discovers why such a label exists and accompanies them on various pickets as members of the family promote their church with placards reading 'God Hates Fags' and 'Thank God For Dead Soldiers.'
Admittedly, even with the Brit's charms, this isn't an easy watch but there are also times of laughter, and that's no doubt thanks to Theroux who, while seeking answers on a tough subject matter, quickly realises that there is more to this family than initially meets the eye.

7. Behind Bars

Documenting the lives of prisoners is nothing new but Louis Theroux's documentary on San Quentin prison was different to many in the sense that it gave a voice to prisoners often labelled irredeemable and dangerous.
Filmed roaming the prison courtyard, Louis ends up engaging in a plethora of fascinating conversations, including one with a gang member called ‘Playboy Nolan’ and a man serving 500 years after being convicted of 11 murders.
Louis also interviews a transgender woman sharing a cell with her boyfriend and it's moments like those that serve as a reminder that prisons, while highly nightmarish, are often settings where you'll find some of life's most compelling characters.

6. Louis and the Nazis

When Louis is granted access to some of America's most dangerous racists, you already know you're in for one hell of a ride. In this case, his subjects included Tom Metzger, a former grand dragon of the KKK in the 70’s, and believe it or not, a one-time congressional candidate. Another person he meets is a mother of two 11-year-olds, who she regularly takes to skinhead rallies and has them sings racist songs to while Louis is in the car.
The most unsettling scene comes when he meets a skinhead called “Skip” whose family are skinheads too. When questioned if Louis was Jewish, he refuses to reply because admitting he wasn't would mean pandering to his views. But it's already clear to the insular views of Skip and his family that his answer was self-explanatory and two of them questioning him walk away. Again, this highlighted that Louis wasn't afraid to throw himself in the deep end, especially when Skip admitted earlier in the interview that if he (Louis) was Jewish, he’d “Kick his ass and leave him in the street somewhere”.

5. Louis and Michael

While Louis's hopes for an interview with Michael Jackson six years before his tragic death proved futile, he did manage to secure an interview with his father Joe Jackson in the 2003 documentary, Louis, and Michael. The documentary has many stumbling blocks- it takes $5000 simply to secure an interview with his father- but Joe Jackson's interview was nonetheless a fascinating portrait into how one parent's pursuit of success soon led to a breakdown in communication with many of his sons.
On several occasions Louis comes close to securing a blockbuster interview with Michael and even manages to talk to two of his friends and close confidants; his personal magician Majestik Magnificent and Uri Geller. However, the request is ultimately turned down by Geller and was granted to Martin Bashir instead, who would go onto shed further light on the alleged crimes of child abuse levied against Michael.

4. Extreme Love: Autism

Autism is a condition that has become increasingly ubiquitous in recent years, helped by medical professionals' furthered understanding of it, something Louis Theroux finds out when he visits a school in America catered for autism. Unlike other Louis Theroux documentaries, this one is less hard-hitting and more pathos-inducing, such are the incredibly heart-warming stories profiled.
It's also worth nothing that the documentary was followed by a sister episode entitled Extreme Love: Dementia which explores the heart-rending accounts of those who have or are in the process of losing their memory to Alzheimers. While inquisitive and wanting to know about their struggles, Theroux comes across as a warm and compassionate person who builds up trusted relationships with his subjects in a way few other journalists could.

3. The Ultra Zionists

The Israel and Palestine debate has long been a contentious one with many people's views on the subject usually being dogmatic and one-sided. But Louis doesn't fall privy to that and instead demonstrates a strong grasp of telling both sides. Profiled in the documentary are a group of Ultra Zionists and nationalists residing near The West Banks' border.
Interviewing them, Louis asks whether they think it right that land which isn't recognised by other nations should be claimed based on the scripture of a religious text. Those interviewed went on a long-winded rant about the importance of reclaiming their land, even in areas Israel does not recognise while an Australian Zionist who specialises in 'rehousing' Israelis in Palestinian occupied territory describes the secret trading relationships that go on between the Arabs and Jews.

2. Gambling in Las Vegas

Las Vegas may be synonymous with glamour, but there is an underbelly to a city built in the middle of the Nevada desert few profile. But Louis did, and quite brilliantly too. As well as interviewing the high-rollers there was also an array of others interviewed, including a retired doctor who lost $4m in just seven years by gambling on the slots.
A compelling outlook into a city many have long associated with sin, the documentary, without falling privy to sneering at its subjects instead presents a fascinating look at the lives which revolve around the city's main source of revenue and the relationship the casinos have with their most loyal customers.

1. The City Addicted to Crystal Meth

While interviewing many people in society- which have included sex offenders and murderers to name but a few- it was arguably Theroux's stark look at Fresno, California's crystal meth problem that is arguably his most captivating documentary.
Like with Vegas, people's preconceived idea of California is one of fulfilled dreams and scenic beauty when in reality there are many areas just like Fresno riddled with crime and poverty. The Guardian described the documentary, which featured the lives of many recovering and existing addicts as "an extraordinary film," and "a sad portrait of a very different California."