Netflix's latest true crime docuseries, Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, made quite a splash after its release on the platform on May 29, 2024. Viewers were left speechless at the allegations and revelations against the company 7M Films and its founder, Robert Shinn.
The allegations made against the company and its founder range from mistreatment to forced labor and coercion, to human trafficking and s*xual abuse. The creators of the documentary have crafted a compelling narrative with interviews with former members. It depicts a highly exploitative culture that went unnoticed until 2022.
Those who watched the docuseries were enthralled by it and have been looking for other series and documentaries like Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. This list will look at eight shows, like the docuseries, that are available to be streamed on Netflix.
8 Netflix shows like Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult
1) The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping (2024)
The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping is a three episode Netflix docuseries that focuses on the abuse that students of the Academy at Ivy Ridge suffered. The academy was a behavior modification facility in Ogdensburg, New York. It posed as a disciplinary institution by catering to desperate parents seeking help for their "misbehaving" children. The school duped the parents of thousands of dollars in monthly fees.
Katherine Kubler, who stayed at the boarding school for 15 months, was inspired to direct the documentary and expose the reality of the now-shuttered school for troubled teens. She is joined by her classmates in recounting their traumatic experiences. Their revelations include the abusive and manipulative tactics used by the staff to control the students at all times.
The official synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes is as follows:
"Years after being sent to a disciplinary school, a woman who is haunted by her experiences exposes the corruption and abuse of the troubled teen industry."
Like Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, this series also shines a light on the manipulative tactics used against youngsters by institutions meant to look out for them.
2) Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed (2022)
The Christian megachurch Hillsong counts many celebrities like Justin Bieber, Vanessa Hudgens, Chris Pratt, and the Kardashian-Jenners among its followers. However, in recent years, the global church's image has been tainted due to the many scandals and controversies it has been a part of. All of these are covered in the four-part docuseries, Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed.
Although it wasn't a cult in the real sense, the church's alleged scandals involved abuse, exploitation, financial mismanagement, and LGBTQIA+ intolerance. It is an engaging watch, especially for those who found Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult to be shocking.
3) The Age of Influence (2023)
The six-part docuseries The Age of Influence aired on Hulu on June 5, 2023. It follows the story of six social media influencers including Jay Mazini, Danielle Miller, Emily Gellis, and Essena O'Neill.
It focuses on the biggest social media scandals of the current times and showcases the lengths people will go to in the world of influencer culture. With its captivating look into the world of lies, deceit, and crime, this docuseries serves as a cautionary tale about the dark side of easy money, fame, and influence.
The official synopsis as per Hulu reads:
“In the age of social media, influencers have become a powerful force. With millions of followers, they can command high fees for product endorsements and sponsorships. But what happens when these influencers abuse their power?”
The Age of Influence takes a deep dive into the world of influencer culture, much like Netflix's Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.
4) Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief (2015)
The documentary Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief by director Alex Gibney focuses on one of the most powerful and influential religious organizations in the world. Since the documentary's release, several ex-Scientology members have come forward with their shocking allegations, including actress Leah Remini.
The documentary uncovers the scandals, criminal activities, and dubious origins of the Church of Scientology through the lens of its founder, the science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. It offers a tantalizing view of the power the church wields in the world of Hollywood. Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief was awarded an Emmy award for Best Documentary upon its release.
Its theme of a religious leader weaponizing faith to brainwash and manipulate individuals shares similarities with Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.
5) Wild Wild Country (2018)
This six-part docuseries chronicles the story of an Indian religious figure, Osho (Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh), and his second-in-command Sheela Birnstiel (Ma Anand Sheela). The duo moved to Oregon in the early 1980s and established a utopian community with thousands of followers in the Wasco County of Oregon.
What follows is a story of greed, corruption, and unbridled ambition that ends with the first bioterrorism attack on American soil. Directed by brothers Maclain and Chapman Way, this documentary promises to take viewers on a wild ride. It has all the makings of an entertaining movie, where drugs, s*x, corruption, politics, and crime take center stage.
This startling documentary showcases the dangers of charismatic cult leaders, much like Robert Shinn from Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.
6) Escaping Twin Flames (2023)
This documentary follows an online matchmaking service, Twin Flames Universe, founded by Shaleia and Jeff Divine (formerly known as Shaleia and Jeff Ayan). Spread over three episodes, it uncovers how the couple frequently preyed on lonely, single individuals with promises of helping them find their soulmates.
According to the docuseries, the couple used cult-like manipulation tactics to prey on the vulnerabilities of its members. They allegedly forced members to cut ties with their families and undergo gender transformation surgeries. The couple also forced them to purchase a series of expensive books, classes, workshops, webinars, and diet plans under the guise of bolstering their chances of meeting their "twin flame."
Those who want to watch documentaries like Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, can give Escaping Twin Flames a try. It takes an in-depth look into the cult-like practices of its organization and features interviews with former members.
7) Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets (2023)
The docuseries unravels the shocking secrets behind television's once-beloved mega-family, the Duggars. They first entered the national spotlight with their popular reality series, 19 Kids and Counting on TLC. This Amazon Prime docuseries gave viewers a look into the true image behind this seemingly picture-perfect family.
Among the most shocking revelations in the docuseries is the s*xual abuse scandal involving the family's oldest son Josh Duggar. He allegedly abused a few of his own sisters.
It also delves into the controversial belief systems of the Christian fundamentalist group Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), which the family religiously followed. Like Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, this docuseries highlights the nefarious workings of a religious institution.
8) The Deep End (2022)
The millennial spiritual leader Teal Swan, an extremely popular social media influencer, with millions of followers, is the focus of this documentary. The four-part series offers a glimpse into her private inner circle and some of her supposed therapeutic practices and teachings. Teal came under fire after one of her followers committed suicide.
This documentary has been criticized for depicting its protagonist in a biased light. Teal is portrayed as a power-hungry spiritual narcissist without adequately substantiating the claims. However, viewers can make up their own minds regarding Teal's portrayal in this docuseries.
Fans, who enjoy a compelling commentary on the impact of the current influencer culture, can watch The Deep End after Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.