For more than three decades, Louis Theroux has been creating documentaries that explore a wide range of subjects, from unconventional communities and the world of crime and punishment to the lives of famous people.
His new documentary expands his focus to explore how influencers are changing young men’s views on what it means to be masculine. This film is Theroux’s first time appearing on Netflix, as most of his previous work has been available on BBC iPlayer.
If you enjoy Paul Theroux’s documentaries and want to explore more of his work, TopMob has created a list of 15 recommendations, including both his newest and oldest films.
Scroll on to find out what’s worth watching.
1. Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere
Where to watch: Netflix
In a new Netflix documentary, Louis Theroux investigates the “manosphere” – an online world influencing how young men think about masculinity. He travels across the US and Europe, meeting the key figures who are driving these changing ideas.
I have to say, one of the most fascinating parts of this film is watching Louis Theroux meet all these different online personalities. They’re really pushing boundaries with how they see and express gender, and honestly, it’s not always comfortable. Theroux, being Theroux, doesn’t shy away from questioning their perspectives, and it’s clear not everyone appreciates being challenged. It makes for some pretty compelling, and at times awkward, viewing.
2. The Settlers
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Fourteen years after initially reporting on the region, Louis Theroux revisits Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, a community that has continued to grow.
When the documentary was released, it faced backlash, with many people claiming the filmmaker had given a platform to individuals with extremist views.
After facing some criticism, Theroux explained in a recent article that reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is incredibly sensitive and it’s impossible to satisfy everyone. He generally avoids focusing too much on how his work will be received.
I rely on my gut feelings, but I also recognize my work is just one piece of a larger picture. Many different perspectives are valuable, and I don’t approach things like a traditional journalist or news reporter. I follow my own curiosity and have developed a unique style for exploring my subjects.
3. Louis Theroux Interviews…
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Over two seasons, Louis Theroux had intimate, one-on-one conversations with some of the UK’s most famous entertainers.
As a total film and TV buff, I’ve been really enjoying this interview series! They’ve had some incredible guests – Season 1 featured chats with Stormzy, the legendary Judi Dench, Yungblud, Bear Grylls, Katherine Ryan, and Rita Ora. And Season 2 didn’t disappoint either, bringing in Anthony Joshua, Pete Doherty, the iconic Joan Collins, Raye, Chelsea Manning, and Ashley Walters. It’s a really diverse mix of people, and the conversations are always fascinating.
4. Forbidden America
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
In a new three-part series, Louis Theroux revisits the USA to investigate how the internet and social media are affecting some of the country’s most divisive groups and communities.
He encounters people from various controversial worlds: the extreme right in America, the rap music scene, and the pornography industry, which is also facing its own reckoning with issues of sexual misconduct.
5. Life on the Edge
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Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Louis Theroux is celebrating 25 years of making documentaries with a special program featuring conversations with people he’s filmed over the years.
He shares his thoughts on the documentaries he’s created about the American justice system, and in a separate episode, explores the complex relationship between love and pain – how something so wonderful can also cause deep hurt.
6. The Most Hated Family in America
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Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
In 2007, Louis encountered the Phelps family, known for their protests against the acceptance of homosexuality in America.
He continued making documentaries about the family, releasing “America’s Most Hated Family in Crisis” in 2011 and “Surviving America’s Most Hated Family” in 2019. Both are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
7. Louis Theroux’s Altered States
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Over three episodes, Louis Theroux meets brave Americans and their families as they navigate incredibly challenging moments in their lives.
Issues explored include euthanasia, polyamory and adoption.
8. Dark States
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Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Louis Theroux travels to three American cities, investigating the heartbreaking realities of heroin addiction, sex trafficking, and murder in each one.
9. Drinking to Oblivion
Where to watch: Prime Video
This documentary follows Louis Theroux as he visits King’s College Hospital’s liver center, meeting patients battling severe alcohol addiction and trying to overcome it.
10. By Reason of Insanity
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Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
In a two-part documentary, Louis Theroux goes inside Ohio’s state psychiatric hospitals, spending time with patients who have committed crimes and are living with serious mental health conditions.
This documentary explores the challenging issue of determining when someone who has committed a serious crime has earned the chance to rejoin society.
11. Louis Theroux’s LA Stories
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Louis Theroux explores three sides of Los Angeles, spending time with workers at a busy animal shelter, individuals facing severe health challenges, and convicted sex offenders who are trying to reintegrate into society after being released on parole.
12. Behind Bars
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Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
In 2008, Louis Theroux visited San Quentin State Prison in California for two weeks. He soon realized the prison operated like a society of its own, with unique and often harsh rules and behaviors.
13. Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Louis Theroux explores the beliefs of individuals on the fringes of American society, traveling the world to meet those with extreme viewpoints.
14. Mothers on the Edge
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Louis Theroux returns to the UK to explore unique psychiatric units where mothers with serious mental health conditions can receive treatment while still caring for their babies.
15. Extreme Love
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Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Louis Theroux investigates how challenging conditions like autism and dementia impact relationships, speaking with both those diagnosed and the people who provide them with care and support.
Authors
Katelyn Mensah writes about entertainment for TopMob, covering everything from popular TV shows and reality competitions to important documentaries. Before joining TopMob, she worked at The Tab, where she focused on reality TV and celebrity news. She has a degree in Journalism.
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2026-03-11 20:45