### 15 Creepiest Urban Exploration Documentaries
Urban exploration, often referred to as “urban spelunking,” involves exploring abandoned or off-limits places. These adventures can be thrilling but also deeply unsettling, especially when captured on camera. Here are 15 of the creepiest urban exploration documentaries that will send shivers down your spine.
1. **Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum** (2018)
– This South Korean found-footage horror film follows a group of young people who venture into the abandoned Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital for their YouTube channel. The film is a masterclass in creating a sense of dread, with eerie visuals and paranormal occurrences that make it hard to watch without flinching.
2. **Hell House LLC** (2016)
– Directed by Stephen Cognetti, this documentary-style horror film tells the story of a haunted house attraction where 15 people died. The crew documents their investigation, which uncovers a very real and terrifying threat within the haunted house. The film is claustrophobic and dark, making it a must-watch for horror fans.
3. **The Taking of Deborah Logan** (2014)
– This film follows a group of students who are making a documentary about an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Deborah’s actions are not just symptoms of her disease but something supernatural. The film is known for its disturbing scenes and effective storytelling.
4. **Session 9** (2001)
– When an asbestos-removal crew wins a bid to work on an abandoned mental hospital, they discover a tape recording of a former patient with multiple personalities. The crew’s leader begins to behave strangely after hearing the tape, leading to a series of terrifying events. The film’s use of audio recordings adds to its chilling atmosphere.
5. **Grave Encounters** (2011)
– This found-footage horror movie follows a ghost-hunting reality show crew as they investigate the abandoned Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital. The team locks themselves in for the night, but things quickly take a turn for the worse as paranormal events escalate. The film is known for its intense and frightening scenes.
6. **A Cure for Wellness** (2016)
– While not strictly an urban exploration documentary, this psychological horror film involves an executive who is sent to a remote wellness center in the Swiss Alps. The center has a dark secret: patients never check out. The film’s eerie setting and plot twists make it a compelling watch.
7. **Noroi: The Curse** (2005)
– This Japanese horror film follows a paranormal investigator who documents his experiences with multiple paranormal occurrences. The story leads him to an ancient ritual gone wrong and secrets buried under an artificial lake. The film is known for its unique blend of occult elements and Japanese folklore.
8. **Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult** (2023)
– This Netflix docuseries explores a dark corner of the TikTok app by delving into a religious cult led by Robert Shinn. The series features exclusive interviews with those involved, including young dancer Miranda Wilking, who was coerced into joining the cult. The story is unsettling and reveals the darker side of social media.
9. **The Beauty Queen Killer: 9 Days of Terror** (2023)
– This Hulu docuseries tells the story of Chris Wilder, who went on a cross-country rampage targeting aspiring models in 1984. Survivor Tina Risico breaks her silence for the first time, recounting her nine days of captivity filled with unspeakable torture. The series is a gripping account of one of the most bizarre mass kidnappings in history.
10. **Chowchilla** (2023)
– This CNN Films and Max
