Charles Manson murders: Here are the best shows and movies

Easily the most famous killer in America, Charles Manson has been infamous since the formation of the Manson family in 1967. The cult led to the murder of seven individuals, including actress Sharon Tate, who was pregnant with Roman Polanski’s child at the time, and Leo LeBianca, a grocery store executive. 

While Manson may not have committed all the murders, the Manson family became known for their crimes quickly across LA. But even with all the crimes the cult committed, they’ve become one of the most covered killers in all of true crime, fiction or nonfiction.

We know your true crime obsession needs some new media to enjoy, so here’s the best content related to the Manson family to cure your true crime cravings. Some are fictional, some are documentaries, but all are just as gruesome and terrifying as the true events. 

Helter Skelter (1976)

The first film to take on the Manson family murders, it’s still the 16th highest watch made for TV movie. In the 70’s, everyone was clamoring for a movie about the killer and his cult, and director Tom Gries was willing to oblige. Based on Manson prosecutor Vincent Bugliosil’s book, the film tries to tell the story fairly while also portraying the murders in a more dramatic light. 

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

Guess what movie inspired us to write this article in the first place? Tarantino’s take on the Manson family cult is 100% fictional, since his version leaves Sharon Tate alive and maybe makes it so Roman Polanski isn’t a sex offender. But it’s fun watching Brad Pitt kick the Manson family’s asses. 

Life After Manson (2014)

All of the Manson family involved in the murders were sent behind bars, but Patricia Krenwinkel came to terms with her crimes and tried to seek forgiveness for the pain while in prison. The film takes a look at Patricia’s involvement in the Manson family, and how she finally woke up from the cult and tried to change the person she became. 

American Horror Story: Cult (2017)

We can’t believe we’re listing this here either. While this season is definitely a mess, and not for trypophobia, it does have a decent cult themed plot with Evan Peters thinking he’s Charles Manson at one point, and several appearances by Manson family members. 

Charles Manson Superstar (1989)

How about hearing the crimes of Charles Manson and co. straight from the man himself? A documentary mostly made up of interviews with Manson behind bars, it’s a really disturbing look at what motivated the man to become the killer we know now. 

Manson Family Vacation (2015)

We know you true crime sickos want to take a road trip to all the places full of murder around the country. But if you want to see a broken brother relationship take on the Charles Manson field trip, the indie comedy Manson Family Vacation adds a bit of humor to the darkness of the Manson legacy.

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