“Helter Skelter”, 2004
Director: John Gray
A television film that tells the story of the prosecution of Charles Manson and his followers for the notorious 1969 murder-spree they committed.
Starring: Jeremy Davies, Clea DuVall, Allison Smith, Eric Dane, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Michael Weston, Hal Ozsan, Rick Gomez, Robert Joy, Graham Beckel;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: biography, drama, crime;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Helter Skelter” on the website imdb.com
“Charles Manson Superstar”, 1989
Director: Nikolas Schreck
This experimental documentary details the life and crimes of Charles Manson, featuring an exclusive in-prison interview with Manson himself.
Starring: Charles Manson, Nikolas Schreck, Zeena Schreck, James N. Mason;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: documentary, crime, biography;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
“The Manson Family”, 1997
Director: Jim Van Bebber
A disturbing movie that focuses on the Manson Family's brutal crimes and the warped commune-life that Manson cultivated.
Starring: Marcelo Games, Marc Pitman, Leslie Orr, Maureen Allisse, Amy Yates, Jim Van Bebber, Tom Burns, Michelle Briggs, Sherri Rickman, Nate Pennington;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: horror, thriller, drama, crime, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,4;
More information about the film “The Manson Family” on the website imdb.com
“Leslie, My Name Is Evil”, 2009
Director: Reg Harkema
The film presents the story of Leslie Van Houten, a Manson Family member, and the trial she underwent in connection with the group's crimes.
Starring: Peter MacNeill, Gregory Smith, Ryan Robbins, Anjelica Scannura, Kaniehtiio Horn, Kristen Hager, Don McKellar, Tom Barnett, Tracy Wright, Kristin Adams;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 85 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,6;
More information about the film “Leslie, My Name Is Evil” on the website imdb.com
“House of Manson”, 2014
Director: Brandon Slagle
An in-depth look at the journey of Charles Manson from a troubled childhood to the leader of the murderous cult.
Starring: Ryan Kiser, Devanny Pinn, Reid Warner, Chriss Anglin, Serena Lorien, Erin Marie Hogan, Julie Rose, Mel Turner, Suzi Lorraine, Tristan Risk;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,3;
“Charlie Says”, 2018
Director: Mary Harron
This film portrays Charles Manson through the perspective of his female followers and their life after Manson's arrest.
Starring: Hannah Murray, Matt Smith, Sosie Bacon, Marianne Rendón, Merritt Wever, Suki Waterhouse, Chace Crawford, Annabeth Gish, Kayli Carter, Grace Van Dien;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,9;
“Manson: Music From an Unsound Mind”, 2019
Director: Tom O'Dell
A documentary exploring Charles Manson's music career and its deep connection to his murderous spree.
Starring: Gregg Jakobson, Dianne Lake, Charles Manson, Jon Stebbins;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: documentary, biography;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Manson: Music From an Unsound Mind” on the website imdb.com
The cinematic fascination with Charles Manson and his infamous cult offers a darkly compelling exploration of manipulation, madness, and the macabre allure of charismatic villainy. Through a diverse array of films, from gritty docudramas to fictionalized interpretations, audiences are invited into the harrowing depths of human psychosis and societal disintegration. These works serve not only as cautionary tales about the dangers of charismatic leaders and the vulnerability of disenfranchised youth but also as a mirror reflecting the twisted narratives that can emerge in times of cultural and social upheaval. In synthesizing the horror, the allure, and the tragedy of the Manson saga, the films discussed herein contribute to a broader understanding of the complex interplay between reality and myth, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling in grappling with the darkest aspects of human history and psyche.
