Whether it’s awe-inspiring accounts of extraterrestrial contact, the eerie reality of sleep paralysis, or the unexplainable phenomena tied to haunted artifacts, encounters with mysterious being from beyond the boundaries of the conventional world challenge our understanding of reality and the limits of human perception.
In Episode 2 of The Gospel of Direct Experience, we explored the profound impact of direct encounters with the unknown, from UFO sightings to shadow beings. This curated list of some of our favorite documentaries about UFOs, paranormal encounters, and non-human intelligences serves as a companion to that discussion, offering further research and exploration into these extraordinary phenomena. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, these films provide compelling insights and stories that will inspire you to expand your understanding of the universe and our place within it.
1. Encounters (2023)
We discussed Episode 2, "Believers," about the Ariel School incident. But all four episodes of this Netflix docuseries explore incredible and fascinating stories of human encounters with the unknown. Encounters brings together firsthand accounts and expert insights to explore the profound impact these experiences have on individuals and communities. Each episode dives into a unique story, offering a global perspective on the ways in which the extraordinary intersects with everyday people. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or new to the topic, Encounters provides a captivating look at the mysteries that continue to challenge our understanding of reality.
2. The Phenomenon (2020)
In 2022, increasing bipartisan concern over UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon) in congress resulted in the National Defense Authorization Act, in which Congress directed the Department of Defense to create the All-Domain Anomalous Resolution Office (AARO). AARO's mission is to investigate UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon—the rebranded UFO). An AARO official told filmmaker James Fox that his documentary, The Phenomenon, is required watching for anyone wanting to work with AARO. Spanning decades of government documents, military accounts, and witness testimonies, The Phenomenon is a meticulously researched exploration of UFOs and their potential implications for humanity. The documentary presents compelling evidence, including declassified materials and interviews with high-ranking officials, that challenges conventional explanations for these mysterious events. The Phenomenon is an essential resource for understanding the history, science, and cultural significance of UAPs.
3. Love and Saucers (2017)
There are a lot of documentaries out there about alien abductions. Some of these accounts, though incredible, are as mundane as possible (I got picked up, studied, dropped off, and then I went to the police). Others, however, are so absurd, so deviant, step so far outside the bounds of consensus reality that they truly test our ability to suspend disbelief and confront the limits of our understanding. Love & Saucers falls firmly into the latter category. This fascinating and provocative documentary tells the story of David Huggins, a man who claims to have experienced lifelong encounters with extraterrestrial beings—encounters that include not only abductions but also intimate relationships with alien entities. Huggins, an artist, has painted vivid depictions of his experiences, providing a unique visual narrative that blends the surreal with the deeply personal. Love & Saucers challenges viewers to grapple with the boundaries of what is possible, the nature of memory and reality, and even the connection between religious experiences and abduction experiences. Whether seen as a psychological case study or an extraordinary true tale of human-alien connection, this documentary is unforgettable.
4. Bob Lazar: Area 51 & Flying Saucers (2018)
If you've heard of Area 51 (and almost certainly you have), then you have Bob Lazar—the original UFO whistleblower—to thank for it. In 1989 Lazar claimed to have worked at Area 51 reverse engineering UFOs for the US government. Lazar remains a hugely controversial figure who has divided even the sometimes-too-credulous UFO community as to the veracity of his claims. Jeremy Corbell's documentary Bob Lazar: Area 51 & Flying Saucers delves deep into the life and story of this enigmatic figure, presenting Lazar's claims alongside his personal struggles and the intense scrutiny he's faced over the decades. The film combines archival footage and recent interviews with Lazar to explore his assertion that the US government possesses and studies extraterrestrial technology. Love him or doubt him, Lazar's story has had an undeniable impact on the public's perception of UFOs and government secrecy. Is Lazar a profound firsthand experiencer of alien tech and a government coverup? Or is he a fabricator of one of the most enduring UFO legends of our time? You'll have to decide for yourself.
5. The Unbinding (2023)
Not all non-human intelligences come from the sky. "The Catskills Crone," the subject of Karl Pfeiffer's The Unbinding came from a cave. This documentary is the story of how the crone was discovered, how it came into the possession of paranormal investigators Greg and Dana Newkirk, and how it convinced them that it was the most haunted object they had ever encountered—so much so that they sought to undertake an unbinding ritual to free the angry entity trapped inside the statue. As Greg and Dana Newkirk document their escalating encounters with the entity, the film delves into questions of belief, fear, and what exactly a haunting actually is. It also contains really compelling photos of the crone behaving supernaturally and largely takes place in Jeff's town, Ellenville, NY. The Unbinding offers a gripping exploration of what happens when the supernatural refuses to be ignored.
6. The Nightmare (2015)
Through chilling reenactments and deeply personal interviews, The Nightmare explores the terrifying experiences of individuals who have faced shadowy figures, sinister presences, and inexplicable phenomena while trapped in a state between waking and sleeping. Director Rodney Ascher blurs the lines between dream and reality, delving into the psychological, cultural, and possibly supernatural dimensions of sleep paralysis. This documentary doesn't just recount frightening tales; it examines the profound impact these encounters have on those who experience them—people who can never be convinced that it's "just a dream."
Did we miss any of your favorite documentaries about UFOs, paranormal encounters, and non-human intelligences?
Post them in the comments below!
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