Trainwreck Documentaries Ranked: Which is the Most Horrifying?

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The “Trainwreck” documentary series on Netflix has been captivating audiences, offering glimpses into some of the most appalling, sorrowful, and peculiar events that have occurred in recent times. Ranging from cruises filled with fecal matter to concerts that are downright terrifying, it’s challenging not to be drawn in by these documentaries; some of them are particularly thought-provoking—and deeply unsettling.

In this rundown, we’ve organized the Trainwreck series according to the impact and authenticity of each tale, considering factors like immersion, memorability, and the successful incorporation of surprising, tense moments while preserving truthfulness and regard for characters deeply touched by the stories.

5
‘Mayor of Mayhem’

The movie “Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem” starts amidst a city-wide garbage strike in Toronto, where residents yearn for change. Change seemingly arrives with the candidacy of Mayor Rob Ford, who wins hearts with his bluntness, creative publicity tactics, and some beneficial community projects. However, after winning the election, one issue after another surfaces, including allegations of substance abuse and videos showing him using crack cocaine. Despite these accusations, Ford maintains his innocence, which makes many question the credibility of the charges even in the face of clear evidence. Ultimately, Ford passed away due to cancer, leaving behind a controversial legacy that was as intriguing as it was troubling and sad.

Humanizing and Haunting

In the documentary, diverse opinions about Henry Ford’s legacy were shared by interviewees, ranging from “dishonest” to “selfless” and “unpredictable.” As news reporter Katie Simpson stated, “Perception varies depending on who you ask.” The documentary skillfully presents Ford as a complex individual, revealing both his virtues and flaws. It sheds light on how individuals might blindly follow a charismatic leader, even if he acts against their best interests – a message that remains relevant today. However, the documentary’s structure may be less engaging due to its early disclosure of more intriguing or surprising moments, leading to a somewhat predictable progression and Ford’s downfall.

4
‘Poop Cruise’

As a movie reviewer, I’d say: “Embarking on a vibrant voyage to Mexico seemed like the perfect getaway, but little did we know, our cruise aboard the Carnival Triumph was about to transform into a harrowing cinematic experience. An engine fire and power loss set the stage for our adventure, leaving us stranded without cell service, sweltering in heat, and grappling with spoiled provisions. However, these were just the early acts. The real drama unfolded when toilets malfunctioned, eventually overflowing, plunging us all into a saga that was as unforgettable as it was wretched. Among the passengers, a loving father and his daughter, a lively Bachelorette party group, and a man on the brink of impressing his future father-in-law found themselves on a journey they’d rather forget—or perhaps never forget at all.

Gross but Great

Despite its grim subject matter, “Trainwreck: Poop Cruise” offers a more entertaining viewing experience compared to most (or perhaps all) documentaries on this list. It features some genuinely humorous interviews and quotable moments. This documentary delves into issues such as class differences, corporate irresponsibility, and the ease with which people can turn against one another during difficult times. If you’re seeking a blend of humor and socio-political commentary, it ranks high on our list, although its narrative may not be as emotionally resonant as other titles in the series.

3
‘Woodstock ’99’

Divided into three parts, Woodstock ’99 delves into the unfortunate revival of Woodstock that transpired on a 350-acre former military base. The aim was to promote peace and reduce gun violence, but what ensued was pandemonium and drug use among attendees. The audience faced sweltering heat, overpriced food and beverages, mounting trash and waste, and for the women, sexual harassment and assault. Meanwhile, the artists were lavishly treated, a move that only fueled the crowd’s discontent. By the conclusion of the documentary, this chaos culminated in vandalism, injuries, and numerous fires being ignited, not just ending the concert on a sour note, but also damaging Woodstock’s reputation in the long run.

Money Over Music

In the beginning, it’s clear that Woodstock ’99 was less about fostering a positive experience or uniting people for a noble cause, but rather focused on generating profits. Unfortunately, many attendees seemed more preoccupied with drugs and personal affairs, which contributed to the perfect conditions for a disastrous event. The documentary offers insights through interviews with various concert-goers and musicians, offering a unique perspective on how and why the festival turned chaotic so swiftly. However, at three episodes, Woodstock ’99 is quite lengthy. Perhaps it could have been transformed into a single movie, similar to others on this list, to maintain viewer engagement in the harrowing narrative.

2
‘The Cult of American Apparel’

It’s no wonder that American Apparel became a popular fashion brand (or cult) due to its emphasis on sexual liberty and opposition to workplace abuse. Established by Dov Charney, the company drew in unconventional individuals, often referred to as “freaks and geeks,” who were dedicated to putting in extensive hours to ensure the business thrived. However, as time went on, issues with Dov’s management style came to light. His approach, which primarily involved shouting at some employees while making others feel valued, ultimately proved problematic. Furthermore, allegations of sexual misconduct against his staff members surfaced. In the end, most employees departed from American Apparel, and Dov was dismissed. Shortly after, he established Los Angeles Apparel and took on the role of CEO for Yeezy.

Lack of Remorse

Many employees of Dov found it challenging to reconcile the respected figure they knew with the accusations against him. Additionally, they found it difficult to disentangle themselves from American Apparel, recognizing how deeply ingrained their lives had become within it. In essence, the documentary serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of workplace mistreatment and the ease at which ordinary individuals can be drawn into cult-like environments. To put it simply, this documentary is highly captivating, but there’s another on this list that’s even harder to turn off.

1
‘The Astroworld Tragedy’

In 2021, the Astroworld concert by Travis Scott was the must-attend event following the pandemic-induced hiatus in live music. The anticipation was high not just for the stellar performances, but also due to the unique atmosphere that Astroworld is known for. However, the chaos at Astroworld in 2021 was amplified. Fences were broken down, and uninvited fans joined the crowd, causing an already overcrowded event to become even more congested. Sadly, as Travis Scott took the stage, a section of the crowd became dangerously packed, leading to people trampling and suffocating each other in panic. As panicked fans tried to escape, the concert continued uninterrupted. In the end, hundreds were injured, and tragically, 10 lives were lost, including a 9-year-old and friends of some of the attendees interviewed for this piece.

Tragic and Preventable

Astroworld wasn’t merely a disaster; it was a heart-wrenching incident, one that continues to linger in the memories of those who were present, and now, leaves us spectators with an equally heavy burden. Worse still, had the necessary safety measures been implemented, this tragedy might not have occurred. In terms of documentaries about disasters, this one is unforgettable, emotionally charged, and nearly impossible to turn away from. We can only pray that those within the industry have taken heed of this event and that there will never be a need for such a documentary to retell a story like this again.

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2025-07-06 19:06