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If you’ve been watching Waco, Paramount Network’s riveting miniseries about the historic siege that left dozens dead, you may wondering what really went on behind the scenes and what information we’re not getting. The story of the 1993 standoff, David Koresh, and the FBI and ATF officials boasts so many layers that it’s almost impossible to keep track of all of them, but lucky for us, there have been a ton of documentaries, films, and specials created about the events referenced on the show.
Taylor Kitsch may play a helluva David Koresh, but watching the man himself deliver sermons to the rest of the Branch Davidians is unlike anything else. We rounded up a few of the best titles out there that explore what was happening at Mount Carmel before and during the siege, events like Ruby Ridge that contributed to the violent consequences of Waco, and the making of David Koresh. Prepare to open your mind and get a little angry – some of these details are pretty grisly.
'Waco: The Rules of Engagement'
This fascinating documentary chronicles the standoff, phone conversations, congressional hearings, and more, and allows viewers to draw their own conclusions. If you feel like a lot of what you’ve seen about Waco in the past forces you to take a side, Waco: The Rules of Engagement avoids this and instead presents the information as objectively as possible.
'American Experience: Ruby Ridge'
While this episode of American Experience may not chronicle Waco directly, it does give an in-depth look at the event at Ruby Ridge that preceded it (and is referenced in the first episode of Waco). This infuriating examination of how federal government can grow out of control when power and egos are involved may very well leave you reeling – and with good reason.
'Waco: A New Revelation'
An expansion on the information presented in Waco: The Rules of Engagement, A New Revelation presents interviews with new individuals involved in the events, previously undiscussed evidence, and analysis of images that may very well point to the fact that the FBI initiated the attack on the compound, and not the other way around as repeatedly reported. Featuring conversations with retired military officials and CIA, you may never see the siege the same way again.
'Waco: Madman or Messiah'
Timed perfectly with the release of Waco on Paramount, this A&E two-part special takes a deep dive into the magnetic charisma of David Koresh, using previously unseen FBI negotiation tapes and archival footage, and the testimony of nine Branch Davidians. This emotional, riveting watch sheds light on what it was really like inside and why these people followed Koresh to begin with.
'Witness to Waco'
This 2009 MSNBC documentary provides an in-depth look into the Branch Davidians in the days leading up to their fiery fate and offers insight into both sides of the events. Witness to Waco shows us both the media perception of David Koresh – his crazy cult leader persona – and the softer side of him that his followers knew, painting a more complete picture of what really might have happened behind closed doors.
