The most shocking all-American cults of all time

As humans, we tend to have a fascination with cults, as they initially attract people with ideals of a utopian community. However, what usually starts out with an enigmatic and charismatic leader wanting to unite a group of people, often turns into a tyrannical dictatorship with disastrous consequences. Many of them escape notice for several years and even decades, while others are at the center of media attention and continue to exert influence over millions of people.

America has a long history of terrifying and gruesome cults that took things too far and continue to shock us even today. Take a look at a few of them in the gallery!