These 25 Best True Crime Documentaries on Netflix Will Give You Goosebumps
How old is too old to sleep with the lights on? Asking for a friend.
Ree Drummond's friends and family don't understand her interest in true crime stories because it doesn’t jibe with her "sunny disposition and optimistic worldview." Still—despite the naysayers—she can't get enough of 'em.
If you love mysteries as much as Ree, you're probably familiar with the best crime dramas on TV and the most chilling true crime podcasts. You also probably binge-watched Making a Murderer when it first premiered a few years ago (Ree watched it more than once). But do you know about all the other true crime documentaries on Netflix?
Netflix has a ton of shows that dig deep into all kinds of cases. Some are more ripped-from-the-headlines recaps, while others unveil never-before-heard details about disappearances or notorious serial killers. A few peel back the curtain on the justice system as a whole, and you'll definitely be surprised at what you find.
Whether you're looking to put your amateur detective skills to good use with a series like Unsolved Mysteries, or want to learn more about an unbelievable story (Tiger King, we're looking at you), these best true crime documentaries on Netflix will keep you glued to the TV.
Unsolved Mysteries
Netflix's latest docuseries is a reboot of the original Unsolved Mysteries, hosted by Robert Stack in the late eighties. You've been warned: This version is even scarier!
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness
The real-life story of Joe Exotic and the controversial cast of characters he's involved with is truly stranger than fiction. This miniseries explains how a cutthroat rivalry between two of the country's most notorious big cat enthusiasts led to some dark twists and turns.
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez
This six-part documentary series gives an inside look at the life, death, and trial of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez, who died in 2013 after years of abuse.
The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann
Madeleine McCann's parents were dining less than 200 feet away when she disappeared from her bed at their vacation rental in Portugal. The high-profile case that unfolded in the search to find her has become one of the most followed missing child cases in British history.
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
A former New England Patriots player was at the top of his game when he was arrested and charged for murder. This three-part documentary showcases the "perfect storm of factors" that led to Aaron Hernandez's trial, conviction, and eventual death.
Exhibit A
Not everyone in jail is guilty, as proven by these stories of innocent people convicted with questionable techniques.
Abducted in Plain Sight
"Every parent's worst nightmare" came true for the Broberg family when their closest friend kidnapped and brainwashed their 12-year-old daughter Jan. Decades later, Jan and her parents are still trying to make sense of what happened.
Confessions with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
Of all the Ted Bundy documentaries available to stream, this one—which features tapes of the serial killer himself recalling his crimes—is among the most chilling.
Amanda Knox
Is Amanda Knox a killer trying to escape justice or a college student trapped in a nightmare? After her roommate abroad was murdered, the young woman became a household name for all the wrong reasons. Her notorious case and quest for freedom are laid out in this eerie documentary.
ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke, often called "the father of modern soul music," delivered a number of classic tunes that are still popular today. When he tragically died at age 33, it was considered an act of self-defense. Now, investigators think there may have been more to the story.
The Confession Killer
Authorities believed Henry Lee Lucas to be responsible for a number of murders in the 1980s—but they were shocked when he admitted to hundreds of crimes they couldn't prove. This docu-series sets out to uncover the truth behind the confessions.
Long Shot
When Juan Catalan was accused of murder, he offered an unusual alibi that involved the LA Dodgers, a cellphone tower, and actor Larry David. But could that be enough to prove his innocence?
The Keepers
This seven-part documentary series about the mysterious murder of a Baltimore nun takes a deeper look at the corruption that allowed her case to go unsolved for more than five decades.
How to Fix a Drug Scandal
When a 35-year-old crime drug lab chemist was arrested for tampering with evidence, the Massachusetts State Police did not expect the scandal that would later unfold. This four-part series examines the flaws of the criminal justice system and how, when left unchecked, it can allow the people on the inside to get away with anything.
Making a Murderer
Steven Avery's complicated story was filmed over a 10-year period, creating a real-life thriller that deals with evidence tampering, corruption, and a grisly crime. The Emmy Award-winning show was so popular, the producers filmed a follow-up docu-series—and it might finally reveal the truth.
Evil Genius: The True Story of America's Most Diabolical Bank Heist
A fascinating criminal case in Erie, Pennsylvania became known as the "pizza bomber heist" after it captured the nation's attention. The facts behind the infamous robbery gone wrong is brought to light in this four-part Netflix original documentary series.
The Staircase
After Michael Peterson's wife was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in their home, the crime novelist entered a 16-year judicial battle as everyone–even his own children—questioned his innocence.
Wild Wild Country
This critically acclaimed series investigates a notorious cult from the 1980s that you've probably never heard, complete with first-person interviews and archival footage.
Captive
Kidnapping victims and the negotiators who saved them recount their experiences in this harrowing docu-series.
The Confession Tapes
Convicted murderers reveal the confessions that landed them in jail were "coerced, involuntary, or false" in this one-of-a-kind crime series.
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