True Crime Documentaries That Will Have You Hooked
Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street
If there’s one thing that Netflix excels at, it’s making documentaries about criminals with larger than life personas: think Tiger King or The Most Hated Man On The Internet. Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street is one of the latest in this specific genre of crime docuseries, and tells the story of Bernie Madoff, mastermind of the largest Ponzi scheme in history. Split across four episodes, it begins with Madoff’s headline grabbing arrest, before taking us back into his past and how exactly he rose to power as chairman of the Nasdaq stock exchange. Featuring interviews with employees of Madoff and those who knew him, it paints a picture of a truly villainous man who manipulated any and everyone who not only worked with him but tried to expose him. And, as with any of these types of Netflix docs, it’s very watchable the whole way through.Watch it on: Netflix
Burden of Proof
While Netflix might make slightly garish blockbuster crime docs, HBO tends to take a more restrained and thoughtful approach. Burden of Proof, which aired on the network in June, is an example of this: it follows Stephen Pandos who, 36 years ago, was told by his parents that his sister Jennifer had run away from home. But as the years wore on, Stephen became convinced that his not only had his sister not deserted her family, his parents had in fact lied to him and everyone else- and may have even killed her. The docuseries charts Stephen’s own investigation and search into her disappearance over seven years, his theories that his father murdered Jennifer and his mother covered it up, and the writings and belongings that his sister left behind. The parents, Ron and Margie, also interviewed, giving their side of things, and the result is an unforgettable and tragic story that is hard to turn off.
Watch it on: HBO
Watch it on: Netflix
MH370: The Plane That Disappeared
One of the most extensive and costly investigations in history, the disappearance of MH370 may not have been a crime at all: nearly 10 years after the incident, no-one truly knows how the plane vanished and where it ended up. You almost certainly have an idea of the story, but if not, MH370: The Plane That Disappeared recounts the most important parts. In 2014, an international flight operated by Malaysia Airlines suddenly stopped communicating over the South China Sea, and never reached its destination of Beijing. The plane vanished from radar screens, and all 239 people onboard were presumed dead. To this day, it’s never been found, leaving only theories about what happened: was it simply an accident? Was it hijacked? Shot down? Or something else? Investigators have only been able to guess, and the docuseries takes a look at the most plausible theories put forward. It’s riveting viewing.
Take Care of Maya
Take Care of Maya is not strictly a true crime documentary, but possible criminal intent factors into the story, and it’s such a moving and jaw dropping story it’s worth including. 17 year old Maya Kowalski and members of her family appear in this documentary film to recount their experiences when Maya was admitted for a mysterious illness affecting her when she was nine. Her parents had no idea what exactly was wrong with their daughter, but knew she needed serious medical attention after she complained of severe pain across her body. But after being admitted to hospital, Dr Sally Smith, a senior doctor who worked with child patients, began to suspect that Maya’s mother Beata had lied about her condition and was using it to gain sympathy. Maya was taken into custody, and a legal battle ensued, but Beata took her own life in 2017, leaving Maya and her family heartbroken. Was Dr Smith’s argument legitimate? Did she abuse her powers as a medical doctor? The documentary looks at these questions and more, and is an emotional watch.Watch it on: Netflix
Waco American Apocalypse
Another Netflix must-watch, Waco: American Apocalypse recounts the story of the Waco siege in Texas in 1993. The headquarters of the Branch Davidians, a religious cult led by David Koresh, was raided in the spring of that year by law enforcement including the FBI, but the entire process became a 51 day siege. It resulted in a huge gun battle and fire, leaving 86 dead, and became a turning point in some Amercians’ perception of their government. This documentary explains how and why the siege took place, the efforts that the FBI took to try and end it peacefully, and the dramatic ending on 19th June. It also features plenty of archive footage from the law agencies involved as well as interviews with people associated with the cult, who give an insight into the appeal of the enigmatic Koresh.
Watch it on: Netflix
The Secrets of Hillsong
Hillsong, a megachurch that was founded in Australia, has become one of the biggest Christian organisations on the planet, but it is not without its fair share of controversies. The four part The Secrets of Hillsong from FX focuses on some of the criticisms the church has received and the debacles that have plagued it recent years. Its main interviewee is Carl Lentz, a former pastor for the church in New York, who was fired during a cheating scandal back in 2020. He explains in detail how the main appeal of Hillsong was its modern feel and approach to sermons, with pastors dressed in jeans and casual shirts, and even a record label. It also became a spiritual advisor and friend of celebs like Justin Bieber and Kendall Jenner, and became hugely successful: but, as he reveals, there were plenty more murky accusations and issues with the church than just a cheating scandal.
Watch it on: Hulu
Navalny
HBO and CNN’s documentary Nalvany centres on Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and the circumstances before and after his 2020 poisoning. A vocal critic of president Vladimir Putin, Navalny became the face of a movement for an alternative Russia, and his activism attracted the ire of the Kremlin. He was poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent before eventually recovering, and the doc focuses on not just him but the investigative trail that investigators undertook to uncover the perpetrators. It features clips and interviews with not only Navalny himself, but also his wife Yulia, and investigative journalists Maria Pevchikh and Christo Grozev as they put forward the case that Putin ordered the poisoning. It first premiered in January 2022, and has only become more prescient with the invasion of Ukraine and turmoil in Russia. It also won the Best Documentary award at the Oscars and BAFTAs.Watch it on: Prime Video
Watch it on: HBO
Mind Over Murder
A truly weird and yet fascinating documentary, Mind Over Murder tells the story of six people who were convicted and imprisoned after the murder of an old woman in Nebraska. However, they were later cleared and released of the crime- despite all six confessing. The doc explores how the authorities who arrested them convinced each of them that they had in fact committed the crime, and also covers an amateur theatre production of the events.Girl In The Picture
Girl In The Picture is a mind bending and creepy new documentary that focuses on the story of a girl found on the side of a road in Oklahoma, named Tonyah Huges, leaving behind a child and husband. However, all is not as it seems when it is revealed by Tonyah’s mother that she in fact died years ago- and that her husband isn’t her husband at all. The son, Charlie, is then abducted by the impostor claiming to be his father. It has to be watched to be believed.
Watch it on: Netflix
Watch it on: Apple TV
Once Upon A Time In Londongrad
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this year shocked the world- but the government of Vladimir Putin has been committing sinister acts across the globe since coming into office over 20 years ago. This riveting Sky Documentary looks into multiple cases of suspected Russian influence and assassinations (failed and successful) in London- from the high profile radiation poisoning of Alexander Litvenko in 2006 to suspicious deaths of Russian oligarchs. A must see in this global political climate.
Our Father
Easily one of the most disturbing documentaries out there, the creepy Our Father was released back in April, and caused a pretty big stir online, and it’s not hard to see why. Jacoba Ballad, an American woman leading a seemingly normal life has things turned upside down when she discovers that she had a bunch of half-siblings that she didn’t know existed- and what she discovers is profoundly sickening. A fertility doctor had been secretly inseminating his patients without their consent or knowledge, and managed to slip under the radar for decades. Creepy, but enthralling.Watch it on: Netflix
Watch it on: Netflix
Bad Vegan
Telling the story of a vegan entrepreneur who lost it all, Bad Vegan was a big hit for Netflix when it released a few months ago. Sarma Melngaili’s cooking business empire fell apart when she was defrauded by Anthony Strangis, her boyfriend, and was eventually arrested. It’s partly worth watching for some of it’s weirder elements, like Strangis convincing her he could make her pet dog immortal, and Melngaili’s good friendship with Alec Baldwin.Long Shot
This 40 minute documentary from 2017 tells a more bemusing story than most of the other entries on this list: in 2003, Juan Catalan was arrested for a murder that he did not commit. He was released however when it was found that he had a very lucky piece of evidence to prove his alibi: he was captured in the background of footage from an episode of American sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm at a Dodgers basketball game. The doc features talking heads interviews with those involved with the case, including actors from the show like Curb star Larry David himself.
Watch it on: Netflix
The Keepers
This crime documentary follows the chilling story of Cathy Cesnik – a beloved teacher and nun at a Catholic high school – who mysteriously disappears after two students confide in her about a sexually abusive Priest at their high school. Cathy’s body is found but her case remains unsolved.Who killed Sister Cathy?
Watch it on: Netflix
Wild Wild Country
Netflix loves a weird and wild docuseries but this really takes the cake. Based on the true story of controversial cult leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, this documentary explores cults, utopian cities, terror-scares and escalating conflicts that lead to a national scandal.Watch it on: Netflix
Watch it on: Prime Video
The Fear of 13
No, this isn’t a film about America’s weird fear of the number 13 but a film-documentary about death row inmate Nick Yarris. After spending 21 years in a Pennsylvania prison for murder, crucial DNA evidence is found that might be the key to proving Nick’s innocence.Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
This epic fall from grace story had Americans glued to their news channels for weeks, so it’s only right that Netflix has gone and made a documentary delving into the details of former NFL/convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez.
Watch it on: Netflix
Watch it on: Netflix
Dirty John: The Dirty Truth
For real-crime seekers, Dirty John: The Dirty Truth will be right up your street and the fictionalised Netflix version starring Connie Britton is also a must-see. Whatever one you choose, both provide fascinating insight into con-men, mental coercion and the crime of lying. Read our article on the hit Netflix series here
I’ll Be Gone In The Dark
This HBO documentary focuses on Michelle McNamara, an true crime author and amateur detective who became intent on finding the identity of the infamous Golden State Killer, a murderer and rapist who terrorised California for years. McNamara died a couple of years before the killer’s real name, Joseph James DeAngelo, was revealed via a DNA test, and this documentary made two years after that features interviews with experts on the case and those that new her. Her husband, comedian Patton Oswalt, is an executive producer and one of the interviewees.Watch it on: HBO
Watch it on: Netflix
The Confession Killer
Ok, sometimes we all tell a little white lie to get us by but then actually end up believing it. But confessing to over 6oo murders in graphic detail is a little different. When detectives poke further into Henry Lee Lucas’ confessions of hundreds of murders, all is not what it seems.Don’t F**k With Cats
Yep, this is an actual documentary and while the name sounds more like a strange comedy sketch, there’s nothing laughable about this docu. Combining all of the things that keep us up at night – murderers, social media fiends and cat killers – is a lethal combination…but we can’t stop watching.
Watch it on: Netflix
Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
If you’ve heard about Ted Bundy its likely because you have seen a handsome shot of Zac Efron posing as the killer himself for Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile. As much as we enjoy drooling over Mr Efron, the chilling and damn right creepy element of a true murder doc is lost. Cue the original Ted Bundy tapes to give us our crime drama fix. With witness testimonies and interviews from some of his victims, plus a few interview snippets from the killer himself, this is a crime junkies dream, or nightmare.Watch it on: Netflix
Watch it on: Prime Video
The Staircase
Everyone loves a good guy, especially a novel-writing nerdy guy. Well, in a twist of events the good guy turns bad, or so we think. Like trying to solve the problem of what came first, the chicken or the egg, piecing together this investigation is tricky. Did novelist Michael Peterson really push his wife to her death down their staircase…you’ll have to find out.I Am A Killer
If you have ever wondered what characteristics make a murderer, then I Am A Killer is here to provide a little more insight. Profiling prisoners convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death, inmates recount the events that led up to their crime, with killers revealing their motivations and how they now view their actions, after spending time on death row.
Watch it on: Netflix
Watch it on: Netflix
Amanda Knox
The scariest thing about this documentary is the incessant and creepy stare that Amanda Knox shoots at the camera – our spines are tingling with fear at the thought. One of Netflix’s latest documentaries focuses on the story of Amanda Knox, the American accused of killing British backpacker Meredith Kurcher in Italy. This whirlwind case changes its mind more than the tide and if you thought it was hard to keep up with the Kardashians then honey, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Evil Genius
The documentary that leaves you with more questions than answers: What happened? Who’s story is true? And can I trust my favourite pizza delivery man? Yep, this documentary revolves around a real-life incident in Pennsylvania of a pizza guy who tries to rob a bank with a ticking bomb strapped around his neck. I swear we haven’t made this up.Watch it on: Netflix
Watch it on: Netflix
Abducted In Plain Sight
Screaming in terror at true-crime documentaries might be a normal occurrence for you but letting out a scream of frustration, maybe not so much. Welcome abducted in plain sight to make everything 10 times more frustrating than we can deal with. When 12-year-old Jan Broberg gets kidnapped by her disturbing neighbour, our crime drama radar has already kicked in. In a bizarre turn of events, she returns home, only to be re-kidnapped by the same man.
Watch it on: Netflix
Tiger King
The biggest true crime documentary of all time? The impact of Tiger King– released early on in the pandemic- ingrained it into pop culture and made true crime docs even more popular than before. Examining the world and rilvaries of big cat conservation and in particular the convicted felon Joe Exotic, the series is still very much worth a watch if you’ve not seen it, and you can make your own mind up on all the Exotic v Baskin debates. Seasons 2 and 3 are nowhere near as interesting (and neither is the dramatised version Joe vs. Carole), but the original season is still great television.Making a Murderer
When this Netflix documentary dropped, it had the whole world talking. And for all the right reasons. Serving 18 years for a murder he didn’t commit, then becoming a prime suspect in another murder, Stephen Avery’s story brings to light the issues of police corruption and injustice.
Watch it on: Netflix
Watch it on: Prime Video
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
This 2015 HBO documentary became a sensation when it first aired- not least because its main subject was arrested just before the final episode aired. The Jinx is a riveting docuseries focusing on the real estate agent Robert Durst, a convicted murderer. It examines the murders that were attributed to him and also delves into the mind of the killer himself. A brilliant six episode watch.OJ: Made In America
“The Trial of the Century” as it’s been dubbed divided America and changed how we consume celebrity and news media forever- and OJ: Made In America provides perhaps the best and most unflinching depiction of events out there. Close to eight hours long, the film won Best Documentary at the 2017 Academy Awards and is truly worthy of it. It tells the story of OJ’s early years and the role of race and fame in his trial, and extends to his conviction for a robbery in Las Vegas several years later. Some of the evidence at the trial is shown pretty graphically- but Made In America is excellent viewing in parts or even a full eight hour marathon.
Watch it on: Hulu
Watch it on: Netflix
The Pharmacist
Following his son’s death in a drug-related shooting, Louisiana pharmacist Dan Schneider embarks on a mission to bring his son’s killer to justice. His pursuit leads to some shocking revelations of the town’s opioid crisis and the extreme corruption behind drug addiction.
Cold Case Files
Knowing the outcome of long-unsolved murders definitely helps us sleep a little better at night. Here to provide us with our investigation fix, Cold Case Files re-examines mystifying murders using modern forensic science, DNA evidence, criminal psychology and new witness evidence.Watch it on: Netflix
Watch it on: Prime Video
Women Behind Bars
If you’re a fan of Channel 4’s Women Who Kill then this will be right up your street. Women Behind Bars is an in-depth examination of some female inmates’ true and shocking crimes.The Disappearance Of Madeleine McCann
When 3-year-old Madeleine McCann vanishes from her holiday apartment in Praia Da Luz, the world cast a watchful eye over her case. Netflix explores the crazy media attention this case got plus looks at a few famous conspiracies surrounding her disappearance.
Watch it on: Netflix
