Who doesn’t love a good true crime documentary? There’s something utterly gripping about watching real-life mysteries unfold, hearing shocking revelations, and being pulled into the twists and turns of riveting cases. Netflix has built an impressive library of crime documentaries that cover everything from unsolved murders to shocking disappearances and legal battles. Whether you’re a long-time true crime fan or just looking for something to binge-watch, these picks will have you hooked from the very first episode.
From stories that highlight failures in the criminal justice system to chilling accounts of human behavior, these documentaries go beyond the headlines to explore the complexities of crime and its impacts. Here are ten crime documentaries on Netflix that you won’t want to miss.
1. Making a Murderer (2015-2018)
Making a Murderer became a cultural phenomenon when it was released, and for good reason. This series follows the mind-boggling case of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and spent 18 years in prison before being exonerated. Just when things began to look up for Avery, he found himself accused of another crime – the murder of Teresa Halbach.
This documentary dives deep into the flaws of the justice system, raising unsettling questions about police misconduct, corruption, and the fairness of Avery’s trial. What makes Making a Murderer so captivating is its ability to present both sides while encouraging you to form your own conclusion. Full of twists and jaw-dropping moments, it’s a true crime must-watch.
2. The Staircase (2004, 2018)
What really happened on that staircase? That’s the question this groundbreaking documentary explores. Novelist Michael Peterson was accused of murdering his wife, Kathleen, after she was found dead at the bottom of their staircase. Was it an accident or foul play?
With over 13 years of footage, The Staircase provides unparalleled access to Peterson’s legal battle, revealing shocking twists, family drama, and gaps in the prosecution’s case. This documentary is as much about justice as it is about the human stories behind the courtroom. The more you watch, the murkier the truth becomes, keeping you glued until the very end.
3. The Keepers (2017)
Dark, emotional, and haunting, The Keepers uncovers the 1969 murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a beloved nun and teacher in Baltimore. What begins as an investigation into her unsolved case quickly spirals into a larger exploration of systemic sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.
The docuseries paints a harrowing picture of cover-ups, corruption, and survivors’ courage in seeking justice. It’s a tough but necessary watch that doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions about accountability and power. If you’re looking for a documentary that will leave you thinking long after the final episode, this is it.
4. Don't Fk with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)**
This docuseries is as shocking as it gets. What starts as an amateur investigation by a group of internet sleuths attempting to track down a man posting cruel videos of animal abuse takes a chilling turn. Soon, Luka Magnotta escalates his antics into something horrifyingly worse – committing murder and putting it all online.
Don’t F**k with Cats stands out because of how it explores the power of online communities and the lengths ordinary people will go to for justice. It’s intense, disturbing, and utterly addictive, making it one of Netflix’s most talked-about true crime offerings.
5. American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
This documentary is both heartbreaking and chilling. By using social media posts, recorded police footage, and text messages, American Murder chronicles the disappearance and ultimate deaths of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters.
What makes this documentary particularly gut-wrenching is its unfiltered look at the events leading to the crime, including intimate glimpses into the family’s life. It’s an emotionally heavy watch that exposes the shocking reality of domestic violence and the facade some people maintain.
6. The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann (2019)
The disappearance of Madeleine McCann in 2007 remains one of the most infamous missing person cases in modern history. The three-year-old vanished from her family’s vacation apartment in Portugal, sparking a global media frenzy.
This docuseries doesn’t just recount the events but dives into the investigation’s successes and missteps, controversial theories, and how the case became a media spectacle. It’s a fascinating yet somber reminder of how complex missing person cases can be and how they captivate public attention like no other.
7. Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez (2020)
A chilling look into the life of NFL star turned convicted murderer, Aaron Hernandez. This three-part series examines how someone with fame, fortune, and talent descended into violence and crime.
Killer Inside sheds light on societal factors, mental health struggles, and sexuality that may have contributed to Hernandez’s behavior. It also explores the role of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition often found in football players, in shaping his actions. Honest and deeply unsettling, this documentary is a must-watch for sports and true crime fans alike.
8. Wild Wild Country (2018)
If you’re looking for something a little different, Wild Wild Country is a fascinating watch. This docuseries tells the story of the Rajneeshpuram commune in Oregon, led by the controversial Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.
What starts as an exploration of free-spirited living quickly escalates into greed, power struggles, and criminal activities. From bioterrorism plots to clashes with local communities, the series shows how utopian dreams can unravel in the most alarming ways. It’s a wild ride that makes you question the line between spirituality and cult-like manipulation.
9. Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021)
Get ready to be on the edge of your seat. Night Stalker chronicles the investigation into Richard Ramirez, one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. Ramirez’s reign of terror in Los Angeles during the 1980s is captured here through the perspectives of the detectives who worked tirelessly to catch him.
Using interviews, archival footage, and survivors’ accounts, the series brings to life the fear and urgency of the investigation. Night Stalker is gripping from start to finish, showcasing the relentless pursuit of justice despite overwhelming odds.
10. The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness (2021)
This documentary digs into the infamous case of David Berkowitz, aka the "Son of Sam," who terrorized New York City in the late 1970s. While Berkowitz confessed to a series of murders, this series explores theories that he may not have acted alone and introduces chilling evidence of cult involvement.
What makes The Sons of Sam stand out is its focus on investigative journalist Maury Terry, whose obsession with the case uncovered shocking details. The docuseries taps into questions about whether justice was fully served and the potentially hidden layers of this historic crime spree.
