Netflix's Best True Crime
Netflix is the reigning monarch of documentaries, ruling the realm of true crime and real-life tales with an iron grip and a binge-worthy crown! The following documentaries satisfy our curiosity about humanity's darker side while keeping us glued to the edge of our seats.
What Jennifer Did (2024)
This film examines the shocking story of Jennifer McKinney, a woman whose seemingly idyllic life turned dark. The documentary explores the events surrounding her controversial actions, the fallout from her decisions, and the impact on her family and community.
Netflix, What Jennifer Did (2024)
Bitconned (2024)
Netflix delves into the murky world of cryptocurrency swindles, revealing how fraudsters exploit the digital gold rush to deceive and manipulate investors. This feature sheds light on the devastating impact of these schemes and the relentless pursuit of justice, featuring gripping testimonies and expert insights.
The Program: Cons, Cults, And Kidnapping (2024)
Directed by Katherine Kubler, the documentary features Kubler and her former classmates from the Academy at Ivy Ridge, a behavior modification center masquerading as a boarding school. They share their reflections on the harmful conditions they faced and the enduring trauma that resulted.
Netflix, The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping (2024)
The Man With 1000 Kids (2024)
This doc follows the controversial story of a man who has fathered numerous children through sperm donation, exploring the ethical and emotional implications of his actions. The film delves into the lives of his offspring, the search for identity, and the complex web of relationships that arise from his unique legacy, raising questions about family, consent, and the definition of parenthood.
Netflix, The Man with 1000 Kids (2024)
Lover Stalker Killer (2024)
A recently single mechanic embarks on his first experience with online dating, only to encounter a woman whose romantic obsession spirals into a deadly situation. This Netflix documentary is a captivating reminder that love can be as complicated as assembling IKEA furniture without instructions, especially in this new age of likes and swipes.
Netflix, Lover Stalker Killer (2024)
Homicide: New York (2024)
This series showcases a group of individuals united by their passion for justice. Exploring the intricate journey of delivering fairness, this new five-episode series from Wolf Entertainment reveals law enforcement's insights into some of their most chilling cases. It features compelling interviews with NYPD officials, survivors, and the victims' friends and families.
Netflix, Homicide: New York (2024)
American Nightmare (2024)
Set in 2015, a woman is taken during a home invasion, drawing eerie parallels to the real-life story of Gone Girl. As her boyfriend faces accusations of inventing her disappearance, the case reveals the dark complexities of perception and truth in a media-saturated world.
Netflix, American Nightmare (2024)
Can I Tell You A Secret? (2024)
Told from the viewpoints of three women, Can I Tell You a Secret explores how a relentless cyberstalker infiltrated their online profiles and irrevocably altered their lives. The narrative highlights the emotional and psychological toll of digital harassment in a world increasingly dominated by technology.
Netflix, Can I Tell You A Secret? (2024)
American Murder: Laci Peterson (2024)
In 2002, Laci Peterson, eight months pregnant, vanished on Christmas Eve. Her husband Scott was convicted, though he continues to assert his innocence. More than 20 years later, Laci's mother and friends revisit the heart-wrenching case, sharing their thoughts on the enduring impact of their heartbreak.
Netflix, American Murder: Laci Peterson (2024)
Victim/Suspect (2023)
Making its debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the film follows investigative journalist Rachel de Leon as she investigates cases where officers unjustly charged victims with filing false reports despite the truth of their accounts. The film highlights a tragic injustice in the American justice and court systems, giving survivors a platform to share their experiences.
Netflix, Victim/Suspect (2023)
Till Murder Do Us Part: Soering Vs. Haysom (2023)
This documentary explores the case of Jens Söring, found responsible for the 1985 demise of his ex-girlfriend's parents. The film delves into the intricacies of the case, presenting new evidence and perspectives that challenge the conviction and raise questions about justice.
Netflix, Till Murder Do Us Part: Soering Vs. Haysom (2023)
American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing (2023)
During the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, two homemade explosives were detonated near the finish line, causing three people to lose their lives and injuring over 260 others. Widespread panic and chaos led to a massive search for the perpetrators, identified as Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Candid interviews and actual footage uncover fresh insights into the events.
Netflix, American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing (2023)
Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal (2023)
The Murdaughs, a prominent South Carolina family, see their legacy crumble following a perilous boating accident. The tragedy deepens as Maggie Murdaugh and her son Paul are slain, revealing a century of corruption, power, and cover-ups.
Netflix, Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal (2023)
Waco: American Apocalypse (2023)
This docuseries features previously unseen footage from the notorious 51-day standoff in 1993 between federal agents and a heavily armed religious group. The Branch Davidians, a spiritual sect led by David Koresh, engaged in a standoff with the ATF, attempting to execute a search warrant at the group's compound in Waco, Texas.
Netflix, Waco: American Apocalypse (2023)
Who Killed Jill Dando? (2023)
Jill Dando was a British television presenter and journalist best known for her work with the BBC. Tragically, she passed outside her home in London on April 26, 1999, in a case that shocked the nation. The case is officially unsolved, with no one yet to be held responsible.
Netflix, Who Killed Jill Dando? (2023)
Madoff: The Monster Of Wall Street (2023)
Exploring Bernie Madoff's life and wrongdoings, the documentary series reveals the story of the notorious financier behind one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history. Through interviews with victims, financial experts, and law enforcement, the series examines Madoff's rise to prominence, the mechanics of his deceit, and the devastating impact of his fraud on countless individuals and families.
Netflix, Madoff: The Monster Of Wall Street (2023)
Ice Cold: Murder, Coffee And Jessica Wongso (2023)
The controversial case of Jessica Wongso, accused of taking the life of her friend Wayan Mirna Salihin in 2016, is explored in this documentary. The film highlights the complexities of the investigation and trial and the significant media attention the case received in Indonesia and beyond.
Netflix, Ice Cold: Murder, Coffee And Jessica Wongso (2023)
Escaping Twin Flames (2023)
This documentary investigates the controversial self-help movement centered around the "Twin Flames" concept, which promotes the pursuit of a perfect soulmate. Through personal testimonies from individuals involved in the community, the film explores the profound psychological and emotional toll it has taken on their lives. It also exposes the manipulative tactics leaders employ within the movement, uncovering the more ominous aspects of this enticing ideology.
Netflix, Escaping Twin Flames (2023)
The Tinder Swindler (2022)
This truly disconcerting investigation examines Simon Leviev, a con artist who used the dating app Tinder to manipulate and swindle women out of significant amounts of money. Featuring interviews with those he affected, the film reveals their harrowing experiences of romance and betrayal as they fell into his web of deceit. As Leviev traveled the world, living a lavish lifestyle funded by those he swindled, the documentary delves into themes of love, trust, and the vulnerabilities inherent in online dating.
Netflix, The Tinder Swindler (2022)
Sins Of Our Mother (2022)
A profoundly upsetting documentary series that follows the chilling story of Lori Vallow, a woman whose two children disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The series delves into Vallow's life, her relationships, and her connection to doomsday beliefs, highlighting the events that led to the sorrowful outcomes.
Netflix, Sins Of Our Mother (2022)
The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist (2022)
This documentary examines the infamous Bling Ring, a group of teenagers who burglarized the homes of celebrities in Los Angeles during the late 2000s. The film features interviews with the actual group members and those affected by their misdeeds, offering insights into their motivations and the allure of fame and wealth.
Netflix, The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist (2022)
Worst Roommate Ever (2022)
Netflix explores the unsettling stories of individuals who have endured nightmarish experiences with their roommates. Each episode features a different case, showcasing how seemingly ordinary living situations can turn into terrifying and dangerous scenarios.
Netflix, Worst Roommate Ever (2022)
Downfall: The Case Against Boeing (2022)
This exposé investigates the events surrounding the downing of two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which led to the loss of 346 lives. The film examines Boeing's corporate culture and the decisions prioritizing profits over safety, revealing systemic issues within the company. Interviews with aviation experts, former employees, and victims' families highlight these incidents' impact on the aviation industry.
Netflix, Downfall: The Case Against Boeing (2022)
Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist (2022)
Netflix unravels the bizarre true story of Manti Te'o, a college football star who became the center of a massive catfishing scandal. The film explores how Te'o navigated his relationship with a fictional girlfriend, Lennay Kekua, and the emotional toll it took on him when he discovered the truth.
Netflix, Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist (2022)
Our Father (2022)
Chronicled is the shocking case of Dr Donald Cline, a fertility doctor who secretly used his sperm to impregnate numerous patients without their consent. The film follows the journey of his biological children, who discover the truth through DNA testing and seek to understand the implications of their origins.
Keep Sweet: Pray And Obey (2022)
This series explores the heavy-handed world of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and its leader, Warren Jeffs, focusing on the experiences of women and girls as they confront forced marriages, harm, and strict patriarchal beliefs. The documentary sheds light on the manipulation and control exerted by Jeffs and the challenges faced by those who seek to escape.
Netflix, Keep Sweet: Pray And Obey (2022)
Girl In The Picture (2022)
This gripping documentary unravels the haunting story of a young woman named Sharon Marshall, whose mysterious passing leads to shocking revelations about her life. The film examines her tragic circumstances, like her abduction as a child and the complex relationships she had with those around her, including a man who posed as her father—ultimately seeking justice for Sharon and understanding her heartbreaking story.
Netflix, Girl In The Picture (2022)
Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal (2021)
This documentary investigates the high-profile debacle involving wealthy parents who resorted to malfeasance and dishonesty to secure their children's admission to prestigious colleges and universities. Featuring a blend of dramatic reenactments and real-life interviews, the film highlights the role of college admissions consultant Rick Singer, who orchestrated the scheme.
Netflix, Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal (2021)
This Is A Robbery (2021)
Suppose you're looking for a riveting documentary that leans more towards an art heist than dismal and disturbing. In that case, This Is A Robbery is a Netflix original recounting the 1980 theft of millions of dollars worth of art from Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The film delves into the elaborate plan executed by two thieves and the enduring mystery surrounding the incident.
Netflix, This Is A Robbery (2021)
Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel (2021)
This four-part series explores the mysterious events at the infamous Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, which has a century-long history of untimely deaths and links to serial killers.
Netflix, Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel (2021)
Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings Of Miami (2021)
This documentary series chronicles the rise and fall of narcotics traffickers Willy Falcon and Sal Magluta, who established a multi-million dollar empire in 1980s Miami. Combining archival footage, interviews, and dramatic storytelling, it delves into these infamous figures' opulent lifestyles and nefarious operations.
Netflix, Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings Of Miami (2021)
How To Fix A Drug Scandal (2020)
This documentary series examines the explosive fallout from a testing facility scandal in Massachusetts that compromised thousands of prosecutions. It focuses on the actions of two chemists, Annie Dookhan and Sonja Farak, whose misconduct led to wrongful convictions and a crisis in the justice system.
Netflix, How To Fix A Drug Scandal (2020)
American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
Netflix examines the tragic case of Shanann Watts and her two daughters, who went missing in August 2018. Utilizing social media posts, text messages, and law enforcement footage, the film pieces together the events leading to their disappearance and the subsequent investigation. It ultimately reveals the shocking truth about Shanann's husband, Chris Watts.
Netflix, American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
Athlete A (2020)
This documentary investigates the scandal surrounding former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who abused young female athletes. The film follows the courageous survivors who came forward, including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, as they share their harrowing experiences. Through their testimonies, the documentary sheds light on the systemic failures that allowed Nassar to continue unimpeded for years.
The Family (2019)
This documentary explores the influence of a secretive Christian group known as "The Family" or "The Fellowship," which has played a significant role in American politics for decades. The series delves into the organization's connections to influential figures and its efforts to shape policy and influence government decisions through a network of political and business leaders.
Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator (2019)
This documentary explores Bikram Choudhury, the controversial founder of Bikram Yoga, examining his charismatic persona and the global popularity of his practice. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal testimonies, it exposes allegations of misconduct from former students and instructors. By delving into the dark side of Choudhury's empire, the film highlights themes of power, exploitation, and the dangers that can lurk behind charismatic figures in the wellness industry.
Netflix, Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator (2019)
Wild Wild Country (2018)
This series chronicles the controversial arrival of the Rajneesh movement, led by the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, in rural Oregon during the 1980s. The series explores the community's attempts to establish a utopian settlement in Wasco County, which led to conflicts with residents and authorities.
Netflix, Wild Wild Country (2018)
The Staircase (2018)
Netflix presents the gripping case of novelist Michael Peterson, accused of causing his wife, Kathleen, to fall to the bottom of their staircase with severe consequences. Initially launched in 2004, the series was expanded in 2018 to incorporate new developments in the case. Through in-depth conversations, courtroom footage, and personal reflections, it examines the complexities of the legal battle, media portrayal, and the impact on Peterson's family.
The Keepers (2017)
This documentary series explores the unsolved case of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a cherished nun and high school teacher in Baltimore, and the profound effects of her passing on her former students. The series examines allegations made towards the Catholic Church and the subsequent cover-up as survivors bravely share their stories and experiences.
The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker (2023)
An engaging documentary that explores the rise and fall of Kai Lawrence, a hitchhiker who became an internet sensation after using a hatchet to defend a woman during a dangerous encounter. The film delves into Lawrence's unexpected fame, the subsequent media frenzy, and the darker events that led to his imprisonment for murder.
