I am a true crime person. Not that I commit them, of course! I am just forever fascinated by the stories – the stories of the incidents themselves, but also of the survivors. In many of these cases, the perpetrator(s) isn’t clear, so a “whodunit” plays out. Or, we know who committed the crime, but we don’t know why. OR, a person admits to committing a crime, but it was a false confession. I can even think of a case where a person admitted to committing a horrific crime, but still walked right out of jail. It’s all so interesting to me.
A few years ago, I came up with a list of The Best True Crime Podcasts, but I realize not everyone does the podcast thing (although they should), so I thought I would do The 10 Best True Crime Documentaries.
Now, before I get to The 10 Best True Crime Documentaries, know that I didn’t include mega popular ones like Making A Murderer and The Jinx because there’s a good chance you’ve already heard of them. And, if you’re wondering if the second season of The Jinx is worth the watch, it very much is.
The 10 Best True Crime Documentaries
- American Nightmare on Netflix. I was screaming through this documentary. Just folding laundry and yelling at the TV. It’s about the 2015 kidnapping of Denise Huskins from her home in California. I thought a knew where this doc was going, but I had no idea.
- Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini on Hulu. Like American Nightmare, this is about a woman who goes missing, but it is totally different. I am obsessed with this case, probably because I think I know the “why”, although I am not completely sure. I don’t know if anyone is.
- Worst Roommate Ever on Netflix. Wow, did I ever get lucky when I was randomly paired up with my college roommate! This show will make you never trust anyone to live with you ever again. Sorry. Worst Roommate Ever is in its second season and it has everything, including a serial killer. Who is a woman. And is in her 60s.
- Betrayal on Hulu. This show is based on the podcast of the same name that’s #5 on Apple Podcasts as I write this. It centers on women who think they have perfect marriages, but unfortunately they are wrong. It’s about being betrayed, but also … survival.
- Escaping Twin Flames on Netflix. In this doc, people looking for love turn to the Twin Flames Universe – an organization that says it can help people find their twin flame through a series of courses, coaching and exercises. Former members of the organization have a lot to say, and it’s not good, but despite it all, the Twin Flames Universe is still up and running! This doc reminded me a lot of the NXIVM cult, and there are a few documentaries on that whole story if you want to check that out as well.
- Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage & Reckoning on Max (HBO). Not enough people are talking about this documentary. It takes you in every direction. Back in 1980s Boston, a man calls police saying he and his pregnant wife have just been shot by an African American man. This is a tale of negligence, racism, and heartbreak. My jaw was on the floor.
- Outcry on Hulu. Yet another documentary not enough people are talking about. A high school football star headed for the top is accused of something no one thought he was capable of, but did he actually do it?
- Lover, Stalker, Killer on Netflix. This is a love triangle with of the biggest twists I have ever seen in a true crime story.
- Lorena on Amazon Prime Video. Remember the story of Lorena Bobbitt? You don’t. You may remember all the late-night jokes that came out of what happened back in 1993, but that may be where it ends for you. This documentary sheds a whole new light on what happened, the culture at the time, and is executive produced by Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us).
- O.J.: Made in America on Netflix. 30 years later and I am still obsessed with the O.J. Simpson trial. I have listened to and watched so many programs about O.J. and I can promise you, O.J.: Made in America is the best of the best. It comes from ESPN Film’s 30 for 30 series which is top tier and has won a slew of awards.
What’s Up, Doc?
Still not enough documentaries for you? Here are a few more: The Confession Tapes on Netflix, Crazy Love on Prime Video, and Killer Sally on Netflix.
After her release from prison, Gypsy Rose Blanchard was basically a guest on every show there is, and she’s got her own popular reality show as well. You can see her story from the beginning and why she was behind bars in Mommy Dead and Dearest on Max.
Cult Craze
If your true crime interest lies with cults, check out Wild Wild Country on Netflix, The Vow on Max, and Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God also on Max.
What are your favorite true crime documentaries?
