There’s something irresistibly compelling about true crime—it draws us in, makes us guess, and tends to leave us doubting everything we believe we understand. Perhaps it’s the mystery, the real-life stakes, or the disturbing glimpse into human nature’s dark side. Whatever it is, true crime is one of the most binge-watchable genres available.
Whether you’re an old-school fan or just getting started, this list of essential docuseries and documentaries contains some of the most memorable tales, from earth-shattering cons to chilling cold cases. Dive in?
1. The Keepers (2017, Netflix)
A dark, emotional exploration of the decades-old killing of Sister Cathy Cesnik, The Keepers begins as a murder mystery and devolves into a gut-wrenching examination of abuse and institutional cover-ups within the Catholic Church. It’s haunting, impactful, and unforgettable.
2. Making a Murderer (2015–2018, Netflix)
Steven Avery’s tale is as thrilling as it is contentious. This award-winning series chronicles his release from prison after being wrongly convicted—then, he becomes a suspect in another case involving murder. The series delves into defects in the American justice system, questioning truth, power, and corruption.
3. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015, Max)
If you’re into documentaries with jaw-dropping moments, The Jinx is essential viewing. It explores the strange, unsettling life of real estate heir Robert Durst—and features one of the most shocking hot-mic confessions in true crime history.
4. American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020, Netflix)
Narrated in its entirety by police footage, text messages, and social media updates, this documentary chronicles the heartbreaking loss of Shannan Watts and her kids. The unfiltered, real-time narration makes it even more tragic and appalling.
5. Wild Wild Country (2018, Netflix)
Forget what you think you know about cults. This doc series dissects the rise and fall of a notorious commune in 1980s Oregon, with all the political maneuvering, bioterrorism, and culture conflicts that come with it. It’s weird, dreamlike, and captivating.
6. The Staircase (2004–2018, Netflix)
When Michael Peterson’s wife is discovered dead at the bottom of their stairway, a dramatic courtroom fight ensues. With decades of courtroom footage and behind-the-scenes access, this perennially popular series explores the blurred line between innocence and guilt.
7. The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker (2023, Netflix)
Internet celebrity collides with real-world terror in this intense documentary on Kai, an internet sensation who became a suspected murderer. What starts as an unusual internet story takes a dramatic turn and becomes something much more sinister—and seriously unnerving.
8. The Innocence Files (2020, Netflix)
This gripping series is all about false convictions and the relentless efforts of the Innocence Project to find the truth. Every episode highlights the destruction caused by justice derailed—and the individuals who are working to set it right.
9. The Tinder Swindler (2022, Netflix)
A charming con man, millions stolen, and innocent victims who met him on dating sites—The Tinder Swindler is a true crime tale for the digital era. It’s half cautionary legend and half engrossing thriller.
10. Evil Genius (2018, Netflix)
A strange bank heist that included a pizza delivery driver and a collar bomb makes for a novel-sounding crime story, but it’s real. Evil Genius goes deep into one of the most bizarre criminal cases in contemporary times, with twists, dark mysteries, and unfinished business.
11. Athlete A (2020, Netflix)
This explosive documentary discloses the decades-long abuse in USA Gymnastics, presented by the survivors and the reporters who broke the scandal. It’s a sobering and brave tale of justice, accountability, and determination.
12. Abducted in Plain Sight (2017, Netflix)
This jaw-dropping documentary recounts the nearly incredible tale of Jan Broberg, who was twice kidnapped by a friend of her family. The turns are so crazy they sound made-up, but all the eye-popping facts are true.
13. The Confession Tapes (2017–2019, Netflix)
Can a person confess to something they didn’t do? This revealing series presents cases in which confessions were supposedly coerced or misheard. It’s an engaging and unsettling examination of how our justice system can err at times.
14. Our Father (2022, Netflix)
One DNA test reveals a stunning medical betrayal: a fertility doctor who secretly fathered dozens of children using his sperm. Our Father explores the fallout from this deception and the moral loopholes that enabled it.
15. Tiger King (2020, Netflix)
No true crime list would be complete without Tiger King, the wayward docuseries that swept the world during lockdown. With murder plots, big cats, and outlandish characters, it’s as strange as it is indelible.
Why True Crime Keeps Us Coming Back
From intrigue to ethical nuance, true crime is something that gets us invested in understanding human nature, justice, and the unexpected turns of real life. These shows don’t merely entertain—they make us think, they get people talking, and occasionally, even bring about change. So plug in your headphones or snuggle up on the sofa—it’s time to press play on some of the most engaging true crime stories ever.