Anyone that knows me is very aware that I have a slight obsession with anything true crime, whether that’s movies, books, podcasts, or documentaries. So needless to say, I am VERY passionate about this post. I have been wanting to write this for a long time, but I wanted to give myself more time to actually watch more of them. I finally feel like I have seen it all, so I’m dedicating a whole entire post to the top 10 true crime documentaries that I feel are the best out there right now….with some really great honorable mentions.
Side note: keep in mind, this is MY opinion, so if you don’t see your favorite on this list, don’t get offended lol. Message me on Instagram or leave your thoughts in the comments of this post and let’s chat about it! I love a good true crime convo.
Now, for the good stuff….
1. Making a Murderer (Netflix, Part 1 & 2) – Steven Avery spent 18 YEARS in jail after he was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. Shortly after he was exonerated, he was accused of the brutal murder of Teresa Halbach, who was last seen on his property. This documentary takes you through the entire case and trial, and is so hard to stop watching. The second season takes you through the aftermath and introduces a top notch lawyer, Kathleen Zelner, who goes through and shows several reenactments of the crime and puts together a timeline of what she believes happened the night Teresa Halbach died. This is my all time favorite documentary, and I don’t know that anything will ever beat it for me.
2. The Staircase (Netflix) – In 2001, Michael Peterson found his wife dead at the bottom of the stairs in their home. He assumed she fell and hit her head, causing her death. The medical examiner, however, had a different theory, which caused Michael to become a suspect in her death. This documentary takes you through the whole investigation and trial, and is so thrilling to watch.
3. The Ted Bundy Tapes (Netflix) – Ted Bundy is one of America’s most notorious serial killers. This documentary takes you into the life of Bundy and presents archival footage and hours of interviews with him while he was on death row. It gives you a unique perspective of hearing him analyze his own life and motives of his killings. Once you start watching, you cannot stop.
4. Murder in the Bayou (Showtime) – This documentary takes you through the investigation of 8 unsolved murders in the town of Jennings, LA. The bodies of the young women were discovered in drainage canals and isolated back roads all within a time frame of 4 years. As you watch, so many secrets are revealed about the lives of the victims. You get to see many interviews with the victim’s family and friends, and start to wonder if all of the crimes are somehow connected.
5. Paradise Lost (HBO, Part 1, 2, & 3) – In 1996, three young boys are found dead in a creek in a wooded area of West Memphis, AR. Three teenage boys are accused of the murders as part of a satanic ritual. The three part documentary takes you through the trial and interviews of close family members and numerous people connected to the case.
6. Mommy Dead & Dearest (HBO) – This documentary takes you through the CRAZY and BIZARRE story of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Dee Dee is ultimately murdered in her home, and her daughter and daughter’s boyfriend are accused of the crime. I promise you, this documentary will leave you stunned and you will have a hard time picking your jaw up off the floor. There is also a show on Hulu called “The Act” that is a must watch if you are as fascinated with this story as I am.
7. The Jinx (HBO) – This will take you through the history of Robert Durst, who was suspected in the disappearance of his wife and a couple of family friends back in the 80s. You will see a pretty in depth interview with Durst, who forms a relationship with the director/producer of the documentary over the course of many years of research of Durst’s life. You will see/hear lots of exposed secrets, private prison recordings, and never-before-seen footage.
8. I Love You, Now Die (HBO, Part 1 &2) – In 2014, Conrad Roy committed suicide in his car at a parking lot in Fairhaven, MA. As police investigate the days and minutes up to his death, they discover a series of text messages from his girlfriend, Michelle Carter, who seems to be encouraging him to do it. This documentary will take you through the case and trial and you will be stunned by the things you hear.
9. Evil Genius (Netflix) – This documentary is about the death of Brian Wells, a high profile case in 2003, often referred to as “collar bomb” or “pizza bomber” case. After his death, evidence emerged that he may have been forced to rob a bank with a bomb attached to his neck, which ultimately killed him. This case is very complex, with lots of interesting twists and turns, which leaves you wondering who is telling the truth and who isn’t.
10. The Innocent Man (Netflix) – Two murders of two young girls shook the small town of Ada, OK. The cases gained national attention and even led to popular thriller author, John Grisham, writing a book about the crimes and serving as Executive Producer of the documentary. This documentary includes tons of interviews of the victims’ family and friends, but also highlights potential false confessions and injustice.
Honorable Mentions
- The Cheshire Murders (HBO)
- Night Stalker (Netflix)
- American Murder: The Family Next Door (Netflix)
- Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel (Netflix)
- Wild Wild Country (Netflix)
- Don’t Fu*k With Cats (Netflix)
- Beware the Slenderman (HBO)
- There’s Something Wrong With Aunt Diane (HBO)
I hope y’all enjoyed this post! If there are any on this list that you haven’t seen, I highly recommend you watch and don’t forget to let me know what you think! Thank you for reading!
