25 True Crime Shows You Won’t Be Able To Stop Watching
Love & Death (2023)
Set in a quiet Texas town, Love & Death tells a story that feels calm on the surface but slowly grows more intense. The series follows Candy Montgomery, whose affair led to a shocking murder and an acquittal that left many people stunned. Elizabeth Olsen delivers a performance that keeps viewers guessing, and makes Candy feel both familiar and mysterious.
When They See Us (2019)
This powerful miniseries tells the story of the Central Park Five, following their wrongful arrests, convictions, and eventual exoneration. The focus stays on the human impact of the case, showing how it affected the lives of the five teenagers and their families. The series leaves a lasting impression and remains one of the most memorable true crime dramas.
Who Killed Malcolm X? (2020)
Rather than retelling a familiar story, Who Killed Malcolm X? makes it about one man’s decades-long search for answers. The docuseries centers on historian Abdur-Rahman Muhammad, who has spent more than 30 years investigating the assassination of Malcolm X. Across the episodes, viewers follow his research as he digs into old records, overlooked details, and unanswered questions that still surround the case.
The Vow (2020–2022)
This docuseries takes viewers inside NXIVM, exploring how the group rose and eventually collapsed. Told through insider accounts, The Vow slowly reveals how people became involved and what led to the group’s downfall. Rather than feeling rushed, the story unfolds piece by piece, making the revelations more impactful.
Des (2020)
David Tennant stars as Dennis Nilsen, a serial killer whose calm, almost casual attitude is more chilling than any graphic scene. The series focuses on the period after Nilsen’s arrest, exploring his conversations with police and the unsettling ease with which he discusses his crimes. Rather than sensationalizing violence, the show leans into psychological tension, making every interaction feel uneasy.
Under the Bridge (2024)
Under the Bridge revisits the murder of a teenage girl through the perspectives of a police officer and a journalist. The series keeps its tone restrained and emotional, and avoids sensationalism while still holding attention. The dual viewpoints add depth without complicating the story, and makes it an easy watch for viewers.
Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children (2020)
The Netflix series tells the true story of Belle Gibson, a wellness personality who claimed she cured her cancer through alternative medicine, despite never having cancer at all. Kaitlyn Dever plays Belle with a mix of charm and quiet manipulation, making it easy to see how so many people believed her. The show explores how social media fame, wellness culture, and unchecked trust created the perfect environment for deception.
Unbelievable (2019)
Based on real events, Unbelievable follows a young woman whose assault report was dismissed until similar cases began to surface elsewhere. The series handles the subject with sensitivity, and focuses on the emotional impact of not being believed.
Under the Banner of Heaven (2022)
This slow-burning series explores a murder case connected to extremist religious beliefs. The storytelling takes a reflective approach, and blends investigation with a closer look at faith and family dynamics. Instead of rushing through events, the series lets tension build naturally.
Trial by Media (2020)
Each episode of Trial by Media focuses on a different real-life court case, examining how media coverage influenced public opinion and outcomes. The series keeps things simple and easy to follow, and makes complex legal situations feel accessible. By looking at headlines, television coverage, and public reaction, the show proves how powerful media narratives can be.
The Pharmacist (2020)
The Pharmacist begins as a deeply personal story and slowly expands into something much larger. After losing his son, Dan Schneider begins searching for answers, which leads him to uncover troubling prescription practices in his community. The series follows his journey step by step. Rather than feeling heavy or complicated, the storytelling stays grounded and human.
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez (2020)
This emotional docuseries examines the tragic case of eight-year-old Gabriel Fernandez and the failures that led to his death. The series carefully walks through events, court cases, and missed warning signs without rushing the story. While difficult to watch at times, it stays focused and respectful. Rather than relying on shock, it emphasizes accountability and understanding of what went wrong.
The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016)
The People v. O. J. Simpson also explores how media coverage, race, and celebrity shaped the public’s reaction to the case. Even if you remember the trial well, the series adds layers that make the story feel fresh and engaging. It’s a highly bingeable series that gives us the best mix of legal drama with cultural moments many viewers still remember.
The Jinx (2015–2024)
Slow, eerie, and unforgettable, The Jinx is often credited with changing true crime television. The series follows Robert Durst, a wealthy heir linked to multiple suspicious deaths. Through interviews and careful investigation, the show builds tension piece by piece. If you enjoy methodical storytelling with major payoff, this is essential viewing.
The Innocence Files (2020)
Real-life stories of wrongful convictions form the heart of this docuseries. The Innocence Files highlights cases where flawed evidence, unreliable witnesses, or misconduct led to innocent people losing years of their lives. Each episode focuses on a different story, balancing frustration with hope as new evidence comes to light.
The Girl From Plainville (2022)
The Girl From Plainville explores the case of Michelle Carter, who was convicted after encouraging her boyfriend’s suicide through text messages. Elle Fanning delivers a restrained, eerie performance that captures the emotional distance at the heart of the case. The series raises difficult questions about responsibility, influence, and how digital communication changes human relationships.
The Dropout (2022)
The series traces how a bold idea and a powerful image helped Holmes convince investors and the public that her company could change healthcare. As the truth emerges, the show highlights how hype and blind belief can overshadow reality. What makes The Dropout especially watchable is its balance between business drama and character study.
Mindhunter (2017–2019)
Mindhunter proves that conversations alone can be just as gripping as action-packed scenes. Set in the late 1970s, the series follows FBI agents as they interview imprisoned serial killers to better understand how criminals think. Each interview feels unsettling in its own quiet way, and makes even simple conversations feel intense.
Making a Murderer (2015–2018)
From the very beginning, Making a Murderer pulls viewers into a story that’s hard to stop thinking about. The series follows Steven Avery and his long, complicated journey through the justice system, starting with his wrongful conviction and later focusing on a new murder charge. Each episode carefully lays out details, interviews, and legal moments, encouraging viewers to form their own opinions.
Unsolved Mysteries (1987– )
Unsolved Mysteries has long been a favorite for viewers who enjoy strange, unexplained cases. From cold cases to disappearances, the series covers a wide range of mysteries. The Netflix reboot keeps the eerie tone of the original while updating the format for modern audiences. One of the most satisfying parts is that some cases featured on the show have actually been solved.
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez (2020)
This three-part docuseries takes viewers through the complicated life of NFL star Aaron Hernandez, starting from his early success in professional football and moving toward his shocking downfall. Instead of rushing through the story, the series slows things down and looks at how fame, pressure, and personal struggles slowly began to overlap. Interviews and commentary help paint a fuller picture of how things reached a breaking point.
Inventing Anna (2022)
Style and deception go hand in hand in Inventing Anna. This dramatized series follows Anna Delvey, who convinced New York’s elite that she was a wealthy heiress. Julia Garner’s performance is bold, funny, and completely captivating. The show explores how image, confidence, and access can open doors, even when the truth doesn’t add up.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark (2020–2021)
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark follows writer Michelle McNamara’s relentless pursuit of the Golden State Killer. The show brings together her research, personal struggles, and the devastating impact of the crimes. As new DNA technology comes into play, the series builds toward long-awaited answers.
How to Fix a Drug Scandal (2020)
This series revisits the well-known Menendez brothers case with a more layered and emotional approach. Instead of offering a simple recap, it looks at family dynamics, courtroom proceedings, and the intense media attention surrounding the trial. By exploring multiple angles, the show encourages viewers to think beyond the headlines they may remember.
Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke (2025)
Once known for her picture-perfect family vlogs, Ruby Franke’s online image hid a far darker reality. This three-part docuseries explores how Franke’s life unraveled after she was arrested for abusing her children alongside her associate, Jodi Hildebrandt. Featuring interviews with family members, including Franke’s ex-husband and children, the series slowly reveals how control, belief systems, and isolation played a role.
