True crime documentaries are like real-life thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat. They’re all about uncovering shocking mysteries and understanding what drives people to commit crimes. In this article, we’re going to talk about the ten best true crime documentaries that have ever been made. Get ready for some spine-tingling stories that you won’t be able to stop thinking about!
#10 – Lover, Stalker, Killer
Synopsis
In this twisting documentary, we learn about Dave Kroupa, an auto mechanic from Nebraska who decides to try online dating after the failure of his marriage. Dave is not looking for anything serious and ends up meeting two women whom he casually starts dating. However, after one woman goes missing and strange occurrences unfold, Dave begins to question what he has gotten himself into.
Why you should watch
This documentary is full of twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Personally, I caught on to what was happening pretty quickly, but the sheer craziness of it all kept me hooked. If you’re into murder, stalking, and tales of disastrous dates, then this documentary is right up your alley!
#9 – American Nightmare
Synopsis
This three-part docuseries is being hailed as the real-life “Gone Girl.” It follows the perplexing case of Denise Huskins, who vanishes in the dead of night after a home invasion, leaving her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, bound in their home. Quinn manages to free himself the following day and promptly notifies authorities about the abduction. However, instead of focusing solely on the intruders, investigators find themselves with more questions about Quinn’s account of events.
Why you should watch
I loved this documentary because, unlike “Lover, Stalker, Killer,” I had no idea how this one would end, keeping me guessing until the very last episode. Was Quinn responsible? Did Denise stage her own abduction? The myriad of possibilities had me engaged the entire time, eagerly trying to piece together the truth behind the perplexing events.
#8 – There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane
Synopsis
“There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane” is a 2011 documentary that takes viewers through the car accident caused by Diane Schuler, which resulted in the deaths of a total of eight people: Diane, her daughter, her three nieces, and the three passengers in the SUV they collided with. The documentary follows Daniel Schuler, Diane’s husband, as well as Diane’s sister-in-law, Jay, as they attempt to piece together what occurred on that fateful day in 2011.
Why you should watch
This documentary is truly heartbreaking, depicting the anguish experienced by the husband and sister-in-law as they cope with the grim reality that their loved one was responsible for taking away seven other lives. On another note, it’s also frustrating to witness their denial of evidence that is right in front of their faces. Please be warned that there is a scene at the end of the show where they display gruesome pictures of Diane’s body after the accident.
#7 – Making a Murderer
Synopsis
This one is an oldie but a goodie. Released in 2015, this documentary follows Steven Avery, a man from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, who served 18 years in prison after being wrongly convicted for the sexual assault and attempted murder of Penny Beerntsen. He was later convicted of the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. It also delves into the story of Avery’s nephew, Brendan Dassey, who was convicted as an accessory in the murder of Halbach.
Why you should watch
“Making a Murderer” took the world by storm in 2015, winning several awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards, and stirring up a lot of controversy. There were many different opinions on whether Steven and his nephew were responsible for these crimes. The documentary does a good job of presenting all the evidence and leaving the conclusions to the viewers to decide.
#6 – Don’t F**k With Cats
Synopsis
This true crime docuseries follows an online manhunt to find the person responsible for posting videos of the torture and murder of cats, which eventually leads to a human murder case. An online group is formed, and amateur sleuths embark on a journey to track down this killer.
Why you should watch
If for no other reason, you need to watch this to see the lengths that this group goes to in order to find this killer. You’ll be amazed at the tiny details they uncover that lead them to the killer. Keep your eyes open for the reference to a Sharon Stone scene in “Basic Instinct.”
#5 – American Murder: The Family Next Door
Synopsis
This is perhaps one of the saddest cases I’ve followed, and seeing the picture of Chris Watts with his two sweet kids just gets me every time. Chris Watts, a typical oil & gas worker for a well-known company, is responsible for the brutal deaths of his wife and two children. This documentary walks through the murders and the police investigation that followed.
Why you should watch
I was very shocked to see actual police body cam footage in this documentary, and I think it did a great job of showing Watts’ demeanor after the murders. Prepare yourself for some gruesome details about the deaths of his children. The documentary also faces a bit of controversy as it delves into Shanann Watts’ personality and hints at the idea that she was somewhat of a narcissist and very controlling. The Watts family has countered this claim and feels that the public is bullying their family.
#4 – Murdaugh Murders: Deadly Dynasty
Synopsis
This docuseries covers the Murdaugh family before the trial of Alex Murdaugh begins. The Murdaughs were a prominent family from South Carolina who seemed to have it all until Maggie and Paul were brutally murdered in 2021. The series begins with the death of Mallory Beach in a boating accident believed to be the result of negligence on the part of Paul Murdaugh and continues to expose all the secrets that the Murdaugh family have been trying to hide.
Why you should watch
The series does a great job of showing all the events leading up to the murders of Paul and Maggie and reveals some other cases that the Murdaughs are believed to be involved in. This is a good precursor to some of the other documentaries that follow the trials of Alex Murdaugh.
#3 – Sins of Our Mother
Synopsis
“Sins of Our Mother” is a docuseries that chronicles the life of Lori Vallow Daybell and the tragic deaths that surrounded her. Lori was convicted of murdering her two children, Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow. After meeting Chad Daybell, she became involved with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and came to believe that she was a deity destined to play a role in the impending Apocalypse, viewing her family as obstacles to her mission.
Why you should watch
This is one of the craziest stories I’ve followed in recent days. Lori Vallow is clearly mentally unstable and needed significant help that she never received. The outcome is incredibly tragic, evoking both anger and sadness simultaneously. The series features Lori’s older child, Colby, providing valuable background information on who Lori was and the sequence of events that led to her mental instability.
#2 – The Curious Case of Natalia Grace
Synopsis
Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian-born American with dwarfism, was adopted by the Barnett family in 2010 but abandoned by them two years later. The series features Michael Barnett, Natalia’s adopted father, speaking about the adoption and the events that occurred afterward. The Barnetts claim that Natalia is older than the adoption agency stated and actually get a judge to change her age on the birth certificate. This means that she is legally 18 and can take care of herself, so they leave her to fend for herself in an apartment alone. There is a follow-up to this series that was released in 2024, allowing Natalia to share her side of the story.
Why you should watch
This series begins like many others, as a typical documentary detailing events. However, it quickly takes a unique turn, evolving into what could be called the “Michael Barnett show.” It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how to describe Michael, but “dramatic” might suffice. Keep an eye out for a scene where the defense presents video evidence showcasing Natalia’s capability of taking care of herself.
#1 – The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
Synopsis
The #1 True Crime Series on our list is “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst.” This gripping true crime documentary series delves into the life of New York real estate heir Robert Durst, investigating the deaths of three individuals mysteriously connected to him: Durst’s wife, a friend, and his neighbor. Written by Andrew Jarecki, the series features Durst sitting down with Jarecki to answer questions about the murders. Surprisingly, Durst himself contacted Jarecki to do the interviews, hoping to clear his name by sharing his side of the story. However, the series had the opposite effect, raising further questions about Durst’s involvement.
Why you should watch
When I tell you that you should watch this one, you really should watch this one. Durst is such an intriguing character, so laid-back and matter-of-fact, that viewers themselves start questioning whether he could be responsible for these murders. Even though I’m convinced that he did it, when he speaks, he has a way of convincing you that he’s just an unlucky guy. In fact, one of the jurors in an interview stated that he’s one of the most unlucky guys around. Be sure to watch until the very last 5 minutes, as you’ll be shocked at the revelation. Also, catch Season 2 of “The Jinx,” which came out in April 2024.
Conclusion
What do you think about our list? Did we miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!
