If you’re anything like me, you are a true crime fanatic. I can’t necessarily tell you why, but I can definitively tell you that I’m not alone. True crime has become so popular in today’s society, from books to movies to podcasts. We can’t seem to get enough!
However, if you look at the “true crime” section of any streaming service (HBO, Prime, Netflix, etc.), the list is somewhat daunting. I don’t know about you, but there are some nights my husband and I give up after an hour of falling into the “Netflix abyss.”
Never fear as the true crime fanatic I am, I can tell you with certainty that I’ve watched more then I care to admit. Here are my top ten favorites that you can currently find on streaming services:
1. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills {Amazon Prime, HBO, Hulu}
Considered as a pioneer of “true-crime documentaries,” this is an oldie but a goodie. In the 1990s, three young men (all teenagers) were wrongly accused and convicted of the murder of three young boys. This documentary followed their story for close to two decades. Many attribute it as inspiring the movement to eventually release these innocent men from prison.
2. The Case Against Adnan Sayed {HBO, Hulu}
Popularized by the podcast “Serial,” this miniseries follows the case of the 1999 disappearance and murder of 18-year-old Hae Min Lee, and the eventual trial and conviction of her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed. The investigation and subsequent trial were riddled with issues. It has since left many to question his innocence in the crime.
3. Making a Murderer {Netflix}
This documentary series follows the life of Steven Avery, a man who was found wrongfully convicted of murder after serving 18 years, and his eventual re-arrest and conviction for another woman’s murder. The documentary also tells the story of his nephew Brendan Dassey and his involvement with the case. It explores the police corruption, attorney ineptness, and other flaws associated with the case.
4. Wild Wild Country {Netflix}
This documentary covers the fascinating story of Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and the cult he established in remote Oregon in the 1980s. The story became a national scandal in the 1980s, and the film documents all of the criminal activity that took place. It’s a crazy story!
5. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst {HBO}
This true crime miniseries follows the saga of eccentric American real estate heir Robert Durst and his possible involvement with the three murders of his ex-wife, friend, and neighbor. The end is a real shocker!
6. The Seven Five {Netflix}
This documentary explores the story of the rampant police corruption in the New York City Police Department in the 1980s. The film focuses on officer Michael Dowd, whose eventual arrest led to one of the largest police department scandals in our nation’s history.
7. Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator {Netflix}
Many are familiar with the practice of “Bikram” hot yoga. This is the story of the eccentric man who supposedly invented it, his wild journey, and the eventual accusations of fraud, abuse, and harassment against him.
8. Don’t F**k With Cats {Netflix}
This three-part documentary documents the story of a host of amateur internet sleuths and their eventual takedown of Luka Magnotta, a now-infamous Canadian psychopath, and murderer.
9. Mommy Dead and Dearest {HBO}
This documentary follows the fascinating story of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter Gypsy Rose. The film tells the story of Dee Dee’s murder and Gypsy’s involvement in the crime. It also chronicles the years of abuse Gypsy suffered under her mother, including her lifelong con of convincing everyone (including her own daughter) of Gypsy’s made-up medical illnesses.
10. I Love You, Now Die {HBO}
This two-part documentary focuses on the suicide of 18-year-old Conrad Roy and the eventual prosecution of his girlfriend, 17-year-old Michelle Carter, who prosecutors believe encouraged his death through text messages and phone calls. This case (and others like it) have been in the news recently and is especially relevant to us trying to parent in this age of smartphones and social media.
Do you have any true crime documentaries to add to the list?
