The Best True Crime Documentaries & Docu-Dramas
A list of my favourite true crime documentaries and docu-dramas.
Some of these are a bit loose with the facts, but still make for gripping viewing!
Some are features and some are series.
Some of these are a bit loose with the facts, but still make for gripping viewing!
Some are features and some are series.
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- StarsSteven AveryDolores AveryLaura NiriderFilmed over a 10-year period, Steven Avery, a DNA exoneree who, while in the midst of exposing corruption in local law enforcement, finds himself the prime suspect in a grisly new crime.Man (and some relations) possibly framed for murder by local police with a grudge.
I absolutely love this series! Even if it has been accused of being overly bias, there's still enough there for reasonable doubt. Gripping stuff. - StarsRobert DurstCharles BagliAndrew JareckiFilmmaker Andrew Jarecki examines the complicated life of reclusive real estate icon Robert Durst, the key suspect in a series of unsolved crimes.Man accused of murdering his wife, and possibly others.
This guy is REALLY weird! His story is so bizarre it beggars belief. Wait for the final scene / interview, you'll be shocked. - DirectorKurt KuenneStarsKurt KuenneAndrew BagbyDavid BagbyA filmmaker decides to memorialize a murdered friend when his friend's ex-girlfriend announces she is expecting his son.Murder.
One of the most tragic stories I've ever heard. You'll feel angry and heartbroken after watching this. - StarsGemma HoskinsAbbie SchaubVirginia AnzengruberA seven-part docuseries about the unsolved murder of a nun and the horrific secrets and pain that linger nearly five decades after her death.Murder and child abuse within the Catholic church.
It's grim viewing, but this doc is probably the definitive look at this shocking cover-up. - DirectorEzra EdelmanStarsKareem Abdul-JabbarMike AlbaneseMuhammad AliA chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.Murder.
Excellent doc on one of, if not the, most famous murder case in American history. - StarsWilliam GuirolaWyatt HinzAlfredo TavaresFilmmaker Brian Knappenberger investigates the tragic death of an 8-year-old California boy who endured horrific abuse by his mother and her boyfriend, along with the fractured and complex systems that failed to protect him.Murder and child abuse.
A superbly made series that largely focusses on institutional failings, such as social services and law enforcement, to prevent the death of a child who was tortured over a period of about a year by his mother and her boyfriend. - StarsMichael PetersonDavid RudolfRon GueretteThe high-profile murder trial of American novelist Michael Peterson following the death of his wife Kathleen Peterson in 2001.Man accused of killing his wife on a staircase.
Dude's a bit odd. No clear answers at the end of this one. Excellent series filmed over 14 years, a true classic doc. - CreatorYotam GuendelmanAri PinesMika TimorStarsShila InbarIlana RadaRubi HammerschlagA four part documentary mini-series that examines the mysterious murder case of Tair Rada, an Israeli high-school girl who was found brutally murdered in her school's toilets during an ordinary day.Murder
- StarsJoe ExoticCarole BaskinJohn ReinkeA rivalry between big cat eccentrics takes a dark turn when Joe Exotic, a controversial animal park boss, is caught in a murder-for-hire plot.Attempted murder and animal abuse.
A wild ride! Everyone in this doc is half insane, and their story is no different. Bonus points for being funnier than most true-crime documentaries. - CreatorAva DuVernayStarsAsante BlackkCaleel HarrisEthan HerisseFive teens from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. Based on the true story.Miscarriage of justice.
Exceptional docu-drama about the Central Park Five case. - DirectorBryan FogelStarsJamal KhashoggiOmar AbdulazizIrfan FidanWhen Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi disappears in Istanbul, his fiancée and dissidents around the world piece together the clues to a murder and expose a global cover up.
- DirectorErrol MorrisStarsRandall AdamsDavid HarrisGus RoseA film that successfully argued that a man was wrongly convicted for murder by a corrupt justice system in Dallas County, Texas.Miscarriage of justice.
Investigation into police corruption and the conviction of an innocent man. A classic doc that has stood the test of time. - CreatorNick AntoscaMichelle DeanStarsPatricia ArquetteJoey KingAnnaSophia RobbDee Dee Blanchard is overprotective of her daughter, Gypsy, who is trying to escape the toxic relationship she has with her mother. Gypsy's quest for independence opens up a Pandora's box of secrets, which ultimately leads to murder.Murder, deception and craziness
Excellent docu-drama about the Gypsy Rose case. Superbly made. - DirectorTom McCarthyStarsMark RuffaloMichael KeatonRachel McAdamsThe true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.Child abuse in church
Biography - drama film about the initial revelations of shocking crimes taking place in the Catholic church being made public. - StarsDan SchneiderAnnie SchneiderJack StephensDan Schneider, a small-town pharmacist in Louisiana, makes effort to identify his son's killer, which leads to his gathering of evidence against a prolific "pill mill" doctor in New Orleans.American opioid epidemic.
- StarsPaul SkolnickGil CarrilloFrank SalernoThis limited docu-series tells the true story of how one of the most notorious serial killers in American history was hunted down and brought to justice.Serial killer
Superb doc series about Richard Ramirez, very well made and in-depth. - 20184 epsTV-MA7.5 (31K)TV Mini SeriesStarsTrey BorzillieriJerry ClarkJason WickThe extraordinary story of the "pizza bomber heist" and the FBI's investigation into a bizarre collection of suspects.Attempted bank robbery and murder.
A bank heist so shocking you'd think it were the plot of a Hollywood thriller starring Denzel Washington! - StarsTahar RahimBilly HowleJenna ColemanThe twisting, real-life story of Charles Sobhraj, a murderer, thief and seductive master of disguise, who was a hidden darkness in the mid-70's on Asia's hippie trail.Serial murder, robbery, disguise.
Brilliant docu-drama set mainly in 70's Bangkok and full of shocking twists and turns. It also has extremely high production values, looking more like a film than a TV series.
A must-see for true crime fans! - DirectorJean-Xavier de LestradeStarsAnn FinnellPatrick McGuinnessJames WilliamsOscar-winning documentary that documents a murder trial in which a 15-year-old African-American is wrongfully accused of a 2000 murder in Jacksonville, Florida.Miscarriage of justice.
Oscar winning doc. - DirectorKen BurnsSarah BurnsDavid McMahonStarsAntron McCrayKevin RichardsonKharey WiseA documentary that examines the 1989 case of five black and Latino teenagers who were convicted of raping a white woman in Central Park. After having spent between 6 and 13 years each in prison, a serial rapist confessed to the crime.Miscarriage of justice.
The shocking story of 5 teenagers accused and convicted of a brutal rape in Central Park, 1989. - CreatorScott AlexanderLarry KaraszewskiSarah BurgessStarsSarah PaulsonAnnaleigh AshfordSterling K. BrownAn anthology series centered around America's most notorious crimes and criminals.Docu-drama series about notorious American crimes.
Each season is about a different crime and subject. - DirectorBart LaytonStarsAdam O'BrianNicholas BarclayCarey GibsonA documentary centered on a young man in Spain who claims to a grieving Texas family that he is their 16-year-old son who has been missing for 3 years.A man says he is a families missing son, but is he really?
This one is nearly unbelievable, a must-watch! - DirectorAmy BergStarsOliver O'GradyThomas DoyleAdamDocumentary about Father Oliver O'Grady, a Catholic priest who was relocated to various parishes around the United States during the 1970s in an attempt by the Catholic Church to cover up his rape of dozens of children.Child abuse.
Shocking look into the crimes of one priest who the Catholic church helped evade punishment for many years. - StarsFreddie FoxAlexa DaviesMark AddyRevolves around the true story of a fateful night in August 1985 when five members of the same family are murdered at an Essex farmhouse, and the ensuing police investigation and court case that follows.Murder of a whole family - 5 people.
Awesome British docu-drama series that's really well made with some great performances. Only flaw (in my eyes) was that the court case section was over far too quickly, there needed to be at least two episodes dedicated to that. - StarsBob PrinceNan CubaHugh AynesworthHenry Lee Lucas was known as America's most prolific serial killer, admitting to hundreds of murders, but, as DNA results contradict his confessions, will they expose the biggest criminal justice hoax in U.S. history?Serial killer.
Convicted killer, Henry Lee Lucas, confesses to literally hundreds of unsolved murders, but did he really do it?