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True crime documentaries on Netflix are nerve chilling. Netflix has become a streaming powerhouse, particularly excelling in the realm of true-crime content. Offering a diverse range of shows, from fictionalized dramas like Mindhunter and Dirty John to impactful exposés such as Dirty Money, Rotten, Catching Killers, and the revival of Unsolved Mysteries, Netflix has wholeheartedly embraced the true-crime genre.
Netflix boasts a substantial collection of true-crime documentaries, making a significant impact on popular culture. These True crime documentaries on Netflix delve into a wide array of intriguing and unconventional crimes, extending beyond just murder.
Best True Crime Documentaries on Netflix to Watch – Part 1
Killer Inside: The Mind Of Aaron Hernandez
Killer Inside: The Mind Of Aaron Hernandez delves into the life of former NFL player Aaron Hernandez, his involvement in multiple murders, and the complexities surrounding his story. Through interviews with people close to him, including teammates, the three-episode series provides a comprehensive exploration of his life, both on and off the football field. Journalist Kevin Armstrong skillfully presents this captivating and multi-layered narrative. Watch now.
Icarus
In Bryan Fogel’s Icarus, the director stumbles upon a remarkable story while investigating sports doping. He befriends Grigory Rodchenkov, director of Russia’s anti-doping lab, who reveals his involvement in Russia’s state-backed Olympic doping program. Rodchenkov goes public, and Fogel ensures his safety in Los Angeles, exposing the dark world of doping in sports. The documentary won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, and Fogel emphasizes the importance of truth-telling in the face of danger. Watch now.
Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel
Netflix’s docuseries Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel delves into the eerie history of the infamous Cecil Hotel, known as the “Hotel Death.” It explores the mysterious disappearance of Elisa Lam, offering interviews with key figures, including law enforcement and former hotel staff, to unravel her life before arriving in Los Angeles. With perplexing security footage and widespread social media involvement, the series delivers chilling storytelling. Watch now.
Mumbai Mafia: Police vs. Underworld
Mumbai Mafia: Police vs. Underworld, a documentary released on Netflix in January 2023, explores the harrowing events of the 1993 Bombay serial bomb blasts orchestrated by gangster Dawood Ibrahim. It delves into the crime-ridden streets of Mumbai during the ’90s, shedding light on Ibrahim’s syndicate, D-Company, and the Mumbai police’s efforts to restore safety amidst encounters, investigations, and public sentiment, offering a gripping portrayal of the era’s crime and corruption. Watch now.
Athlete A
Athlete A is a documentary that exposes the courageous actions of the US Gymnastics team members who stood up against Larry Nassar, a convicted sexual predator. It delves into the extensive abuse by Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics doctor, and the subsequent cover-up. Directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, the film also explores the investigative efforts of The Indianapolis Star reporters and features survivor interviews, earning a perfect Tomatometer rating of 100%. It’s a compelling must-see sports documentary. Watch now.
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Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal
Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal is a hybrid film and documentary directed by Chris Smith, shedding light on the flaws in the US higher education system. It explores the 2019 Varsity Blues scandal involving Rick Singer, who helped wealthy families secure college admissions through illegal means. The documentary uses live-action footage and reenacted scenes, starring Matthew Modine as Rick Singer, to illustrate how the for-profit college system enabled such corruption. Watch now.
Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer is a compelling 2019 true crime docuseries on Netflix. It follows internet sleuths and animal lovers who join forces to identify a man responsible for a disturbing viral video. While their efforts initially seem noble, the series ultimately reveals a chilling profile of a budding serial killer. Watch now.
Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey
Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey offers a disturbing look into extreme religious groups, specifically the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). The series delves into the rise and fall of the FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, who was found guilty of non-consensual sex with underage girls. It focuses on the survivors’ stories, highlighting their incredible journeys to escape the cult. Watch now.
American Murder: The Family Next Door
Filmmaker Jenny Popplewell revisited the Shanann Watts murder case in American Murder: The Family Next Door in 2020. The documentary explores the tragic murders of Shanann and her two children, Bella and Celeste, with a focus on Chris Watts, the prime suspect. Through interrogation footage, social media posts, and interviews, the film keeps audiences gripped with shocking revelations. Popplewell masterfully delivers a compelling addition to Netflix’s true crime genre. Watch now.
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened delves into the disastrous 2017 Fyre Festival, orchestrated by Billy McFarland and promoted by social media influencers. While not as gruesome as some true crime stories, it turns into a tale of fraud and deception, as attendees arrived to subpar conditions after paying thousands. Chris Smith’s documentary captures the chaos and McFarland’s journey into infamy. Watch now.
The Keepers
The Keepers delves into the murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik, a nun killed over 50 years ago. This seven-episode docuseries confronts the Catholic Church’s role in covering up the story. It calls for accountability from powerful institutions and presents a shocking, long-standing crime that deserves attention. Watch now.
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