:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Samuel-Bateman-Connie-Griffin-Ava-DuVernay-070226-0c44df2a252349e09377c78f39a8edf6.jpg "The 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix")
Some horror stories are real. The 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix Some horror stories are real. By Ilana Gordon, Melissa Sherrard, and Kevin Jacobsen on July 13, 2026 8:38 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/SamuelBatemanConnieGriffinAvaDuVernay0702260c44df2a252349e09377c78f39a8edf6.jpg) Samuel Bateman in ‘Trust Me: The False Prophet’; Connie Griffin in ‘Maternal Instinct’; Ava DuVernay in ‘13th’. Credit: If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime. But if you have time to watch a documentary, Netflix has a number of options worth adding to your queue.
Some horror stories are real.
The 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix
Some horror stories are real.
By Ilana Gordon, Melissa Sherrard, and Kevin Jacobsen
on July 13, 2026 8:38 a.m. ET
Samuel Bateman in ‘Trust Me: The False Prophet’; Connie Griffin in ‘Maternal Instinct’; Ava DuVernay in ‘13th’. Credit:
If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime. But if you have time to watch a documentary, Netflix has a number of options worth adding to your queue. The streamer’s catalog is crammed with projects that turn crime inside out, exploring forgotten cases and the inner workings of the American justice system.
This month, a shocking story out of East Texas joins the guide: *Maternal Instinct** *(2026)* *breaks down one woman’s incomprehensible choices to both fake her pregnancy and justify her story using brutal violence. Or, dig into the true crime archives with *Amanda Knox* (2016), the story of a young American woman accused of murdering her roommate while studying abroad.
Ready to dive down your next justice-related rabbit hole? Keep reading for **’s list of the 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix.
Amanda Knox (2016)
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Amanda Knox in ‘Amanda Knox’. Netflix
The saga of Amanda Knox has been one of the most public cases of the modern age. This 2016 documentary chronicles her journey from being convicted for the 2007 murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher, to her experience of being smeared by the press and her eventual acquittal. Knox tells her story in her own words, alongside interviews with her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito (also convicted and acquitted) and others involved in the case, all speaking directly to the camera. —*Kevin Jacobsen*
Where to watch *Amanda Knox*: Netflix
**Directors:** Rod Blackhurst, Brian McGinn
American Godfathers: The Five Families (2024)
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Paul Cantarella in ‘American Godfathers: The Five Families’.
*The Sopranos* humanized the Mob; now learn the backstory with the History Channel’s three-part documentary series, *American Godfathers: The Five Families*. Chronicling the rise and fall of America’s most successful organized crime syndicate, the documentary’s three parts — “Death of the Old Rules,” “Rise of the New Dons,” and “The Last Don” — break down how the five families created the Commission to manage illegal businesses and serve as a self-contained governing body.
Starting with their rise during Prohibition, *American Godfathers* deconstructs how one of the United States’ largest organizations — at one point, second only to the federal government — developed a power so dominant, it was able to keep the word “Mafia” out of Francis Ford Coppola’s *The Godfather** *(1972). Prepare to become very familiar with the names Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese, Bonanno, and Colombo. *—Ilana Gordon*
Where to watch *American Godfathers: The Five Families*: Netflix
**Cast: **Michael Imperioli
American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025)
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Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie in ‘American Murder: Gabby Petito’.
The story of an aspiring van life vlogger who went missing while traveling the country with her fiancé in an RV captivated America as it unfolded over the summer of 2021. Online, Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie appeared to be living the dream. They were two young, attractive people in love, driving around the country as Gabby attempted to document their journey on YouTube.
But behind the scenes, the young couple was struggling with big issues, and after Gabby is murdered and Brian disappears, the truth finally comes out. A documentary that emphasizes the importance of knowing the markers of domestic violence and controlling relationships, *American Murder: Gabby Petito* serves as a tribute to a young person gone too soon, and a road map that hopefully steers others away from embarking down a similar path. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *American Murder: Gabby Petito*: Netflix
**Directors: **Michael Gasparro, Julia Willoughby Nason
Amy Bradley Is Missing (2025)
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Amy and Brad Bradley in ‘Amy Bradley Is Missing’.
In March of 1998, Amy Bradley and her family left Virginia and boarded a Royal Caribbean cruise ship for a vacation. Amy never came home, and her body was never found. Almost 30 years have passed since Amy disappeared, but her family believes she is still alive and out there somewhere.
*Amy Bradley Is Missing* is a three-part documentary series dedicated to Amy’s case, the story of her life, and the work Amy’s family and friends have done since she went missing to try to bring her home. Featuring interviews with Amy’s loved ones, the law enforcement officers dedicated to her case, and the witnesses who claim to have spotted her over the years, the documentary can’t conclusively say what happened to Amy, but it does offer some plausible theories. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *Amy Bradley Is Missing*: Netflix
**Directors:** Phil Lott, Ari Mark
**Cast:** Iva Bradley, Mark Bradley, Brad Bradley
Athlete A (2020)
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Maggie Nichols in ‘Athlete A’. Jon Shenk/Netflix
This award-winning documentary follows the revelation that USA Gymnastics (USAG) doctor Larry Nassar had been sexually assaulting countless female athletes under his care. The exposé began when reporters at *The Indianapolis Star* got a tip that they should investigate USAG. As the truth slowly came out, gymnast Maggie Nichols (referred to as “Athlete A” at the time to protect her identity) was key to shedding light on the abuses that had been going on for years, supposedly with a nod from at least one of the organization’s higher-ups. One of the rare examples of true crime being inspiring, *Athlete A* is a valuable record of recent history and a beacon of accountability. —*Melissa Sherrard*
Where to watch *Athlete A*: Netflix
**EW grade:** A–
**Directors:** Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk
Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator (2019)
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Bikram Choudhury (right) in ‘Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator’.
Courtesy of Netflix
Yoga’s evolution from a traditional Indian practice to Western exercise movement can be partially attributed to the rise of Bikram yoga. Bikram Choudhury — a world-famous yogi whose clientele in the 1970s included everyone from Hollywood actors to Richard Nixon — founded Bikram’s Yoga College of India in Los Angeles, and his popularity and teacher training programs helped foster the yoga health trend in the late-‘90s. Described by one of his former students as a “cross between Mother Teresa and Howard Stern,” Bikram’s yoga empire came crashing down amidst accusations of rape and sexual harassment that emerged in the 21st century.
A film directed by Eva Orner, *Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator* tells the story of Yogi Bikram’s rise and fall, as told by the people who studied with him, the women who were abused by him, and the followers who continue to defend him. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator*: Netflix
**Director:** Eva Orner
The Crash (2026)
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Mackenzie Shirilla in ‘The Crash’.
Drug-fueled car accident or cold-blooded murder? On July 31, 2022, recent high school graduate Mackenzie Shirilla slammed her car into a brick commercial building in a Cleveland suburb at 100 mph; the car’s brakes were never applied. Shirilla survived, but the crash killed her two passengers: Shirilla’s boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and their friend, Davion Flanagan.
The case at the center of *The Crash* examines whether Shirilla’s actions were — as she claimed — the result of a night spent partying, or retribution against her boyfriend for wanting to escape their toxic relationship. An aspiring influencer before her arrest, the documentary benefits from plenty of candid footage of Shirilla and her victims. Shirilla participates via prison interview, but the TikTok clips provide a fuller illustration of her true motives and personality. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *The Crash*:* *Netflix
**Director: **Gareth Johnson
Dirty Money (2018–2020)
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Martin Shkreli testifying in ‘Dirty Money’. Netflix
Corporate corruption is always entertaining, and *Dirty Money* carries that torch further. Each episode in its two seasons takes a deep dive into how greed, creative accounting, and outright fraud can cause widespread damage while those in the know make out like bandits. True incidents like the Volkswagen emissions scandal and the underhanded actions behind the growth of Wells Fargo are brought to life through interviews with both victims of these financial crimes and those who committed them. It’s as infuriating as it is entertaining, and it’s a great way to get a fully fleshed-out true crime story in quick hit episodes. —*M.S.*
Where to watch *Dirty Money*: Netflix
**Directors:** Alex Gibney, Jesse Moss, Erin Lee Carr, Kristi Jacobson, Brian McGinn
Don’t F--- With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)
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Deanna Thompson in ‘Don’t F--- With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer’.
Courtesy of Netflix
The 2019 holiday season was hijacked by discussions about a Netflix docuseries called *Don’t F--- With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer*. One of Netflix’s top five most-watched documentaries that year, this three-episode series details an open-source social media investigation into the perpetrator of a cruelty against animals video uploaded to YouTube in 2010.
By 2012, the man in the video was accused of murdering a student in Montreal and was the subject of an international manhunt. *Don’t F--- With Cats *tells the story of the group of internet sleuths who worked to track down the guy in the video and help bring him to justice. This is the only true crime series where Young Adult fiction writer John Green plays a key role, so don’t miss it. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *Don’t F--- With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer: *Netflix
**Director:** Mark Lewis
Escaping Twin Flames (2023)
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Louise and Paula in ‘Escaping Twin Flames’.
Courtesy of Netflix
Fans of Cecilia Peck’s Starz docuseries *Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult *might want to check out her newest project, *Escaping Twin Flames*. One of two documentaries released on the Twin Flames Universe cult in 2023 (the other is *Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe*, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video), Peck’s new three-part docuseries tells the story of a couple who converted their success on YouTube into roles as the leaders of a cult targeting people looking for love.
The accusations leveled at the cult are familiar — abuse, control, indoctrination — but *Escaping Twin Flames* does a good job of shining a light on a little-known community that preys on people so determined to find love, they’re willing to look past the red flags of the high-control group they were in. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *Escaping Twin Flames*: Netflix
**Director: **Cecilia Peck
Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist (2018)
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Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong in ‘Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist’. Netflix
It’s not hard to see how the 2003 murder of Brian Wells — now known as the “collar bomb” or “pizza bomber” case — still piques the curiosity of true crime enthusiasts even two decades later. This four-part docuseries reveals that nothing is as it seems, given that Wells may have actually been under duress himself when he tried to rob a bank in Erie, Pa. Tune in for the twisted timeline of events that led to a senseless murder, and stay for the fascinating correspondence the directors maintained with the alleged mastermind behind the robbery-gone-wrong. —*M.S.*
Where to watch *Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist*: Netflix
**Directors:** Barbara Schroeder, Trey Borzillieri
Icarus (2017)
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Bryan Fogel in ‘Icarus’. Netflix
This fascinating sports/political documentary is like following a thread that gradually reveals itself to be a tangled mess. Director Bryan Fogel unwinds this story in a gripping fashion, investigating illegal steroid use among athletes in Russia by developing a relationship with the head of an anti-doping lab in the country. The scientist, Grigory Rodchenkov, then drops a bombshell about his involvement in a doping program that allowed the country to evade detection in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
This revelation soon becomes an international scandal, resulting in threats to Rodchenkov’s life. The propulsive doc rightfully won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, with Fogel stating in his acceptance speech, “We hope *Icarus* is a wake-up call — yes, about Russia, but more than that, about the importance of telling the truth, now more than ever.” —*K.J.*
Where to watch *Icarus*: Netflix
**Director: **Bryan Fogel
Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich (2020)
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Chauntae Davies (center) and Jeffrey Epstein (right) in ‘Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich’. Netflix
Based on the 2016 book of the same name by James Patterson, this docuseries details the criminal case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Over four episodes, *Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich* explains how the billionaire leveraged his wealth, power, and connections to continue committing these crimes for years. Featuring interviews with survivors, including Maria Farmer and the late Virginia Giuffre; former staff members; and law enforcement, it’s a harrowing tale you think you’ve seen play out in the news, but trust us — this docuseries reveals much more of the story. —*M.S.*
Where to watch *Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich*: Netflix
**Director: **Lisa Bryant
Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart (2026)
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Elizabeth Smart in ‘Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart’.
Courtesy of Netflix
In June 2002, in the middle of the night, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart awoke in her Utah bedroom to find a man pointing a gun at her. The only witness to the kidnapping was Elizabeth’s 9-year-old sister, Mary Katherine. The Smart family’s story was headline news, and everyone assumed the worst. Then, nine months later, police found Elizabeth less than 20 miles away from home.
*Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart *tells Elizabeth’s story through exclusive footage and interviews with the Smart family, law enforcement officers, and reporters. If you’re looking for a true crime case with an inspiring ending, *Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart *merits your time. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart*: Netflix
**Director:** Benedict Sanderson
**Cast: **Elizabeth Smart
The 25 best documentaries streaming that capture memorable moments in time
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30 must-see true crime documentaries on HBO Max
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Long Shot (2017)
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Juan Catalan in ‘Long Shot’.
If you have 40 minutes, you have enough time to watch one of the wildest true crime stories on Netflix. Back in 2003, Juan Catalan was arrested for a murder he did not commit. Catalan claimed he was at a Dodgers game when the crime occurred, and Catalan’s lawyer was determined to prove his client’s innocence using footage from a TV show that was filming at the stadium that same day. The TV show in question? Larry David’s *Curb Your Enthusiasm*. *Long Shot* is the story of how a sitcom saved an innocent man’s life — it’s the kind of premise you’d expect to see as a storyline on* Curb*, only this is real-life, high-stakes stuff. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *Long Shot*: Netflix
**Director:** Jacob LaMendola
Making a Murderer (2015–2018)
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Steven Avery in ‘Making a Murderer’. Netflix
Over two seasons, viewers are walked through the events that landed Steven Avery in prison for nearly 20 years before he was eventually exonerated, only to end up back behind bars once accused of murdering a young photographer on his property. However, things are not as straightforward as they seem, with the docuseries generating plenty of publicity and calls to release Avery, all while Wisconsin officials cry foul over its depiction of their work. —*M.S.*
Where to watch *Making a Murderer*: Netflix
**Director:** Moira Demos, Laura Ricciardi
Maternal Instinct (2026)
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Wade Griffin in ‘Maternal Instinct’.
*Maternal Instinc*t is one of the more horrifying true crime documentaries released in recent years, and viewers should proceed with caution. The film tells the story of a 2020 case involving an East Texas woman’s fake pregnancy, and the real tragedy it created for the people living in the small town of New Boston. The content is shocking, but the coverage is thoughtful: Netflix’s film does justice to the victims, providing a textured look at the circumstances and psychological trauma that led to the crime, without centering the perpetrator as a key voice in the narrative. Fetal abduction is not an easy topic, and *Maternal Instinct* is not an enjoyable watch, but it is a sensitive film worthy of your time and consideration. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *Maternal Instinct*: Netflix
**Director:** Jessica Dimmock
Our Father (2022)
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Keith Boyle as Donald Cline in ‘Our Father’. Netflix
As far as true crime documentaries go, this one shows how dreams can actually become the stuff of nightmares without any murder or gory mayhem. *Our Father* details the shock and horror several people experienced when they learned they are half-siblings fathered by Donald Cline, a popular fertility doctor in Indianapolis who used his own sperm to impregnate dozens of patients without their knowledge that he was the donor. The film takes us through the families’ discoveries and reveals the most unsettling truth of all: There’s little, if any, accountability for this kind of fertility fraud. —*M.S.*
Where to watch *Our Father:* Netflix
**Director:** Lucie Jourdan
The Perfect Neighbor (2025)
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Ajike Owens’ family in ‘The Perfect Neighbor’.
Courtesy of Netflix
Florida is known for employing a stand-your-ground law, a legal policy that provides residents the option of employing lethal force rather than retreating as a means of self-defense. The law has proven controversial in the past, but in 2023, it was tested when 35-year-old Ajike Owens was shot through a locked door while waiting to speak with her neighbor.
*The Perfect Neighbor* gives an unvarnished accounting of the events leading up to and following Owens’ murder using body cam footage collected during the police’s prior visits to the killer’s house. What emerges is a documentary free from editorializing — the story is told by Ajike, her neighbors, the police investigating the conflicts, and the killer herself. The events are hard to stomach, but the systemic issues the documentary highlights make *The Perfect Neighbor* a must-watch, and earned the film a 2026 Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *The Perfect Neighbor*: Netflix
**Director:** Geeta Gandbhir
The Predator of Seville (2026)
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Manuel Blanco Vela in ‘The Predator of Seville’.
Studying abroad in a foreign country is sometimes challenging, but add in a serial predator and the dangers compound. In *The Predator of Seville*, one woman’s rape by her Spanish tour guide opened the door for a flood of other American students to report their own experiences of being drugged and sexually abused by the man they trusted to safely guide them through their travels.
The three-part series chronicles the emotional and time-intensive work Gabrielle Vega did to hold tour guide Manu Blanco Vega criminally responsible for his actions against her and multiple other women. A story of the grit and determination it takes to build an international case as a survivor of sexual violence, *The Predator of Seville* is an ultimately empowering watch. *—I.G*
Where to watch *The Predator of Seville*: Netflix
**Director: **Alejandro Olvera
ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke (2019)
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‘ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke’.
Singer-songwriter Sam Cooke only lived for 33 years, but during that time, he solidified his legacy as the “King of Soul.” Cooke was killed in Los Angeles in 1964 by the manager of a motel; the courts later declared his death a “justifiable homicide.” In this episode of Netflix’s *ReMastered*, the docuseries focuses on Cooke’s influence in life as a musician and activist, the circumstances that led to his death, and the theories surrounding the truth of what actually happened on Dec. 11, 1964, at the Hacienda Motel in South Central Los Angeles. *—I.G*
Where to watch *ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke*: Netflix
**Director: **Kelly Duane de la Vega
Sean Combs: The Reckoning (2025)
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in ‘Sean Combs: The Reckoning’.
For more punch than a diss track, 50 Cent produced a four-part docuseries chronicling Diddy’s downfall. In September 2024, music mogul and rapper Sean Combs — better known as Diddy — was arrested in New York City and charged with multiple felonies, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
*Sean Combs: The Reckoning* investigates Diddy’s shadowy ascent through the music industry, his alleged connection to Tupac’s murder, his suspected role in a 1999 shooting, his alleged grooming and abuse of singer Cassie, and so much more. The series also features footage of Diddy in the weeks leading up to his arrest, the source of which is still unknown. *Sean Combs: The Reckoning* doesn’t spend much time on the infamous Diddy parties, but it is thoroughly researched and a very public takedown of a now disgraced mogul. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *Sean Combs: The Reckoning*: Netflix
**Director: **Alexandria Stapleton
The Staircase (2004–2018)
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Michael Peterson in ‘The Staircase’. Sundance Channel
This 13-episode true crime miniseries covers the murder trial of Michael Peterson, a novelist who was accused of killing his wife, Kathleen, in their home after police found her bloody body at the bottom of a staircase. The question facing law enforcement seems straightforward enough: Was Kathleen’s death a cold-blooded murder or an honest accident? But when Michael’s secrets and a bit of international intrigue get thrown into the mix, things start to get hazy.
The family at the center is left questioning everything as a documentary crew films their journey right from the start. With universal acclaim and real footage from the courtroom and family interviews over several years, *The Staircase *is one of the most intriguing true crime series on Netflix. —*M.S.*
Where to watch *The Staircase*: Netflix
**Director:** Jean-Xavier de Lestrade
Strong Island (2017)
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Yance Ford in ‘Strong Island’. Netflix
Yance Ford’s Oscar-nominated documentary about the 1992 murder of his brother William is a deeply personal story of racial injustice. Told from Ford and his family’s perspective, the film delves into the murder and subsequent trial, where an all-white jury failed to convict the killer, Mark P. Reilly, a white man. It’s a difficult watch, but one that continues to be relevant as America reckons with the sins of the past.
As EW’s critic wrote of the film, “*Strong *builds a poignant, methodical portrait of loss. Telling William’s story won’t bring him back, but at least it will let the world know he lived.” —*M.S.*
Where to watch *Strong Island*: Netflix
**EW grade:** B+
**Director:** Yance Ford
The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo (2020)
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Marisela Escobedo in ‘The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo’. Netflix
This searing doc is all about the persistence of a grieving mother and her tireless journey to seek justice. Marisela Escobedo was a Mexican woman who became a social activist after the murder of her 16-year-old daughter, Rubí Frayre. She tracked down Rubí’s killer, who subsequently confessed but was found innocent due to lack of evidence, which sparked outrage and caused Escobedo to keep fighting for justice and get a circuit court to overturn the acquittal.
The film delves into corruption within the Mexican judicial system while also delivering an emotionally wrenching experience for the audience, serving as a powerful testament to a mother’s love. —*K.J.*
Where to watch *The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo*: Netflix
**Director:** Carlos Perez Osorio
Tiger King (2020)
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A tiger and Joe Exotic in ‘Tiger King’. Netflix
The drama that erupted between feuding big cat keepers “Joe Exotic” and Carole Baskin captivated audiences just as the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. Viewers were drawn into the world of the tiger trade in the heart of the nation, the bizarre characters that run the industry, and the various crimes they commit in their power struggle. With accusations of everything from animal abuse to attempted murder (plus a weird sex cult), *Tiger King* is one wildly entertaining true crime series. —*M.S.*
Where to watch *Tiger King*: Netflix
**Directors:** Eric Goode, Rebecca Chaiklin
Trust Me: The False Prophet (2026)
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Samuel Bateman in ‘Trust Me: The False Prophet’.
When Warren Jeffs went to prison, he left behind a power vacuum within his fundamentalist Mormon sect; Samuel Bateman swooped in to fill it. Bateman claimed Jeffs was dead, and proceeded to marry more than 20 women, including 10 minors.
Cult expert Christine Marie and her videographer husband had recently moved to Shortcreek, Utah, and were concerned by Bateman’s growing family. He agreed to let them document his life, and using their access, they infiltrated the group, gained the women’s trust, and captured the fallout as law enforcement closed in. The four-episode series reached number one on Netflix’s English TV list shortly after its release, and provides a necessary narrative advancement to the story told in *Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey** *(2022). *—I.G.*
Where to watch *Trust Me: The False Prophet*: Netflix
**Director:** Rachel Dretzin
**Cast:** Christine Marie, Tolga Katas
The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson (2026)
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Moriah Wilson in ‘The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson’.
Ansel Dickey/Courtesy of Netflix
Moriah Wilson was becoming a dominant force in women’s cycling when — at only 25 years old — the athlete was murdered while staying at a friend’s house in Austin, Tex. The story of who killed Wilson and why unfolds in *The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson*, a true crime documentary about Wilson’s murder, and the lengths to which the killer went to escape the country — and accountability.
Wilson’s death made national headlines when the story broke in May 2022, and the loss was felt deeply throughout the cycling community. The documentary fleshes out her story and adds a new perspective: that of professional cyclist Colin Strickland, the man who inadvertently made Wilson a target. *—I.G*
Where to watch *The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson*: Netflix
**Director:** Marina Zenovich
Unknown Number: The High School Catfish (2025)
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Lauryn Licari in ‘Unknown Number: The High School Catfish’.
Courtesy of Netflix
In 2021, a scandal divided a small town in Michigan. A high school girl and her boyfriend started receiving threatening texts from an unknown number — and no one could figure out who was sending them. The harassment continued for a year, during which time the school, law enforcement, and FBI got involved. They eventually figured out where the texts were coming from, and the culprit shocked *everyone*.
*Unknown Number: The High School Catfish* is one of those documentaries that is so outrageous, it gets people talking. And if you’ve somehow managed to avoid spoilers, log off right now and watch the film before that changes. But even if you’ve had the twist spoiled by the online discourse, the film is still worth watching: It’s one of those stories that’s so wild, you have to see it to believe it. *—I.G*
Where to watch *Unknown Number: The High School Catfish*: Netflix
**Director: **Skye Borgman
Victim/Suspect (2023)
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Amanda Pike and Rae de Leon in ‘Victim/Suspect’.
Studies indicate that the majority of women who experience sexual assault do not report the abuse, and the documentary *Victim/Suspect *gives some insight into one reason why women stay silent. Led by investigative journalist Rae de Leon, *Victim/Suspect* tells the story of young women who reported their abuse to the police, only to find themselves charged with the crime of having made a false report. A sobering account of the criminal, legal, and financial burdens foisted upon sexual abuse survivors who are only trying to tell the truth, *Victim/Suspect *gives terrifying insight into one deeply flawed area of America’s justice system. *—I.G.*
Where to watch *Victim/Suspect*: Netflix
**Director: **Nancy Schwartzman
Wild Wild Country (2018)
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Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in ‘Wild Wild Country’. Netflix
*Wild Wild Country* tells the story of the controversial Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, who set out to build his utopia in rural Oregon, much to the chagrin of local residents and ranchers. As tensions escalate, so does the growing cult, leaving the surrounding community cornered both physically and bureaucratically until their jaw-dropping last resort. The universally acclaimed docuseries is wildly devourable and goes one step further by calling the audience’s own values into question, testing the separation between church and state by turning the entire ideal on its head. —*M.S.*
Where to watch *Wild Wild Country*: Netflix
**Directors:** Maxclain Way, Chapman Way
Wormwood (2017)
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Peter Sarsgaard as Frank Olson in ‘Wormwood’. Netflix
This creative docudrama examines the life and aftermath following the mysterious death of Frank Olson, a biological warfare scientist who worked for the CIA. Frank’s son walks viewers through the strange events that led to his father’s demise in 1953, including how the government’s story about it evolved over time. And once sources start talking about Project MKUltra, viewers are in for quite the trip. —*M.S.*
Where to watch *Wormwood*: Netflix
**Director:** Errol Morris
- Documentary True Crime Shows
Original Article on Source
Source: "EW Documentary"
Read More
Source: Documentary
Published: July 13, 2026 at 10:38PM on Source: RED MAG
#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle
Some horror stories are real. The 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix Some horror stories are real. By Ilana Gordon, Meliss...
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