10 True Crime Documentaries That Will Leave You Gripped (And Maybe a Little Spooked)

True crime documentaries have exploded in popularity, offering a glimpse into the darkest corners of the human psyche and the complexities of real-life investigations. But with so many options, where do you begin? Fear not, fellow true crime enthusiasts! We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 True Crime Documentaries that will have you glued to your screen, unraveling mysteries and pondering the human condition.

1. The Staircase (2004 – present): A Descent into Mystery

The Staircase isn’t your typical true-crime documentary. It unfolds like a real-life whodunit, following the case of Kathleen Peterson, a woman found dead at the bottom of a staircase in her North Carolina home. Her husband, Michael, becomes the prime suspect due to some strange circumstances, but the story quickly spirals into a tangled web of accusations, alibis, and unanswered questions.

Here’s what makes The Staircase so captivating:

• The mystery is ongoing: Unlike most documentaries, The Staircase was filmed as the case progressed. This means viewers get to experience the twists and turns alongside the filmmakers, with new evidence and revelations emerging over multiple seasons.
• It raises intriguing questions: The Staircase doesn’t just present the facts; it delves into the complexities of the case. Was it a tragic accident, a calculated murder, or something else entirely? The documentary explores the possibility of “owl attacks” (yes, you read that right!) and the potential influence of wealth and privilege on the investigation.
• It’s a character study: The Staircase doesn’t shy away from showing the human side of the story. We see the impact of the case on the Peterson family, the dedication of the investigators, and the media frenzy surrounding the case.

This documentary is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good mystery and wants to see how a real-life investigation unfolds, with all its messiness and unanswered questions.

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2. Making a Murderer (2015): This life-altering series throws a spotlight on the American justice system and leaves you scratching your head.

It follows the story of Steven Avery, a man who was exonerated after spending 18 years in prison for a wrongful conviction. But just when you think he’s finally free, he becomes the prime suspect in a gruesome new murder case. Making a Murderer raises serious questions – did the police frame Avery because of the previous lawsuit against them? Were there crucial pieces of evidence left out? This gripping series will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about fairness and the fight for justice. Be warned, though, it might leave you feeling frustrated and wanting answers that may never come.

3. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015): This documentary will have you saying “wait, what?!” out loud.

The Jinx takes a deep dive into the life of Robert Durst, a wealthy New York real estate heir shrouded in suspicion. He’s been linked to the disappearances of his wife, Kathie, and a close friend, Susan Berman. The documentary weaves together a chilling tapestry of interviews, archival footage, and evidence, leaving viewers with a growing sense of unease about Durst’s innocence. But then, things take a shocking turn.

The Jinx features a bombshell moment caught on a hot mic, where Durst seems to confess to the murders while muttering to himself – a revelation so unbelievable, you’ll have to rewind just to make sure you heard it right. The Jinx is a captivating and unsettling exploration of wealth, privilege, and the lengths people may go to in order to hide dark secrets.

4. Icarus (2Bryan Fogel (2017): Buckle up for a documentary that starts with a simple experiment and takes a shocking detour!

Bryan Fogel, an amateur cyclist, decides to see if he can dope (use performance-enhancing drugs) and avoid detection in a cycling race. He sets out to film the process, thinking it will expose weaknesses in anti-doping systems. But what starts as an investigative project explodes into something much bigger.

Fogel connects with a scientist who agrees to help him dope – but this scientist is also connected to a massive international scheme. Icarus takes a wild turn, uncovering a state-sponsored doping program in Russia that reaches the highest levels of government. This isn’t just about cheating in a bike race – it’s about a global conspiracy. Icarus is a mind-blowing documentary that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about sports and international relations. Get ready for a wild ride!

5. The Keepers (2017): A Haunting Look at Faith and Betrayal

The Keepers isn’t your typical true-crime story. It dives into the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a kind and courageous nun in Baltimore. But Sister Cathy wasn’t just any nun; she spoke out against a terrible secret – the sexual abuse of children within the Catholic Church.

The Keepers isn’t just about finding Sister Cathy’s killer, though that’s a big part of the mystery. It’s also about the fight for justice and the lengths some people might go to in order to cover up their crimes. The documentary explores how a powerful institution, the Catholic Church, could be involved in such a horrifying act.

This true-crime story is emotional and thought-provoking. It will leave you wondering how something so awful could happen and why it might have been kept hidden for so long. Be prepared, The Keepers is a tough watch, but it sheds light on a very important issue.

6. Abducted in Plain Sight (2017): A Family’s Nightmare You Won’t Believe

This documentary will have you shaking your head and muttering, “This can’t be real!” It tells the incredible story of the Broberg family in Idaho, whose daughter, Jan, was kidnapped not once, but twice by their trusted neighbor, a man named Robert Berchtold. The film explores how Berchtold, through manipulation and a strange obsession with Jan, managed to abduct her and brainwash her into believing they were on a secret mission together. Abducted in Plain Sight is a mind-boggling story that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about stranger danger, parental intuition, and the long-lasting effects of trauma. This is one true-crime documentary you won’t want to miss, but be prepared for a wild ride!

7. The Act of Killing (2012): A Haunting Look Back at a Brutal Past

The Act of Killing isn’t your typical true crime documentary. Instead of focusing on solving a case, it takes a brave and disturbing look at the Indonesian genocide of 1965-66. Here’s the twist: the story is told from the perspective of the killers themselves.

The documentary explores how these individuals, who participated in mass killings decades ago, now view their actions. The filmmakers ask them to reenact their crimes, but with a disturbing twist. The killers choose the styles – film noir, musicals, even comedies – to depict their horrific acts.

The Act of Killing is a powerful and unsettling film. It doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the genocide, but it also forces viewers to confront the normalization of violence and the lasting impact of such atrocities. It’s a tough watch, but a necessary one to understand a dark chapter in history.

8. Amanda Knox (2016): A Story of Innocence Lost and Justice Fought For

This documentary tackles the case of Amanda Knox, an American college student who became embroiled in a shocking murder trial while studying abroad in Italy. Accused of a crime she didn’t commit, Amanda Knox found herself at the center of a media frenzy. The documentary explores the cultural clashes she faced, the complexities of the Italian justice system, and the unwavering support of her family and friends.

Amanda Knox offers a chance to see the entire story unfold, from the initial accusations to the long and arduous legal battles. It sheds light on the power of media portrayal and the emotional toll such a traumatic experience can take. Whether you believe in Amanda’s innocence or not, this documentary is a compelling look at a case that captured the world’s attention.

9. Don’t Fk With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019): Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride that starts with some disturbing online content, but ends in a shocking hunt for a real-life monster.**

This documentary follows a group of regular people who stumble upon a video of animal cruelty online. Outraged and determined to stop this abuse, they band together to track down the perpetrator. But as they dig deeper, they discover a trail of increasingly disturbing videos, hinting at something far more sinister. Their online investigation takes a dark turn, leading them to suspect the person behind the videos might be a dangerous serial killer. This captivating series explores the power of online communities and the dedication of everyday people who refused to look away.

Warning: Don’t F**k With Cats tackles disturbing subject matter, but it’s a gripping story that will have you on the edge of your seat.

10. Mommy Dead and Dearest (2020): A Shocking Tale of Deception

This documentary dives into the unbelievable story of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter Gypsy Rose. Dee Dee portrayed Gypsy Rose as having numerous severe illnesses, using wheelchairs and relying on constant care. They garnered sympathy and even financial assistance from strangers touched by Gypsy Rose’s supposed condition. However, the truth was far more sinister.

Mommy Dead and Dearest takes a shocking turn when it’s revealed that Gypsy Rose’s illnesses were largely fabricated by Dee Dee, a condition known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Desperate to escape her mother’s suffocating control and the constant medical procedures, Gypsy Rose orchestrates a shocking act – her own mother’s murder.

This documentary is a chilling exploration of a manipulative mother-daughter relationship, the lengths people can go to for sympathy, and the fight for freedom, even if it comes at a terrible cost.

Be prepared: Mommy Dead and Dearest will leave you speechless with its twists and turns, and serve as a stark reminder of the dark secrets families can keep.

So, there you have it! These 10 true crime documentaries offer a glimpse into the complexities of human behavior, the pursuit of justice, and the power of investigative journalism. Whether you’re a seasoned true crime buff or just dipping your toes into the genre, these gripping documentaries will leave you hooked, informed, and maybe a little chilled.

Ready to delve deeper? Follow our website RealShePower for more recommendations on true crime documentaries, podcasts, and books to keep your thirst for truth quenched!