10 Jaw-Dropping Halloween True Crime Stories and Documentaries You Can't Miss

Sometimes life can be more bizarre than what we can imagine. Therefore, in order to embrace the Halloween vibe, instead of indulging in horror movies and TV shows, why not explore our selection of the finest documentaries to watch this eerie season?

Halloween is just a short distance away and with the arrival of the cold October gusts and the transformation of leaves into shades of amber, many of us become captivated by chilling narratives. If you're in search of a thrilling start to your spooky season, don't miss out on our comprehensive list ranking the thirty greatest horror movies ever made.

Get ready to explore a different kind of horror this season, one that is perhaps even more unsettling: true crime. In these gripping true stories, the monsters we encounter are not supernatural beings, but ordinary humans whose actions are disturbingly real.

So, get comfortable, stock up on popcorn, and prepare yourself for a chilling experience as we present to you the top nine must-watch documentaries for this Halloween, along with details on where you can stream them.

Beware the Slenderman (2016)

About: Beware the Slenderman, a documentary film directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky in 2016, delves into the notorious case in 2014 where two 12-year-old girls from Waukesha, Wisconsin, attempted to murder their friend. They claimed their motive was to please Slenderman, an online sensation portrayed as a tall, faceless entity. This fictional character originated as a meme on the 'Something Awful' forums, becoming a part of digital folklore. Through a meticulous blend of crime details, interviews with the families, and expert opinions from psychologists, the documentary exposes the intricate dynamics of the case.

Opinion: A genuinely unsettling exploration of the consequences of modern digital folklore, Beware the Slenderman is a compelling choice for Halloween viewing. It not only presents a chilling real-life incident but also raises questions about the blurred boundaries between fiction and reality in the internet era. By emphasizing the vulnerability of young minds, the documentary serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the power digital narratives can hold.

Where to stream: Max

West of Memphis (2013)

Directed by Amy Berg and produced by Peter Jackson, West of Memphis delves into the highly controversial convictions of Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, and Jason Baldwin, who together form the West Memphis Three. In 1994, they were found guilty of the murders of three young boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. The prosecution built their case around the notion that the crimes were part of a satanic ritual, capitalizing on the widespread Satanic Panic that gripped the nation during the late 20th century. This meticulously crafted documentary carefully examines the intricacies of the case, presenting a plethora of compelling evidence that supports the innocence of the accused trio. Moreover, it exposes grave injustices that were inflicted upon them during their trial, while also shedding light on astonishing revelations concerning the Hobbs family and a well-guarded secret that could potentially upend the entire course of the investigation.

I would argue that West of Memphis is among the most exceptional true crime documentaries ever produced. It is a captivating and profoundly unsettling viewing experience, shedding light on the horrifying outcomes of bias, false information, and an unjust legal system. The significant influence of Satanic Panic in crafting the narrative and securing the conviction serves as a chilling reminder of the way in which societal hysteria can corrupt the search for truth. Regarding its suitability as a Halloween recommendation, the lingering impact of the "Hobbs family secret" continues to deeply disturb me.

Streaming platform: Available on-demand.

Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)

Directed by Mark Lewis, this gripping and deeply disturbing documentary series delves into the manhunt for Luka Magnotta. Initially catching the world's attention through a video of himself killing two kittens, Magnotta becomes the focus of a determined group of internet sleuths. Troubled by the footage, they band together to identify and track down the perpetrator. However, the online hunt takes a darker turn when Magnotta escalates his crimes to include the murder of a young man, which he also records and shares online.

Uncomfortable yet compelling, Don't F**k With Cats is a three-episode series, each an hour long. Not a single moment feels wasted as the cat-and-mouse chase unfolds, resembling a horror thriller. This is more than just the story of a deranged killer; it serves as a commentary on our modern era, where virtual actions can have frightening real-life consequences.

Where to stream it: Netflix

The Nightmare (2015)

Sleep paralysis is a condition that causes individuals to be unable to move or speak when they wake up or fall asleep. It is often accompanied by hallucinations of threatening figures or sensations. The Nightmare explores this phenomenon through a combination of personal interviews and chilling reenactments based on the experiences of eight individuals who suffer from this condition.

Those familiar with having sleep paralysis will affirm the accuracy of Rodney Ascher's 2015 documentary in depicting the phenomenon. However, even individuals who have been fortunate enough to never experience it will be unnerved by this film. The unsettling reenactments effectively capture the intense fear and helplessness one feels during an episode of sleep paralysis. It presents a terrifying portrayal that makes the boogeyman seem as harmless as My Little Pony.

Streaming platform: Shudder.

Wrinkles The Clown (2019)

Step aside, Pennywise. Wrinkles the Clown, directed by Michael Beach Nichols, delves into the internet sensation and urban legend that emerged in Florida in 2015. Parents could supposedly hire Wrinkles to scare their misbehaving children, and unsettling footage and voicemails circulated online, heightening the legend. This documentary unpacks the enigmatic figure behind the chilling clown mask and delves into the modern-day viral phenomenon surrounding Wrinkles. It's a captivating exploration of folklore, digital culture, and the deeper fears that grip communities. Through real interviews, eerie voicemails, and online footage, the film gives a haunting glimpse into the power of urban legends and their hold on the public imagination.

Where to stream it: Amazon Prime Video

The Imposter (2012)

The Imposter, directed by Bart Layton, tells the incredible true story of Frédéric Bourdin, a French scam artist who managed to convince an American family in the late 1990s that he was their missing 16-year-old son, despite obvious discrepancies such as different eye color and a French accent. This documentary meticulously untangles the web of this peculiar tale, weaving together interviews with Bourdin, the family members, and the officials involved in the case.

The Imposter is not your typical horror documentary. Instead, it creates an unsettling feeling by showcasing Bourdin's audacious deception and the family's reaction and acceptance of him, highlighting the fact that they have a stranger in their home. As viewers become engrossed in the complex storyline, they are confronted with disquieting questions about the true nature of our relationships with loved ones and the ease with which we can be deceived, or deceive ourselves. This captivating story, made all the more remarkable by Layton's atmospheric direction and compelling narrative style, is a stranger-than-fiction tale that will leave you intrigued.

Streaming Platform: Peacock

Room 237 (2012)

Rodney Ascher's Room 237 delves into the intricate web of interpretations and conspiracy theories surrounding Stanley Kubrick's iconic horror film, The Shining. The documentary explores a range of fan theories and in-depth analyses, revealing hidden meanings and underlying messages within Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel. These theories range from allegorical connections to the Native American genocide to supposed hints at the moon landing hoax. Room 237 offers a fascinating array of perspectives, shining a light on the intense fascination of the film's dedicated fan base.

In our opinion, the documentary's true strength lies in its ability to stimulate reflection and prompt viewers to contemplate the mysteries of artistic intention. It challenges us to consider the extent to which the human mind can delve into minute details to find meaning. This captivating and unconventional exploration of obsession and interpretation may even enhance our appreciation of one of Kubrick's cinematic masterpieces. And, of course, it is the perfect watch for the spooky season, centered as it is on one of the greatest horror films ever created.

Where to stream it: On-demand

Cropsey (2009)

About the Film: Cropsey, directed by Joshua Zeman and Barbara Brancaccio, explores the urban legend of Cropsey, a frightening character known to terrify children in Staten Island, New York. The legend claims that Cropsey, an escaped patient from a nearby abandoned mental institution, would abduct children from the streets. However, the tale took a chilling turn when children actually began to disappear in the 1980s. This captivating documentary follows the investigation of Andre Rand, a real-life suspect who personified the Cropsey myth, as the filmmakers delve into the blurred boundaries of fact and fiction.

The haunting visuals of the decaying Willowbrook institution and the surrounding woods, along with an eerie soundtrack, create a chilling atmosphere that surpasses typical horror films. However, the true terror in Cropsey comes from the unsettling revelation that beneath the urban legends lies a disturbing truth. This film is not just a mere retelling of a story; it fully immerses viewers in the palpable fear that gripped Staten Island for an extended period, while uncovering the spine-chilling account of a real-life boogeyman.

Stream Cropsey on Amazon Prime Video.

The Devil on Trial (2023)

Chris Holt directs The Devil on Trial, a documentary film that delves into the infamous "Devil Made Me Do It" case, where "demonic possession" was used as a defense in a US murder trial for the first and only time. Through firsthand accounts of those involved, including individuals who claim to have been overtaken by evil entities, this terrifying documentary takes viewers on a journey into a case that remains difficult to fathom.

Notably, Ed and Lorraine Warren were also part of the "Devil Made Me Do It" case, which later served as inspiration for The Conjuring 3. Holt delivers a gripping narrative that resembles a horror movie, featuring bone-chilling reenactments of David Glatzel's alleged childhood experiences. The documentary is concise, well-told, and guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Our only recommendation, if you choose to watch The Devil on Trial this Halloween, is to perhaps keep the lights on.

Where to stream it: Netflix

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