The Ultimate Guide to the Top True Crime Series on HBO Max
Discover the captivating world of true crime with HBO Max's gripping series From shocking murders to high-stakes scandals, delve into a web of deceit and intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat
If you've already watched popular true-crime series like Tiger King: Murder, Madness, and Mayhem and Nightstalker on Netflix, HBO Max offers a selection of gripping true-crime shows that are definitely worth your time. From con artists and murderers to Hollywood stars, these series delve into the lives of all kinds of criminals with uncompromising attention to detail. Captivating and heartbreaking, they shed light on important societal issues and demonstrate the importance of sharing these stories. Without further delay, here are the top true-crime shows on HBO.
For more recommendations, be sure to check out our curated lists of the best movies and shows on HBO, the finest documentaries on HBO, and the top true crime series currently streaming on Netflix.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Max.
Editor's note: This article has been updated November 2023 to include Savior Complex.
McMillions (2020)
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Directed by James Lee Hernandez and Brian Lazarte, McMillions explores the hidden world of true crime behind the seemingly innocent McDonald's Monopoly game. Spanning from 1989 to 2001, this captivating six-episode documentary uncovers a massive $24 million fraud scheme that involved not just the FBI, but also a wide range of players from PR firms to the mob. While the audacious and colorful cast of characters steals the spotlight, it is essential to remember the genuine victims of this fraud. FBI agent Doug Mathews, a standout among the cast, even goes as far as donning a golden suit resembling a French fry, inadvertently putting an undercover operation at risk. As the series delves deeper into the chase for the mysterious "Uncle Jerry," it becomes apparent that underneath the eccentricity of this heist lies a grave impact on the lives of those taken advantage of in McDonald's flawed system. For those seeking a thrilling true crime experience without the focus on murder, McMillions offers just the right blend of peculiarity and intrigue, making it an ideal choice for binge-watching.
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Savior Complex (2023)
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Created by: Jackie Jesko
Savior Complex, a gripping and thought-provoking miniseries, delves into the story of Renee Bach, an American missionary. Without shying away from the harsh truths, it discusses her unqualified medical practice which unintentionally resulted in the tragic deaths of 105 children. Through meticulous storytelling, filmmaker Jackie Jesko presents both sides of the story, shedding light on the consequences of Bach's actions. The series maintains a sense of realism while delivering the intense and captivating experience that defines modern true crime narratives.
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The Price of Glee (2023)
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Creator: Ample Entertainment
The Price of Glee is a compelling miniseries consisting of three episodes. It delves into the behind-the-scenes drama of the popular show Glee and explores the lasting impact on its stars even after the series concluded. While examining the media's influence on the show, this docuseries primarily focuses on the tragic deaths of former cast members Cory Monteith, Mark Salling, and Naya Rivera. Their untimely demises cast a shadow of sorrow over their lives. Some may argue that the documentary sensationalizes their misfortunes, potentially contributing to Monteith's deteriorating mental health and ultimate demise. However, viewers are left to form their own judgment on this matter.
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House of Hammer (2022)
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Creator: Elli Hakami, Julian P. Hobbs
Cast: JR Long, Julia Morrison, Courtney Vucekovich, Casey Hammer
House of Hammer is a captivating miniseries that delves into the downfall of actor Armie Hammer (known for his role in Social Network). Through a compelling documentary-style approach, the series sheds light on the abuse and assault that occurred in Hammer's past relationships, while also exploring the broader legacy of the Hammer family. Brave interviews with Hammer's former partners reveal a disturbing pattern of behavior, supported by compelling evidence such as texts, voice memos, and personal accounts. Additionally, Casey Hammer, Armie's aunt (featured in Leap of Faith), provides valuable insight into the questionable actions of the Hammer family throughout three generations. Explore the gripping story in the official trailer.
Behind Closed Doors (2019)
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Created by P.A. Carter, Behind Closed Doors is a compelling two-part documentary series that delves into a chilling double murder that took place in Noida, India, in 2008. This captivating case revolves around the tragic deaths of 13-year-old Aarushi Talwar and her family's live-in housekeeper, Hemraj Banjade, who was initially suspected in the girl's killing. With its intricate storytelling, Behind Closed Doors unravels the layers of this perplexing and still unresolved crime, shedding light on the horrifying circumstances surrounding it. – Yael Tygiel
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Beware the Slenderman (2016)
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Run Time: 1 hr 54 min | Director: Irene Taylor
Starring: Morgan Geyser, Anissa Weier, Angie Geyser.
The true crime genre captivates audiences by thoroughly exploring a single moment from every angle. In Beware the Slenderman, Director Irene Taylor (known for Leave No Trace) delves deep into the lore surrounding a tragic stabbing incident involving a 12-year-old girl. The film skillfully weaves together the events of a 2014 attempted murder in the woods near Waukesha, Wisconsin, perpetrated by two 12-year-olds who were influenced by the online sensation known as Slenderman. Through this documentary, the examination of internet-driven urban legends and the spread of terrifying content on platforms like Creepypasta forums and YouTube channels raises the question of whether such influences can push young minds to commit horrifying acts. Ultimately, it is up to viewers to determine whether this question is truly answered, adding to the allure of the true crime genre. –Tauri Miller
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A Brutal Pact: The Murder of Daniella Perez (2022)
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Creators: Tatiana Issa, Guto Barra
Starring Glória Perez, José Muiños Piñeiro Filho, and Barbara Ferrante.
A Brutal Pact: The Murder of Daniella Perez is a captivating five-episode documentary series that delves into the horrifying tragedy that struck the promising Brazilian actress. The story unfolds after Daniella Perez goes missing and her body is later found near Rio de Janeiro. A Brutal Pact meticulously explores the 1992 murder perpetrated by her envious co-star, as well as the relentless battle for justice. Through interviews with friends, colleagues, and her mother, Glória Perez, along with footage of the late telenovela star, A Brutal Pact presents an astounding narrative that honors the 30th anniversary of Perez's untimely demise. – Yael Tygiel
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The Cheshire Murders (2013)
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Run Time: 1 hr 58 min | Director: Kate Davis, David Heilbroner
The Cheshire Murders, directed by Kate Davis and David Heilbroner, is a documentary that tells the horrifying story of the home invasion and murder of the Petit family in Cheshire, Connecticut. Through the use of archival footage of Jennifer Petit and her two daughters, as well as interviews with the police involved in the investigation, the documentary provides a gripping depiction of the shocking events that took place in the quiet suburban town. Additionally, the politically charged trial is explored, highlighting the disturbing failures of the police and the heartbreaking realization that the tragedy could have been avoided. – Yael Tygiel
Rich & Shameless (2022)
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Featuring salacious narratives in every episode, Rich and Shameless is a captivating docu-series that sheds light on various scandals involving prominent celebrities. With concise and easily digestible episodes, Rich and Shameless aims to draw viewers in, encouraging them to further delve into these captivating stories themselves. Many episodes of Rich and Shameless delve into high-profile crimes that have been previously explored in longer formats, such as extensive investigative documentaries like The Vow's coverage of the NXIVM sex cult, or gripping true-crime dramatizations like Hulu's remarkable Pam & Tommy, which delves into the theft of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee's infamous sex tape. – Yael Tygiel
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Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim Wall (2022)
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Director: Erin Lee Carr
This is a captivating and concise series, consisting of only two hour-long episodes. It delves into the tragic disappearance of a young Swedish journalist who had gone to interview an inventor named Peter Madsen on a homemade submarine. Despite Madsen's reputation as an eccentric and entrepreneurial individual, the series reveals a darker side to his personality. Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim Wall is an emotionally impactful and extraordinary investigation into a case that deeply affected Denmark. – Taylor Gates
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The Crime of the Century (2021)
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Directed by Alex Gibney, The Crime of the Century serves as an in-depth exploration of the cases and themes featured in the Emmy-winning limited series Dopesick. This thought-provoking docuseries sheds light on the opioid crisis in the United States, focusing on the complicit role played by both the government and Purdue Pharma. With its shocking revelations and enlightening perspectives, the series poses significant questions that demand society's utmost attention. - Taylor Gates
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The Murders at Starved Rock (2021)
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Director: Jody McVeigh-Schultz
The Murders at Starved Rock is a gripping three-part docuseries that delves into the tragic deaths of Mildred Lindquist, Frances Murphy, and Lillian Oetting in 1960 at Starved Rock State Park. Despite being imprisoned for the past six decades, convicted killer Chester Weger staunchly maintains his innocence, causing a divide among the residents of a small Illinois town. Adding an intriguing layer to the narrative is filmmaker David Raccuglia, the son of the prosecutor who secured Weger's conviction, who plays a significant role in the documentary. With its haunting and captivating storytelling, The Murders at Starved Rock provides a reverent yet absorbing exploration of Weger's complex relationship with a historic crime. Directed by Taylor Gates. Watch the trailer now.
Gaming Wall Street (2022)
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Director Tobias Deml brings the highly publicized story of Gamestop's stock market adventure to life in Gaming Wall Street, an engaging two-part true crime docu-series. This captivating series delves into the viral trend sparked by digital vigilantes, who not only caused chaos in the stock market but also exposed previously unnoticed flaws within Wall Street's system. With narration from Succession star Kieran Culkin, Gaming Wall Street offers viewers a fast-paced and informative journey into the world of finance, providing accessible explanations and focusing on the groundbreaking Gamestop fiasco. This relatable underdog story serves as a reminder that anyone could find themselves in a similar situation.
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Mind Over Murder (2022)
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Director: Nanfu Wang
Experience the unimaginable in Mind Over Murder, an astonishing true-crime docuseries. Delve into a perplexing murder case from 1985, where six individuals were convicted of the brutal killing of a cherished grandmother in their community. However, what initially appeared to be a clear-cut crime takes an unexpected twist when DNA evidence exonerates the group in 2009. With her acclaimed works such as Hooligan Sparrow and One Child Nation, Nanfu Wang skillfully offers a thought-provoking commentary on the unreliability of memory under stressful circumstances and exposes the flaws within our judicial system. Prepare to be mesmerized.
Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults (2020)
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If you have binge-watched shows like Netflix's Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey, Scientology and the Aftermath, or any of the numerous documentaries about NXIVM, then you will definitely be captivated by Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults. This series delves into the UFO religion known as Heaven's Gate, led by Marshall Applewhite. With exclusive and previously unreleased footage, the series examines the cult's peculiar doctrines and rituals that ultimately culminated in the devastating mass suicide in 1997.
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The Way Down (2021-2022)
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Director: Marina Zenovich
This documentary delves into the extraordinary tale of Gwen Shamblin Lara, the leader of the controversial Remnant Fellowship church in Tennessee, exploring both her life and untimely demise. While some former members label it as a cult, current members vehemently deny this claim. Nevertheless, the evolution of this weight loss program into a fervent church with vast financial resources is nothing short of captivating. Through interviews with former members, we gain insights into their experiences within the church and witness Gwen's transformation into a complex leader whose methods may have spiraled out of control. Originally intended to be a three-part series, the producers released two additional episodes following Shamblin's untimely passing. It is intriguing how individuals become more willing to speak out when they are no longer fearful of repercussions from the person in question. - Jennifer McHugh
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The Vow (2020-2022)
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Director: Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer
NXIVM, although difficult to pronounce, is one of the most well-known cults in modern times. Initially presented as a program for personal growth and leadership development, it quickly descended into something far more sinister. Keith Reniere, the leader, along with a number of his devoted followers, have been sentenced to imprisonment for their crimes. This documentary focuses on the lives of survivors after their involvement with NXIVM, offering astonishing footage from within the cult, thanks to the former member and group historian, Mark Vicente. The access to this behind-the-scenes material is truly captivating and must be witnessed to be fully comprehended. It provides a firsthand glimpse into the manipulation and degradation employed to brainwash followers through intense workshops, seminars, an unusual promotion system involving scarves, and even volleyball, for some inexplicable reason. The series has been renewed for a second season, which is expected to be released in the near future and will delve into the trials of the leaders and the reactions of former followers.
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The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
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Director: Alex Gibney
"The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley" is a gripping and revealing documentary by Alex Gibney that exposes the hidden greed lurking beneath the surface. It delves into the remarkable story of Elizabeth Holmes, an entrepreneur who created a charismatic persona to deceive people into believing her startup company could provide extensive medical tests with just a single drop of blood. However, the film uncovers the truth that this technology was not yet developed, showcasing the extent of the deception that Holmes orchestrated. As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness the staggering scale of this deception and its eventual collapse when a few courageous whistleblowers step forward. This film not only scrutinizes Holmes' actions but also sheds light on the flaws of an industry that enabled and fueled her motivations. Even if you are already familiar with the story, watching this documentary will undoubtedly be an enlightening experience. - Chase Hutchinson
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I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth vs. Michelle Carter (2019)
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Director: Erin Lee Carr
I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth vs. Michelle Carter explores the challenges faced by the modern criminal justice system as it tries to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of technology, particularly in cases involving texting and social media. This gripping true story gained national attention due to its unsettling nature. It delves into the unprecedented legal complexities that arose when Conrad Roy, a young teenager, tragically took his own life. Michelle Carter, his girlfriend, played a disturbing role by persistently urging him to do so through numerous text messages.
Witness the unsettling and devastating impact of social media on the mental well-being of teenagers, while also exploring the immense influence of written words. I Love You, Now Die delves deep into these issues, provoking crucial discussions on where to draw the line and who bears responsibility. Step into the courtroom where Carter faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, and brace yourself for an intense and thought-provoking two-part documentary series that paints a complex picture of mental illness. This gripping true story has also been adapted into The Girl from Plainville, an original limited series on Hulu, with Elle Fanning brilliantly portraying Carter during her trial. Experience it all in the trailer.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark (2020-2021)
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Directed by Liz Garbus, the HBO original documentary series, I'll Be Gone in the Dark, distinguishes itself from other true-crime shows by prioritizing the voices of the victims and survivors of the Golden State Killer. Charting journalist Michelle McNamara's extraordinary quest to uncover the unknown identity of the killer, whom she aptly named, the series follows her dual journey of solving the case and documenting it in her acclaimed true crime book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer.
A notorious serial rapist and killer terrorized California during the 70s and 80s, targeting both couples and women. Despite the high frequency of his attacks, law enforcement was unable to apprehend the perpetrator. Throughout the series, interviews with McNamara and numerous survivors bring their stories to light. Sadly, McNamara passed away before completing her book or uncovering the killer's identity. After years of investigation, Joseph James DeAngelo was eventually arrested in 2018 and officially identified as the Golden State Killer. With the help of McNamara's colleagues and her widower, Patton Oswalt, the remaining portion of the book was completed using her extensive notes. The result is a compelling exploration of one of the most notorious and elusive cold cases, which persisted for far too long.
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Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have grown up in an era where true crime content has become increasingly popular. Platforms like HBO Max offer a wide range of true crime series that explore shocking murders, high-stakes scandals, and the lives of all kinds of criminals. These captivating and heartbreaking shows shed light on important societal issues and demonstrate the importance of sharing these stories.
HBO Max's selection of true crime series is particularly intriguing as it delves into lesser-known cases and provides an in-depth look at the investigations and trials. For example, "McMillions" explores the $24 million fraud scheme behind the McDonald's Monopoly game, while "Savior Complex" delves into the story of American missionary Renee Bach, whose unqualified medical practices resulted in the tragic deaths of 105 children. These series offer a unique perspective on true crime, focusing not only on the crimes themselves but also on the impact they have on the victims, their families, and society as a whole.
Overall, I appreciate the variety and depth of true crime content available on HBO Max. These series provide a fascinating and thought-provoking look into the dark side of human nature and the complexities of the criminal justice system. As a Gen Z netizen, I find it important to engage with true crime content in a responsible and critical manner, and HBO Max offers a platform to do just that.
