Top true crime cases of 2023

In 2023, we have been treated to some exceptional true crime films and shows that have opened our eyes to the genre. Here are our top picks for the five best true crime documentaries of the year.

True crime enthusiasts have various reasons for tuning in to new documentaries. They offer a fascinating and educational experience with a psychological appeal. However, the most compelling aspect is the potential for justice to be found through the reopening or examination of a case.

The genre has been revolutionized by streaming services, offering a wide range of content and allowing for more diverse stories to be told, from high-profile events to lesser-known but equally gripping cases. Any concerns about streaming diluting the category were proven wrong in 2023, with a multitude of captivating documentaries hitting platforms in the past year. Without further ado, here is our ranking of the top five true crime documentaries of the year. Warning: Some viewers may find this content distressing.

5. Russell Brand: In Plain Sight

Russell Brand: In Plain Sight, a powerful documentary that reveals shocking allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse against Russell Brand. The film, a collaboration between The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches, has sparked a police investigation and raised doubts about the comedian's recent political stance.

Streaming on: Channel 4

4. Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets

If you came of age in the 2000s, you likely know about the Duggars. Their TLC show 19 Kids and Counting made them famous, portraying Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their expanding family as flawless. However, behind the scenes, the reality was much darker. Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets is a revealing documentary series that uncovers sexual, emotional, and physical abuse within the Duggar family, and how their fundamentalist Christian community ignored these terrible acts. It also serves as a reminder to not trust everything you see on television.

Streaming on: Prime Video

3. Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God

Cults took over the true crime scene in 2023, with Love Has Won standing out as particularly impactful. The HBO series delves into the disturbing life and death of leader Amy Carlson, also known as Mother God, and exposes the group's shocking practices, including the police discovering a mummified body adorned with glitter and Christmas lights. What makes the series so compelling is not just the subject matter, but also filmmaker Hannah Olson's skillful storytelling that maintains a gripping pace. Equally fascinating is the willingness of many of Carlson's followers to openly share explicit details of their experiences on camera.

Stream on: Max

2. Take Care of Maya

You Achieved what it set out to do: evoke emotion while shining a light on an area of injustice in the US. Moving, poignant, and deeply frustrating to watch, Henry Roosevelt uses archive footage and present-day interviews to meticulously weave together a complex story of the unthinkable tragedy that befell Maya Kowalski and her family. Adding to the impact of it was the court case that followed its Netflix release, resulting in a financial win and a semblance of justice for the remaining Kowalskis, though not one that could turn back the clock on the devastation they endured. 

Available for streaming on: Netflix

1. The Curious Case of Natalia Grace

First and foremost is The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, a story so strange it feels like fiction, yet it keeps us captivated since it first aired. Despite its six 40-minute episodes, every minute is gripping, with shocking details revealed one after another. The documentary ultimately presents two conflicting accounts: one claiming a mistreated Ukrainian child was abandoned by her adoptive family, and the other alleging that Grace is a dangerous psychopath pretending to be a child to manipulate her guardians. While the truth remains uncertain, this docu-series allows viewers to form their own opinions, letting the astonishing subject matter speak for itself. For those interested in the case, be sure to watch ID's upcoming documentary, Natalia Speaks, on January 1.

Where to stream: Max

For more of our true crime coverage, hit the links below:

Love Has Won’s “3D” hospital | How did John Gotti die? | Who Killed Jill Dando? | Where is Gypsy Rose Blanchard now? | Russell Brand's most shocking moments | Scouts Honor | The Lucie Blackman Case | The Isabella Nardoni Case | Where is Natalia Grace? | Who are the Duggars? | Victim/Suspect explained | Missing Dead or Alive explained | The Playing Card Killer | Take Care of Maya | HBO’s Burden of Proof explained | How to watch David Fuller: Monster in the Morgue | How to watch Hart family murders documentary | The Deepest Breath | True story of Last Call

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I find true crime documentaries to be both fascinating and thought-provoking. They offer a glimpse into the darker side of human nature and the complexities of the criminal justice system. I appreciate the way these documentaries can shed light on important social issues and bring awareness to cases that might otherwise go unnoticed.

One of the things I find particularly compelling about true crime documentaries is the psychological aspect. It's interesting to explore the motivations of criminals and understand the factors that can lead people to commit heinous acts. These documentaries often provide valuable insights into human behavior and can help us better understand the world around us.