Unveiling the Ultimate True Crime Gems Streaming on Netflix

Netflix offers a wide range of captivating true crime shows that are currently available for streaming. The surge in popularity of crime stories based on real-life individuals and events can be attributed to the rise of podcasts and the increased attention given to cold case investigations. As other streaming platforms have emerged, Netflix has responded by delivering compelling content to captivate its audience. This includes an abundance of true crime programming, such as feature-length documentaries, gripping dramas, and a multitude of docuseries.

Among the noteworthy series featured on Netflix are popular favorites like Making a Murderer and Tiger King, which sparked an extraordinary manhunt. Additionally, newer releases like Worst Roommate Ever and Bad Vegan contribute to the vast selection of true crime series on Netflix today. These docuseries delve into various captivating subjects, including a controversial cult figure, an amateur thief, and a determined father seeking justice for his murdered son. With topics encompassing everything from corporate dishonesty and art thefts to the opioid crisis, drug cartels, and murder, here are the best true crime shows currently available on Netflix for fans of the genre.

50 Amanda Knox (2016)

Amanda Knox gained worldwide fame due to her arrest and subsequent trial for the murder of her roommate while participating in a student exchange program in Italy. The media extensively covered the case, making her name well-known globally. Initially convicted, Knox served four years in an Italian prison before eventually being declared innocent.

This documentary provides an opportunity for Amanda Knox to personally narrate her story. She offers a firsthand perspective of her experience being investigated and imprisoned, all while maintaining her innocence for several years. Unlike many of Netflix's popular true crime documentaries, which often present the subject's point of view long after the case has concluded, this film offers a unique and compelling insight into the events. It serves as an excellent introduction to the vast collection of documentaries available on Netflix.

49 American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)

This Netflix true crime documentary offers a unique approach to presenting its case by adopting the style of a found footage film. Through the use of interviews, social media posts, and other elements, the documentary pieces together the story of what happened to the Watts family. While the style received mixed reviews, the content itself was engaging. Despite the polarizing nature of the documentary's style, the technique proves effective as it delays the revelation of Shanann Watts and her daughters' killer until viewers have already been exposed to interviews with him and conflicting accounts of Shanann's personality from social media. As a result, the documentary provides a fascinating examination of how social media can alter the perception of a narrative.

48 Murder Mountain (2018)

Marijuana is a significant industry in the United States, with both legal and illegal sectors. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of Netflix's true crime series focuses on the drug. However, rather than solely focusing on the substance itself, the spotlight is on the illegal activities occurring around the mountain range in Humboldt County, where numerous cannabis farms are located.

Despite addressing various aspects of the farms, the central theme centers around the homicide of a 29-year-old cannabis farmer. Although residents of Humboldt County have criticized the series for being biased towards one perspective, it undeniably offers a captivating insight into the true crime genre for enthusiasts.

47 Exhibit A (2019)

The significance of forensic evidence is heavily emphasized in contemporary docuseries and fictional crime dramas. Exhibit A delves into the subjective nature of various types of physical evidence and highlights the potential for errors in cases relying on such evidence.

46 Inside The Criminal Mind (2017)

Each episode of the docuseries delves into a distinct type of evidence. One intriguing episode sheds light on the intricacies of interpreting blood spatter patterns. Contrary to what crime drama enthusiasts may assume, this aspect is far from being an exact science. In fact, investigators often have to rely on a considerable amount of guesswork. This thought-provoking series offers a captivating exploration of various methods that true crime fans may have previously regarded as fool-proof evidence.

This German docuseries was acquired by Netflix in 2017 for global distribution. It offers a captivating exploration of criminal psychology, making it a must-see for aficionados of true crime. Each episode of the series focuses on a distinct criminal type, such as serial killers featured in the initial installment. By delving into the motives behind each criminal profile, the show provides a riveting analysis of the criminal mind, even though limited time prevents it from delving too deeply into each case before moving on to the next.

45 Cold Case Files (2017)

This docuseries serves as a revitalization of a former A&E series. Both shows share the same objective: chronicling the resolution of "cold" cases that investigators have exhausted all leads on. The show's greatest strength lies in its exploration of the diverse methods by which a cold case can be reopened. While one episode might delve into advancements in forensic science, another could showcase the emergence of a previously unknown witness. It is through this array of techniques that the long-dormant investigations find closure.

44 Trial 4 (2020)

The four trials of Sean K. Ellis, consisting of two mistrials, one conviction, and one exoneration, form the core narrative. In 1993, Ellis was erroneously found guilty for the murder of a police officer. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and engaging animations, the series vividly presents the complete account of the crime and subsequent legal proceedings.

43 Audrie & Daisy (2016)

This Netflix true crime series doesn't dive straight into the core of the story. It takes its time to build up, but with a total of eight episodes, it has the opportunity to provide extensive details. Those hoping for a fast-paced presentation of facts may be disappointed, but the series is certainly worth watching as it offers as much information as possible about Ellis and his legal battles.

Audrie & Daisy is a difficult true crime documentary to engage with. It goes beyond the conventional approach of presenting evidence and investigating timelines. Instead, it delves into the profound impact of social media on both the investigation process and the lives of crime survivors.

In this particular instance, it is a group of young girls who have experienced the devastating trauma of sexual assault at parties, perpetrated by individuals they had placed their trust in. The manner in which the investigations unfold leaves much to be desired, resulting in both girls being subjected to public defamation through various social media platforms by their own peers. Given the significant role social media plays in today's society, Audrie & Daisy truly exposes the darker side of this phenomenon, offering a poignant and captivating portrayal of each of their individual cases.

42 Missing: Dead Or Alive (2023)

This true crime series stands out from the rest by delving into the initial stages of a missing person’s case. Unlike many others, it doesn't solely focus on the aftermath of finding a deceased individual, but rather follows the investigation from the very start. What makes it exceptional is that some of the cases featured in the show end with a positive outcome, resulting in a satisfying conclusion.

41 Our Father (2022)

The camera crew in each episode shadows an investigator within an actual police department, focusing on a different individual. The toll of not being able to find a missing person, or even worse, discovering them deceased, becomes evident through the investigator's emotions. Unlike investigators who present facts years after their investigations, this series incorporates an emotional element.

Fertility fraud is a relatively uncommon but existing crime. This documentary focuses on the fraudulent actions of fertility doctor Donald Cline, who secretly used his own genetic material to impregnate numerous patients. The aim of this documentary is to shed light on the victims' experiences and tell their stories. While Our Father is considered to be one of the top true crime documentaries on Netflix, it takes on more of a tabloid news show approach rather than presenting itself as a higher-quality documentary. Additionally, Our Father excludes important and significant true details from the narrative.

40 Girl In The Picture (2022)

In this documentary, a captivating photograph of a little girl serves as a catalyst for an investigative journalist's quest to unveil her true identity. While it may initially appear as an unconventional starting point for a docuseries, there is much more to this gripping tale. The little girl, identified as Sharon Marshall, transformed into a young woman whose life was tragically cut short in a hit-and-run incident suspected to be a deliberate act of murder.

Driven by curiosity, journalist Matt Birkeback delved deep into Sharon's story, ultimately chronicling his findings in a compelling book. His investigation unearthed a harrowing narrative spanning two decades, plagued by kidnapping, assault, and forced marriage. The documentary meticulously encompasses the intricate details of Sharon's life, painting a heart-wrenching portrayal. While undoubtedly a sorrowful account, it undoubtedly holds immense intrigue for enthusiasts of true crime.

39 Murder To Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown Story (2020)

Cyntoia Brown's incarceration has garnered significant media attention in the past decade. At the age of 16, she became a victim of human trafficking in Nashville, Tennessee, and tragically ended up taking a man's life while involved in that situation. This documentary delves into the initial case, her time spent in prison, and ultimately her release after being granted clemency.

The documentary intricately showcases how Brown was manipulated during her teenage years, shedding light on how this manipulation possibly influenced her actions when she committed the crime. Moreover, it exposes the shortcomings of the court system in assisting a troubled teenager. While it offers a compassionate perspective on her situation, it is important to note that the documentary does not entirely present an unbiased account.

38 Abducted In Plain Sight (2017)

It’s unimaginable for a parent to contemplate the possibility of their child being abducted. The unthinkable becomes even more unfathomable when it occurs not once, but twice, at the hands of the same perpetrator. This unfathomable chain of events unfolded in the 1970s, when Jan Broberg fell victim to such a horrifying fate. The docuseries delves deep into this gripping tale, shedding light on how a family could be manipulated into placing their trust in an individual who would eventually carry out the unthinkable act of kidnapping one of their own kin. The shocking case portrayed in "Abducted in Plain Sight" also served as the inspiration behind the creation of the fictional Peacock original series titled "Friend Of The Family."

37 My Daughter’s Killer (2022)

One of the top-notch true crime documentaries on Netflix is My Daughter’s Killer, setting itself apart with its remarkable and unparalleled exploration of events. The series primarily delves into the story of Andre Bamberski, a devoted father who refused to accept the initial accidental ruling in the death of his teenage daughter. Over the course of 25 years, he relentlessly pursued the truth, making this documentary stand out among the rest.

36 The Keepers (2017)

Bamberski uncovered the horrifying truth that the man with whom his wife had an affair not only drugged and sexually assaulted his own daughter, but also went on to victimize numerous other young women and patients for several years. Despite the chilling nature of the story, Bamberski's relentless pursuit of justice for his daughter and the other victims is truly commendable. This gripping documentary chronicles every painstaking step he took to achieve it.

In 1969, a Catholic school nun named Catherine Cesnik went missing and was later discovered deceased in a garbage dump. Her murder remains unsolved, with some speculating that it was a deliberate attempt to conceal the sexual abuse endured by certain students who had entrusted her with their stories.

The Keepers unveils the inquiry carried out by two former students of Cesnik. Due to the thirty-year gap since her untimely demise, the two embarked on their own investigation paralleling the police's efforts. Explored within the documentary is their hypothesis that individuals in influential positions colluded to conceal her murder. As the two women persistently seek justice for their beloved teacher, they engage in a multitude of endeavors including unsealing files, establishing a tip line, and more.

35 Killer Sally (2022)

Examining the killing of her husband Ray, this Netflix true crime series delves into the story of Sally McNeil. As championship bodybuilders, their shared passion initially brought them together. However, the true nature of their relationship remained unbeknownst to those in their bodybuilding circle. Providing a comprehensive account of the events leading to Ray's death and Sally's subsequent conviction, the series features interviews with Sally herself, her children, other family members, friends, and investigators associated with the case. While it is important to note that the series may not be entirely unbiased, as the majority of information is sourced from Sally, it strives to present a complete narrative by including insights from her children and others impacted by her actions. Considered one of the finest Netflix true crime series, it offers a compelling and comprehensive tale.

34 Dig Deeper: The Disappearance Of Birgit Meier (2021)

33 The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist (2022)

: This German documentary available on Netflix centers around Birgit Meier, a woman who mysteriously disappeared and the subsequent investigation filled with a series of errors. Due to the initial uncertainty surrounding Meier's whereabouts, whether she left voluntarily, was abducted, or even murdered, the investigation did not initially focus on homicide, resulting in the oversight of crucial evidence. The documentary sheds light on the mistakes committed during this investigation, offering true crime enthusiasts an insightful exploration of how some crimes remain unsolved for an extended period.

The Bling Ring movie, featuring Emma Watson, drew inspiration from a genuine bunch of teenagers who engaged in burglary at the residences of famous individuals. Although the film presented a mostly fictionalized version of the events, this Netflix docuseries consisting of three parts provides a more intricate retelling of the actual occurrences.

This specific series takes a compelling approach by not only featuring interviews with investigators documenting the search for the thieves, but also including interviews with actual burglary victims such as Audrina Patridge. Additionally, it involves interviews with some of those involved in the thefts. This unique approach allows for an in-depth exploration of the immense violation felt by the victims and the significant role played by media attention in the heists themselves.

32 Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields (2022)

Netflix’s Crime Scene series offers a refreshing take on true crime docuseries by diverging from the conventional method of exploring a single case and delving into the far-reaching impact of a crime scene. In this case, audiences are transported to the infamous Texas Killing Fields, an enigmatic patch of land associated with various criminal investigations.

31 I Am A Killer (2018-2022)

Over the years, these particular fields have been a haunting site where the remains of numerous murder victims have been discovered. Some of these unfortunate individuals were found in close proximity and within a short time span. The isolated nature of this area has led to speculation that it could have served as the personal burial ground for serial killers. This captivating docuseries delves into how this specific location links various cases, some of which have been solved while others remain unresolved. It is undeniably one of the most intriguing true crime docuseries available on Netflix.

In the realm of true crime series, it is a rarity to gain insight from the individual responsible for the heinous acts. Usually, these series concentrate on the case investigators or the journalists who cover the events retrospectively. However, I Am A Killer defies this norm by providing an entirely new perspective.

Each episode of the series showcases interviews with convicted killers, offering a distinct perspective for true crime enthusiasts. The interviewees display varying degrees of remorse, some maintain their innocence, while others appear unaffected by their actions. This diversity reveals the contrasting motivations behind acts of murder and the wide-ranging post-crime reactions in different cases.