The Best True Crime Documentaries You Need to Watch Right Now

The best true crime documentaries have become a popular genre for streaming. With gripping real-life stories of murder, fraud, and strange mysteries, these documentaries keep viewers hooked from start to finish. From chilling tales of cults to shocking stories of financial scams, there’s a documentary out there that will intrigue every crime enthusiast. If you’re searching for the best true crime documentaries, here’s a curated list of the must-watch shows that will send chills down your spine.

1. American Murder: Gabby Petito

The tragic story of Gabby Petito shocked the nation. Gabby and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, seemed to be living the dream, documenting their "van life" on social media. But behind the perfectly curated photos was a dark reality. Gabby was found murdered in 2021, and Laundrie went missing. This Netflix documentary takes a deep dive into the case, showing shocking footage and revealing the unsettling truth behind their relationship.

2. Scamanda

This is one of the best true crime documentaries. It tells the story of Amanda Riley, who tricked people into believing she was battling stage 3 blood cancer. She raised over $100,000 through social media, but none was for her treatment. Scamanda explores how she manipulated her followers, family, and friends, leaving behind a trail of lies. The documentary includes interviews with investigators and people directly affected by her actions.

3. The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga

The bizarre case of Paul Kevin Curtis, a man accused of sending poisoned letters to high-profile figures in 2013, is explored in this Netflix documentary. Curtis was wrongly charged, and his story reveals a twisted conspiracy that spans several years. This documentary highlights the odd sequence of events and shares Curtis’s side of the story, including his encounter with body parts in a hospital fridge.

4. Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey?

One of the most infamous unsolved crimes in America, the death of 6-year-old JonBenét Ramsey, has sparked countless theories. In Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey?, Netflix re-examines the investigation and media frenzy surrounding the case. With new insights into the investigation and interviews with key figures, this documentary examines the many suspects, including JonBenét’s parents.

5. Making Manson

Charles Manson, the notorious cult leader who led a group of followers to murder, is the subject of Making Manson. This Peacock series provides access to 20 years of unheard conversations with Manson, where he discusses his crimes, his life, and his thoughts on the Manson Family. This documentary gives an intimate look at the mind of a criminal mastermind.

6. Chris Brown: A History of Violence

This documentary delves into the troubled past of pop star Chris Brown, whose history of violent behavior spans over a decade. The film explores his 2009 assault on Rihanna and the many allegations that followed. Chris Brown: A History of Violence examines how the artist maintained his career despite the controversies and raises essential questions about celebrity culture.

7. The Menéndez Brothers

In 1989, brothers Lyle and Erik Menéndez shocked the world when they murdered their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez. Their defense: years of sexual abuse. The Menéndez Brothers documentary presents new evidence and interviews with the brothers themselves, offering insight into the crime and the infamous trial that followed.

8. Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara

Tegan and Sara, the indie rock duo, were once the targets of a dangerous catfishing scheme. In this Hulu documentary, Tegan Quin reveals how her personal information was stolen and used to manipulate her fans for over a decade. Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara is a deep dive into online deception and manipulation.

9. American Murder: Laci Peterson

The murder of Laci Peterson, who was eight months pregnant when she disappeared in 2002, captivated the nation. American Murder: Laci Peterson revisits the case, examining the life of Laci and the suspicious behavior of her husband, Scott Peterson, who was convicted of her murder. Rare interviews with Laci’s family and Scott’s mistress shed new light on the investigation.

10. Face to Face with Scott Peterson

After watching American Murder: Laci Peterson, watch Face to Face with Scott Peterson to learn more about his side of the story. This three-part documentary features Peterson’s first on-camera interview in over a decade, offering viewers an inside look at his version of events.

11. Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam

Lou Pearlman was behind the rise of the biggest boy bands in the '90s, but his business practices were far from ethical. Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam details Pearlman’s financial schemes that affected *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and other bands. Through interviews with former band members, this Netflix series unveils the manipulation and deceit behind the glitzy boy band era.

12. Mafia Spies

Mafia Spies dives into the collaboration between the CIA and the Chicago mafia to eliminate Fidel Castro during the Cold War. This documentary tells a captivating story of secret dealings, betrayal, and high-stakes politics, with insider details about the mob’s role in covert operations.

13. Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini

In 2016, Sherri Papini vanished during a jog and resurfaced weeks later with a bizarre story of being kidnapped. Her tale turned out to be a lie, as investigators eventually uncovered that she had staged her abduction. Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini explores this unusual case and features interviews with those closest to it.

14. The Jinx

The Jinx is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime documentaries. This HBO series follows the strange case of real estate heir Robert Durst, who was linked to three murders. The shocking twist? Durst confessed on camera. The series won numerous awards for its compelling storytelling and explosive revelations.

15. The Synanon Fix

The Synanon Fix is one of the thrilling, best true crime documentaries. Synanon, founded initially as a drug rehabilitation center, became a dangerous cult. The Synanon Fix uncovers the program’s transformation, including its abusive practices like forced vasectomies and indoctrination. This HBO documentary features shocking interviews with former members.

Read More: Dylan Sprouse and Mason Gooding’s Action Movie Breaks Streaming Records