Real Crimes, Real Thrills: 10 Must-Watch True Crime Documentaries That Will Keep You Hooked
Dive into the dark and twisted world of true crime with these 10 gripping documentaries, offering shocking investigations and a dive into the minds of criminals.
A gripping true crime story has the power to shock, intrigue, and leave audiences questioning reality. With the growing popularity of real-life mysteries and investigations, streaming platform services keep releasing docu-series that reveal startling cases from all over the world.
Over the years, platforms like Netflix, Prime Video and JioHotstar have delivered some unforgettable true crime documentaries.
10 true crime documentaries you absolutely cannot miss:
1. American Nightmare
A chilling true crime docu-series on Netflix that explores the 2015 kidnapping of Denise Huskins from her home in Vallejo, California. Initially dismissed as a hoax by police and dubbed the "real Gone Girl" by the media, the case takes a shocking turn when a detective links it to another crime, leading to the arrest of Matthew Muller.
2. Dancing on the Grave
An Indian true crime docu-series on Amazon Prime Video explores the shocking murder of Shakereh Khaleeli, a wealthy heiress from Bengaluru. Directed by Patrick Graham, the series uncovers how she mysteriously vanished in the 1990s, only for her remains to be found buried in her own home years later. Featuring archival footage, expert analysis, and chilling confessions, the series unravels the dark secrets behind this gruesome crime.
3. Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi
An Indian true crime docu-series on Netflix, delves into the horrifying crimes of Chandrakant Jha, known as the CC Killer. Over 15 years ago, He terrorized Delhi, leaving headless bodies outside Tihar Jail while threatening the police. This series focuses on the psychology and motives of a truly deranged killer.
4. Catching Killers
A true crime docu-series on Netflix that follows police and prosecutors as they track down some of the world’s most notorious serial killers. Produced by RAW, the series offers a first-hand look at the challenges investigators face. Shedding light on their struggles, mistakes, and ultimate breakthroughs in solving high-profile murder cases.
5. The Talwars: Behind Closed Doors
A true crime documentary on JioHotstar revisits the 2008 Noida double murder case that shook India. It examines the mysterious deaths of 13-year-old Aarushi Talwar and domestic worker Hemraj and the controversial police investigation that followed.
The case saw shocking twists, from the parents being accused to multiple shifting theories, media sensationalism, and a botched-up probe. After years of legal battles, the case remains unsolved, making it one of India’s most debated true crime mysteries.
6. House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths
A true crime docu-series on Netflix delves into the shocking 2018 deaths of 11 family members in Delhi’s Burari. Directed by Leena Yadav and Anubhav Chopra, the three-part series explores theories behind the case, from mental health issues to occult practices. The documentary pieces together police reports, expert analyses, and personal accounts, uncovering the unsettling secrets of one of India’s most baffling crime cases.
7. Crime Stories: India Detectives
A true crime docu-series on Netflix that provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Bengaluru police as they investigate four violent crimes, including three murders and a child kidnapping. Directed by N Amit and Jack Rampling and produced under Minnow Films, the four episode series offers an intense, real-life glimpse into crime-solving in India.
8. The Last Narc
A true crime docu-series on Amazon Prime Video, delves into the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. Directed by Tiller Russell, who spent 14 years researching the case, the series uncovers shocking claims that Mexican drug lords, with CIA complicity, were behind the crime. It features firsthand accounts from DEA agents and key witnesses.
9. Don't F**k with Cats
A true crime docu-series on Netflix that follows an online manhunt for Canadian killer Luka Magnotta. Directed by Mark Lewis, the three-part series explores how internet sleuths tracked Magnotta after he posted disturbing videos of animal cruelty, eventually leading to his arrest for the gruesome 2012 murder of Jun Lin. It became one of Netflix's Top 5 most-watched documentaries of the year.
10. Making a Murderer
A true crime docu-series on Netflix that follows the case of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man exonerated after 18 years in prison for a wrongful conviction, only to be later charged with the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach
Directed by Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, the two-season series also examines the conviction of Brendan Dassey, Avery’s nephew, amid accusations of coercion and legal misconduct. The show won four Primetime Emmy Awards and remains one of Netflix’s most controversial and gripping documentaries.
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