W2TCH

257 Essential True Crime Documentaries

256 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 201Murder at Carter County MinesMovie · 2023 · 42mA couple disappears from their home in rural Kentucky, leaving behind a strange crime scene. Investigators follow clues that lead them across state lines, embarking on a frantic search. Eventually, an unexpected person reveals the startling truth about their disappearance.IMDb 5.3TMDB 7.5
  2. 202Private ViolenceMovie · 2014 · 77mDomestic violence affects one in four women. The film challenges the question, "Why doesn't she just leave?" Private Violence shares the deeply personal stories of two women: Deanna Walters, who finds strength as she moves from being a victim to becoming a survivor, and Kit Gruelle, who dedicates herself to fighting for justice.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5
  3. 203Biggest Heist EverMovie · 2024 · 87m · Documentary, CrimeThis documentary tells the story of a pair who became known as Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde for their crimes, detailing what is arguably the most profitable heist in history.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.0
  4. 204The Toolbox KillerMovie · 2021 · 89m"The Toolbox Killer," Lawrence Bittaker, and his partner Roy Norris carried out horrific crimes. Bittaker kept silent about his offenses for four decades until he connected with criminologist Laura Brand. For five years, Brand documented their extensive conversations with Bittaker while he was on death row. He detailed his methods and motivations, offering an unprecedented look into the mind of a criminal sadist.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.1
  5. 205Satan Wants YouMovie · 2023 · 88m"Michelle Remembers," a memoir by a psychiatrist and his patient, sparked the Satanic Panic of the 1980s. The book detailed Michelle's alleged abduction by baby-stealing Satanists, uncovered through recovered-memory therapy.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.1
  6. 206Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood HillsMovie · 1996 · 150m · Documentary, CrimeA close-knit community is shattered by the horrific murder of three children, leading to a desperate search for the killers. The investigation zeroes in on three young men known for their unconventional ways. Though no direct evidence connects them to the crime, public pressure results in their indictment. The trial hinges on circumstantial evidence and the boys' unusual lifestyles, with the prosecution using these as proof of guilt. The film examines how societal expectations, prejudice, and public opinion can influence a jury. By exploring the trial and the lives of the accused, it raises questions about fairness, judgment, and the dangers of blindly following the crowd. It’s a compelling drama that challenges viewers to consider their own assumptions about guilt and innocence.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.5
  7. 207Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of AmericaMovie · 2023 · 95mPeople who survived, those who came forward with information, and experts share their stories about the Boy Scouts of America's many years of concealing sexual abuse and the devastating consequences it caused.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.6
  8. 208Missing: The Lucie Blackman CaseMovie · 2023 · 81m · Documentary, CrimeIn July 2000, 21-year-old British woman Lucie Blackman disappears in Tokyo, triggering a major international investigation focused on finding answers. The search becomes a persistent pursuit of justice.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.0
  9. 209Out of Thin AirMovie · 2017 · 85m · Documentary, CrimeOut of Thin Air is a gripping crime drama set in the remote Icelandic landscape. The film investigates a real 1970s cold case: two men who vanished without explanation. Detectives struggle to piece together clues and navigate the complicated relationships within the isolated community surrounding their disappearance. The film's unsettling story is heightened by the stark beauty of Iceland, which mirrors the investigation's emotional intensity. Out of Thin Air is an intense look at human nature, crime, and the strength people find when facing difficult circumstances.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.9
  10. 210Paradise Lost 2: RevelationsMovie · 2000 · 130m · Documentary, CrimeThis film revisits the 1994 murders of three eight-year-old boys in Arkansas and the subsequent trial of three teenagers convicted of the crime. A follow-up to *Paradise Lost*, *Revelations* includes new interviews with the convicted men, as well as with the original judge and police investigators involved in the case.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2
  11. 211Untold: Operation Flagrant FoulMovie · 2022 · 77m · DocumentaryYears after his prison sentence for betting on games he officiated, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy reflects on the scandal that rocked the league.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.1
  12. 212Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions ScandalMovie · 2021 · 100m · Documentary, Crime, DramaThis film explores the methods of Rick Singer, the central figure in the 2019 college admissions scandal, moving beyond the public attention to reveal how he convinced wealthy clients to illegally gain advantages in a system already favoring the elite.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8
  13. 213Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples TempleMovie · 2006 · 86m · Documentary, History, TV MovieThis documentary presents previously unseen footage offering a stark examination of the Peoples Temple, led by Jim Jones. In 1978, Jones guided over 900 followers to Guyana, where he commanded a mass suicide using poisoned drink.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.1
  14. 214Cabin 28: The Keddie MurdersMovie · 2021"The Keddie Murders" is a 1981 unsolved case in which four people were murdered in Keddie, a former resort town in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California.
  15. 215A Murder in the ParkMovie · 2015 · 91mDocumentary filmmakers claim Anthony Porter, a man who avoided the death penalty due to a college journalism program's intervention, was in fact guilty. The film argues that an innocent person was wrongly imprisoned.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2
  16. 216The Women and the MurdererMovie · 2021 · 92m · Documentary, CrimeThis documentary follows the pursuit of serial killer Guy Georges, focusing on the efforts of two women: a police chief and the mother of one of his victims.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2
  17. 217IcarusMovie · 2017 · 121m · DocumentaryDirector Bryan Fogel delves into the hidden world of sports doping, forming a connection with Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, a former leading scientist for Russia's anti-doping agency. Through extensive conversations and evidence, Fogel and Rodchenkov develop a close relationship, amidst serious accusations linking Rodchenkov to Russia’s systematic doping efforts during the Olympics.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.7
  18. 218Scream: The True StoryMovie · 2022 · 84mThis is the chilling true story of Danny Rolling, known as the Gainesville Ripper. Rolling believed he was controlled by a demon as he committed a series of brutal murders. His horrifying crimes later became the basis for the popular movie *Scream* (1996).IMDb 3.5TMDB 5.8
  19. 2193 ½ Minutes, 10 BulletsMovie · 2015 · 98m · Documentary, Thriller, TV MovieOn Black Friday, November 2012, four teenage boys in a red SUV stop at a gas station after a day of shopping. While one boy gets a soda and gum, a couple arrives next to them for wine. An argument erupts when the couple asks the boys to lower their music. The situation escalates, resulting in a deadly exchange of gunfire: three and a half minutes and ten bullets later, one of the boys is dead. *3½ MINUTES* examines the consequences of this tragic event.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3
  20. 220Little Hope Was ArsonMovie · 2013 · 71mJanuary 2010: In East Texas, ten churches burn down in a little over a month, sparking the region's biggest criminal investigation ever. Authorities exhaust every lead as they try to understand the terror gripping this close-knit community. The fires tear families apart and challenge faith as they grapple with forgiveness and the pursuit of justice in this compelling true story.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8
  21. 221Mister OrganMovie · 2022 · 96mAfter hearing reports of illegal car clamping in Auckland, journalist and filmmaker David Farrier begins an investigation. The case takes him down a disturbing path, testing his sanity in this remarkable true story of psychological manipulation.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6
  22. 222The Fire That Took HerMovie · 2022 · 95mJudy Malinowski, a mother of two who was 31 at the time, was attacked by her former boyfriend. He doused her in petrol and set her on fire. He was one of the first witnesses to testify in her murder trial, even after he died. THE FIRE THAT TOOK HER explores this significant case, examining the question of how much suffering women must endure to be taken seriously. It’s a story about true crime and the #MeToo movement.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
  23. 223The Anthrax Attacks: In the Shadow of 9/11Movie · 2022 · 94m · Documentary, CrimeIn the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, letters laced with deadly anthrax spores are sent across the United States, causing widespread fear and loss. This film chronicles the FBI's investigation into the source of these letters.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.8
  24. 224Goodnight, Sugar Babe: The Killing of Vera Jo ReigleMovie · 2013 · 87mThe discovery of a young, mentally challenged mother's body, brutally mutilated, sets off a chain of events leading to a shockingly unbelievable crime that remains unsolved. Filmmaker J. David Miles reveals, for the first time, the details of this case by exploring the mind of a powerful woman at the center of a small-town crime family. His investigation uncovers a conspiracy that has baffled law enforcement for years, presenting a disturbing and deeply affecting alternative motive to the one established in court. Miles achieves this by directly interviewing the perpetrators themselves, offering a unique and unprecedented true crime story.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.3
  25. 225Bayou BlueMovie · 2011 · 79mBetween 1997 and 2006, serial killer Ronald Dominique murdered twenty-three men in poverty-stricken Southeastern Louisiana. His capture was hampered by underfunded law enforcement, a lack of support for the victims' families, and the widespread disruption caused by events like Hurricane Katrina. Bayou Blue examines the decline of a community.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.5
  26. 226Victim/SuspectMovie · 2023 · 90mJournalist Rae de Leon journeys across the country to expose a disturbing trend: Young women reporting sexual assault to police are often met not with support, but with accusations of false reporting. This leads to arrests and imprisonment, leaving them victims of a system designed to protect them.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0
  27. 227Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph CaseMovie · 2023 · 95m · Documentary, CrimeThis true-crime documentary examines six disturbing deaths within a single family, all linked to the enigmatic Jolly Joseph. The film explores the extraordinary story surrounding this unbelievable case.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8
  28. 228The DogMovie · 2013 · 100m · DocumentaryIn 1972, John Wojtowicz attempted to rob a Brooklyn bank to fund his lover's sex-change surgery. This event inspired the film *Dog Day Afternoon*. Here, Wojtowicz recounts his story for the first time, offering a uniquely offensive, humorous, and poignant perspective. The film provides a historical look at New York's gay liberation movement, where Wojtowicz was a key figure. Later footage shows him as a continuing force of rebellion, supported by his mother Terry, whose wit and charm are central to the film. Wojtowicz and those who witnessed the robbery detail the events and motivations behind it.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7
  29. 229Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen TapesMovie · 2021 · 84m · DocumentaryConfined to a prison cell, serial killer Dennis Nilsen recounts his life and gruesome crimes in a series of unsettling audio recordings he made while incarcerated.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.9
  30. 230The Iceman and the PsychiatristMovie · 2004 · 48mThis gripping documentary returns to Trenton State Maximum Security Prison and explores the mind of Richard Kuklinski, one of America's most prolific killers, for the third time. The Mafia hit man openly discusses his involvement in over 100 murders, sharing his experiences with psychiatrist Dr. Park Dietz as he confronts his own psychological state. Featuring previously unseen confessions, alongside photos, crime reenactments, and home movies, this special offers the most candid look yet at Kuklinski's evolving and disturbing story.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5
  31. 231ScrewballMovie · 2019 · 105mThis film examines the major league baseball doping scandal that centered on a controversial doctor and his high-profile patient, New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.2
  32. 232Girl in the PictureMovie · 2022 · 101m · Crime, DocumentaryThe sudden death of a young mother and the disappearance of her son reignite a long-hidden mystery surrounding the woman's past and the dangerous federal fugitive connected to her.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1
  33. 233Tricked: The DocumentaryMovie · 2013 · 73m · DocumentaryThis character-driven film explores the changing world of sex trafficking through the eyes of those involved: the victims, the traffickers, the buyers, and the police trying to combat it.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.1
  34. 234AlisonMovie · 2016 · 80mAfter a brutal attack that left her for dead, a woman unexpectedly finds herself reborn. This is the story of Alison, a journey through darkness and resilience, where monsters and miracles collide, ultimately revealing the power of hope.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9
  35. 235Dead AsleepMovie · 2021 · 82m · DocumentaryWas Randy Herman Jr. truly responsible for a brutal murder that occurred while he was asleep, or is it a carefully constructed deception? This film offers an exclusive look at the shocking details of the controversial case. Through interviews with Herman and his family, the defense and prosecution teams, journalists, forensic psychiatrists, and sleep disorder experts, the film explores the many twists and turns surrounding the crime.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.1
  36. 236Sex, Lies and the College CultMovie · 2022 · 90mThis is the unsettling true story of Larry Ray and the devastating impact he had on students at Sarah Lawrence College. He manipulated them into an abusive sex cult, profoundly altering their lives and causing turmoil for their families.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.4
  37. 237Oklahoma CityMovie · 2017 · 101m · DocumentaryThe 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in U.S. history. This film examines the events that led to the bombing, focusing on a series of violent confrontations between American citizens and federal law enforcement, such as the standoffs at Ruby Ridge and Waco.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9
  38. 238The Death and Life of Marsha P. JohnsonMovie · 2017 · 105m · Documentary"The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson" is a documentary exploring the life of Marsha P. Johnson, a key activist in New York City's gay community since the Stonewall era. As a co-founder of S.T.A.R., she dedicated herself to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights until her death in 1992. The NYPD initially ruled it a suicide, a verdict disputed by those who knew her. The film follows activist Victoria Cruz as she investigates the circumstances of Johnson's death while honoring her lasting impact on the fight for equality. It’s a compelling blend of mystery and social history, offering a thoughtful look at an iconic figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1
  39. 239I Am EvidenceMovie · 2017 · 89mThe U.S. criminal justice system struggles with a large number of untested rape kits stored in police facilities nationwide. Currently, only eight states have laws mandating that these kits be tested.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.4
  40. 240Sour GrapesMovie · 2016 · 86m · DocumentaryA quiet young man sparks outrage by introducing millions of dollars worth of counterfeit wines into the American market, deceiving the sophisticated wine community. This is a funny and thrilling story about a clever scam unfolding just before the 2008 financial crisis.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3
  41. 241Sea of ShadowsMovie · 2019 · 106m · DocumentaryThe vaquita, the world’s smallest whale, is on the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction caused by Mexican cartels and the Chinese Mafia. These groups illegally harvest totoaba fish, known as the "cocaine of the sea," in a lucrative, multi-million dollar trade. Environmental activists, the Mexican navy, and undercover investigators are working to stop this illegal activity.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.7
  42. 242They Called Him Mostly HarmlessMovie · 2024 · 89m · Documentary, Crime, MysteryIn the Florida wilderness, the body of an unknown hiker is found, launching a search for answers. Authorities release a sketch seeking identification, but several hikers claim to have seen him, suggesting he deliberately hid his identity. His name remains unknown, puzzling investigators and captivating the public. The case unites online detectives and forensic scientists in a two-year effort to analyze scattered clues and uncover the truth about this elusive man's past. Their work leads to a scientific discovery that finally reveals his identity. However, this revelation triggers a series of dangerous events for the man. This true story explores the layers of anonymity surrounding one man’s journey, revealing how his pursuit of freedom led him into deceit and danger, ultimately toward redemption. It highlights how hidden secrets can resurface, no matter how carefully concealed.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.2
  43. 243The Great American HeistMovie · 2022This film recounts one of the most significant cash and jewel robberies in U.S. history: the 1978 Lufthansa heist. Led by mobster Jimmy Burke, the operation resulted in the theft of nearly $6 million from the Lufthansa Cargo Terminal at JFK Airport in New York.IMDb 7.1
  44. 244The Perfect NeighborMovie · 2025 · 97m · Crime, DocumentaryThis documentary uses police bodycam footage to examine how a prolonged conflict between neighbors escalated to a deadly outcome. The film explores themes of fear and prejudice, alongside the implications of Stand Your Ground laws.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8
  45. 245Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & ConspiracyMovie · 2021 · 89m · DocumentaryDuring a time of economic hardship in the 1980s, an inexpensive and potent drug appears, sparking widespread moral outrage and racial prejudice. This film examines the complicated story of crack cocaine's rise to prominence.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8
  46. 246The Great HackMovie · 2019 · 114m · DocumentaryData, now considered the world's most valuable resource, is being used to fuel cultural and political conflict. The hidden world of data manipulation is revealed through the unexpected, individual stories of people involved on both sides of the controversial Cambridge Analytica/Facebook data scandal.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9
  47. 247Roll Red RollMovie · 2019 · 80m · DocumentaryIn 2012, during a pre-season party in Steubenville, Ohio, a high school student was raped by members of the popular football team. The event revealed a wider culture of silence and acceptance. *Roll Red Roll* examines how peer pressure, denial, sports culture, and social media contributed to the tragedy and the roles each played.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9
  48. 248The Thin Blue LineMovie · 1988 · 103m · Crime, DocumentaryDocumentarian Errol Morris uses detailed re-enactments to explore the difficult events following the murder of a Dallas police officer. He reconstructs the crime scene and investigation to examine the complicated mix of truth, deception, and emotions involved in such a tragedy. Combining cinematic storytelling with investigative journalism, Morris creates a compelling narrative that reveals the human side of the story behind the news. The film examines themes of justice, trust, and loyalty, while also highlighting the difficulties faced by law enforcement today.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6
  49. 249The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard TapesMovie · 2022 · 101m · DocumentaryThe film investigates the questions surrounding the death of Marilyn Monroe, featuring never-before-released interviews with people close to her.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.3
  50. 2504 Little GirlsMovie · 1997 · 102m · Documentary, TV MovieSpike Lee's film examines the 1963 bombing of a black church in Birmingham, Alabama, during Sunday school, which killed four young girls. Using detailed research and recreations, Lee reveals the complex political tensions, hateful actions, and societal inequalities that led to this tragedy. The film includes an interview with former Alabama Governor George Wallace, who reflects on his involvement during that difficult time and the larger story of civil rights in America. This compelling film tells the painful story of a devastating act of violence and reminds us of the continuing fight for equality and justice in American history.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.2
  51. 251Whitey: United States of America v. James J. BulgerMovie · 2014 · 107m · Crime, DocumentaryThis documentary chronicles the highly publicized trial of James 'Whitey' Bulger, a notorious gangster. The legal proceedings serve as a lens to examine claims of corruption within powerful law enforcement agencies. Academy Award-nominated director Joe Berlinger investigates Bulger's complex ties with the FBI and Department of Justice, revealing how these relationships enabled him to control a criminal organization in Boston for many years.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4
  52. 252UntouchableMovie · 2019 · 98m · DocumentaryThis film explores the story of Harvey Weinstein, detailing how he built and maintained his influence for many years, even as accusations of misconduct surfaced. Through the accounts of former colleagues and those who accuse him, the film reveals the nature and impact of the alleged abuse, with the hope of achieving justice and prompting broader change.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4
  53. 253The Iceman Confesses: Secrets of a Mafia HitmanMovie · 2001 · 43mRichard Kuklinski presented himself as a devoted husband and loving father, but he was also a ruthless killer. Ten years after a previous look inside his life, the convicted murderer, who openly admits to killing over 100 people, allows viewers a further glimpse into his chillingly calculating mind. This sequel to the 1992 film *The Iceman Tapes: Conversations with a Killer* offers new details about his work as one of the Mafia's most infamous assassins and reveals confessions related to several unsolved murders.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
  54. 254The WitnessMovie · 2015 · 86m · DocumentaryA man investigates the true story behind Kitty Genovese's alleged murder. The event, where she was reportedly attacked in broad daylight with numerous witnesses present, cemented her image as a symbol of indifference in city life. He seeks to uncover details about her life, often overlooked, and the circumstances surrounding her death.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6
  55. 255My Friend RockefellerMovie · 2015 · 87mChristian Karl Gerhartsreiter built a life on lies and criminal acts, culminating in his most ambitious deception: posing as a Rockefeller. How did he manage to fool so many people, from all walks of life? The story begins in a small Bavarian town, moves to the most exclusive clubs on the American East Coast, and concludes in a Los Angeles courtroom.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.4
  56. 256The Tinder SwindlerMovie · 2022 · 114m · Documentary, CrimeA con artist posing as a wealthy diamond mogul used online dating to trick women into sending him millions of dollars. Now, his victims are plotting to get their money back.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0

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