219 Essential True Crime Documentaries
219 titles
- 1
Out of Mind, Out of SightMovie · 2014 · 88mAward-winning filmmaker John Kastner spent 18 months with patients and staff at the Brockville mental health facility, gaining rare insight into their lives. This resulted in two documentaries. "NCR: Not Criminally Responsible," which premiered in 2013, tells the story of a patient released back into the community after a violent incident. "Out of Mind, Out of Sight" revisits the Brockville center to focus on four patients – two men and two women – as they fight for stability and the chance to rejoin society, despite facing fear and misunderstanding.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.7 - 2
Presumed GuiltyMovie · 2008 · 87mTwo young Mexican lawyers make a documentary to prove a man's innocence. As they work on the film, they reveal flaws within a legal system that often assumes guilt before proof.IMDb 8.1TMDB 6.4 - 3
His Name Was Arthur Leigh AllenMovie · 2008 · 42m"Prime Suspect: His Name Was Arthur Leigh Allen" examines the life of Arthur Leigh Allen, the prime suspect in the Zodiac Killer case, through interviews with people who knew him, interacted with him, or only encountered him briefly. This 41½-minute documentary leaves the question of the Zodiac's identity unresolved, highlighting the enduring frustration surrounding the case.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.0 - 4
Kemper on Kemper: Inside the Mind of a Serial KillerMovie · 2018 · 120mEd Kemper, known as the Co-Ed Killer, killed and dismembered ten people, including his mother. Former FBI agent John Douglas recounts his detailed interviews with Kemper, which significantly shaped modern criminal psychology.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.5 - 5
The FamilyMovie · 2016 · 98mAnne Hamilton-Byrne was a captivating woman with a dangerous delusion: she believed herself to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Leading an apocalyptic group called The Family, she gained prominence in Melbourne from the 1960s to the 1990s. Along with her husband Bill, she gathered many children – some through fraudulent adoptions, others born to cult members – and raised them as her own. Shielded from the world, the children wore identical clothes, had matching blonde hair, and were reportedly subjected to physical abuse, starvation, and LSD injections. Told Hamilton-Byrne was both their mother and savior, they were rescued by police in 1987, but the lasting effects of their ordeal were profound.IMDb 6.3TMDB 7.7 - 6
The Piketon Family MurdersMovie · 2019 · 120mThis film examines the circumstances surrounding the devastating 2016 massacre in Piketon, Ohio, a tragedy that deeply affected the close-knit community.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.7 - 7
Impact After the CrashMovie · 2013 · 82mThis documentary examines the devastating 2019 bus crash in Carrollton, Kentucky, that resulted in 27 deaths, predominantly children, and numerous injuries. The accident was the deadliest drunk-driving incident ever recorded in the United States.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 8
Have You Seen Andy?Movie · 2003 · 80m"Have You Seen Andy?" is a personal story about a childhood friendship shattered by the tragic abduction of Andy Puglisi. Thirty years later, Melanie Perkins, Andy's childhood friend, uses her unique access to revisit the day he disappeared. She reviews the original police investigation and discovers new, surprising details, leading to the reactivation of the long-unsolved case.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.1 - 9
Taxi to the Dark SideMovie · 2008 · 106m · DocumentaryThis film examines the interrogation methods employed by the United States in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, with a central focus on the case of an Afghan taxi driver who was tortured and killed in 2002.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9 - 10
Deliver Us from EvilMovie · 2006 · 101m · Crime, DocumentaryDocumentary filmmaker Amy Berg examines the life of Father Oliver O'Grady, a 30-year-old pedophile. The film reveals the corruption within the Catholic Church that enabled his abuse of numerous children. Through victims' accounts and a revealing interview with O'Grady himself, the documentary explores the troubled mind of the priest who gained the trust of many while secretly betraying them by moving from parish to parish.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.1 - 11
Because We Are GirlsMovie · 2019 · 85mYears in the making, this film centers on three sisters awaiting the verdict in their trial against their cousin, who sexually abused them as children. The story then shifts to their recollections of growing up in a large, close-knit Punjabi-Canadian family in Williams Lake, British Columbia. The sisters speak openly about their family's hidden truths and reveal a harmful family dynamic built on female submission and obedience. They realize these roles were partly shaped by Bollywood films, which influenced their ideas about love. While the film tackles a painful and direct account of abuse, it also highlights the strength of the sisters' bond and how it empowers them to seek justice for their past.IMDb 7.3TMDB 4.0 - 12
The Long Island Railroad Massacre: 20 Years LaterMovie · 2013 · 90mOn December 7, 1993, a commuter train traveling from New York City to Long Island was attacked, resulting in twenty-five casualties. Six people were killed and nineteen were injured; the trauma impacted many others who continue to cope with the event. This film tells their story.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.0 - 13
Crime After CrimeMovie · 2011 · 95mThis is the story of Debbie Peagler, a survivor of severe domestic abuse who has spent over 26 years in prison. Despite enduring immense injustice – first at the hands of a manipulative boyfriend who abused and trafficked her, and later through a legal system that convicted her in connection with her abuser's murder – her spirit remains unbroken. Two decades into her sentence, a pair of young lawyers take on her case, unexpectedly drawing international attention to the complex problems at the heart of domestic violence and the criminal justice system.IMDb 7.7TMDB 5.7 - 14
Time Simply PassesMovie · 2016 · 53mFifty years ago, a mass murder of children from an African-American citrus-picking family shattered the small town of Arcadia, Florida. The father, James Richardson, was convicted and sentenced to death. After over 20 years and a series of remarkable events, he was finally exonerated. Now, James Richardson returns to Florida seeking justice from a state that once condemned him. This is a story reflecting a pattern repeated in many American towns.IMDb 7.4TMDB 10.0 - 15
Inside the Manson Cult: The Lost TapesMovie · 2018 · 85mBased on over 100 new and previously unseen interviews with former members of the Manson cult, this two-hour special explores Spahn's Ranch, the community where they lived. It provides a deeply personal and disturbing look at one of America's most infamous criminal organizations.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 16
Where is Robert Fisher?Movie · 2011 · 84mThis is a chilling account of Robert Fisher, a person of interest to law enforcement. After his family was brutally murdered in 2001, Fisher disappeared and has been missing ever since. His current location remains a mystery.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.5 - 17
3801 Lancaster: American TragedyMovie · 2015 · 57mThis is the disturbing true story of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, a charismatic doctor who ran a squalid abortion clinic in Philadelphia for years. Despite repeated requests from health authorities to investigate reports of women and infants dying there, he continued his operations.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2 - 18
White BoyMovie · 2017 · 82m · DocumentaryKnown as "White Boy Rick," Richard Wershe Jr. became a surprising figure in Detroit in 1987. At 17, he was arrested for a minor drug offense, but by then he was already a well-known local personality, frequently featured in the news. The film explores the conflicting perspectives of gangsters, hit men, journalists, and federal agents as they try to understand why Wershe has remained incarcerated for nearly 50 years. The truth behind his continued imprisonment is more unbelievable than the charges he faced.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 19
Bad HenryMovie · 2018 · 75m"The complete story of Henry Louis Wallace and the panic he caused in Charlotte has never been shown on television before," says Henry Schleiff, Group President of Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Destination America, and American Heroes Channel. "Bad Henry" details the determined efforts of Garry McFadden and his team to capture this killer, bringing justice and closure to the victims and their families.IMDb 7.2 - 20
The Trials of Darryl HuntMovie · 2007 · 106m"The Trials of Darryl Hunt" is a documentary film about a horrific rape and murder case and the wrongful conviction of Darryl Hunt, who spent almost twenty years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. The film follows this capital case from 1984 to 2004, exploring both the broader fight for social justice and Hunt's personal struggle. Using exclusive footage from over two decades, it examines the legal and emotional impact of a shocking crime – and the consequences of Hunt’s conviction – within the context of racial and economic inequality in the South and the American justice system.IMDb 7.5TMDB 8.0 - 21
TowerMovie · 2016 · 82m · Animation, Crime, DocumentaryTower uses archival footage and rotoscopic animation to tell the untold stories of those who witnessed, helped, or survived America's first mass school shooting. It shows how a terrible event sparked courage and compassion in many people.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6 - 22
Killer LegendsMovie · 2014 · 86m · Documentary, History, CrimeThis horror documentary explores the roots of our most frightening urban legends, examining the real-life events that may have sparked these stories.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.8 - 23
The Confessions of Thomas QuickMovie · 2015 · 95mFrom a young age, Thomas Quick was isolated and withdrawn, eventually becoming Sweden's most infamous serial killer, confessing to over 30 murders. For years, Quick was housed in a psychiatric institution, and his confessions began after extensive work with therapists who believed memory recovery could cure criminal behavior. In a country with a typically low crime rate, Sweden watched in disbelief as Quick's confessions implicated him in many unsolved cases. Brian Hill delivers a stylish noir thriller, featuring testimonials from those impacted by the story, including Quick himself, and dramatic reenactments. What begins as a story of extreme evil transforms into a more complex exploration of the people surrounding Quick and their motivations.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.3 - 24
Brother's KeeperMovie · 1992 · 104m · DocumentaryJoe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky's documentary offers an intimate look at the trial of Delbert Ward, a member of a secluded family of four elderly brothers who lived as farmers in rural America. Their isolated world is disrupted when one of the brothers, William, dies under suspicious circumstances, and Delbert is charged with his murder.
The film closely examines this real-life drama, revealing the complexities of the brothers' lives and the judicial process. Through detailed documentation, Berlinger and Sinofsky present an honest portrayal of Delbert Ward's trial, exploring themes of family, prejudice, and the difficulties faced by those living apart from mainstream society. The film is a powerful exploration of human nature, prompting viewers to consider understanding and empathy for those who are different.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 25
An Unreal Dream: The Michael Morton StoryMovie · 2013 · 92mIn 1986, Michael Morton's wife Christine is murdered before their child, and Michael is convicted. After spending twenty-five years in Texas prisons, he grapples with questions of justice and innocence. While largely forgotten by the world, a team of lawyers works for years to access DNA evidence from the crime scene. Their findings reveal that a wrongful conviction has devastating consequences that extend far beyond the individual.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.9 - 26
Our FatherMovie · 2022 · 97m · Documentary, CrimeA woman taking a DNA test at home is surprised to find she has multiple half-siblings. This leads her to uncover a disturbing plot involving donor sperm and a well-known fertility doctor.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 27
Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfeeMovie · 2016 · 100m · Documentary, DramaThis true story follows John McAfee, a former tech billionaire who experienced a series of extraordinary events. His life shifts from successful entrepreneur to secluded yogi in the jungle, echoing themes from Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness'. McAfee's story takes a dramatic turn when he becomes a suspect in a murder. He then unexpectedly considers running for president on the American Libertarian Party ticket. This compelling narrative explores one man’s journey through wealth, isolation, controversy, and ambition.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 28
Long ShotMovie · 2017 · 41m · Documentary, CrimeWrongfully accused of murder, Juan Catalan fights to prove his innocence using compelling, previously unseen video footage he secretly recorded.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 29
Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto KingMovie · 2022 · 90m · Documentary, CrimeThe unexpected death of the young founder of a failing cryptocurrency exchange sparks suspicion among angry investors who believe his demise was not accidental.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 30
The Central Park FiveMovie · 2012 · 119m · DocumentaryIn 1989, five Black and Latino teenagers from Harlem were arrested and convicted of raping a white woman in New York City's Central Park. They served six to thirteen years in prison before a serial rapist confessed to the crime, overturning their convictions. Against a backdrop of a troubled city marked by violence and racial tension, the film recounts the horrific event, the police's hasty judgment, the media's demand for sensational stories, and the public's outrage – and the devastating impact on the five lives wrongly accused.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.0 - 31
Mommy Dead and DearestMovie · 2017 · 82m · Crime, DocumentaryThis mystery explores the dark side of a seemingly perfect life. A mother and daughter's idyllic existence hides a disturbing reality, marked by child abuse, mental illness, and a forbidden love.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4 - 32
American Murder: The Family Next DoorMovie · 2020 · 83m · DocumentaryThis documentary uses real footage to explore the disappearance of Shanann Watts and her children, and the tragic events that unfolded afterward.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 33
Murder by the CoastMovie · 2021 · 88m · Documentary, Crime, HistoryIn 1999, the brutal murder of a teenage girl named Rocío Wanninkhof deeply affects her small Spanish town. Investigators struggle to solve the case, and suspicion focuses on Dolores Vázquez, Rocío's mother's former partner, a mysterious figure known locally. The story is a tense psychological drama that explores the complex relationships between the characters and the hidden secrets within the community. As new information surfaces, a second murder suggests a shocking truth about Rocío’s death, forcing those involved to confront their fears, desires, and connections. This realistic, character-focused film examines themes of suspicion, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about or find answers.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 34
Bikram: Yogi, Guru, PredatorMovie · 2019 · 86m · Documentary, CrimeThis film documents the dramatic ascent and subsequent downfall of Bikram Choudhury, the controversial figure who popularized hot yoga. It uses archival footage and detailed interviews with those close to him to tell his story.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 35
There's Something Wrong with Aunt DianeMovie · 2011 · 97m · DocumentaryDirector Liz Garbus explores the perplexing story of Diane Schuler, seeking to uncover the circumstances behind a devastating event.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 36
Murder on a Sunday MorningMovie · 2001 · 111m · Crime, DocumentaryThis 2001 French documentary chronicles the murder trial of a 15-year-old Black teen in Jacksonville, Florida. The film won the 2002 Academy Award for Best Documentary.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.4 - 37
If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation FrontMovie · 2011 · 85m · Documentary, Crime, HistoryFilmmaker Marshall Curry examines the Earth Liberation Front, a radical group dedicated to disrupting facilities linked to deforestation. The film also profiles Daniel McGowan, an Oregon ELF member who faced terrorism charges due to his activism with the organization.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5 - 38
Murder Rap: Inside the Biggie and Tupac MurdersMovie · 2015 · 113mThe murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, two of America's most infamous unsolved crimes, have fueled endless investigation, speculation, and conspiracy theories. "Murder Rap: Inside the Biggie and Tupac Murders" reveals the definitive story behind these sensational cases. Drawing on hundreds of police files, previously unseen taped confessions, and interviews with the lead detective and witnesses, the film details the task force that ultimately uncovered the shocking truth about the deaths of these two rap legends.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 39
Killing Jimmy HoffaMovie · 2014 · 80mJimmy Hoffa was a highly influential figure in American labor. His disappearance in 1974, and subsequent failure to be found, remains a significant unsolved mystery of the 20th century.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.0 - 40
DisgracedMovie · 2017 · 102mThis film recounts the summer of 2003 at Baylor University, revealing the attempted cover-up and corruption at the heart of a highly unusual college sports scandal.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 41
Kim Dotcom: Caught in the WebMovie · 2017 · 108m · DocumentaryThis is the incredible true story of Kim Dotcom, the person the US government once labeled the "most wanted man online." His story is remarkable, but the legal fight he waged against the US government and the entertainment industry—all while based in New Zealand—reveals fundamental questions about who owns digital content, how much privacy we have, and the nature of online piracy.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 42
The Lost Boys of Bucks CountyMovie · 2020 · 120mIn 2017, the town of Bucks County, Pennsylvania is shocked when four young men disappear from their homes. A large-scale search reveals a disturbing truth, suggesting a ruthless predator is responsible for their vanishing, leaving a trail of devastation in the quiet community.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.2 - 43
Who Killed the Lyon Sisters?Movie · 2020In 1975, sisters Katherine and Sheila Lyon disappeared from a shopping mall in Wheaton, Maryland, sparking a 40-year search for the girls. The case became one of the most extensive police investigations in the Washington, DC area's history.IMDb 7.3 - 44
Incest: A Family TragedyMovie · 2007This documentary explores the disturbing reality of child sexual abuse within close relationships – by family members or people trusted by the child.IMDb 7.4 - 45
Capturing the FriedmansMovie · 2003 · 107m · Documentary, CrimeThis Oscar-nominated documentary examines the devastating story of a middle-class American family fractured by accusations of child sexual abuse against the father, Arnold, and son, Jesse. Director Jarecki interviews individuals connected to the case, exploring the question of whether their trials were just, given their claims of innocence and the lack of concrete evidence.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 46
Charles Manson Then & NowMovie · 1992 · 106mThis film explores America's enduring fascination with a notorious sociopath. He was imprisoned in 1970 following a murder spree committed by members of his cult.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.0 - 47
The Secret Tapes of the O.J. Case: The Untold StoryMovie · 2015 · 81m"The Secret Tapes of the O.J. Case: The Untold Story" offers new perspectives on the events leading up to the criminal trial verdict and reveals unsettling aspects of O.J. Simpson's personality through his own words. The documentary explores disturbing details about his thoughts, emotions, and actions before, during, and after the trial, including a previously unheard audio recording he secretly made before the Bronco Chase. It also features rare interviews with key figures from both sides of the case, including candid conversations with Robert Kardashian and Kris Kardashian Jenner.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.9 - 48
Doctors of DeathMovie · 2010For over 80 years, medical professionals and scientists globally have conducted experiments on people in pursuit of perfecting weapons of mass destruction, frequently with deadly consequences. This is the disturbing, and at times bizarre, little-known account of those activities.IMDb 7.4 - 49
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His FatherMovie · 2008 · 94m · Documentary, CrimeIn 2001, medical resident Andrew Bagby is murdered shortly after ending his relationship with his girlfriend. Later, when she reveals she is pregnant, Andrew’s close friend Kurt Kuenne creates this film as a gift for the child.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.1 - 50
Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial KillerMovie · 2003 · 89m · Documentary, CrimeDocumentarian Nick Broomfield returns to the story of Aileen Wuornos, the Florida woman convicted of murdering six men between 1989 and 1990. Broomfield interviews Wuornos as she becomes increasingly unstable, exploring the troubled mind of a woman the Florida authorities consider mentally competent for execution. The film incorporates footage from Broomfield's own testimony during Wuornos' trial.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 51
The Lost Women of NXIVMMovie · 2019 · 86mThe self-help group NXIVM descends into a hidden world of sex trafficking, money laundering, and exploitation under the control of its leader, Keith Raniere. Frank Parlato investigates the deaths and disappearances of four women linked to the organization.IMDb 5.4TMDB 6.3 - 52
H.H. Holmes: America's First Serial KillerMovie · 2004 · 64m · Crime, Documentary, HistoryH.H. Holmes constructed a terrifying castle filled with devices of death: torture chambers, acid vats, greased chutes, and gassing rooms. The film chronicles Holmes' life as a criminal mastermind, detailing his creation of this horrific place.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 53
Bus 174Movie · 2002 · 118m · Documentary, CrimeThis documentary recounts the events of June 12th, 2000, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when a young man hijacked bus 174, threatening to harm the passengers. The incident, broadcast live across Brazilian television, became a deeply disturbing portrayal of violence and a stark example of police failure and misconduct.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 54
The Untold Story of Emmett Louis TillMovie · 2005 · 68mThis documentary features previously unseen accounts surrounding the 1955 murder of Emmett Louis Till, who was brutally killed after whistling at a white woman.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.4 - 55
Waco: The Rules of EngagementMovie · 1997 · 136m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines the Waco siege, one of the most tragic confrontations between law enforcement and a religious group in recent history. Using archival footage and recorded conversations, the film explores the events leading to April 19, 1993. It analyzes how the FBI's rigid tactics escalated a difficult situation into a devastating outcome for everyone involved. The documentary examines the Branch Davidian sect and raises questions about law enforcement approaches to dealing with isolated communities. By carefully reconstructing those events, the film provides an in-depth look at the tensions that ultimately resulted in the Waco tragedy.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 56
Enlighten Us: The Rise and Fall of James Arthur RayMovie · 2016 · 93mThe self-help industry is a $11 billion a year business, attracting people searching for happiness, relief from pain, and someone to guide them. James Arthur Ray became that guide for many of his followers. However, the story, told by Ray and those who followed him, reveals that this path was full of danger and potentially even more suffering.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.3 - 57
Terror at the MallMovie · 2014 · 60mThis documentary recounts a devastating terrorist attack in Kenya that resulted in the deaths of 71 people. It presents an unvarnished account of the event.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 58
Conman: The Life and Crimes of Mark AcklomMovie · 2019 · 50mThis documentary recounts the story of a deceptive man who impersonated an MI6 agent to trick his former girlfriend into giving him nearly £300,000. - 59
77 MinutesMovie · 2016 · 98m · DocumentaryCharlie Minn's documentary recounts the 1984 McDonald's massacre in San Diego, where a man opened fire with guns, killing 40 people – men, women, and children – inside a McDonald's restaurant. Law enforcement spent 77 minutes bringing the siege to an end. The film centers on the victims of the attack and the lasting impact of the tragedy.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.6 - 60
Unmasking Jihadi John: Anatomy of a TerroristMovie · 2019 · 90mThis film reveals the inside story of the international effort to identify "Jihadi John," the prominent figure in ISIS propaganda. It examines the extremist ideology of ISIS and the organization's effective use of social media, particularly platforms like Twitter and YouTube, to recruit followers – often referred to as "Jihadi millennials." The film details the strategies employed by US and British military and intelligence agencies in their pursuit of him.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 61
The Family I HadMovie · 2017 · 77m"The Family I Had" tells the story of a mother who recounts how her gifted teenage son destroyed their perfect family with a single, shockingly violent act. The film follows the family as they struggle to rebuild their lives after the tragedy, examining the complexities of love and forgiveness in the face of unimaginable loss.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.0 - 62
A Gray StateMovie · 2017 · 93m · Documentary, TV MovieIn 2010, David Crowley, an Iraq veteran, filmmaker, and rising figure in fringe politics, started making his film *Gray State*. The movie is set in a near-future dystopia where the government abuses civil liberties. Its online trailer gained a strong following among libertarians, Tea Party activists, and members of the alt-right. In January 2015, Crowley and his family were found dead in their Minnesota home. Their deaths sparked conspiracy theories suggesting a shadowy government assassinated Crowley because the film was revealing too much about their plans.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.4 - 63
The Frank Matthews StoryMovie · 2012 · 83mHe was the most successful drug dealer in America, surpassing even Frank Lucas and the Mafia. In 1973, he skipped bail with $15 million and vanished without a trace. He has not been seen since.IMDb 6.4 - 64
Valentine RoadMovie · 2013 · 89mIn February 2008, eighth-grader Brandon McInerney shot his classmate Larry King in the back of the head in Oxnard, California. Larry died two days later, shocking the country. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear: Was it a hate crime by a young man with neo-Nazi sympathies, triggered by a possible romantic interest from Larry, who was perceived as effeminate? Or is there a deeper explanation?IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.1 - 65
Bloodsworth: An Innocent ManMovie · 2015 · 82mWrongfully convicted and sentenced to death, he is later exonerated by DNA testing – the first death row inmate to achieve this in the United States.IMDb 7.1TMDB 4.0 - 66
Dream/KillerMovie · 2015 · 107m · Documentary, CrimeIn 2005, 20-year-old Ryan Ferguson was wrongly convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison. *Dream Killer* chronicles his father Bill's decade-long fight to prove Ryan's innocence. The film features a cast of memorable characters, including District Attorney Kevin Crane, witness Chuck Erickson, and Chicago attorney Kathleen Zellner. It offers a look at both the failings and potential strengths of the justice system.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8 - 67
ChickenHawkMovie · 1994 · 55mThe film explores the perspectives of members from NAMBLA (North American Man/Boy Love Association) as they explain their organization's stance on supporting "boys and men who have or desire engagements in sexual or emotional relationships."IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.9 - 68
The Turpin 13: Family Secrets ExposedMovie · 2018 · 120m"The Turpin 13: Family Secrets Exposed," hosted and executive produced by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien, examines the story of the Turpin family. David and Louise Turpin, the parents, are accused of confining and neglecting their children within their Perris, California home, allegedly keeping them shackled and starved.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.9 - 69
Jonestown: Paradise LostMovie · 2007 · 101m"Jonestown: Paradise Lost" documents the final days of the Peoples Temple and its leader, Jim Jones. Using firsthand accounts from witnesses and survivors, the film reconstructs the events of the week leading up to the mass murder-suicide on November 18, 1978.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 70
Dannemora Prison BreakMovie · 2018 · 120mThis two-hour special recounts the true story of the 2015 prison break from Clinton Correctional Facility, detailing the escape of inmates David Sweat and Richard Matt.IMDb 6.4TMDB 10.0 - 71
I Don't Like MondaysMovie · 2006 · 49mThis documentary examines the 1979 school shooting committed by Brenda Spencer, a 16-year-old girl who opened fire on a playground, killing two people and wounding eight children. She stated her motive was simply, "I don't like Mondays." The event marked the first school shooting of its kind and inspired the Boomtown Rats' popular song, "I Don't Like Mondays."IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.0 - 72
The Cheshire MurdersMovie · 2013 · 115m · DocumentaryIn the summer of 2007, the Petit family's peaceful life in Cheshire, Connecticut, was shattered when two ex-convicts, Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky, broke into their home. The intruders attacked Dr. William Petit, his wife Jennifer, and their daughters Michaela and Hayley, holding them captive.
Over several hours, the invaders ransacked the house, brutally attacking the family. Jennifer and Hayley were murdered, and Michaela was raped and killed in a fire that engulfed the home.
The horrific events left the community reeling, forcing them to confront the fragility of safety and the depths of human cruelty. The story is a chilling reminder of the devastating impact of violence on a community and the enduring pain of unimaginable loss.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 73
Beltracchi: The Art of ForgeryMovie · 2014 · 93m · Crime, Documentary, HistoryThis documentary examines the remarkable life of Wolfgang Beltracchi, a forger who worked in the art world for over forty years. Driven by a self-centered and cynical philosophy, Beltracchi expertly deceived galleries, historians, and buyers with his convincing forgeries. The film details the concluding part of his unusual story, offering an unprecedented look at his reasons, methods, and the consequences of his bold deceptions on the art market, all while he remains unincarcerated.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 74
The Woman Who Wasn't ThereMovie · 2012 · 65m · DocumentaryTania Head was widely considered the quintessential 9/11 survivor, with a profoundly tragic story. However, the details of her experience were entirely fabricated.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7 - 75
The ImposterMovie · 2012 · 99m · Documentary, Mystery, CrimeIn 1994, a 13-year-old boy vanished from his home in San Antonio, Texas. Three and a half years later, he's discovered alive in a Spanish village, recounting a harrowing tale of kidnapping and torture. His family rejoices at his return. However, everything isn't as it appears.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 76
The Invisible WarMovie · 2012 · 93m · Documentary, War, CrimeThis documentary is a powerful investigation into the widespread issue of sexual assault within the U.S. military. It examines the systems that enable and conceal these crimes, and explores the devastating impact on individuals and society as a whole.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 77
16 ShotsMovie · 2018 · 92mThis documentary examines the 2014 shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke, and the subsequent attempts to conceal the details of the incident.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.6 - 78
TalhotblondMovie · 2009 · 83m · Documentary, ThrillerThis is the true story of a love triangle that unfolds entirely online. Deception in the digital world escalates to murder, as a teenage woman known as 'talhotblond' uses online personas to attract men. The film reveals a disturbing true crime case highlighting the internet's capacity to amplify dangerous desires.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6 - 79
Armed to the TeethMovie · 2018 · 108mGrief-stricken parents fight to clear their sons' names after the young men were killed in a drug war. The sons are wrongly accused of being armed assassins hired to kill.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6 - 80
Who Took JohnnyMovie · 2014 · 80m · DocumentaryThis film follows Noreen Gosch, a mother searching for answers thirty years after her son Johnny vanished. The story explores her journey through puzzling encounters and unsettling discoveries as she closes in on someone believed to be involved in his abduction. Noreen’s relentless pursuit of the truth exposes the dark side of her son's disappearance and reveals a powerful story of love, strength, and a mother's unwavering resolve to find answers.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 81
BTK: A Killer Among UsMovie · 2019 · 85mFor 31 years, Dennis Rader, known as the BTK killer, maintained a hidden life. This documentary features extensive interviews with law enforcement officials, family members of his victims, journalists, and his daughter, Kerri Rawson.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 82
SantoallaMovie · 2016 · 83mMartin and Margo Verfondern, a Dutch couple, relocate to the isolated Spanish village of Santoalla seeking a fresh start. Their arrival sparks friction with the local community, culminating in Martin's mysterious disappearance.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.1 - 83
I Shot My ParentsMovie · 2017 · 58mThis is the story of Nathan Brooks, an American teenager who, at 14 years old, shot his parents while they were asleep. Miraculously, both parents survived and are now grappling with the aftermath of their son's actions.IMDb 6.2TMDB 7.0 - 84
Seduced by EvilMovie · 2019 · 66m"Seduced by Evil" explores the world of Derek Alldred, a highly intelligent and dangerous criminal. He targets vulnerable women, forming relationships with them only to deceive them with lies and drain their finances to fund his elaborate false life.IMDb 8.0 - 85
I Am Jane DoeMovie · 2017 · 91m · Crime, DocumentaryThis film follows the powerful fight of several American mothers as they battle to rescue their middle-school daughters, who have been targeted by sex traffickers through Backpage.com, the former adult classifieds section of the Village Voice.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.7 - 86
The Seven FiveMovie · 2015 · 102m · DocumentaryMichael Dowd was the most corrupt police officer in New York City's history. During the 1980s, while on duty in Brooklyn, he engaged in theft and drug dealing.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 87
Team FoxcatcherMovie · 2016 · 91m · DocumentaryUsing previously unseen home video footage, this film details the increasingly paranoid decline of John E. du Pont and the murder of Olympic wrestler Dave Schultz.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 88
Serious Serial KillersMovie · 2012 · 388mThis documentary explores the lives and crimes of several notorious serial killers, including BTK, Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, and the Son of Sam.IMDb 7.3 - 89
Tell Me Who I AmMovie · 2019 · 85m · Documentary, Drama, MysteryThis documentary follows Alex as he struggles to piece together his life after losing his memory. He relies on his twin brother, Marcus, to reveal his history. However, Marcus is concealing a troubling family secret.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 90
West of MemphisMovie · 2012 · 150m · DocumentaryThis documentary reveals the untold story of a desperate struggle for truth. Made by those who experienced it firsthand, the film offers unprecedented access to the defense's inner workings, showing the investigation, research, and appeals process in detail. It unveils shocking and disturbing new information about a case that continues to impact the American South.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.4 - 91
Amanda KnoxMovie · 2016 · 92m · Documentary, CrimeThis compelling documentary details the highly publicized trial, conviction, and later acquittal of Amanda Knox, a Seattle native, for the 2007 murder of a British student who was studying abroad in Italy.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 92
Abducted in Plain SightMovie · 2017 · 91m · Documentary, CrimeA family becomes ensnared by the seemingly friendly neighbor, who ultimately kidnaps their teenage daughter. This terrifying ordeal happens not once, but twice.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5 - 93
The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to EdenMovie · 2014 · 126m · Documentary, Mystery, HistoryThis documentary blends a 1930s murder mystery with stories of modern-day explorers in the Galapagos Islands, creating a parable about the pursuit of paradise. Directors Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine explore idealistic dreams that have gone wrong within the islands' striking environment. The film features voice-over performances by Cate Blanchett, Diane Kruger, and Gustaf Skarsgard.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 94
Bowling for ColumbineMovie · 2002 · 120m · Documentary, DramaThis film isn't about gun control. It explores the underlying anxieties of the United States and the 280 million Americans who can legally own a Uzi. Examining Columbine High School security footage, the home of NRA President Charlton Heston, a young man creating napalm from a guide book, and the tragic murder of a six-year-old by another six-year-old, "Bowling for Columbine" journeys across America, examining its history to understand why the pursuit of happiness is so intertwined with violence.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 95
The Jeffrey Dahmer FilesMovie · 2013 · 76mThis documentary blends archival footage, interviews, and dramatized scenes to explore the lives of those connected to Jeffrey Dahmer in the summer of his 1991 arrest.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.5 - 96
Waco: Madman or MessiahMovie · 2018 · 176mPeople from all over the world journey to Mount Carmel to listen to the sermons of David Koresh, a working-class Texan who became a religious figure and leader of the Branch Davidians.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 97
Audrie & DaisyMovie · 2016 · 95m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines three rape cases, focusing on the experiences of two American high school students, Audrie Pott and Daisy Coleman, who were 15 and 14 years old, respectively, when the assaults occurred. Following the attacks, both victims and their families faced significant abuse and cyberbullying.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 98
Bodysnatchers of New YorkMovie · 2010 · 62mThis gripping documentary explores a chilling mystery: a shocking crime in 21st-century New York involving over a thousand mutilated bodies. The film reveals how seemingly unrelated people become connected by this infamous event, and sheds light on the hidden legal tissue transplant industry that fueled it. Through exclusive access to the notorious perpetrator, once labeled "Public Enemy No.1" by the NYPD, the documentary details the transformation of a former surgeon from life-saver to one who brutally dismembers the dead.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.5 - 99
Kids for CashMovie · 2014 · 102m · Crime, Documentary, DramaRobert May's film examines the story of a former judge who accepted bribes to sentence young people to prison, often for very minor offenses.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 100
Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown StoryMovie · 2020 · 96m · DocumentaryThe conviction of 16-year-old Cyntoia Brown sparks debate about her history, her physical and psychological state, and the fairness of the justice system.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.9
