259 True Crime Documentaries to Watch
258 titles
- 1Incendiary: The Willingham CaseMovie · 2011 · 99mIn 1991, a house fire in Corsicana, Texas, killed Cameron Todd Willingham's three daughters. He was convicted of arson and their murders and executed in 2004, despite significant expert doubts about the evidence presented by the prosecution. Now, Willingham's case has become a major issue in forensic science and the death penalty debate. However, Texas Governor Rick Perry continues to view Willingham as a criminal, disregarding the scientific evidence that suggested his innocence. INCENDIARY is a film that blends a murder mystery with forensic investigation and political drama, exploring the lasting impact of a prosecution based on flawed assumptions.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.3
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Conspiracy of SilenceMovie · 1993 · 60m"Conspiracy of Silence" is a disturbing documentary exposing a nationwide child abuse and pedophilia ring that reaches into the highest levels of government. The film follows John DeCamp, a decorated Vietnam veteran and Nebraska state senator, as he investigates how individuals within various levels of government have systematically engaged in child abuse and pedophilia to satisfy powerful politicians' desires.IMDb 7.5TMDB 9.0 - 3
Death PenaltyMovie · 2012 · 100mThis documentary recounts the most shocking series of crimes in Chilean history. A group of killers committed unprecedented acts of murder and rape. The film explores the origins of these crimes, examining how a dark mindset took root, developed, and manifested itself during the military government of the 1980s.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.0 - 4
Diary of a Serial KillerMovie · 2008 · 85mHaunted by the serial killer who murdered her mother, journalist Laura Nelson focuses on the one thing he consistently leaves behind: diary pages from his crime scenes. The blood-stained entries reference notorious killers like Richard Ramirez, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Ed Gein, forcing Laura to confront the disturbing psychology of these monsters and uncover a darkness she never imagined.IMDb 2.9TMDB 2.9 - 5
TreadMovie · 2020 · 88m · Documentary, CrimeA skilled welder living in a quiet mountain town reaches a breaking point. He secretly reinforces a bulldozer with 30 tons of concrete and steel, planning to use it to exact revenge on those he feels have harmed him.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.6 - 6
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 - 7
The Reckoning: Hollywood's Worst Kept SecretMovie · 2018 · 90mThe Reckoning begins with Harvey Weinstein heading to rehab just as the #MeToo movement erupts, fundamentally changing culture and sparking a feminist revolution. The film explores both the personal consequences of Weinstein's alleged behavior and the wider pattern of abuse revealed in the scandals involving James Toback, Woody Allen, and Louis C.K.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 8
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 - 9
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 - 10
The Armstrong LieMovie · 2013 · 124m · DocumentaryIn 2009, Alex Gibney began filming a documentary about Lance Armstrong's return to cycling. The film was paused when the doping scandal broke, and resumed after Armstrong admitted to doping. *The Armstrong Lie*, starting in 2013, offers a compelling, behind-the-scenes look at the collapse of one of sports' most remarkable narratives. As Lance Armstrong admits, "I didn’t live a lot of lies, but I lived one big one."IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 11
The Moors Murder CodeMovie · 2004 · 105mBetween 1963 and 1965, Ian Brady and Myra Hindley committed a series of murders in the Manchester area of England, targeting five children aged ten to seventeen. This documentary examines a set of photographs held by the convicted murderers. Police believe these images may hold clues to the locations of the children's graves.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.5 - 12
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 - 13
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 - 14
Lords of ScamMovie · 2021 · 105m · Documentary, CrimeThis documentary follows a group of scammers who exploited the European Union's carbon quota system, defrauding it of millions of euros before their own internal conflicts led to their downfall.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.9 - 15
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 - 16
The SentenceMovie · 2018 · 87mCindy Shank, a mother of three, is spending 15 years in federal prison due to her indirect connection to a drug ring in Michigan from years ago. This personal film, shot by Cindy's brother, details the harsh realities of mandatory minimum drug sentences and their impact on a family over a decade.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 17
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 - 18
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 - 19
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 - 20
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 - 21
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 - 22
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 - 23
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 - 24
The Miranda Murders: Lost Tapes of Leonard Lake and Charles NgMovie · 2017 · 74mThis disturbing found footage film documents the 1983-1984 killing spree of serial killers Leonard Lake and Charlie Ng, a horrific event that deeply shocked California and the country. The film offers a chilling look into their twisted minds.IMDb 3.3TMDB 2.4 - 25Stranger with a CameraMovie · 2000 · 61mIn 1967, Canadian filmmaker Hugh O'Connor and his crew traveled to eastern Kentucky to document diverse American lives. Their day concluded with filming coal miners and their families in their rented homes. As the crew departed, Hobart Ison, the property owner, fired three shots, killing O'Connor. Elizabeth Barrett, a Kentuckian, investigates the circumstances behind this event by examining the people and culture of eastern Kentucky.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0
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The Housewife and the HustlerMovie · 2021 · 68mThis is the true story of Tom Girardi, the prominent lawyer known for representing those with nowhere else to turn. But his reputation is shattered as he faces serious accusations: allegedly stealing funds from his clients, the very people he promised to defend.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.6 - 27
The Teller and the TruthMovie · 2015 · 82mIn 1974, 24-year-old Francis Wetherbee, a bank teller, vanishes from her Texas hometown of Smithville two weeks after her fiancé's bank is robbed. Her car is found in a river, but the discovery offers no answers. A thorough search yields nothing, and the authorities eventually close the case. Nearly 40 years later, those close to Francis share theories and clues, prompting a renewed investigation. The film shifts from documentary to narrative, revealing the story of Francis' life and the truth behind her disappearance.IMDb 6.1TMDB 2.4 - 28
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 - 29
Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of GodMovie · 2012 · 106m · DocumentaryAcademy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney (of *Taxi to the Dark Side*) examines the difficult topic of pedophilia within the Catholic Church. The film traces the history of this issue, beginning with the first public protest against clerical sexual abuse in the United States and ultimately reaching the Vatican.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.3 - 30
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 - 31
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 - 32
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 - 33
Myra: The Making of a MonsterMovie · 2003 · 112mThis documentary explores the mind of Myra Hindley, her relationship with Ian Brady, her past, and her years in prison. At the time of her death on November 15th, Hindley was Britain's longest-serving female prisoner, having spent 36 years incarcerated. She was sentenced to life in prison in 1966 for murdering two children alongside her partner, Ian Brady.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 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
Ian Brady: 50 Years Behind BarsMovie · 2016 · 90mFifty years after the sentencing of Moors murderer Ian Brady, this documentary explores his life behind bars. Prison officers, detectives, relatives of his victims, pen pals, and fellow inmates share insights into Brady's detached attitude toward his crimes during his time in prison. Arrested in 1965, he has never applied for parole and has never expressed a desire for release.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 38
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 - 39
Hunting the KGB KillersMovie · 2017This is the complete account of Alexander Litvinenko's assassination in London and the worldwide search for his killers. Featuring unprecedented access to those directly involved, the story reveals the full details of the investigation that ultimately pointed to the Kremlin.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.4 - 40
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 - 41
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 - 42
AMovie · 1998 · 136m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines Aum Shinrikyo, a Buddhist sect led by Shoko Asahara, between September 1996 and November 1997. It covers the sect's reaction to media attention, the trials following the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, and the cult's dwindling finances due to public disapproval. The film centers on Hiroshi Araki, who becomes Aum's main spokesperson after the leaders are arrested. We see the hostility he encounters from the Japanese public, who struggle to understand how many followers were unaware of the attacks and remain devoted despite the violence. This revealing look at cult life explores the complicated connection between Aum Shinrikyo, its members, and a society that rejects them.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.9 - 43
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 - 44
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 - 45
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 - 46
Deep WebMovie · 2015 · 89m · DocumentaryDeep Web offers an inside look at one of the most significant digital crime stories of the decade: the arrest of Ross William Ulbricht, the 30-year-old entrepreneur convicted of being "Dread Pirate Roberts," the creator and operator of the online black market Silk Road. With exclusive access to the Ulbricht family, the film examines how the pioneers of the Deep Web and Bitcoin now find themselves at the center of a struggle for control over a future deeply connected to technology, where our digital freedoms are at stake.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 47
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 - 48
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 - 49
The Killing of JonBenet: The Truth UncoveredMovie · 2016 · 86mOn December 26, 1996, John and Patsy Ramsey discovered a ransom note for their missing 6-year-old daughter JonBenét, shortly before her body was found in their home's basement, having been brutally beaten. The case has remained unsolved for 20 years, despite intense media attention, family accusations, false confessions, theories about an intruder, and a grand jury hearing. A&E presents previously unseen details, including the first interview with John Ramsey since JonBenét’s death, an interview from 1998 with her older brother, and exclusive DNA evidence that raises new questions about the possibility of a family member being responsible.TMDB 10.0 - 50
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 - 51
One Day in SeptemberMovie · 1999 · 94m · Documentary, HistoryThis documentary recounts the tragic 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre, using archival footage and interviews. It details the abduction of Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists, highlighting the insufficient police response and the denial of Israeli aid. The film also examines Israel's subsequent retaliation operation, 'Wrath of God,' aimed at punishing those responsible. By combining historical context with firsthand perspectives from those involved, the documentary provides a compelling look at this devastating event in Olympic history and its enduring impact.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 52
In Search of the Papin SistersMovie · 2000 · 94mThis film delves into the shocking double murder committed by the Papin sisters in early 1930s France, a case that continues to captivate audiences. Claude Ventura revisits the brutal killing of their employer in Le Mans on February 2, 1933. The crime deeply intrigued prominent intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean Genet, and Jacques Lacan.IMDb 6.3 - 53
Bazaar Bizarre: The Strange Case of Serial Killer Bob BerdellaMovie · 2004 · 88mIn 1988, Chris Bryson was discovered naked, beaten, and bloody on a Kansas City street, wearing only a dog collar and leash. He recounted to police how local businessman Bob Berdella abducted him, held him captive, repeatedly raped and tortured him, and took photographs over several days. Berdella was arrested, and a search of his home revealed hundreds of Polaroid photographs, a detailed torture log, envelopes containing human teeth, and a human skull. Authorities later learned Berdella murdered six young men by drugging them and subjecting them to sexual torture. Some victims endured the horrors for only days, others for six weeks. After death, Berdella dismembered the bodies with an electric chainsaw and bone knife, storing the remains in dog food bags for trash collection. Though he denied it, it is believed Berdella used the victims' organs as food in his shop.IMDb 3.9TMDB 3.5 - 54
The Kill TeamMovie · 2013 · 79m · War, DocumentaryIn 2010, U.S. Army infantry soldiers were widely reported by the media as "The Kill Team" after allegations of killing people for sport in Afghanistan. Now, one of the soldiers accused of involvement must confront the government he served, while also questioning his own part in the alleged murders. Dan Krauss’s compelling documentary explores the stories of four men implicated in serious war crimes, offering a stark look at how the realities of war can blur the lines of right and wrong.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 55
The Pembrokeshire Murders: Catching the Gameshow KillerMovie · 2021 · 47mBased on the true story behind the acclaimed ITV drama, *The Pembrokeshire Murders*. The individuals who spearheaded the investigation and successfully brought serial killer John Cooper to justice share their firsthand accounts.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 56
Sex in a Cold ClimateMovie · 1998 · 52mThis film weaves together interviews with four women who were confined to Magdalene asylums and orphanages. Their reasons for being there varied: unwanted pregnancies, sexual assault, or simply being deemed "too attractive."IMDb 8.1TMDB 6.9 - 57
Interview with a Serial KillerMovie · 2008 · 44mIn a revealing interview conducted inside prison, Arthur Shawcross, known as the Genesee River Killer, openly discusses his crimes and the unexpected connections he has with his family.IMDb 5.9TMDB 4.8 - 58
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 - 59
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 - 60Obituary of a BeastMovie · 1985 · 60mFrom 1962 to 1966, Jurgen Bartsch brutally murdered four children in a German air raid bunker. This documentary explores the personality of Bartsch, who died in 1976 during a voluntary castration surgery at age 30. He was widely condemned by the press for his crimes and became a subject of study for prominent criminal psychologists like Alice Miller, who theorized that those who abuse were themselves abused as children, and that murderers often have their childhood abuse denied. Bartsch was raised in an institution and later adopted by emotionally distant parents. He murdered his first victim at 15. This documentary offers detailed information to help viewers understand the nature of criminal insanity and how societal factors can contribute to it.IMDb 7.6
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Alabama SnakeMovie · 2020 · 85m · Documentary, CrimeThis is the story of Glenn Summerford, a Pentecostal minister in the quiet town of Scottsboro, Alabama, who was accused of trying to kill his wife with a rattlesnake. The investigation and trial that followed deeply affected the people of Southern Appalachia for many years.IMDb 5.5TMDB 6.2 - 62
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 - 63
A2Movie · 2001 · 131mA2 follows director Tatsuya Mori's film A (1998), offering a stark look inside the compound of Japan's Aum Shinrikyo cult following the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attacks. Many followers were unaware of the planned attacks or their religion’s violent intentions. After the attacks, they were left to rebuild their faith amidst widespread condemnation from Japan. The film centers on Hiroshi Araki, a young man who becomes Aum's chief spokesman after the leaders are arrested. Araki confronts intense hostility from the Japanese public, struggling to explain the followers' lack of knowledge about the attacks and their continued devotion to the religion, despite the violence.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 64
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 - 65
On the RecordMovie · 2020 · 95mThis is the story of Drew Dixon, a music executive who makes a difficult choice: to be among the first women of color to publicly accuse hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of sexual misconduct following the #MeToo movement. The film offers a powerful and thoughtful look at race, gender, how they connect, and the lasting impact of sexual abuse on those who survive it and on society as a whole.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.4 - 66
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 - 67
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 - 68
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 - 69The Skyjacker That Got AwayMovie · 2009 · 44mThe night before Thanksgiving in 1971, a man in a suit parachutes from a commercial airplane, carrying two hundred thousand dollars. This event marks the first time the FBI has enlisted the help of a team of citizen detectives, who use new forensic techniques to try and solve the mystery of D.B. Cooper.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0
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CatfishMovie · 2010 · 87m · DocumentaryNev, a 24-year-old photographer in New York, is surprised when an eight-year-old girl from rural Michigan, Abby, contacts him on Facebook to ask for permission to paint one of his photos. After receiving her impressive artwork, Nev develops a friendship and exchanges letters with Abby's family. His connection deepens when he begins an online romance with Megan, Abby’s attractive older sister, who is a musician and model. Unexpected information about Megan leads Nev and his friends on a road trip to uncover the truth.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 71
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 - 72
LA 92Movie · 2017 · 114m · History, DocumentaryTwenty-five years after the acquittal of officers involved in the Rodney King beating ignited widespread protests, violence, and looting in Los Angeles, *LA 92* uses powerful, previously unseen archival footage to transport audiences back to that turbulent time.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.7 - 73
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 - 74
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 - 75
No Stone UnturnedMovie · 2017 · 111mIreland's 1994 World Cup victory over Italy is a cherished moment, yet overshadowed by a tragic event. While watching the game in a Northern Ireland pub, six people were murdered by terrorists. Disturbingly, no one was ever held accountable. For over two decades, the victims' families have sought answers. Now, they may finally have them. But the truth they uncover reveals a larger issue: what happens when governments conceal the truth?IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.6 - 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
The Murderer of PedralbesMovie · 1978 · 86mThis documentary explores the case of José Luis Cerveto, a man convicted of murder.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.9 - 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
TickledMovie · 2016 · 92m · DocumentaryJournalist David Farrier discovers an odd online competition centered around tickling. His investigation uncovers strong opposition, but he persists in uncovering a story more unbelievable than reality itself.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 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
The Agony and Ecstasy of Phil SpectorMovie · 2008 · 100mPhil Spector was a groundbreaking figure in American music, renowned for producing artists like John Lennon and Tina Turner. However, by April 2009, he had been convicted of murder. Vikram Jayanti's documentary presents a different side of Spector than the image often portrayed in sensationalized media coverage – not as the stern defendant, but as a charismatic and astute music executive who genuinely believes in his importance to popular music history.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.6 - 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
Hard to BelieveMovie · 2016 · 56mThis documentary investigates the disturbing issue of alleged forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience in China, and the global reaction – or lack thereof. While governments have historically persecuted their own people, this practice is uniquely horrifying. The frequency of such events has, unfortunately, led to a degree of global indifference.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.5 - 84
Misha and the WolvesMovie · 2021 · 90m · Documentary, MysteryA Holocaust memoir becomes a global sensation, but when the author's former publisher – now a detective – investigates, the story unravels. It appears the memoir is a carefully constructed lie, designed to conceal a far more disturbing reality.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.9 - 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
Untold: Breaking PointMovie · 2021 · 79m · DocumentaryMardy Fish, striving to uphold a strong legacy in American tennis, struggled with mental health issues that significantly impacted both his personal life and his performance as an athlete.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 88
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 - 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 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 - 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
Untold: Malice at the PalaceMovie · 2021 · 69m · Documentary, CrimePeople central to a controversial 2004 NBA game in Michigan recount the altercation between players and fans, the consequences that followed, and the enduring impact of the event.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 96
Shiny_Flakes: The Teenage Drug LordMovie · 2021 · 96m · Documentary, CrimeThis is the true story of Max S., detailing his rise to power in the world of online drug distribution, the events that inspired the television series "How to Sell Drugs Online."IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.5 - 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
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 - 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
Cocaine CowboysMovie · 2006 · 118m · DocumentaryDuring the 1980s, powerful Colombian drug lords brought a new level of violence to Miami, reminiscent of Chicago during Prohibition, and transformed the city. "Cocaine Cowboys" recounts the true story of Miami's rise to become the nation's center for drug trafficking, murder, and money, as revealed by those directly involved.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3
