W2TCH

259 True Crime Documentaries to Watch

258 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 201Private 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
  2. 202The 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
  3. 203Paradise 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
  4. 204Out 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
  5. 205Paradise 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
  6. 206The Price of HonorMovie · 2014"The Price of Honor" is a documentary detailing the 2008 murders of teenage sisters Sarah and Amina Said in Texas. The killings were a premeditated honor killing orchestrated and carried out by their father, Yaser Said.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
  7. 207Fred and Rose: The West MurdersMovie · 2008 · 129mIn 1994, police discovered the bodies of nine young women hidden in the house of Gloucester builder Fred West and his wife Rose. Newly released police tapes show Fred West making disturbing confessions following the discovery of his teenage daughter Heather's body. The tapes also reveal home movies depicting the family home being used as a brothel by Rose, while the children were present.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.0
  8. 208Jonestown: 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
  9. 209Cabin 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.
  10. 210A 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
  11. 211The 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
  12. 212IcarusMovie · 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
  13. 2133 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
  14. 214Little 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
  15. 215Method of a Serial KillerMovie · 2018Israel Keyes, a notorious serial killer, remained a mystery to law enforcement. Arrested in Texas in March 2012 for the murder of 18-year-old Samantha Koenig, whom he had kidnapped from an Alaskan coffee stand, he then confessed to additional murders and bank robberies, hinting at further crimes. Keyes claimed responsibility for up to 11 killings between 2001 and 2012, but refused to specify the details of each. His fragmented confessions were enough to warrant serious attention. However, in December 2012, after nine months of detention, he took his own life, concealing his secrets.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.8
  16. 216Very Young GirlsMovie · 2007 · 83m"Very Young Girls," named for the fact that the average age when girls enter prostitution in the U.S. is thirteen, follows Rachel Lloyd. A former victim of sex trafficking, she founded the New York City organization GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services) to help young women escape exploitation and build new lives free from pimps.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.2
  17. 217Goodnight, 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
  18. 218Bayou 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
  19. 219The 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
  20. 220Memories 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
  21. 221The 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
  22. 222The Six Degrees of Helter SkelterMovie · 2009 · 105m · DocumentaryHollywood historian Scott Michaels guides viewers through this comprehensive documentary, featuring previously unseen autopsy reports, numerous rare photographs, original music recordings by the Manson Family, and contemporary footage of the sites where the crimes occurred. It offers the most complete cinematic account of the Manson Murders to date.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.2
  23. 223Issei Sagawa: Excuse Me For LivingMovie · 1993 · 50mThis film chronicles the life of Issei Sagawa, a Japanese student who murdered his Dutch girlfriend, dismembered her, boiled her remains, and consumed them. Found insane, he later documented his crime in the book "In the Fog," which became a bestseller. Released from a French psychiatric hospital in 1984, with the condition he remain in Japan, he was released from the Japanese facility a year later. Since then, Sagawa has authored five books on crime and gained notoriety among avant-garde circles. In the film, Sagawa discusses his experiences and reads from his writings.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0
  24. 224ScrewballMovie · 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
  25. 225Tricked: 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
  26. 226The Trial of Jeffrey Dahmer: Serial KillerMovie · 1992 · 93mJeffrey Dahmer was indicted on 17 murder charges, later reduced to 15. He was not charged in the attempted murder of Edwards. His trial began on January 30, 1992. Faced with overwhelming evidence, Dahmer pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The two-week trial concluded with the court finding him sane and guilty on 15 counts of murder. He was sentenced to 15 life terms, totaling 957 years in prison. During his sentencing hearing, Dahmer expressed remorse and a desire for his own death.IMDb 7.4TMDB 9.0
  27. 227Death DiplomaMovie · 1987 · 50mThis documentary profiles several infamous American murderers, including Charles Manson and his followers, Kenneth Bianchi, known as the "Hillside Strangler," Henry Lee Lucas, and Otis Toole. The film features interview segments and details their criminal actions.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0
  28. 228AlisonMovie · 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
  29. 229The Paranormal Diaries: ClophillMovie · 2013 · 88mIn March 1963, a group of alleged witches performed a dark ritual at a ruined church in Clophill, Bedfordshire. The ceremony involved looting tombs, animal sacrifices, and arranging human bones. Disturbing events continued in the years that followed, including mutilated livestock, evidence of necromancy, and persistent reports of paranormal activity at the isolated site. Fifty years later, the Clophill legend continues to resonate with locals. In 2010, a documentary team traveled to Clophill to investigate the story of the witches and the reported paranormal occurrences. Their investigation during a weekend there led them into a frightening exploration of the unexplained.IMDb 3.5TMDB 3.7
  30. 230PaternoMovie · 2018 · 105m · Drama, TV MovieJoe Paterno, college football's most successful coach, faces a crisis when the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal rocks Penn State. The controversy threatens to destroy Paterno’s celebrated career and forces a reckoning with the university's responsibility to protect its young players.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2
  31. 231In a Town This SizeMovie · 2011 · 71m"In A Town This Size" explores the hidden tragedy of childhood sexual abuse in an Oklahoma community. The film details how a respected former pediatrician, the perpetrator of these crimes, is finally held accountable. Through powerful first-person accounts from victims, their families, and professionals, the film reveals the enduring devastation caused by such abuse. Spanning the 1960s and 1970s to the present day, these personal stories are both heartbreaking and hopeful. "In A Town This Size" compels audiences to confront child sexual abuse as a critical social issue and advocates for changes to state statutes of limitations.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.3
  32. 232The Krays - The Prison YearsMovie · 2016 · 44mDiscovery Channel presents a detailed look at the Kray twins' lives after they were imprisoned. This documentary features previously unseen footage, interviews, and reconstructions to chronicle their experiences from 1968 until their deaths. The film covers their trial, Ronnie Kray's commitment to Broadmoor after being diagnosed as mentally ill, their activities while incarcerated, and their marriages. Interviewed sources include those who knew the Krays personally: Wilf Pine, Ronnie Kray's manager; Freddie Foreman, who was convicted alongside the twins for disposing of a body; and Maureen Flanagan, a close friend and former model whom Reggie Kray proposed to repeatedly while in prison.IMDb 7.8
  33. 233Oklahoma 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
  34. 234Life After MansonMovie · 2014 · 25m*Life After Manson* is an intimate look at one of history's most infamous crimes and its notorious killer. In an exclusive interview, Patricia Krenwinkel, a member of the Manson Family, recounts her unusual relationship with the charismatic Charles Manson. This relationship led her to abandon all moral boundaries, ultimately resulting in the brutal murders she committed to gain his approval. The film is a provocative character study exploring a woman grappling with her past, the difficult process of understanding the consequences of her actions, and the possibility of forgiveness. Can society offer her the same, and can anyone understand a woman who took lives in a desperate search for love?IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.6
  35. 235Scottsboro: An American TragedyMovie · 2000 · 90mIn 1931 Alabama, nine young Black men known as the "Scottsboro Boys" were arrested, tried, and swiftly convicted of raping two white women. Despite substantial evidence suggesting the women had falsely accused the men, and one later admitting no rape took place (revealing both had been with their boyfriends the day before), the conviction became a landmark case. It exposed the South's practice of "legal lynching," where Black people accused of crimes, particularly against white individuals, faced unjust trials and convictions.IMDb 7.5TMDB 8.2
  36. 236Monster PreacherMovie · 2021In 1986, Gary Heidnik, posing as a pastor, kidnapped, tortured, and raped six women in Philadelphia, murdering two of them. The film recounts the experiences of two of the survivors detailing their ordeal at the hands of Heidnik.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.0
  37. 237The 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
  38. 238CanibaMovie · 2017 · 96m*Caniba* is a film exploring themes of flesh and desire. It examines the unsettling role of cannibalism in human nature through the story of Issei Sagawa, a Japanese man, and his enigmatic connection with his brother, Jun Sagawa.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.6
  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. 241Interview with a CannibalMovie · 2008 · 121mA revealing interview with Armin Meiwes, known as the "Cannibal of Rotenburg."IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7
  42. 242The ForgivenessMovie · 2009 · 65mAndrés Rabadán shocked the world by killing his father with a crossbow. Beyond the media frenzy, what really happened to the young man who became known as the "maniac with the crossbow"?IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.9
  43. 243Sea 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
  44. 244The 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
  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. 248Head Cases: Serial Killers in the Delaware ValleyMovie · 2013 · 110mThis documentary explores the story of serial killer Wayne Montgomery and the individuals who became involved with him.IMDb 4.3TMDB 5.3
  49. 2494 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
  50. 250The House of SuhMovie · 2010 · 90m"The House of Suh" recounts the story of Andrew and his sister Catherine, exploring how their Korean immigrant family's values, conflicts, and dysfunction resulted in the murder of Robert O’Dubaine. Narrated by Andrew, the documentary examines themes of assimilation and the tension between personal freedom and familial responsibility, prompting questions about guilt, innocence, and the complexities of moral ambiguity.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8
  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. 252Love ChildMovie · 2014 · 75mIn Seoul, South Korea, a young couple is on trial for neglect after their infant daughter dies, allegedly due to the parents' excessive engagement with an online fantasy game. *Love Child* documents the 2010 trial and the resulting verdict, which established a significant legal precedent worldwide as virtual worlds increasingly shape real life.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.3
  53. 253UntouchableMovie · 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
  54. 254The Video Diary of Ricardo LopezMovie · 2000 · 70m · Documentary, HistoryThis film offers an intimate look at Ricardo Lopez, a man isolated from society, during the final days of 1996. He meticulously crafts and sends a letter bomb containing sulfuric acid to Icelandic singer Björk, then prepares to record his own suicide on video before returning home.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.0
  55. 255The 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
  56. 256The 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
  57. 257My 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
  58. 258Profilers: Gaze Into the AbyssMovie · 2014 · 85mThis documentary profiles six criminal profilers working internationally. It offers a look into their methods and the challenges they face in understanding the minds of criminals.IMDb 5.3TMDB 6.5

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