168 True Crime Documentaries and Films
167 titles
- 101
Paradise 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 - 102
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 - 103
Satan Wants YouMovie · 2023 · 88m"Michelle Remembers," a memoir by a psychiatrist and his patient, sparked the Satanic Panic of the 1980s. The book detailed Michelle's alleged abduction by baby-stealing Satanists, uncovered through recovered-memory therapy.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.1 - 104
Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of AmericaMovie · 2023 · 95mPeople who survived, those who came forward with information, and experts share their stories about the Boy Scouts of America's many years of concealing sexual abuse and the devastating consequences it caused.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.6 - 105
Paradise 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 - 106
Missing: The Lucie Blackman CaseMovie · 2023 · 81m · Documentary, CrimeIn July 2000, 21-year-old British woman Lucie Blackman disappears in Tokyo, triggering a major international investigation focused on finding answers. The search becomes a persistent pursuit of justice.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.0 - 107
Give Us This DayMovie · 2018 · 120mThis documentary explores life in East St. Louis, Illinois, a city facing the nation's highest homicide rate. It follows the community as they navigate the constant threat of gun violence.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0 - 108
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 - 109
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 - 110
Untold: The Rise and Fall of AND1Movie · 2022 · 69m · DocumentaryAND1, a New York City brand built on street basketball, gained popularity by highlighting local players and making them famous. This film explores urban basketball culture and how the game grew from city courts to a global phenomenon. It also reveals the story behind AND1's rapid rise and eventual decline. The film examines ambition, fame, and how commercial success can change grassroots sports, all while showcasing exciting street basketball action.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.2 - 111
Untold: Operation Flagrant FoulMovie · 2022 · 77m · DocumentaryYears after his prison sentence for betting on games he officiated, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy reflects on the scandal that rocked the league.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.1 - 112
Caught in the NetMovie · 2020 · 100m · DocumentaryThe dangers of online openness are widely discussed, but this is the first experiment to truly illustrate the risks. A filmmaking couple hired actresses who appeared to be young girls to create fake online profiles. The actresses then interacted with strangers who contacted them based on these profiles. Within the first ten days, they attracted dozens of men, then hundreds, and eventually thousands.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.9 - 113
Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions ScandalMovie · 2021 · 100m · Documentary, Crime, DramaThis film explores the methods of Rick Singer, the central figure in the 2019 college admissions scandal, moving beyond the public attention to reveal how he convinced wealthy clients to illegally gain advantages in a system already favoring the elite.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 114
VoyeurMovie · 2017 · 95m · Documentary, CrimeRenowned journalist Gay Talese exposes a motel owner's decades-long habit of spying on his customers. However, Talese's revealing article quickly ignites controversy and becomes a major public scandal.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.9 - 115
Life of Crime: 1984-2020Movie · 2021 · 121mThis documentary offers a close look at the destructive patterns of drug addiction and crime within a challenging community in New Jersey.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.2 - 116
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 - 117
The Carman Family DeathsMovie · 2025 · 91m · Documentary, CrimeA young man survives a perilous shipwreck, but his miraculous rescue is overshadowed by suspicion. He becomes the prime suspect in the deaths of two prominent members of his affluent New England family.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.8 - 118
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 - 119
The Serial Killer's ApprenticeMovie · 2025In a chilling interview, Dr. Katherine Ramsland speaks with Elmer Wayne Henley, the only survivor of the 1973 Houston mass murders. She explores his disturbing transformation from a vulnerable teenager to a convicted killer, revealing a terrifying exploration of the blurred line between victim and predator.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.6 - 120
What Jennifer DidMovie · 2024 · 87m · Documentary, CrimeWhen Jennifer Pan calls 911 to report that her parents have been shot, she becomes the central figure in a compelling criminal investigation.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.3 - 121
TabloidMovie · 2011 · 87mThis documentary examines the case of a former Miss Wyoming accused of kidnapping and holding a young Mormon missionary captive.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 122
The Fire That Took HerMovie · 2022 · 95mJudy Malinowski, a mother of two who was 31 at the time, was attacked by her former boyfriend. He doused her in petrol and set her on fire. He was one of the first witnesses to testify in her murder trial, even after he died. THE FIRE THAT TOOK HER explores this significant case, examining the question of how much suffering women must endure to be taken seriously. It’s a story about true crime and the #MeToo movement.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 123
Very 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 - 124
Goodnight, 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 - 125
Victim/SuspectMovie · 2023 · 90mJournalist Rae de Leon journeys across the country to expose a disturbing trend: Young women reporting sexual assault to police are often met not with support, but with accusations of false reporting. This leads to arrests and imprisonment, leaving them victims of a system designed to protect them.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0 - 126
Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph CaseMovie · 2023 · 95m · Documentary, CrimeThis true-crime documentary examines six disturbing deaths within a single family, all linked to the enigmatic Jolly Joseph. The film explores the extraordinary story surrounding this unbelievable case.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 127
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 - 128
Memories 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 - 129
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 - 130
Class Action ParkMovie · 2020 · 90m · DocumentaryClass Action Park examines the story, impact, and reality behind the 1980s water park in Vernon, New Jersey that became a notorious legend. Famous for its hazardous, unregulated attractions, visitors to Action Park routinely anticipated injuries and were fortunate to escape unharmed. Avoiding sentimental views of the past, the film uses investigative reporting, new animations, archival footage, and interviews with those who experienced it to reveal the real story of Action Park.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 131
CollectiveMovie · 2019 · 109m · DocumentaryFollowing a devastating fire at a Romanian nightclub, burn victims start dying in hospitals from injuries that weren't initially fatal. Investigative journalists launch an inquiry, uncovering widespread corruption within the healthcare system and government institutions. *Collective* follows the journalists, whistleblowers, and those in power. It’s a raw and unflinching look at a broken system, revealing corruption, propaganda, and manipulation that now impact societies globally.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.5 - 132
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 - 133
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 - 134
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 - 135
How to Rob a BankMovie · 2024 · 87m · Documentary, CrimeThis true-crime documentary follows a captivating figure who, during the 1990s in Seattle, orchestrates a remarkable series of bank robberies reminiscent of Hollywood films.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.7 - 136
Girl in the PictureMovie · 2022 · 101m · Crime, DocumentaryThe sudden death of a young mother and the disappearance of her son reignite a long-hidden mystery surrounding the woman's past and the dangerous federal fugitive connected to her.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 137
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 - 138
The Forever PrisonerMovie · 2021 · 120mThis is the unsettling story of Abu Zubaydah, the first person to be subjected to the CIA's controversial Enhanced Interrogation Techniques program, which many now consider torture. Never formally charged or given the opportunity to defend himself against his imprisonment, Zubaydah remains held at Guantánamo Bay. His indefinite detention represents a stark conflict with American principles of justice and legal rights.IMDb 7.4TMDB 8.0 - 139
Operation OdessaMovie · 2018 · 92m · DocumentaryThis is the unbelievable true story of an unlikely alliance. In the early 1990s, a Russian mobster, a wealthy Miami socialite, and a Cuban intelligence officer joined forces to sell a Soviet submarine to the notorious Cali Cartel.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 140
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 - 141
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 - 142
Prince Andrew: BanishedMovie · 2022 · 90mThis film follows Prince Andrew, whose actions caused significant scandal and damage to the royal family's reputation. It explores his associations with sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and the subsequent sex trafficking controversy that endangers the future of the House of Windsor.IMDb 6.7TMDB 8.0 - 143
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 - 144
Zodiac Killer ProjectMovie · 2025 · 92mA filmmaker revisits his unfinished documentary about the Zodiac Killer, set against empty locations. The film examines the current state of true crime, exploring how the genre has become overly popular.IMDb 6.1TMDB 7.0 - 145
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 - 146
Four Hours at the CapitolMovie · 2021 · 92m · DocumentaryThis documentary chronicles the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Thousands of Americans gathered in Washington D.C. to protest the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, with many intending to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's victory.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 147
The DissidentMovie · 2020 · 119m · DocumentaryAfter entering the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi vanishes. His fiancée and those who oppose the Saudi government then work to uncover the truth behind his brutal murder and expose a worldwide effort to conceal it, orchestrated by the Saudi government itself.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.2 - 148
Blood & MythMovie · 2025 · 73mA remote Native Alaskan village is rocked by a series of brutal crimes. One man then investigates a disturbing link to the supernatural.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.7 - 149
My Father, the BTK KillerMovie · 2025 · 94mA woman recounts her unsettling childhood, shaped by a father who lived a secret, terrifying life as the BTK serial killer.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.7 - 150
The Cleveland KidnappingsMovie · 2021 · 91mThis film recounts the harrowing experiences of Michelle Knight and Gina DeJesus as they share their stories of captivity following their kidnapping.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.1 - 151
Sour 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 - 152
Last Stop Larrimah: Murder Down UnderMovie · 2023 · 117mIn the remote Australian town of Larrimah, eleven unusual people live in close quarters. The community is thrown into turmoil when one resident vanishes without explanation. As the search for the missing person begins, old rivalries and conflicts among the townspeople resurface, turning everyone into a potential suspect.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4 - 153
Monster Inside: America's Most Extreme Haunted HouseMovie · 2023 · 80mRuss McKamey built McKamey Manor, widely known as the world's most intense haunted house. However, three individuals claim he is a manipulative abuser, and that the terror doesn't end once you agree to participate in the experience.IMDb 5.4TMDB 6.2 - 154
They Called Him Mostly HarmlessMovie · 2024 · 89m · Documentary, Crime, MysteryIn the Florida wilderness, the body of an unknown hiker is found, launching a search for answers. Authorities release a sketch seeking identification, but several hikers claim to have seen him, suggesting he deliberately hid his identity. His name remains unknown, puzzling investigators and captivating the public.
The case unites online detectives and forensic scientists in a two-year effort to analyze scattered clues and uncover the truth about this elusive man's past. Their work leads to a scientific discovery that finally reveals his identity. However, this revelation triggers a series of dangerous events for the man.
This true story explores the layers of anonymity surrounding one man’s journey, revealing how his pursuit of freedom led him into deceit and danger, ultimately toward redemption. It highlights how hidden secrets can resurface, no matter how carefully concealed.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.2 - 155
The 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 - 156
The Perfect NeighborMovie · 2025 · 97m · Crime, DocumentaryThis documentary uses police bodycam footage to examine how a prolonged conflict between neighbors escalated to a deadly outcome. The film explores themes of fear and prejudice, alongside the implications of Stand Your Ground laws.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 157
The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon ValleyMovie · 2019 · 119m · DocumentaryElizabeth Holmes gained global attention as a promising young entrepreneur, likened to Steve Jobs, with her company's revolutionary blood testing technology. Her company's value soared to $10 billion, but it quickly collapsed. The story of Theranos reveals the psychological factors behind a major case of fraud.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 158
The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard TapesMovie · 2022 · 101m · DocumentaryThe film investigates the questions surrounding the death of Marilyn Monroe, featuring never-before-released interviews with people close to her.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.3 - 159
The Monsters of FlorenceMovie · 2020Fifty years after the fact, a chilling unsolved case continues to affect Italy. In the 1980s, eight young couples were ritually murdered in the countryside near Florence. The crimes remain shrouded in mystery and deception, representing a profound failure of justice.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.0 - 160
UntouchableMovie · 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 - 161
An Open SecretMovie · 2014 · 99m · Documentary, CrimeA look at allegations of sexual abuse against young people working in the film industry.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 162
Murder in MonacoMovie · 2025 · 90m · Documentary, CrimeMonaco, 1999. The world's wealthiest men find themselves grappling with a shocking death in a luxury penthouse. This documentary investigates the puzzling murder of billionaire banker, Edmond Safra.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 163
CropseyMovie · 2009 · 84m · Crime, Documentary, MysteryTwo filmmakers discover that a childhood urban legend is actually true. They investigate the mystery of five missing children and the real person behind their disappearances.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 164
Albert Fish: In Sin He Found SalvationMovie · 2007 · 86mAlbert Fish is the chilling true story of an elderly man who preyed on children in 1930s New York City. He lured them to their deaths, enacting twisted fantasies inspired by distorted biblical stories. Fish viewed pain, torture, atonement, and suffering as literal concepts, using his victims for horrific acts of torture and sacrifice.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.3 - 165
The Tinder SwindlerMovie · 2022 · 114m · Documentary, CrimeA con artist posing as a wealthy diamond mogul used online dating to trick women into sending him millions of dollars. Now, his victims are plotting to get their money back.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 166
Nuremberg 45Movie · 2025 · 88mIn late 1945, the Nuremberg trials of Nazi leaders like Göring, Hess, and Ribbentrop commenced. The film follows Ernst Michel, a young Jewish reporter, and Seweryna Szmaglewska, a concentration camp survivor, as they grapple with their lingering traumas and unsettling revelations exposed during the trial. Carsten Gutschmidt's docudrama blends dramatized scenes, flashbacks, restored archival footage, and contemporary interviews with witnesses and their descendants visiting the original trial locations to offer their perspectives.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.0 - 167
The Investigation of Lucy LetbyMovie · 2026 · 95m · Documentary, CrimeThis film offers a compelling and unsettling examination of Lucy Letby, the nurse currently serving a life sentence for the deaths of seven babies and the attempted deaths of six others.IMDb 5.5TMDB 6.5