10 chilling true crime documentaries to watch on Netflix

Netflix has become a treasure trove for true crime enthusiasts, offering a wide range of gripping documentaries that delve into real-life mysteries, murders, and the criminal minds behind them.

It isn’t always about the thrill of unravelling complex mysteries. Our fascination with true crime may seem ghoulish and macabre, but it also coincides with our myriad anxieties about human nature as well as the quest for justice. 

If you’re looking for a bone-chilling journey into the darkest corners of human behaviour, you’re in the right place. In this list, we’ve curated ten must-watch true crime documentaries available on Netflix.

Taps into your curiosity, fear, and empathy, by taking a voyeuristic deep dive into the darker aspects of the human mind and the society we live in with these.

10 chilling true crime documentaries perfect for spooky season:

Making a Murderer (2015)

Making a Murderer is a 10-episode documentary series that follows the case of Steven Avery, a man wrongfully convicted of a crime, released from prison, and then accused of another. The series sheds light on the criminal justice system’s flaws and the complexities of the legal process.

The Confession Tapes (2017)

The Confession Tapes is a thought-provoking series that delves into the eerie world of wrongful convictions and false confessions. Each episode explores different cases in which individuals admitted to crimes they did not commit, raising questions about the reliability of convicting based on confessions taken under coercion.

Evil Genius (2018)

Evil Genius takes you on a bizarre and chilling journey into the world of a bank heist involving a bomb collar and a pizza delivery man. This four-part series explores the dark motives and eccentric characters behind this macabre crime.

The Staircase (2004)

The Staircase documents the legal battle of Michael Peterson, who was accused of murdering his wife, Kathleen Peterson. This long-running case provides an in-depth look at the trial, the evidence, and the twists and turns of the legal process.

Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal  (2023)

Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal investigates the true-crime saga involving the influential Murdaugh family. The documentary unravels a series of mysterious deaths, scandals, and deep-rooted secrets in a close-knit Southern community, painting a portrait of wealth, power, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of sinister events.

The Keepers (2017)

The Keepers investigates the unsolved murder of a nun and the allegations of abuse within a Catholic school in Baltimore. This gripping series uncovers disturbing secrets and cover-ups that span decades.

The Innocent Man (2018)

The documentary adaptation of John Grisham’s only nonfiction book, The Innocent Man tells the story of two murder cases in Ada, Oklahoma, and the wrongful convictions of several men. The documentary exposes the flaws in the justice system that led to these tragic miscarriages of justice.

Casting JonBenet (2017)

Taking an unconventional approach, Casting JonBenet has actors auditioning for roles in a film about the infamous child-murder case of JonBenet Ramsey. This unique perspective offers a fresh and disturbing take on the tragic murder and its enduring mystery.

Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez (2020):

Killer Inside explores the life and crimes of former NFL player Aaron Hernandez, who was convicted of murder. This documentary delves into the complex web of circumstances and events that led to his shocking downfall.

Get Gotti (2023)

Get Gotti provides an in-depth look at the life and crimes of the infamous mobster John Gotti. The documentary chronicles the FBI’s battle to bring down the notorious mob boss, through interviews from both sides of the law.