Netflix's latest true crime show, American Murder: Laci Peterson has taken the internet by storm. Avid viewers of crime documentaries appreciate the series for highlighting the tragic story behind this case dragging out many small details and exposing it to the general public.
Among the docuseries that have managed to hook audiences over the years, are Making a Murder which showcases the effects of wrongful convictions, and the harrowing Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer which brings the stories of the victims to light. These 7 documentaries are must-watch for true crime buffs.
Wild Wild Country, Making a Murderer, and other must-watch true crime shows.
1) Don't F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
Don't F**k With Cats is a documentary that tells the story of an online manhunt. It was released on Netflix and became one of the platform's most-watched documentaries of that year. It follows a group of online investigators who embark on a mission to bring down the individual responsible for some disturbing acts of cruelty against animals.
The show precisely follows the events leading up to the arrest of the accused, exploring the power of online communities in uncovering the truth and bringing justice to victims.
2) American Nightmare
A chilling Netflix documentary that delves into the harrowing abduction and kidnapping of Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn, this show seeks to uncover the truth, it occasionally dwells on gruesome details.
The show reveals the tragic and risky impact of the media's sensationalized coverage of crimes. Huskins's ordeal highlights the importance of responsible reporting and the dangers of sensationalizing real-life tragedies. American Nightmare serves as a stark reminder that true crime stories should be handled with sensitivity and respect for the victims.
3) Wild Wild Country
Wild Wild Country is a Netflix documentary show that takes a look at the controversial rise and fall of Rajneeshpuram, a cult-like community founded by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho) in the Oregon desert during the 1980s.
The series offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of a spiritual community clashing with traditional American society. With its blend of historical footage, interviews, and dramatic reenactments, the docuseries paints a vivid picture of a controversial era.
4) Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer
Through interviews with Ted Bundy's former girlfriend, Elizabeth Kendall, their daughter, Molly, and other survivors, the show provides a female perspective on Bundy's crimes, contextualizing them within the cultural landscape of the 1970s.
The documentary exposes Bundy's pathological hatred for women and how societal attitudes and the feminist movement of the era may have contributed to his horrific actions.
The show provides a devastating look at both the murders and the lives of the victims. Not an easy watch, but one that feels like a hugely different experience from the other documentaries surrounding the life of Ted Bundy.
5) The Jinx
No one would've thought that a New York real estate heir Robert Durst, would turn out to be a convicted murderer. The show investigates the mysterious disappearance of Durst's wife Kathie and the other two murders Durst was imprisoned for. The series incorporates a lot of news footage, police evidence, and much more to paint the perfect picture for the audience.
The Jinx is the result of 20 years of extensive research by the filmmakers and has been hailed by many as one of the finest true crime docuseries ever released.
6) Making a Murderer
Exonerated after serving nearly two decades in prison for a wrongful conviction, Avery's freedom was short-lived. He was soon accused of the murder of Teresa Halbach, a photographer last seen on his property. Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey, were subsequently tried and convicted.
Making a Murderer was released in 2015 and offers a thought-provoking examination of the justice system and the potential for wrongful convictions. It has sparked debate and inspired discussions about the complexities of legal proceedings and the pursuit of truth.
7) The Worst Roommate Ever
Each episode of The Worst Roommate Ever explores the chilling true stories of roommates who have committed unthinkable crimes against their housemates. From murder and assault to theft and stalking, the show reveals the horrifying risks of living with strangers.
With its blend of real-life crime stories and expert analysis, the series offers a glimpse into the human psyche and the dangers within seemingly ordinary living situations.
The rise of docuseries has made it easy for fans of mysteries, legal dramas, or the psychology of criminals, to access content of their choice and explore these genres while learning about how crimes manifest in the real world.