The best serial killer TV shows and other streaming documentaries to satisfy your true-crime craving

If you’re the type to binge watch serial killer TV shows and true-crime documentaries, you are not alone. People have always been captured by mysteries and fascinated by crimes since the earliest days of modern journalism. It’s no surprise that true crime documentaries are some of the most popular choices on streaming services. From terrifying serial killer TV shows to bizarre petty crime related sagas and disturbing documentaries, the past few years have brought all sorts of true and macabre tales to our screens. Here are some of the best streaming true crime documentaries and docuseries available today on your favorite platforms.

Amazon Prime

“The Imposter”

Preying on the hopes of a grieving family, this documentary tells the story of a young man in Spain who claims to the American relatives of a missing boy that he is their son.

“Unseen”

With a unique focus on the surviving and deceased victims of serial killer Anthony Sowell, this documentary shines a light on the way women on the margins of society remain unseen.

“The Witness”

When Kitty Genovese was killed in New York City in the 1960s, many people supposedly witnessed the crime and did nothing. In this documentary, her brother investigates what actually happened on that terrible night.

Hulu

“Casey Anthony: An American Murder Mystery”

In three parts, this series explores the case of Casey Anthony and her missing then deceased daughter and the surrounding case that rocked the nation.

“Frank Serpico”

He inspired a blockbuster movie starring Al Pacino, and this documentary gives Frank Serpico the chance to tell his own story of exposing corruption in the NYPD in the 1960s and 70s.

“Fyre Fraud”

Scamming hundreds of people out of thousands of dollars was the modus operandi of the con man behind Fyre Festival, a music festival that turned out to be completely fake. Learn the story behind the deception in “Fyre Fraud.”

“Jodi Arias: An American Murder Mystery”

Jodi Arias fell in love with a young businessman in Arizona, and eventually that love turned into a fatal attraction that ended in murder that is explored in this series.

“The Murder of Laci Peterson”

A young woman – a soon-to-be-mom and a loving wife – disappeared on Christmas Day from Modesto, California, and the nation was captivated by the search and eventually prosecution of her husband for the crime.

HBO Max

“The Case Against Adnan Syed”

The 1999 murder of high school student Hae Min Lee ended in the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed with scant evidence, as revealed in the podcast “Serial.” This documentary examines the case that led to his conviction more than two decades ago.

“I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth v. Michelle Carter”

In 2014, teen Conrad Roy died by suicide. After his death, a series of text messages from his girlfriend Michelle seemed to show she had urged him to do so. The state’s case against her for his death is examined by this two-part documentary.

“I’ll Be Gone in the Dark”

Based on the book of the same name by the late Michelle McNamara, this series tells the story of her investigation into the “Golden State Killer,” the deadly and depraved killer that terrorized California in the 1970s and 80s. The author’s colleagues and husband, comedian Patton Oswalt, compiled her research for a posthumous release that was deliberately and compellingly left unfinished.

“Mommy Dead and Dearest”

A perplexing case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy leads to the eventual murder of a woman by her daughter in this twisted tale.

“Murder on Middle Beach”

Madison Hamburg reveals the circumstances around his mother’s unsolved 2010 Connecticut murder in an attempt to unravel the truth surrounding her horrible and unexpected demise.

“Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland”

After her death in a Texas prison, the life of politically active Sandra Bland is revealed as well as the mystery explored of what really happened to her after her arrest for a minor traffic violation.

“The Vow”

Exploring the bizarre and disturbing white collar crime-centered world of NXIVM and its founder Keither Reniere, who was eventually convicted of sex trafficking and more.

Netflix

“Don’t F**k With Cats”

This gripping and unusual documentary tells the story of how amateur sleuths used social media and the internet to hunt and help catch a depraved murderer and torturer of animals.

“Abducted in Plain Sight”

In one of the more disturbing documentaries streaming right now, we learn how one family and particularly their young, vulnerable daughter fell victim to the predation and manipulation of one of their neighbors.

“American Murder The Family Next Door”

With chilling firsthand footage, this documentary covers the disappearance and murder of Shanann Watts and her children.

“Athlete A”

Larry Nassar will forever be remembered as one of the most devious predators of this century, as exposed here in the story of his victims from the USA Gymnastics team.

“Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich”

With a focus on his survivors, this docuseries reveals how convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein used money and power to perpetuate years of sex abuse and other crimes.

“Making a Murderer”

You can’t think of Netflix true-crime documentaries without thinking of this one. “Making a Murderer” was a viral sensation when it first released, and it tells the story of Steven Avery and his saga being convicted of a murder many think he may not have committed.

“Murder Among The Mormons”

In 1985, Utah was forever changed by deadly bombings involving the Mormon Church and some scandalous historical documents. This tells the story of this bomber’s crimes that rocked the Mormon community.

“The Ripper”

This series profiles the Yorkshire Ripper, a serial killer that preyed on West Yorkshire and Manchester, United Kingdom in the late 1970s.

“Surviving R. Kelly”

In this series, women and alleged victims of musician R. Kelly speak out about the sexual and mental abuse they endured at his hands.

“Tiger King”

One of the most bizarre true crime tales of all is that of the “Tiger King,” who ran an attraction in Oklahoma where people could see exotic animals in person. Fraud, drugs and more all abound in this strange and harrowing tale.

Whether you’re looking to be terrified by killers of the past, chilled by devious and revolting predators or mystified by the actions of misguided individuals, these streaming true crime documentaries have something for everyone interested in a good crime story TV show. There are different options in each streaming service and certainly more than are documented here, but if you’re looking for somewhere to start, give some of these streaming true crime documentaries a try. You’re sure to be both disturbed and captivated.

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