11 Shocking True Crime Documentaries You Need to Watch

In 1974, the seemingly quiet life of 12-year-old Jan Broberg takes a sinister turn when she is abducted from her small church-going community in Idaho by a trusted neighbor and family friend. This documentary unravels the bizarre twists of the case, highlighting the shocking betrayal and manipulation that led to Jan's abduction.

This captivating 2022 documentary dives into the mysterious circumstances surrounding a young mother’s death and the subsequent kidnapping of her son. It unveils a decades-long mystery about the woman’s true identity and the dark figure at the heart of the events, leaving viewers questioning everything they thought they knew.

An engrossing examination of Robert Durst, the heir to a New York real estate fortune, accused of three murders over the course of his life. This series provides a chilling glimpse into Durst’s psyche, as he divulges secrets of a baffling case that has eluded justice for decades. Viewers are left with haunting questions about guilt and innocence.

This heartbreaking documentary tells the story of Andrew Bagby, a medical resident who is murdered shortly after a breakup. When his ex-girlfriend announces she is pregnant, Andrew's close friend, Kurt Kuenne, creates this poignant film as a tribute to the son he never got to meet, weaving together a tale of love, loss, and the pursuit of justice.

This powerful documentary chronicles the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, a celebrated football star who became embroiled in one of the most publicized murder trials in history. It explores themes of race, celebrity, and media, providing a comprehensive look at how Simpson's legacy became a symbol of deeper societal issues.

This gripping documentary series directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade takes viewers behind the scenes of Michael Peterson's murder trial, where his wife Kathleen was found dead at the bottom of their staircase. With unprecedented access to Peterson's defense team, this series reveals the complexities and emotional turmoil surrounding the case, making it a must-watch for legal enthusiasts.

In this chilling 2024 documentary, a couple's terrifying ordeal of a home invasion and kidnapping unfolds, leading to suspicions that they staged the event. This docuseries captures the emotional turmoil and societal issues surrounding perceptions of truth and victimhood within these harrowing experiences.

This thought-provoking docuseries investigates the decades-old murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik, a Baltimore nun whose death remains unsolved. With allegations linking her murder to a priest accused of abuse, the series delves into themes of faith, justice, and the impact of institutional cover-ups.

This gripping documentary series chronicles the rise and fall of the controversial Rajneesh cult led by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Set in the Oregon desert, the series captures the escalating conflict between the cult members and local residents, spilling into a national scandal that raises questions about freedom, tolerance, and the clashes of belief systems.

Renowned director Errol Morris brings to life the tragic case of a police officer's murder in Dallas, utilizing dramatic reenactments and interviews. This influential documentary not only examines the chilling crime but also critiques the judicial system, ultimately playing a vital role in overturning a wrongful conviction.

This deeply moving documentary series focuses on the tragic life and brutal murder of Gabriel Fernandez, exploring the failures of the child protection system in California. It sheds light on the trials of his guardians and social workers, compelling viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths about the treatment of vulnerable children in society.