23 Must-Watch Dramas Based on True Crime
1. Landscapers
A seemingly ordinary British couple become the focus of an extraordinary investigation when two dead bodies are discovered in the back garden of a house in Nottingham. Released on December 6, 2021, and with an average rating of 3.7, this drama is a compelling watch that makes you question the truth behind closed doors. Watch now
2. A Friend of the Family
The harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by a charismatic, obsessed family "friend." Premiering on October 6, 2022, with an average rating of 3.7, this series lays bare the vulnerabilities and courage of a family shattered and rebuilt. Watch now
3. Dopesick
Delve into the story of how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history. "Dopesick" spans from a distressed Virginia mining community to the opulence of Big Pharma Manhattan, offering a heart-wrenching look at America's struggle with opioid addiction. Released on October 13, 2021, this series has an average rating of 4.1. Watch now
4. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
This film chronicles the crimes of Ted Bundy, from the perspective of his longtime girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer. Premiered on May 2, 2019, with a rating of 3.1, this narrative delves into the psychological complexities and deceit crafted by one of the most notorious serial killers. Watch now
5. The Girl from Plainville
This series revisits the controversial case of Michelle Carter, who was convicted in 2017 of involuntary manslaughter for encouraging the suicide of her then-boyfriend via texts and phone calls. Released on March 29, 2022, with an average rating of 3.3, the show is a gripping study of legal and emotional complexities. Watch now
6. She Said
New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor break one of the most important stories of a generation, unveiling the sexual assault incidents that plagued Hollywood. Released on November 17, 2022, with an average rating of 3.4, this film ignited the #MeToo movement. Watch now
7. Inventing Anna
A journalist with a lot to prove investigates the case of Anna Delvey, an Instagram-legendary German heiress who stole the hearts of New York’s social scene—and their money. Premiered on February 11, 2022, this series has an average rating of 3.6 and offers a glimpse into high-class deceit. Watch now
8. Waco
The harrowing true story of the 1993 standoff between the FBI, ATF, and the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas, led by David Koresh. Premiered on January 24, 2018, with an average rating of 3.8, this series recounts the deadly shootout and fire that ensued. Watch now
9. Dirty John
This anthology series, with each season based on a true crime story, focuses on love gone wrong. Premiered on November 25, 2018, with a rating of 3.8, each tale captures the intricate webs spun when emotions go awry. Watch now
10. When They See Us
This series recounts the true story of five Harlem teens who were falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. Premiered on May 31, 2019, with a rating of 4.3, it depicts the tragedy of wrongful convictions and the fight for justice. Watch now
11. MINDHUNTER
An agent in the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit develops profiling techniques as he pursues notorious serial killers and rapists. Premiered on October 13, 2017, with a rating of 4.1, this series offers an unsettling look into the minds of criminals. Watch now
12. Delhi Crime
Based on the 2012 Nirbhaya case, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi leads a meticulous investigation to apprehend the culprits. Released on March 22, 2019, with a rating of 4.2, this series delves into the aftermath of a tragic gang rape in Delhi. Watch now
13. The Act
This seasonal anthology series tells astonishing true crime stories, with the first season focusing on Gypsy Blanchard who tries to escape her overprotective mother. Premiered on March 20, 2019, with an average rating of 4.2, it is a blend of disturbing and fascinating narratives. Watch now
14. The Staircase
This series explores the life of Michael Peterson and his sprawling North Carolina family, revolving around the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson. Released on May 5, 2022, with an average rating of 3.6, it provides a thorough examination of the judicial system. Watch now
15. Dr. Death
This anthology series depicts a chilling medical true crime story in each season. Premiered on July 15, 2021, with an average rating of 3.9, it questions the ethics of healthcare professionals. Watch now
16. Unbelievable
A teenager wrongly charged with lying about her rape allegation finds support from two persistent female detectives who uncover a grim reality. Released on September 13, 2019, with a rating of 4.0, this series is a testament to perseverance and justice. Watch now
17. WeCrashed
Inspired by true events, this drama centers on WeWork’s rise and dramatic fall, from a promising start-up to a business debacle. Released on March 18, 2022, with an average rating of 3.8, it focuses on ambition, love, and corporate greed. Watch now
18. The Dropout
The story of Elizabeth Holmes, the enigmatic Stanford dropout who founded the failed medical testing start-up, Theranos. Premiered on March 3, 2022, with a rating of 3.9, this drama lays bare how dreams can transform into devastating deceit. Watch now
19. DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
This series delves into the gruesome crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer and the societal failures that allowed him to continue his sinister spree for over a decade. Released on September 21, 2022, with a rating of 4.0, it is a chilling account of monstrous acts. Watch now
20. Candy
Set in the 1980s, this series revolves around Candy Montgomery, a housewife whose craving for freedom leads to devastating results. Released on May 9, 2022, with a rating of 4.0, it presents a suspenseful narrative of idyllic lives turned tragic. Watch now
21. Under the Banner of Heaven
A devout detective's faith is put to the test as he investigates a brutal murder tied to a revered family's descent into LDS fundamentalism. With a rating of 3.9, this series, released on April 28, 2022, probes into religious fanaticism and crime. Watch now
22. Spotlight
This film follows the Boston Globe's investigative team's uncovering of the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese. Released on November 6, 2015, it has a rating of 4.3 and shook the entire Catholic Church to its core. Watch now
23. Foxcatcher
This film tells the story of the Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team who joined Team Foxcatcher, led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont, leading to some unlikely circumstances. Released on November 14, 2014, it holds a rating of 3.6. Watch now
These 23 true crime dramas are a testament to the endless fascination with the dark underbelly of human nature. Each one gives a glimpse into the depth of despair, courage, and resilience inherent in real-life crimes. From heart-wrenching family sagas to high-stakes corporate deceit, they offer viewers an intense, unfiltered look into the stories that have shocked, intrigued, and inspired the world.