True Crime & Documentary TV & Movies: Unveiling the Stories Behind the Screen
Written by Matt Nelson & Likewise Pix | Jun 03, 2024
True crime enthusiasts and documentary lovers, rejoice! Dive deep into an array of gripping TV shows and films that unveil riveting mysteries, expose corruption, and shine a light on justice. These meticulously crafted works provide not just chilling narratives but thought-provoking insights into the human condition. Let’s embark on this journey through some of the most compelling true crime and documentary productions available.
Forensic Files
Release Date: April 21, 1996 | Average Rating: 4.6
Real crimes, disease outbreaks, and accidents from around the world are meticulously solved by experts using scientific laboratory analysis in Forensic Files. This iconic series showcases brilliant scientific work that helps convict the guilty and free the innocent. It stands as a testament to how technology and meticulous detective work come together to reveal previously undetectable evidence, changing the world of crime solving forever.
Making a Murderer
Release Date: December 18, 2015 | Average Rating: 4.5
Making a Murderer is a real-life thriller filmed over the span of ten years. It follows a DNA exoneree who, while unveiling police corruption, suddenly finds himself embroiled as a suspect in a grisly new crime. This series not only explores the intricacies of the legal system but also raises questions about justice and the human spirit’s quest for truth.
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
Release Date: February 8, 2015 | Average Rating: 4.5
Robert Durst, part of New York's billionaire real estate family, is the enigmatic figure at the center of The Jinx. Accused of three murders over a span of 30 years, Durst has continuously evaded justice. The series features Durst himself as he reveals secrets and insights into his case, offering a unique perspective that has long baffled authorities.
Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
Release Date: December 18, 2019 | Average Rating: 4.0
One of the most unexpected and chilling docuseries is Don't F**k with Cats. It tells the story of a group of online justice seekers who band together to track down a man who posted a video of himself killing kittens. This series is a testament to the power of internet communities and the relentless pursuit of justice.
The Keepers
Release Date: May 19, 2017 | Average Rating: 4.0
The decades-old murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik and its suspected link to a priest accused of abuse is meticulously unraveled in The Keepers. This docuseries is not just a story of a murder mystery but a deep dive into the institutional cover-ups that have stymied justice for years, highlighting the voices of the victims who have long been silenced.
13th
Release Date: October 7, 2016 | Average Rating: 4.0
13th ventures into the depths of the U.S. prison system, uncovering how it sheds light on the nation's deep-seated history of racial inequality. Directed by Ava DuVernay, this documentary provides an incisive look at how institutionalized racism has perpetuated a cycle of fear, incarceration, and disenfranchisement.
Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
Release Date: January 24, 2019 | Average Rating: 4.0
Explore the mind of one of the most infamous serial killers in Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes. This cinematic self-portrait includes present-day interviews, archival footage, and audio recordings from death row, offering an unnerving look inside Ted Bundy's psyche and the chilling nature of his crimes.
Evil Genius
Release Date: May 11, 2018 | Average Rating: 4.0
Evil Genius presents one of the most baffling true crime stories starting with the grisly death of a pizza man who is made to rob a bank with a bomb strapped around his neck - and spirals into even stranger territory. This docuseries digs into a complex web of plots, lies, and shocking twists that keep you at the edge of your seat.
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer
Release Date: January 13, 2021 | Average Rating: 4.0
Amid the sunlit glamour of 1985 Los Angeles, the relentless pursuit of a monstrous serial killer unfolds in Night Stalker. This true-crime story follows two detectives' tireless efforts to catch a remorseless villain terrorizing the city, bringing to light the darkness lurking beneath a seemingly perfect facade.
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
Release Date: January 15, 2020 | Average Rating: 3.9
Killer Inside offers a penetrating look into the life of Aaron Hernandez, an NFL star who descended dramatically into infamy as a convicted killer. Through interviews with friends, players, and insiders, this docuseries examines the interplay between fame, mental health, and violence, shedding light on the tragic fall of a promising athlete.
True crime and documentary TV shows and movies continue to captivate audiences with their blend of suspense, reality, and revelation. Each story offers a unique lens through which we can view the complexities of human nature, society, and the unending quest for justice. Whether it’s uncovering long-buried secrets, exposing corruption, or exploring the depths of the human psyche, these productions ensure that the truth is stranger and far more compelling than fiction.