Ah, a new true crime shows on Netflix head one along the tracks for you to binge on via Netflix? When a crime docuseries is good, it grabs you with an intriguing premise and burrows deeper into the case over time. While murder may be a common theme in our list below, there are some true-crime series dedicated to non-violent crimes listed. Here are our picks for the top 10 true crime shows on Netflix.
01: Worst Ex Ever 2024
Following the unexpected success of Worst Roommate Ever, Netflix is back with another in the burgeoning Worst series — this time focusing on the true horrors of domestic violence. Told using reenactments, interviews, and even police body cam footage, Worst Ex Ever is even more visceral and unflinching than its predecessor, striking at the very heart of one of the most culturally sensitive topics of today. Get ready to feel a fire burning in your stomach as some of the most cruel and frustrating stories are laid out for all their flaws.
02: American Murder: Laci Peterson
This shocking true crime series is based on the 2002 disappearance and murder of the titular Laci Peterson, an event that shook Americans to their core over 20 years ago. With her husband, Scott, eventually convicted, this series dives into how a crime of this magnitude — and this infamy — can affect a family, especially with the convicted killer still claiming his innocence. For those who love their true crime on Netflix and don’t hold moral qualms with the making of this sort of material, American Murder: Laci Peterson is one of the best new additions to the catalog this year. Never far from paying homage to the victim and her family, the series still makes sure to be both thorough and immersive, offering a balanced insight into the case that many may have never seen before.
03: Homicide: Los Angeles
Fans of true crime and crime dramas like Law & Order or Criminal Minds are going to love this docuseries detailing high-profile murders in Los Angeles. Produced by the prolific cop show magnate Dick Wolf (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Homicide: Los Angeles is the second season of Netflix’s Homicide series that sits down with detectives, prosecutors, and sheriffs to break down their toughest cases. Utilizing interviews, archival footage, reenactments, and stock shots, the show weaves together a narrative about the hurdles and complexities of solving a homicide case. If you enjoy shows that try to humanize law enforcement and give a perspective of justice from the people on their side of the blue line, then this is the show for you.
04: Worst Roommate Ever 2022
This terrifying documentary tells Alex Miller’s story – one of deception and mistrust that will shake you to your core. In an attempt to rent out her spare room on Craigslist, Alex accepted the offer of Jed Creek, who, unbeknownst to her, was a serial squatter who was planning to meticulously remove her from her very own home. With a tale that many of us will likely relate to, Worst Roommate Ever mixes the horror of true crime with the suspense of a Hitchcock movie to create a viewing experience you won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
05: Murdaugh Murders 2023
Created by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason, Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal follows the tragic true story of a boat crash that killed the beloved young Mallory Beach — and how the wealth and influence of a family corrupted the case to make sure the drunk driver Paul Murdaugh got away scot-free. It is easy to remark on just how entertaining this series is, but the truth is that the sheer injustice at its core is likely to ignite fury in all who watch it, with the show’s best asset being its ability to evoke a visceral and emotional reaction. Gripping from start to finish, Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal is well worth your time.
06: Catching Killers 2021
Sometimes just one true crime case isn’t enough. Netflix’s Catching Killers provides a unique twist on one of the streamer’s most reliable genres, with the series providing a detailed look at the investigator’s journey to solving some of the world’s most infamous cases. By championing those who stopped the evil rather than characterizing the perpetrator, Catching Killers offers a viewing experience that rouses a will to succeed inside its audience without ever failing to pack a powerful punch. Perhaps the series’ most unique take on the true crime genre is to offer the realities of police work and how the funding and time that goes into cases sadly cannot be endless.
07: American Manhunt 2023
To take on one of the most infamous crimes in recent history is no mean feat, with the team behind American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing pulling out all the stops to offer a nuanced and respectful view of the tragedy. From exclusive interviews with the likes of reporter Phillip Martin and FBI Special Agent in Charge Rick Deslauriers to powerful archival footage, the documentary series challenges the viewer to not simply passively watch but to instead actively engage in an event that shook the lives of so many. Chilling and moving in equal measure, American Manhunt feels like an important milestone for true crime television.
08: I Just Killed My Dad 2022
Documenting the true story of Anthony Templet, I Just Killed My Dad tells the story that its title suggests, with the aforementioned murderer’s horrific crime and the events that led up to it showcased in detail. Directed by Skye Borgman, the visionary behind the true crime classic Abducted in Plain Sight, I Just Killed My Dad is unapologetic in its approach to tackling a truly terrifying tale, giving the audience a chance to fully immerse themselves in the chilling sequence of events that led to the tragedy. By using interviews with those closest to Templet, including his mother and step-brother, it is no surprise that this docu-series has received such great praise, including a remarkable 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
09: The Real Bling Ring 2023
So many true crime documentaries focus on stories long ago or not publicized enough for many of us to remember. The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist, however, dives deep into a tale much more recent and high profile than many of its peers — notably, the infamous robberies of the Hollywood homes of the likes of Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan by a gang in the early noughties. By using interviews with both the perpetrators and some of the victims, The Real Bling Ring offers a dual perspective on the crimes, with discussions of truth and celebrity status, among other themes, making the miniseries impossible to turn off.
10: Night Stalker 2021
A true crime series as visceral and gritty as they come, Night Stalker: The Hunt For a Serial Killer tells the story of Richard Ramirez, the California Killer who brutally took the lives of at least 13 people in the mid-1980s. By leaving no stone unturned, Night Stalker details every aspect of the chase for Ramirez, from the man himself to the detectives charged with finding him, Gil Carrillo and Frank Salerno. With a discussion of a monster at the heart of this documentary, Night Stalker manages to walk the line between an accurate portrayal of real horrors and a fascinating insight into the mind of a killer.
