When you want something creepy to watch but don't know what to put on! Just in time for Spooky Season!
Is it weird to say that I love "True Crime"?
Yes, I think so. And I know that. But I know I'm not the only one because any time there is a new crime doc on Netflix, it is instantly at the top of the charts. I do always think about the families involved, because I can't imagine going through something so horrific and now having to relive it years later. I like to think of the positive in that these shows and movies help to bring justice for the crimes and also bring awareness to the victims and their families.
How did I get into True Crime?
I think, to some extent, I've always been interested in True Crime. I have very vivid memories as a kid hearing about the OJ Simpson case and Jon Benet Ramsey as well. Those were huge cases in the 90s and I remember not understanding what was being said, but that they were a big deal. Since then, I've listened to podcasts, watched shows and become immersed in trying to solve these and other cases. I blame my love of True Crime on things like the Mary Kate and Ashley detective series for kids and movies like Harriet the Spy and then Veronica Mars as a teen. I even had a detective birthday party when I was 8 (see photo!). So yeah, you can say I've always been a true crime buff. At my day job, I do work in the legal field. I always thought I'd want to work on a Law & Order type TV show, but now I deal with the real thing.
My top True Crime Documentaries
These are in no particular order but I've rated them all a 7 or above on IMDB.
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst - 2015 HBO Max
Sean and I re-watched the original 2015 series before the new 2024 second season. It tells the story of NY royalty Robert Durst and the "alleged" murders he committed. Remember when Robert Durst uttered those chilling words at the end of the first season? I won't spoil it, but that original OMG moment will be hard to top.
The Staircase - 2004 Netflix and now HBO Max
This doc spawned a scripted TV Show in 2022 starring Colin Firth and Toni Collette.
But the original doc centers around the story of a crime writer that is accused of killing his wife after she is found at the bottom of their staircase. Have you heard the "owl theory?" IYKYK!
Making A Murderer - 2015 Netflix
This was one of the first True Crime documentaries I remember that I could not stop thinking about. It follows the case around Steven Avery and his nephew who may or may not have committed a murder. If you're like me, you won't know who to believe the entire series.
The Keepers - 2017 Netflix
I don't know why it took me 7 years to watch this one, but I'm glad I did! This one will make you really angry, especially if you have or had any connection to the Catholic Church. It covers the unsolved murder of a nun as well as the sexual abuse going on within the church.
The Vow - 2020 HBO Max
Do you want to better yourself and your career? Take these courses and work though our program! Cults always start out sounding like such a good idea! The Vow is about the NXIVM Cult (pronounced NEX-E-EM) where the leaders went to (spoiler alert!) jail for sex trafficking, racketeering and conspiracy. Word of advice: If anyone ever asks you for collateral to join their club, just say no!
I'll be Gone in the Dark - 2020 HBO Max
I'm really glad I was not born yet during the height of the serial killer era in California during the 1970s. Between the Zodiac killer, Ted Bundy and the "star" of this docu-series, the Golden State Killer, I don't know how anyone relaxed or wasn't freaked out 24/7.
Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting and Internet Killer - 2019 Netflix
I agree with the title, don't you dare "eff" with cats! It is sadly a common thread between serial killers that they originally kill animals before moving on to people. Thankfully, some cyber sleuths tracked down this truly evil killer.
American Nightmare - 2024 Netflix
I think two of the worst things that can happen to you is being the victim of a crime, and then no one believes what actually happened to you! That truly would be a nightmare! This documentary follows Denise Huskins who was kidnapped and held hostage. Once she is released, everyone thinks she is following the plot of "Gone Girl" and orchestrated the whole thing!
Keep Sweet: Pray & Obey - 2022 Netflix
Before there was the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and RHoSLC, there was a different docuseries that exposes a more sinister side of the Mormon Church. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a version of the Mormon Church that believes in polygamy. I am under the beliefs that "you do you" if no one gets hurt. But in this case, young girls are getting hurt in the name of religion. It is truly terrifying and I am happy that evil people like Warren Jeffs have been exposed and convicted.
Unsolved Mysteries - Original 1987 series (streaming on Peacock), New Series 2020 - Netflix
I remember watching the original series as very young child while being home sick from school. The opening theme song still gives me chills. Now as an adult, I of course was so happy to see that Netflix brought back UM with some crazy stories that I still think about. And there are even more episodes coming out in October 2024!
Honorable Mentions - Podcasts, etc.
Serial - podcast. The "This American Life" spin off podcast Serial really jumpstarted my
foray into the true crime world in 2014. It was one of the first big podcasts and really sparked the true crime podcast category.
Up and Vanished - podcast. I have listened to all 4 Seasons of this podcast covering different missing persons cases all around the country. The first season covers the case of a missing beauty pageant queen in Georgia. The current season is trying to solve the two cases of missing people in Alaska.
True Crime and Cocktails - podcast. I love this true crime podcast because they not only do a great job of outlining cases, but they also bring some light banter into the discussion to lift the mood. Sometimes you can get really sad listening to these shows that you might need a little fun to change the subject and remind you that the world isn't a completely terrible place.
Let me know if I missed any of your favorite documentaries!
-Lex
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