The Best True Crime Documentaries to Watch Now
The Best True Crime Documentaries to Watch Now [Updated for 2026]
I’m not gonna lie, I’ve always been a true crime girl.
There’s something about diving into real life stories that keeps me absolutely glued to the screen.
Whether it’s a cold case that’s gone unsolved for decades or a deep psychological profile of a killer, I always find myself totally hooked.
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you make a qualifying purchase through these links or codes. But don’t worry, there is never any extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my Privacy Policy here for more info. Thank you!*
So, if you’re anything like me and looking for your next true crime watch, I’ve got you covered.
Today, I’m sharing the best true crime documentaries to watch righy now, all of which are streaming on Netflix.
So without further ado, let’s dive in, shall we?
The Best True Crime Documentaries
I’m super excited to share my top picks for the best true crime documentaries on Netflix right now.
I love a good binge watch, and these recommendations below are perfect for that.
Are you ready to discover the best true crime documentaries to watch right now?
Let’s go!
A Deadly American Marriage
I recently watched a documentary that completely shook me, A Deadly American Marriage.
It’s one of those true crime stories that stays with you long after the credits roll.
This documentary tells the heartbreaking tale of Jason Corbett, an Irish father brutally killed in 2015.
His wife, Molly Martens, and her father, a former FBI agent, claimed it was self-defense, but Jason’s family believed it was murder.
This case is full of twists and difficult truths, leaving you to wonder: was it a cold-blooded plan or a desperate act of protection?
An In-depth Documentary
We start by learning about Jason’s life.
He found the love of his life, got married, and had two beautiful children.
However, tragedy struck when his first wife suddenly died from an asthma attack.
Left to care for two kids alone, Jason hired an au pair to help out, that’s when Molly came into the picture.
She moved from America to support the family and quickly became more than a nanny.
A relationship formed between Jason and Molly, making her a permanent part of their lives.
That’s when the story takes a darker turn.
The documentary digs deep, featuring insights from family, legal experts, and most powerfully,
Jason’s two children, Sarah and Jack.
Their voices hit hard, and I can’t even begin to fathom their strength.
I won’t spoil too much because you need to experience the case unfold.
But prepare yourself, this one hurts, especially when you think of the kids.
With a runtime of around 1 hour 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a late-night watch or weekend binge.
If you’re into real crime that tugs at your heart and your head, A Deadly American Marriage is one to add to your list.
Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders
Next up is a documentary that covers a case I’ve been curious about for a while, the Tylenol Murders.
Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders delves into one of America’s most shocking unsolved crimes.
In 1982, seven people in Chicago tragically died after taking cyanide laced Tylenol capsules.
This quickly sparked nationwide panic overnight and even changed how medicine is packaged today.
The most chilling part though?
Here we are over 40 years later, and still no one has been charged for the murders!!
The documentary thrusts us into the thick of it from the beginning with firsthand accounts from victims’ loved ones, journalists, and law enforcement.
This three episode series explores the chaos, false leads, and intense media attention that hooks you in from the start.
What makes this hit hard for me though is its randomness; it could have happened to anyone, literally anyone, and that’s terrifying.
The series also touches upon the fact that the killer might still be out there, and the prime suspect speaks for the first time on camera.
I won’t spoil the series, but wow, I was stunned by it all.
The case has so many layers, and the ending only raises more questions than answers.
I highly recommend it if you’re looking to learn more about this case, especially if you’re new to the Tylenol Murders.
It’s dark, disturbing, and absolutely fascinating.
Girl in the Picture
If you only watch one true crime documentary this week, make it this one! It’s truly one of the best true crime documentaries to watch.
Girl in the Picture completely floored me when I first saw it.
It’s one of the most jaw dropping, heartbreaking documentaries I’ve ever watched.
The case begins with a young woman found dying by the roadside in 1990.
She leaves behind a son and a man claiming to be her husband, but the story doesn’t add up.
Who was she really?
That’s the question at the heart of this disturbing, emotional journey.
As the documentary unfolds, we discover her real identity isn’t just hidden, it’s been stolen!
What follows is a decades long nightmare involving kidnapping, abuse, lies, and a criminal hiding in plain sight.
We hear from childhood friends, investigators, journalists, and people who knew her as “Sharon,” although that wasn’t her real name.
I won’t spoil any more details, but by the end, your heart will ache for her and everything she endured.
It’s dark, emotional, and deeply moving.
The runtime is about 1 hour 40 minutes, perfect for a night when you want to watch something intense and unforgettable.
Girl in the Picture isn’t just a crime story. It’s about a stolen life, a broken system, and a fight for truth that took decades.
American Murder: The Laci Peterson Story
I thought I knew all about this true crime case until I watched this documentary.
American Murder: The Laci Peterson Story dives deep into one of modern America’s most high profile murder cases.
It will leave you questioning everything.
It all started on Christmas Eve, 2002, when Laci Peterson, eight months pregnant at the time, disappeared from her home in California.
Her husband, Scott, quickly became the prime suspect.
The media went wild over this case.
A perfect couple, a missing wife, a secret affair, it had all the makings of a true crime obsession, and it became just that.
But this documentary goes beyond the headlines.
It re-examines the case with fresh eyes, offering new interviews and chilling courtroom clips that reveal just how complicated the truth might be.
We hear from Laci’s family, journalists, legal experts, and even supporters who believe Scott didn’t get a fair trial.
The case is so much deeper than you think.
It’s emotional and frustrating, full of moments that will make you pause and wonder if justice was truly served.
I won’t spoil everything for you, but if you thought you knew the full story, you probably don’t.
With a runtime of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a late night true crime binge.
If you’re into documentaries that dig deeper and challenge public opinion, American Murder: The Laci Peterson Story is a must watch.
This Is The Zodiac Speaking
Last but definitely not least on my best true crime documentaries list is a case that always gives me chills.
This Is the Zodiac Speaking dives deep into one of America’s most infamous unsolved serial killer cases.
And trust me, it’s just as creepy as it is captivating.
The Zodiac Killer terrorised Northern California in the late 1960s, sending coded letters and threats to newspapers while claiming responsibility for a series of brutal murders.
This documentary doesn’t just skim the surface; it walks you through the case in terrifying detail.
You’ll see real police files, crime scene evidence, and hear in-depth interviews with surviving victims, investigators, and journalists who followed the case closely.
Why does this documentary stand out?
It focuses heavily on the police work, highlighting what went wrong and what was missed.
It also examines Arthur Leigh Allen, the man many still suspect was/is the Zodiac.
You’ll hear directly from detectives who pursued him, explore the circumstantial evidence linking him to the crimes, and learn why he was never convicted, despite all signs pointing to him.
The documentary delves into the Zodiac’s case, shining light on his cold blooded methods in disturbing detail.
Spanning over three episodes, it’s perfect for a weekend binge.
If you’re into true crime that’s unsolved, eerie, and full of twists, This Is the Zodiac Speaking should be at the top of your list.
It’s truly one of the best true crime documentaries to binge!
Underrated Picks for The Best True Crime Documentaries
Okay, let’s dive into some hidden gems, shall we?
These are the finds that grab you from the start and keep you hooked.
They aren’t always in the spotlight.
Here are three of my top picks for underrated true crime documentaries.
The Ripper
I used to skip past this documentary, thinking I already knew the story.
But one quiet night, after the kids finally fell asleep, I hit play.
Wow, I was instantly hooked!
The Ripper spans over four episodes. It delves into the chilling case of the Yorkshire Ripper, a serial killer who haunted Northern England in the late 1970s.
But it’s not just about the crimes. The series critically examines the investigation’s failures.
It explores the media frenzy and flawed police assumptions.
I highly recommend it if you like true crime that digs deeper than headlines.
The Confession Tapes
This series sat on my Netflix list forever. During a sleepless night with my teething baby, I finally pressed play.
Instantly, I was hooked and the series blew my mind.
Luckily, it spans two seasons, which I binged while managing newborn life.
The Confession Tapes explores cases where individuals confess to crimes they might not have committed.
It challenges everything you think you know about justice and criminal psychology. It’s a must watch!
Killer Sally
You’ve probably scrolled past Killer Sally a bunch of times.
But I urge you to give it a shot!
It tells the story of a female bodybuilder who killed her husband.
The documentary challenges assumptions about domestic violence, power, and the justice system.
It caught me off guard and kept me glued to the screen.
With three episodes, it’s perfect for a weekend binge.
Honestly, these underrated picks are some of the best true crime documentaries you can watch now.
Especially if you’re done hearing about the same cases repeatedly.
My Final Thoughts on True Crime Documentaries
And there you have it, my current list of must-see true crime documentaries!
Whether you crave a deep emotional story like Girl in the Picture or a classic case like Laci Peterson, there’s something here for every true crime fan.
If you’re like me, you’ll probably devour them all in a week.
No judgment here!
Let me know which one stuck with you the most.
Better yet, drop your own recommendations in the comments.
I’m always on the hunt for my next obsession.
Posts you may like:
- Must See Thrillers You Need to Watch This Week
- 5 series to watch on Netflix if you’re a fan of Crime & Mystery
This Blog Post Was Created By A Human (No AI)
I recently got into a true crimes podcast and find it quite interesting to learn about some truly extraordinary cases. I think I may have to dive into documentaries now, as your list of ones to watch are fascinating. I will be watching some this weekend!
Thank you for sharing all of these recommendations, I’ve never added things to my Netflix list so fast haha! I’m starting with Girl in the picture
I am hooked! Each of your synopsis totally drew me in and made me want to watch every last minute. Thank you for these fabulous true crime suggestions!
OMG, thank you for the recommendations! I love listening to true crime podcasts and YouTube videos, but I’ve been wanting to watch documentaries, so these recommendations came at the perfect time.
https://embracethepandemonium.wordpress.com/
I like watching true crime, but I have not seen any of these docs. I have added them to my watch list, and I will start with Girl in the Picture since you highly recommend it.