The 23 Best True Crime Shows on Netflix (April 2024)

If you’re looking for the next great true-crime show to binge-watch on Netflix, you’ve come to the right place. A truly great crime docuseries ropes you in with a fascinating hook, then delves deeper and deeper into the case with each subsequent episode. And while murder is certainly a theme on our list here, there are a few true-crime shows focused on non-violent crimes listed below as well. Peruse our list of the best true-crime shows on Netflix below.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check out our list of best shows, international true-crime docuseries, or documentaries on the platform.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

‘Worst Roommate Ever’ (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 52% | IMDb: 7.0/10

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. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Get Gotti’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 7.0/10

Who doesn’t love a true crime binge-watch? Netflix certainly does, with Get Gotti one of their best offerings in the genre. Following the life and crimes of the infamous John Gotti, this tale looks at both sides of the argument, documenting the FBI’s case that eventually led to his guilty sentencing in 1992. Chilling and oh-so-gripping, Get Gotti feels like a Scorsese movie wrapped up in true crime colors, with the insight into the sheer depth of the investigative work put into a case like this nothing short of staggering. Also a nostalgic time capsule for those who lived in 1980s New York, Get Gotti is a riveting and memorable miniseries. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 82% | IMDb: 6.6/10

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. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘How to Become a Cult Leader’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 57% | IMDb: 6.7/10

As far as true crime titles go, this is perhaps Netflix’s most enticing. How to Become a Cult Leader follows on from the success of How to Become a Tyrant, with a six-episode examination of some of history’s most evil cults, like the Manson Family and Heaven’s Gate. Better yet, the sociological and cultural elements at play are detailed by the soothing voice of Peter Dinklage. Featuring an eye-opening plethora of archival footage and interviews, as well as the odd animated section for good measure, How to Become a Cult Leader lures you into its enticing episodical entertainment and keeps you hooked with promises of greater knowledge — a clever structure that may feel all too familiar to those who have watched the series. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Catching Killers’ (2021 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 77% | IMDb: 7.2/10

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. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.5/10

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. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘I Just Killed My Dad’ (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 6.7/10

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. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Killer Sally’ (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 6.7/10

In just three hard-hitting episodes, Killer Sally tells the story of former amateur wrestler Sally McNeil and the infamous criminal case involving her abusing and killing her boyfriend, the iconic bodybuilder Ray McNeil. With such a striking and emotionally sensitive topic at its heart, Killer Sally manages to respectfully portray the difficult subject at its core without ever failing to offer a wide range of viewpoints on the situation. By creating a spine-chilling atmosphere throughout its short series run, Killer Sally buries itself into the mind of its audience, becoming a thought-provoking study of domestic violence as well as a genuinely entertaining experience. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 50% | IMDb: 5.8/10

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. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Most Hated Man on the Internet’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 6.8/10

Much more than just an eye-catching title, The Most Hated Man on the Internet tells the story of the frankly disgusting Hunter Moore and his creation — the website IsAnyoneUp.com. With the intent of ruining people’s lives and collecting as many victims as possible, Moore’s fronting of the horrifying revenge porn epidemic is simply frightening, with this documentary offering not just Moore’s story but also the story of his victims. Gripping and terrifyingly real, The Most Hated Man on the Internet is a reminder of the horrors that live in the modern virtual world, with Moore sadly just one of many awful villains that lurk inside cyberspace. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.’ (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 5.9/10

After being promised the chance to make her dog live forever, famous New York City restauranteur Sarma Meingailis marries a man who, unbeknownst to her, is about to ruin her life. Fast forward four years, and her husband, Anthony Strangis, through coercive control, has managed to get them both arrested for fraud, with Sarma’s reputation seemingly ruined forever. Nominated for Best Streaming Docuseries at the Hollywood Critics Association Television Awards, Bad Vegan is a truly unique story that stands out as one of the most unforgettable true crime series period, not just Netflix, thanks to its tackling of the sickening realities of many modern relationships. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Night Stalker: The Hunt For a Serial Killer’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 7.5/10

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. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Unsolved Mysteries’ (2020 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Originally a classic series created by John Cosgrove and Terry Dunn Meurer, Unsolved Mysteries is the Netflix reboot that true crime fans had long called for. With a series of different episodical subjects available across three seasons to date, Unsolved Mysteries features a plethora of different themes and tales ranging from the brutally real to the paranormal. Always gripping and enticingly varied, Unsolved Mysteries has certainly earned its MTV Movie, Critics’ Choice, and Hollywood Critics Association Television Awards nominations. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 52% | IMDb: 6.0/10

One of the most infamous mysteries of all time, Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel documents the improbable tragedy of Elisa Lam back in 2013 when her disappearance eventually resulted in the finding of her body in a cistern atop the hotel. Having puzzled thousands of wannabe internet sleuths for years, Crime Scene, unlike many other documentaries on this topic, actually offers a definite answer to the events that happened just over a decade ago. For those who may be used to this story and unsure as to whether this is worth a watch, its unique spin on the case certainly makes it a refreshing but still gutwrenching experience, whether you’re familiar with the Cecil Hotel or not. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘The Ripper’ (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 7.1/10

Across the pond in the UK, the case of the Yorkshire Ripper (named after his Victorian namesake counterpart by the British media) is infamously chilling and still haunts the nightmares of many who have been affected by it. This Netflix documentary tells the tale to a worldwide audience, documenting the evil exploits of Peter Sutcliffe and the furious investigation behind his eventual capture and imprisonment. Certainly not a true crime series for the faint-hearted, The Ripper is unapologetic in its delivery of this heinous story, as well as diving deep into the misogynistic way the case was dealt with by the media back in the late 1970s, a topic still so relevant today. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness’ (2020 – 2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 7.5/10

The crowning glory in Netflix’s true crime catalog, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness was a worldwide phenomenon upon its original release in 2020, likely helped by the fact that most of us were at home. Documenting the life of big cat zoo owner Joe Exotic, each episode unravels like a winding mystery, brimming with unexpected twists and ludicrous turns as Joe Exotic’s tale is examined in detail. From a plot to commit murder to an attempt to run for US presidency, there is a sense that absolutely nothing is off the table in Tiger King, making for an unforgettable viewing experience unlike any other. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez’ (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 8.1/10

This Netflix original series tells the harrowing story of the titular Gabriel Fernandez, an 8-year-old boy who was brutally tortured by his evil parents over an 8-month period. Examining not just the family but also the social system that failed the child, The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is, understandably, a terribly tough watch, with the subject matter at its core making for some of the most uncomfortable true crime viewing available today. However, that doesn’t take away from its poignancy, with the sad reality that this is just one of many similar cases making this docu-series a beacon of hope that might just widen the eyes of those in power and encourage them to do more to stop this from happening again. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘The Keepers’ (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.0/10

Telling the story of the disappearance of Sister Cathy Cesnik in 1969, The Keepers quickly becomes a mystery packed full of deceit and gutwrenching reality, with the missing nun’s attempts to uncover a system of awful sexual abuse at an all-girls high school setting into motion the potential for there to have been a conspiracy that could have cost her her life. What begins as a typical true crime series soon twists into a stomach-churning investigation into some of the most evil crimes imaginable, with the weaponized ignorance of those in power likely to light a fire of anger in the belly of everyone in the audience. The Keepers really is one of the best true crime docs on Netflix. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Making a Murderer’ (2015 – 2018)

Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 8.5/10

A true crime series that took the world by storm, Making a Murderer follows the story of Steven Avery, a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder and imprisoned for 18 years. Upon his release, Avery’s attempts to move back to his quiet life became unstuck when he was once again charged with murder, this time of Teresa Halbach, with both he and his nephew Brendan Dassey imprisoned. However, this time, despite the documentary suggesting they are both innocent, the two are still behind bars to this day, with Making a Murderer examining where the justice system might have gone wrong. Wholly addictive and massively entertaining, Making a Murderer is so well crafted and one-sided it can be easy to forget it’s not a work of fiction, with the sheer indulgence of the story making for a true crime series that needs to be seen to be believed. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

‘Wild Wild Country’ (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 8.1/10

An official selection at the 2018 Sundance Festival, Wild Wild Country is a true crime series like no other. The series follows guru Osho (more formally known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh) as he and his legions of devout followers head to the dead of the Oregon desert to begin their own utopia. However, the cracks between the church and the state begin to show, as a conflict with the locals soon spirals into the country’s first bioterror attack. Gripping, enigmatic, and hugely important, Wild Wild Country captured the imagination of both critics and the public alike upon its release, leading to the docu-series winning the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Documentary. – Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix