The rise in popularity of crime documentaries is forever growing, particularly due to the content reflecting on real-life events which intrigue and fascinate the viewer as it seems so out of touch with reality to them. Whilst crime documentaries portray a glimpse of horror, they are not always as extreme as true horror or thriller movies or series which are often put off by a variety of viewers due to the alarming fear and terror displayed within. Crime documentaries have been broadcast across the BBC and ITV channels for years, click here to enquire about Freeview services, however, the range has expanded through popular streaming services. It is no surprise that most people love a true-crime documentary on Netflix however, their pool of crime documentaries is extremely large, meaning that it can be difficult to navigate your way towards the best content. That’s why we are here! Stay tuned for a breakdown of some must-watch crime documentaries on Netflix.
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
This documentary comes as a shock to the majority of viewers once they find out that an NFL star within the New England Patriots team has turned into a convicted killer after murdering three individuals. Aaron Hernandez’s crimes are difficult to comprehend as viewers had previously seen him as a sports superstar excelling in his career and living the American dream. However, the documentary delves deeper into Hernandez’s mind and family background, to explore why he may have made these startling mistakes.
The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann
Digging deeper into the infamous 2007 disappearance of a young, Scottish girl, the documentary displays this horrific unresolved crime from the beginning of the McCanns holiday to Portugal until where they remain now. Unconfirmed. The short one-season docuseries even covers the background of the destination the family, including Madeleine and her siblings, had stayed in when the disappearance took place fourteen years ago and covers interviews and theories about this eerie real-life story.
American Murder: The Family Next Door
This documentary can be classed as one of the best crime documentaries on Netflix as it explores how a normal functioning family experiences one of the greatest horrors possible. American Murder was released on Netflix in 2020 and portrays the events that lead up to the Watt Family murders that took place within 2018 through a series of social media content, text messages, videos, and recordings. The murders of Shanann Watts and her two young children, Bella and Celeste were chilling and dreadful enough, but what was the eeriest part you ask? The murders were carried out by Shanann’s husband, who was also the young girls’ father.
Don’t F*** With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
From the outset of the series, the audience witness an online video of an individual killing two real-life kittens, little did they know that this video, alongside an online group attempting to hunt the killer down, would also lead to solving an unresolved murder that had taken place in Canada. Through the power of the internet, viewers witness how evil murderer Luka Magnotta was tracked down. Warning: if you are sensitive to animal abuse, it may be wise to give this documentary a miss.
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer
The look of serial killer Richard Ramirez is enough to send chills down your spine. If you are a true horror fan, this documentary is definitely for you as it captures the nightmare crimes carried out by Ramirez as he made his way through the west coast of America killing 14 people and torturing and abusing even more. Upon being captured in 1985, Ramirez was ultimately sentenced to death however died of Cancer whilst in prison in 2013. This documentary is one for the watching if you are prepared for an eerie scare.
Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel
Covering the history of Downtown Los Angeles resorting back to the beginning of the 1900s, the viewer is presented with the horrifying background on the infamous Cecil Hotel, to the moment of its closure. After being renamed and in an attempt to be rebranded, the Cecil hotel closed its doors in 2011 and changed its name to Stay on Main, with the hope to attract more suitable guests compared to its past. This is where the true mystery begins. After Canadian student Elisa Lam disappears after residing in the rebranded hotel, the documentary begins to connect old history, and how that may have had an impact on her disappearance. A must-watch for theory and mystery lovers!
Now that we have presented some of the much-loved crime documentaries on Netflix using your laptop, it’s time to begin watching. The best part about Netflix is that after watching your preferred choice of crime documentary, Netflix will suggest what shows you are likely to enjoy next. This guide simply acts as an introduction to the crime you may enjoy watching, so what are you waiting for, it’s time to head straight to Netflix!
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