If you love true crime, stream these shows and docs

Real-life law and order

Few things bring viewers together like trying to solve a mystery, and even fewer things can say the truth is stranger than fiction. Serial killers, CIA operatives, cultists, and the wrongly convicted all reside at the intersection of true crime and cinema. Check out EW's recommendations for the best true crime shows and docs you can stream right now. If you aren't the tiniest bit curious, you're lying.

Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer, 2003

Many are familiar with the case of Aileen Wuornos thanks to Charlize Theron's Oscar-winning turn in Monster. But the true story behind the drama reveals a troubled woman, a discarded life, and a thankless struggle that ended in the shooting deaths of six men. This documentary gives Wuornos a chance to tell her side of the story, shedding valuable insight into the psychology of a killer. —Dan Heching

Available on Amazon Prime Video.

13th, 2016

One of the true-crime subgenre's most controversial aspects, its characterization of the police system, is given its time under the lights in this harrowing documentary. While most entries on this list explore true crimes committed out in the so-called free world, Ava DuVernay's 13th looks at the other end of the justice process, where another serious crime is being committed: the large-scale criminalization of Black men within the country's incarceration system. It asks a question still being grappled with today: Who gets to receive justice in America? —Dan Heching

Available on Netflix.

3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets, 2015

This documentary captures a sadly familiar story—an unarmed Black teen dying by gunfire at the hands of a white man. In 2012, the death of Jordan Davis and the ensuing trial of his killer made headlines that have been echoed many times since. 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets explores the case and the ramifications it continues to have on the country as a whole. —Dan Heching

Available on HBO Max and HBO.

Amanda Knox, 2016

"Either I'm a psychopath in sheep's clothing, or I am you." This statement and many others are at the center of this Netflix documentary, which gives voice to one of the most infamous suspected killers of the new century. Relive the fateful night in Italy when Amanda Knox's roommate was killed and examine the media hurricane and two lawsuits that ensued, ending with Knox being twice acquitted. Is the film biased towards Knox, or is it simply showing the truth about the shocking crime? You be the judge. —Dan Heching

Available on Netflix.

American Murder: The Family Next Door, 2020

Why did Christopher Watts murder his wife Shannan and their two young daughters, 4-year-old Bella and 3-year-old Celeste, in 2018? This Netflix documentary attempts to answer this question by unraveling the clues leading to Christopher's eventual confession, including insight into the extramarital affair that is believed to have motivated the triple killings. Viewers get an inside look at the family during their happier days, text messages and social media posts from Shannen, and a glimpse into Christopher's interrogations. —Rosy Cordero

Available on Netflix.

Being Poirot, 2013

Not all "true crime" fare has to explore the dark side. There is arguably no other character that represents this idea more than Hercule Poirot, the iconic crime solver from the mind of Agatha Christie. Although several esteemed actors have portrayed him, David Suchet, the British actor who brought Poirot to life in a long-running series, is considered the finest. This documentary explores the actor's process and what the brilliant role means to him. —Dan Heching

Available on Acorn TV.

The Central Park Five, 2012

The Central Park jogger case rattled New York City in 1989, the events of which many won't soon forget: a gruesome rape, a woman on the brink of death, and the five (Black and Latino) men found responsible for her unspeakable trauma. However, this case is far from cut and dry. Written and directed by noted filmmaker Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, this searing documentary displays one of the most prominent and racially charged miscarriages of justice in American history. —Dan Heching

Available on PBS and Amazon Prime Video.

Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel, 2021

What happened to Elisa Lam, the Vancouver student who traveled to L.A. and was found dead in a water tank at the infamous Cecil Hotel? Filmmaker Joe Berlinger revisits the mysterious circumstances surrounding the case while presenting the facts. However, that isn't enough for many cyber sleuths, who have tried diving deeper into the case no matter the cost. Did Lam's mental health play a role in her demise, or is there something more sinister at play? Berlinger also examines how the hotel's location, Los Angeles' Skid Row, has played a role in attracting serial killers, death, and trouble and why the city has a responsibility to do better —Rosy Cordero

Available on Netflix.

Evil Genius: The True Crime of America's Most Diabolical Bank Heist, 2018

Addictive and twisty, Evil Genius recounts the 2003 Pizza Bomber Heist story in which a pizza delivery driver tried to rob a PNC bank in Erie, Pa., with a bomb strapped to his neck. Unfortunately, the bomb ended up exploding before the authorities could save him. Throughout the series' four episodes, it tries to figure out who else was responsible for the robbery and the bomb. —Chancellor Agard

Available on Netflix.

Frame 313: The JFK Assassination Theories, 2008

Unpacking what is arguably the most famous true crime of the 20th century, this exhaustive documentary examines the most credible theories (some conspiracy, some not) surrounding John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, and looks at those who may have gotten away with this history-making murder. —Dan Heching

Available on Amazon Prime Video.

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, 2020

After convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's death by suicide in 2019, many questions remain unanswered about his crimes and the degree of culpability of his influential friends and associates.The four-part documentary features interviews with multiple women who accuse Epstein and some of his known cohorts of sexually abusing them or playing a role in the abuse, as well as those who say he paid them to procure young women for him at local high schools. Some witnesses who have claimed to have seen Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and others associating with Epstein under varied circumstances also speak candidly in this harrowing documentary. —Rosy Cordero

Available on Netflix.

The Jinx, 2015

Ever present in the headlines, the late real estate mogul Robert Durst was suspected of three separate murders—of his first wife, a longtime friend, and a neighbor. Meant initially to examine the case, this HBO miniseries actually became part of the testimony against him after he supposedly confessed to the murders via wire. These recordings helped the prosecution convict him of murder in September 2021. —Dan Heching

Available on HBO Max.

Related: The Jinx: Robert Durst's bathroom confession is the creepiest poem ever

The Keepers, 2017

One of the first examples of the success of Netflix's true-crime documentaries was The Keepers. This creepy, largely unresolved account of a nun's unsolved murder and the foul play nearly 20 years later that it might be connected to. Gather the facts about Cathy Cesnik's murder from friends, relatives, journalists, and officials who may know the truth, and judge for yourself. —Dan Heching

Available on Netflix.

The Lady and the Dale, 2021

Liz Carmichael, a transgender woman who innovated both the automobile and scamming industries, is one of the most captivating subjects to be featured in a true-crime docuseries in recent years. She bit off more than she could chew in 1970 when she created the Dale, a three-wheel car meant to use less fuel during a time when the U.S. was running low on its supplies. While she reaped the profits of her innovation, not one car made it off the production line and into the streets. The Lady and the Dale is a fascinating look at a unique scammer that anyone interested in other types of true crime should be required to watch. —Rosy Cordero

Available on HBO Max and HBO.

The Last Narc, 2020

The kidnapping, torture, and murder of D.E.A. agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985 has been covered extensively in media, well beyond Narcos: Mexico. But none have gone so far as to share the points of view of witnesses who allege to have seen or participated in the crimes against Camarena by drug traffickers in Mexico. The Last Narc isn't shy when revealing the names of people being accused of having played a role in this case, including a C.I.A. agent and other government officials on both sides of the border. —Rosy Cordero

Available on Amazon Prime Video.

Making a Murderer, 2015-2018

If any true-crime series was responsible for the subgenre's boom in recent years, it's this one. Making a Murderer follows the stranger-than-fiction trial of Steven Avery, who was wrongfully convicted of one murder, only to be later embroiled in another murder case two decades later. Unfortunately, the evidence presented this time is not as favorable. This award-winning series' second season further documents this polarizing, complicated, and ongoing case that may never see a conclusive ending. —Dan Heching

Available on Netflix.

Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer, 2021

The summer of 1985 was sweltering in Los Angeles, leaving residents no choice but to leave their doors and windows open to stay cool. However, little did they know a serial killer was on the prowl; he didn't need an open invitation to enter homes, nor did he discriminate when selecting victims. Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer tells the story of detectives Frank Salerno and Gil Carrillo, the duo whose investigation led to the capture of Richard Ramirez, a proud Satanist known as the Night Stalker, in August of 1985. But that's not where the story ends. Ramirez's trial was comparable to a circus, as fans desperately tried to connect with the person accused (and later convicted) of 13 counts of murder, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults, and 14 burglaries. —Rosy Cordero

Available on Netflix.

Private Violence, 2014

According to statistics, the most dangerous place a woman can be is in her own home. Even more harrowing, four women are murdered every day at the hands of abusive partners. These statistics are why documentaries such as Private Violence are so important. This documentary provides an unflinching look at domestic violence, putting a face to the numbers and a story behind the figures, following one survivor in her pursuit of justice and the advocate who stands at her side. —Dan Heching

Available on Tubi or Amazon Prime Video.

Sasquatch, 2021

With a name like Sasquatch, you might think this three-episode documentary series offers a light-hearted take on the true-crime drama, teeming with passerby sightings of a mythical creature of the woods. Think again. As director Joshua Rofé (Lorena) teams up with journalist David Holthouse to investigate several gruesome murders, things get chilling. These murders were those that Holthouse heard about while working on an Emerald Triangle pot farm more than two decades ago. The mythological Bigfoot certainly leaves a heavy footprint in this, but the windy path leads you on a discovery toward something much more sinister in the forests. —Jolie Lash

Available on Hulu.

Sophie: A Murder in West Cork, 2021

This true-crime documentary looks into the 25-year-old unsolved murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, a French filmmaker who had a holiday home in rural Schull, Ireland. Plantier's family, including her brother and son, are among those interviewed for this documentary that looks at her life and tragic death just before Christmas 1996, in the Cork town, which—up until her murder—was known for being a place hospitable to "blow-ins" (outsiders). Only three episodes long, this series goes deeper than most, covering the supernatural lore of the locale as well as featuring firsthand accounts from those who were witnesses and investigators in the decades-old case. —Jolie Lash

Available on Netflix.

Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four, 2016

This GLAAD-award-winning documentary follows the upsetting persecution of four Latina lesbians for crimes they did not commit. The titular San Antonio Four were wrongfully accused of aggravated sexual assault and indecency against two young girls in their conservative Texas community in 1994. Almost 20 years after being convicted and sent to prison, one accuser recanted, and critical evidence used to prosecute the women proved to be incorrect. The women were set free, but that was not the end of their travails. Watch this arresting account of their quest for complete exoneration, a series that later became instrumental in clearing their names. —Dan Heching

Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.

The Staircase, 2004-2018

This saga is essential if you're watching the HBO Max miniseries of the same name. Initially released in 2004, this docuseries from French director-writer Jean-Xavier de Lestrade predated our current true-crime boom and documents the trial of Michael Peterson, a man accused of killing his wife Kathleen in 2001. It was critically acclaimed when it was first released 14 years ago, but interest in the case has far from subsided. De Lestrade released a sequel in 2013 and then another three new episodes on Netflix in June 2018, which documented Peterson's final trial. What's truly fascinating about all this—apart from the owl theory about Kathleen's death—is that Lestrade still isn't sure whether or not he believes Peterson is guilty. "Michael Peterson himself is a very strange, very complex character," de Lestrade told Time. "Of course, the man I spent many days, weeks, months, and years with—the man I know, it's like it's not possible that he's capable of killing someone in that way. But human beings are so strange and you never know." —Chancellor Agard

Available on Netflix.

Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story, 2014

While some crimes may not necessarily be violent, their weight and reach can still be felt worldwide. This statement was proven true in the case of former cyclist Lance Armstrong. The world-renowned athlete admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs in cycling competitions after years of lying and denial, leading many to question the legacy of his career. This doc explores what led up to that momentous decision and the shocking fallout of his confession. —Dan Heching

Available on PlutoTV and Amazon Prime Video.

Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer, 2020

What makes Falling for a Killer different from all the other Ted Bundy documentaries is that it's the only one told from the point of view of his former girlfriend, Elizabeth Kendall. Who was Bundy when he wasn't out manipulating, raping, and killing innocent women? The answer might surprise you: He was a family man who became a surrogate father to Elizabeth's young daughter, Molly, who shares what life was like having Bundy as a stepfather. Luckily for the pair, the relationship fell apart, and Bundy was caught for his crimes, including the 30 murders he confessed to committing. Kendall's side of the story is powerfully reclaimed in this documentary, which questions why victims never become as infamous as their killers. —Rosy Cordero

Available on Amazon Prime Video.

Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness, 2020

Tiger King hardly needs an introduction, but for those who didn't give in to the hype in its heyday, it's a true-crime docuseries exposing wildcat owners, their rivalries, and their treatment of said animals often under the guise of conservation. At the center is the self-proclaimed Tiger King, Joe Exotic, who is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for crimes against his animals and a murder-for-hire plot to kill his nemesis, Carole Baskin. The tale is wild and the road bumpy. Still, it does an excellent job uncovering the inadequate laws in place to protect innocent animals from people who are only concerned with their exploitation for dollars. —Rosy Cordero

Available on Netflix.

Wild Wild Country, 2018

Produced by the Duplass brothers, this Emmy-winning series chronicles the surreal story of what happened when the Rajneesh cult settled in a small Oregon town in the late '80s and essentially tried to take it over. What ensues is nothing short of unbelievable and includes mass poisoning, attempted murder, and so much more. If that doesn't entice you, Wild Wild Country also stands out because it's not just about a murder mystery. It explores cults, spirituality, and what happens when an unfamiliar group tries to take over an established community. —Chancellor Agard

Available on Netflix.

A Wilderness of Error, 2020

The life of the MacDonalds likely seemed perfect to outsiders—a handsome couple, two beautiful children, and Jeffrey MacDonald's promising career as an Army surgeon. One night, though, everything changed when his wife and children were murdered in their home on an Army base, leaving Jeffrey as the lone survivor. Was he actually a diabolical killer, or was there truth to the story about the woman in a white hat and boots who was spotted nearby? As MacDonald is sent to prison for the murders, various accounts will challenge your view of what actually happened and who is really to blame. The Blumhouse television series is based on Errol Morris' book of the same name. —Jolie Lash

Available on Hulu.

Wormwood, 2017

Errol Morris—one of the most famous figures in the true-crime genre—directed this fascinating six-part docudrama series that explores how the suspicious death of an Army scientist in 1953 was possibly connected to the CIA's mind-control program MKUltra. The series offers a compelling blend of interviews, archival footage, and re-creations that include performances from Peter Sarsgaard, Molly Parker, Jimmi Simpson, and more. —Chancellor Agard

Available on Netflix.