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The Best True Crime Series To Binge When You’re in a Whodunit Mood
Armchair detectives, this one’s for you! If you love winding through unsolved mysteries, cold cases and warm clues, here’s a roundup of the top offerings to satisfy your true crime cravings.
Provocative investigations
“The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst”
This six-part documentary explores the strange world of real estate heir Robert Durst, long suspected of the unsolved 1982 disappearance of his wife and the later murders of a family friend and neighbor. Over a decade of research into police files, witnesses, private prison recordings and hidden documents, the filmmakers developed an intimate relationship with Durst himself, resulting in a truly riveting and revealing investigation.
Where to stream: HBO Max
“I’ll Be Gone in the Dark”
When does an investigation become an obsession? Through original recordings and excerpts from Michelle McNamara’s book (on which the series is based), follow the true crime journalist’s relentless quest for justice for the victims of the Golden State Killer, who terrorized California in the 1970s and ’80s. It’s a dual journey into the soul of both the killer and McNamara herself, who tragically died while completing the best-seller.
Where to stream: HBO Max
“Who Killed Malcolm X?”
This original docuseries delves into the assassination of civil rights activist Malcolm X, the possible motives for his murder, the shocking involvement of the New York Police and the FBI’s obsession with the controversial leader. Investigative journalist Abdur-Rahman Muhammad embarks on a revealing and passionate exploration of Malcolm X’s life and relationships as he searches for truth and justice.
Where to stream: Netflix
“Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children”
In the late ’70s and early ’80s, 30 African American children were murdered and a man was sentenced to two life terms for the crimes. Forty years later, the case has been re-opened as questions swirl about alternate suspects who were never questioned, unexplored leads and biases that tainted the original investigation. With never-before-seen archival footage, interviews and court documents, this five-part documentary series explores the racial tensions and political clashes that shaped these brutal crimes.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Wrongful accusations
“The Case Against Adnan Syed”
“Serial” was a captivating and binge-worthy podcast that had everyone at the proverbial water cooler arguing whether young Adnan Syed actually murdered his high school ex-girlfriend. Now this documentary brings the tumultuous investigation up to date as it dives into the couple’s high school relationship, the original police investigation and trial and the appeal that left so many questions unanswered.
Where to stream: HBO Max
“The Innocence Files”
How does an innocent person wind up in prison? It’s a question of nightmares, but for some, a reality. For decades The Innocence Project has worked to uncover and overturn wrongful convictions. This series explores the causes of unjust incarceration through the personal stories of eight exonerees and the uphill battles they faced in pursuit of freedom.
Where to stream: Netflix
Still-open cases
“Murder Mountain”
In Humboldt County, CA, the big business of legal marijuana has equally big risks. On a mountain range surrounding a local farm, murders and unexplained disappearances pile up, including the homicide of a young cannabis grower. Stock up on your snacks for this binge-worthy watch, because weed, murder and mystery are obviously a perfect match.
Where to stream: Netflix
“Unsolved Mysteries”
The mother of all the true crime shows, the original “Unsolved Mysteries” put viewers in the detective’s seat. This thrilling revival of the iconic documentary series delves right back in with two seasons of gripping real-life tales of suspicious deaths, missing children, paranormal encounters, abandoned bodies, escaped killers and so much more.
Where to stream: Netflix
“Disappeared”
This haunting series focuses on the heartbreaking and mysterious disappearances of individuals whose loved ones refuse to give up hope. Their personal investigations lead to new clues and shocking discoveries as they search for the ones who vanished.
Where to stream: Hulu
“Cold Justice”
This juicy reality show follows extremely watchable real-life veteran investigator Kelly Siegler as she attempts to crack murder cases that have lingered without closure for years. Siegler digs into small town homicides with the help of local detectives, like crime scene investigator Yolanda McClary, a veteran of the Las Vegas Metro Police. Fun fact: McClary was the inspiration for the character of Catherine Willows on the series “CSI.”
Where to stream: Oxygen
Inspired drama
“Unbelievable”
Toni Collette and Merritt Wever star as detectives investigating a series of rapes after a young woman, Marie, is accused of lying about an attack. Based on a Pulitzer Prize–winning article, the series expertly dramatizes the story as it splits into two time periods—Marie in 2008 as the police mishandle her case, and the detectives in 2011 as they track down what appears to be a serial rapist whose MO looks eerily similar to what happened to Marie.
Where to stream: Netflix
Strange-but-true crime
“The Most Dangerous Animal of All”
What if your estranged dad turns out to be America’s most infamous serial killer? When Gary L. Stewart decides to search for his biological father, he starts to believe he might just be the notorious Zodiac Killer. Based on The New York Times’ best-selling book of the same name, this four-part series explores one man’s startling search for his father—and himself.
Where to stream: Hulu
For more of the best true crime series on Netflix, check out “12 of Netflix’s Most Mysterious True Crime Shows.”
Program availability may have changed and is subject to change. Streaming services may require a subscription and sometimes an additional fee.
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