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.
Editor's note: This article was updated October 2024 to include Worst Ex Ever.
‘Worst Ex Ever’ (2024 - Present)
IMDb: 7.3/10
Worst Ex Ever
Documentary
- Release Date
- August 14, 2024
Following the unexpected success of Worst Roommate Ever, Netflix is back with another in the burgeoning Worst series — this time focusing on the true horrors of domestic violence. Told using reenactments, interviews, and even police body cam footage, Worst Ex Ever is even more visceral and unflinching than its predecessor, striking at the very heart of one of the most culturally sensitive topics of today. Get ready to feel a fire burning in your stomach as some of the most cruel and frustrating stories are laid out for all their flaws. For true crime fans, this should be your next watch. - Jake Hodges
‘American Murder: Laci Peterson’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.0/10
American Murder: Laci Peterson
Documentary
- Release Date
- August 14, 2024
This shocking true crime series is based on the 2002 disappearance and murder of the titular Laci Peterson, an event that shook Americans to their core over 20 years ago. With her husband, Scott, eventually convicted, this series dives into how a crime of this magnitude — and this infamy — can affect a family, especially with the convicted killer still claiming his innocence. For those who love their true crime on Netflix and don’t hold moral qualms with the making of this sort of material, American Murder: Laci Peterson is one of the best new additions to the catalog this year. Never far from paying homage to the victim and her family, the series still makes sure to be both thorough and immersive, offering a balanced insight into the case that many may have never seen before. - Jake Hodges
‘Homicide: Los Angeles’ (2024)
IMDb: 7.5/10
Homicide: Los Angeles
- Genre
- True Crime
- Debut Date
- July 16, 2024
Fans of true crime and crime dramas like Law & Order or Criminal Minds are going to love this docuseries detailing high-profile murders in Los Angeles. Produced by the prolific cop show magnate Dick Wolf (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Homicide: Los Angeles is the second season of Netflix’s Homicide series that sits down with detectives, prosecutors, and sheriffs to break down their toughest cases. Utilizing interviews, archival footage, reenactments, and stock shots, the show weaves together a narrative about the hurdles and complexities of solving a homicide case. If you enjoy shows that try to humanize law enforcement and give a perspective of justice from the people on their side of the blue line, then this is the show for you.
'Worst Roommate Ever' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 52% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Worst Roommate Ever
Documentary
- Release Date
- March 1, 2022
- Creator
- Domini Hofmann
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
'Get Gotti' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Get Gotti
Documentary
- Release Date
- 2023-00-00
- Creator
- Sebastian Smith
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
'Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 82% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal
Documentary
- Release Date
- February 23, 2023
- Creator
- Jenner Furst, Julia Willoughby Nason
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
'How to Become a Cult Leader' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 57% | IMDb: 6.7/10
How to Become a Cult Leader
Documentary
- Release Date
- 2023-00-00
- Cast
- Peter Dinklage
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
'Catching Killers' (2021 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 77% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Catching Killers
Documentary
Crime
Catching Killers is a true-crime documentary series that examines the investigations and arrests of notorious serial killers. Through in-depth interviews with investigators and archival footage, the series delves into the psychology and motivations of killers, and the techniques used to bring them to justice.
- Release Date
- November 4, 2021
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
'American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.5/10
American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing
Documentary
- Release Date
- 2023-00-00
- Directors
- Floyd Russ
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
'I Just Killed My Dad' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 6.7/10
I Just Killed My Dad
Documentary
- Release Date
- 2022-00-00
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
'Killer Sally' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 6.7/10
Killer Sally
Documentary
- Release Date
- 2022-00-00
- Cast
- Sally McNeil
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
'The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 50% | IMDb: 5.8/10
The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist
Documentary
- Release Date
- 2022-00-00
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
'Most Hated Man on the Internet' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 6.8/10
The Most Hated Man on the Internet
Documentary
- Release Date
- July 27, 2022
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
'Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 5.9/10
Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.
Documentary
- Release Date
- March 16, 2022
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
'Night Stalker: The Hunt For a Serial Killer' (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Night Stalker: The Hunt For A Serial Killer
Documentary
Crime
Mystery
This documentary series chronicles the search for Richard Ramirez, the "Night Stalker," who terrorized Los Angeles in the 1980s, featuring firsthand accounts from detectives, survivors, and reporters involved in the case.
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
'Unsolved Mysteries' (2020 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Unsolved Mysteries
Documentary
Crime
Mystery
This reboot of the classic series delves into mysterious disappearances, tragic events, and bizarre occurrences. Each episode presents a real-life unsolved mystery, inviting viewers to help uncover the truth behind these perplexing cases.
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
'Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel' (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 52% | IMDb: 6.0/10
Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel
Documentary
- Release Date
- February 10, 2021
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
'The Ripper' (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 7.1/10
The Ripper
Documentary
Crime
This series revisits the infamous "Yorkshire Ripper" murders in 1970s England, exploring the investigation, media frenzy, and the social climate that allowed the killer to evade capture for so long.
- Release Date
- December 16, 2020
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
'Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness' (2020 - 2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Tiger King
Documentary
Biography
Crime
- Release Date
- March 20, 2020
- Cast
- Joe Exotic , Carole Baskin
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
'The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez' (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 8.1/10
The Trials Of Gabriel Fernandez
A heart-wrenching examination of a young boy's brutal murder uncovers the layers of negligence and malfeasance within the family services system tasked with his safety. The documentary weaves together the perspectives of family members, officials, and activists, prompting a crucial discussion on the reforms needed to prevent future tragedies.
- Release Date
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
