I have a confession to make … I L❤️VE true crime documentaries. I mean, my true crime binges can literally last months on end. No, it’s not because I glorify the killers or have some weird serial killer fetish. I just enjoy trying to solve the puzzles. For me, the psychological aspects are what keeps me watching.
So, on this week’s Friday Favorites, I’m sharing the true crime documentaries that I’ve found the most impressive. Some of these I’ve watched several times, others are just a tad too heavy to re-watch (but they’re good nonetheless).
It should be noted that I haven’t added dramatized films or TV shows (like Mindhunters or Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile) to this list, because they are in a league of their own. That said, I’ve also tried to keep these documentaries fairly recent (some of the older ones I enjoy are outdated by now) and limited to murders and mysteries and such. There are so many true crime sub-genres, I couldn’t possibly fit everything into one post, so forgive me if you don’t see your favorite. That being said, please do recommend your favorites to me. I’m always searching for true crime documentaries. 🙂
So, folks, this is just true crime murder documentaries from start to finish. *super grin*
True Crime Documentaries
Cropsey (2009)
Okay, so Cropsey doesn’t include a murder per se, but it is suspected that the missing children are no longer with us. The documentary is one that captures an eerie mood, explores not only the abduction mystery but also the urban legends surrounding New York. I’ve never seen anything quite like Cropsey before or since it was released, which makes it a unique one in my books.
The Keepers (2017)
This is a tough one for me, due to the graphic content that gets revealed later on. But it is an excellent docuseries about the unsolved murder of Cathy Cesnik, a beloved nun and Catholic high school teacher in Baltimore. The reason why this nun was killed, while highly criticized by the Catholic Church and folks who believe repressed memories lack scientific proof, is … wow. Just wow.
The Killing Season (2016)
If you’re looking for a true crime documentary show with more twists and turns than the Tour de France’s route, then The Killing Season is exactly what you need in your life. It’s one of my favorites, because you never know where the story will take you next and why. Trying to solve this maze of puzzles is going to keep you up at night, so be warned. What’s more, the documentary is directed by Joshua Zeman, the same guy who brought you Cropsey! Honestly, I wish he’d make more documentaries for me to get lost in. *sigh*
Unabomber: In His Own Words (2020)
This recent true crime miniseries about Ted Kaczynski (the Unabomber) was pretty cool. I have always found the guy interesting. His motives, his targets, the psychology … What makes this one stand out is that we hear him in his own voice, telling his story. It’s a fascinating ride into a domestic terrorist’s mind.
West of Memphis (2012)
This case has fascinated me since I was a kid. I think it’s due to the fact that in South Africa we also had a Satanic Panic, and the injustices surrounding the West Memphis Three’s case kinda hits close to home. Also, I like the whole occult aspect. As for the documentary … It’s brilliant. We follow the story of how folks were trying to stop the state of Arkansas from executing an innocent man and, yeah, director Amy J. Berg (An Open Secret, Deliver Us from Evil) keeps us on the edge of our seat from start to finish. It’s really good.
Monster in my Family (2015)
The concept of this show fascinated me more than anything. It revolves around Melissa Moore, the daughter of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson (a.k.a the Happy Face Killer) as she talks to other children of famous serial killers and have them meet up with the family of their (usually) fathers’ victims. While the episodes didn’t go into too much depth of whichever killer’s story they highlighted, there were a few interesting ones I never heard of before. Also, what makes this one unique is how they were able to bring a sense of humanity into the show, which one rarely see in true crime documentaries.
There are really so many great true crime documentaries out there, but I truly struggled to narrow it down. Online streaming services make it possible to really stay updated with what’s happening in older cases or renew interest in cold cases.
Some other true crime documentaries you should give a try includes: Confession with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, Tiger King, Making a Murderer, and Abducted in Plain Sight (those are just the Netflix ones). Then, there’s also Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt For Justice, Deadly Legacy, and The Golden State Killer: It’s Not Over.
I can go on and on and on …
Come to think of it, I may do a similar post in the future, but for now, I hope you have enough true crime to keep you occupied for a while.
Until next time!
Monique
P.S. If you’re a young adult, maybe just get your parents’ permission before you watch some of these movies.
