The best Netflix true crime shows don’t just shock — they stay with you. Whether it’s the haunting retelling of cold-blooded killers or stories that reveal cracks in the justice system, true crime fans never forget a great documentary. If you’re ready to go down the rabbit hole, these top Netflix crime documentaries are disturbing, addictive, and impossible to stop thinking about.
1. Making a Murderer
This series is a must if you’re hunting for true crime documentaries you must watch. Making a Murderer tells the story of Steven Avery, a man from Wisconsin who served 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit — and then got accused of another after being released. It’s packed with twists that make you question everything.
Key Details:
- Released: 2015 (Part 1), 2018 (Part 2)
- Episodes: 20 total between both parts
- Watch time: Approx. 17 hours
What really grips viewers is how it shows the effect of law enforcement, media, and bias. The documentary raises serious questions about the legal system. According to Rolling Stone, the impact of the show led to public outcry and petitions gaining over 500,000 signatures demanding a retrial.
Is Avery guilty or just a victim again? That question alone hooks millions.
2. The Staircase
If you’re into long, in-depth storytelling, The Staircase delivers. It follows novelist Michael Peterson, who was accused of murdering his wife Kathleen after she was found dead at the bottom of their staircase.
Key Details:
- Released: Originally in 2004, updated on Netflix in 2018
- Episodes: 13
- Watch time: Approx. 10 hours
The documentary spans over a decade and provides intimate access to Peterson and his legal team. It sheds light on forensic flubs, courtroom tactics, and family tensions. The argument? Did she fall, or was she pushed?
An odd twist: the “Owl Theory” — yes, a theory that an owl attacked Kathleen — gained traction and was even discussed in court documents.
3. Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer
Looking for one of the top Netflix crime documentaries that feels like a horror film? Night Stalker fits that mold. This four-part docuseries covers the chilling 1980s investigation that hunted down serial killer Richard Ramirez, who terrorized Los Angeles with crimes that were so random and brutal they left police and residents shaken.
Key Details:
- Released: 2021
- Episodes: 4
- Watch time: Approx. 3.5 hours
This isn’t a slow burn. With fast editing, real crime scene photos, and first-person accounts from investigators and victims, Night Stalker is immersive and intense.
What stands out most is how the killer seemed to have no pattern. Victims ranged widely in age, race, and neighborhood. His unpredictability made capturing him that much harder.
Victim Age Range Chart
| Category | Age |
|---|---|
| Youngest | 6 years |
| Oldest | 83 years |
Ramirez was eventually caught in 1985 after his face hit newspapers, and local citizens caught and beat him until police arrived. This documentary shows how fear united a city against a monster.
4. American Murder: The Family Next Door
This true crime doc took Netflix by storm when it dropped in 2020. American Murder: The Family Next Door unpacks the 2018 murders of Shanann Watts and her two children. The killer? Her husband, Chris Watts.
Key Details:
- Released: 2020
- Format: Full-length film
- Watch time: 83 minutes
But what pulls viewers in is its unique approach: the entire story is told through archived social media posts, text messages, and police body cam footage. You’re not just watching events — you’re seeing texts between Shanann and friends, her cheerful Facebook videos, and footage of Chris lying to officers.
The contrast is chilling: Shanann presents a perfect picture of family life online, while her world falls apart behind the scenes. 40 million people watched the documentary in the first month alone, making it one of the best Netflix true crime shows last year.
5. Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
This one’s not your usual investigation. Don’t F**k with Cats starts with the search for a man who posted videos killing kittens online — and ends with the global manhunt for a real-life murderer.
Key Details:
- Released: 2019
- Episodes: 3
- Watch time: Approx. 3 hours
The case gets stranger by the minute. A group of amateur internet sleuths track down suspect Luka Magnotta before the police do. What started online turned deadly when Magnotta committed murder and mailed body parts to political offices.
This docuseries reveals the power — and risk — of online vigilantes. It also raises questions about signs of violence in digital content and how crimes can spread quickly on the internet.
Why We Love These True Crime Stories
Fans of top Netflix crime documentaries say it’s not just about the crimes — it’s about the people. These stories pull you in with real emotions:
- The hurt of families who lose loved ones.
- The frustration of broken legal systems.
- The chase by people trying to make sense of it all.
They also let us play detective from the couch. You’re always wondering: who did it, what went wrong, and how could it have been stopped?
And these shows don’t just entertain. Some have led to reopened cases, new evidence, or fresh trials.
Best Netflix True Crime Shows: Worth Rewatching?
A lot of fans rewatch these documentaries. Why? You miss things the first time, especially clues and connections. The second or third viewing often shows just how layered these stories are.
Plus, Netflix keeps adding new content — docuseries, films, and special updates.
Here are some other strong mentions:
- The Keepers: Explores a nun’s unsolved murder in Baltimore.
- Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez: Covers the NFL player turned convicted murderer.
Tips for Watching True Crime Safely
Too much true crime can be overwhelming. It’s dark content, and it’s okay to take breaks. Here are some tips:
- Watch in daylight or with a friend.
- Limit binge sessions.
- Mix it up with lighter content.
And remember, real people are at the heart of these stories.
Where to Watch the Top Netflix Crime Documentaries
All five of these documentaries are available to stream worldwide on Netflix. Just open your account, type in one of the titles, and you’re good to go. Subtitles and language options are also available for most.
These documentaries can help open up thoughts and conversations about justice, crime, and how truth is often hidden in plain sight.
Quick Facts Table: Viewer Stats & Release Info
| Title | Release Year | Format | Watch Time | Avg. Viewer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Making a Murderer | 2015/2018 | Series (20 eps) | 17 hours | 8.6/10 (IMDb) |
| The Staircase | 2004/2018 | Series (13 eps) | 10 hours | 7.9/10 (IMDb) |
| Night Stalker | 2021 | Mini-series (4) | 3.5 hours | 7.5/10 (IMDb) |
| American Murder: The Family Next Door | 2020 | Film | 83 mins | 7.2/10 (IMDb) |
| Don’t F**k with Cats | 2019 | Mini-series (3) | 3 hours | 8.0/10 (IMDb) |
Keep Exploring More True Crime Content
There’s endless content in this genre, so don’t stop with just five. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just curious, these shows open your eyes to stories that often don’t make the daily news.
Which one of these shook you the most? Or did we miss your favorite? Hit the comments and share your top picks. Let’s hear what series you couldn’t stop watching.