The true crime genre has grown huge lately, with plenty of true crime podcasts, movies, whodunits , and true crime TV shows popping up on streaming platforms pretty much daily. Quite a few explanations are floating around the web as to why people are becoming true crime obsessed. While some attempt to unravel the mystery, others are more interested in the thrill and something that will give them the heebie-jeebies. But in a controlled way while staying in their secure environment, aka , the bedroom.
And although true crime movies and TV shows usually don’t belong to the horror genre, they’re disturbing and creepy nonetheless. One could argue that true crime stories are even more scary and unsettling than fictional horror tales. As we grow older, we realize it’s not the sharks, anacondas, werewolves, and bears that people must be afraid of. It’s those who reside among us. According to data, humans are the second deadliest creatures worldwide, with the first place going to… guess who… freakin’ mosquitoes!
It’s very unsettling to realize that those who can pose an impossible-to-comprehend menace and commit monstrous acts just walk among us. Heck , perhaps it’s people we know. Usually, it’s the most impactful and baffling high-profile cases that make it into documentary films; however, that’s not always the case. Quite a few true crime stories get attention only after the story is retold in the movie. Some turn into true crime TV shows because the horrors of some take longer than the average movie’s length to recount.
For all you true-horror fanatics, we’ve compiled a list of the best true crime shows that have shaken the foundations of society. Below, you will find some true crime shows that reveal the most tragic facets of humanity. Sometimes the events that happen in real life can be more bewildering and implausible than the most absurd fiction story.
2020 | ITV | Seasons: 1 This three-episode mini-series is about murders; however, it’s not a whodunnit because Dennis Nilsen admits to the killings right from the beginning. The acting is what this TV show is highly commended for. David Tennant’s portrayal of Nilsen is strongly praised in almost every online review, and it is more than deserved. His stoic and stern body language is much more impressive than the eerie, “creepy” resemblance. This mini-series is for you if you want realism and an almost documentary-style presentation of a recent horror event.
2017 - 2019 | Netflix | Seasons: 2 Set in the late 1970s, the Netflix drama Mindhunter is based on the true story of how the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit began studying psychopaths and serial killers. In this series, two FBI agents are entrusted with interrogating serial killers to solve open cases. Mindhunter rapidly sticks in your mind, not just because of the material but also because of the period it takes place in. And it’s okay if you weren’t born in the 1970s. The filmmakers here did an excellent job of capturing America in that era. The storyline undoubtedly grabs your attention, and each character in the Mindhunter series makes an enduring impression on your mind.
netflix.com Report
2020 | Netflix | Seasons: 1 It’s 1999. Small-town pharmacist Dan Schneider sets out on a relentless search to identify and bring his son’s killer to justice after losing him in a drug-related shooting and receiving no answers from authorities. However, a few months later, the repercussions of his son’s addiction and untimely death come back to haunt him. Many young, seemingly healthy people start coming to Dan’s pharmacy with high-dose painkiller prescriptions. Dan sets out on a mission to save the lives of other sons and daughters in his town after recognizing a danger long before the opioid epidemic received widespread exposure. Even if you aren’t that interested in the subject matter, this honest, dramatic, and emotional story of Dan Schneider is definitely worth seeing.
netflix.com Report
2016 - | FX | Seasons: 3 Perhaps some millennials and every generation before them can recall the high-profile O.J. Simpson double murder case and its cultural impact in the mid-90s. The entire nation was glued to the screens and enthralled by the so-called Trial of the Century while it was being shown live on television. The case of a former National Football League player and actor was complicated by numerous issues such as race, police cover-ups, and evidence manipulation. And this series does a beautiful job of capturing it all.
2015 | HBO | Seasons: 1 The plot of this documentary TV mini-series revolves around Robert Durst, the son of the late Seymour Durst, one of the wealthiest real estate investors and developers in New York. Robert had long been suspected of murdering his wife, a female friend, and a neighbor. However, he always managed to maneuver his way out of the allegations. Each new episode delves deeper into this troubled man’s thoughts and the uncertainty surrounding his actions. Without giving away the impending revelations, producer Andrew Jarecki supplies the audience with the material at the right tempo. He also provides an example of good investigative work. You should absolutely watch it if you enjoy crime dramas. Other than that, this series is solid journalistic work. It had its entertaining value and served justice for the victims.
2020 | Netflix | Seasons: 1 Killer Inside: The Mind Of Aaron Hernandez is a three-part documentary series exploring the circumstances behind former NFL player Aaron Hernandez’s downfall and shocking death by suicide. Unlike many other documentaries, this one merely seemed to report the facts without pushing any particular agenda (which is always good). Through research, Hernandez’s conversations in jail, and interviews with those who knew him, the filmmakers explored a variety of causes for what might have happened instead of focusing on just one. There is no need to be a fan of American football or American to enjoy this true-crime series. Give it a go. It’s an excellent attempt to glimpse into the human psyche and why people commit murder. Captivating, to say the least.
netflix.com Report
2020 | Paramount | Seasons: 1 Interrogation is a non-linear criminal series where the main plot revolves around questioning potential suspects in a murder case that has been unsolved for many years. The main protagonist, his friend, and the investigator who threw him in prison all keep viewers guessing who the actual offender is from the outset. Although the timeline bounces between decades, it is well-executed and fits the plot. The characters are also really well-developed. For true crime fanatics, the show is an excellent piece of entertainment and a great way to pass the time.
2020 | Netflix | Seasons: 1 This six-part documentary explores the abuse and subsequent murder of Gabriel Fernandez, an eight-year-old from Palmdale, California, in 2013. You’re bound to feel depressed after watching this riveting documentary. It will make you angry. It will also result in intense frustration over the young boy’s senseless death. This show investigates what should and could be done when a child is in danger, but it also reveals how some kids manage to slip through the net. The trial, decision, and punishment are all displayed, making it an excellent investigative piece in filmmaking.
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
hbomax.com Report
hbomax.com Report
Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
hulu.com Report
hulu.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
hulu.com Report
netflix.com Report
netflix.com Report
Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!
Follow Bored Panda on Google News!
Add Your Photo To This List
Please use high-res photos without watermarks
Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
Not your original work? Add source
Unlock an Enhanced Experience with Bored Panda Premium
Go ad-free, access unlimited content, and enjoy our sleek dark mode. Your favorite stories, uninterrupted.
No fees, cancel anytime
Olympian Makes Stunning Admission After Judge’s Conspicuous Scores Ignite Cheating Accusations
