This created a violent and complicated culture and a drug war that raged for decades one more enigmatic and brutal than even Sasquatch. (SPOILER WARNING: Many Major Plot Details Ahead), 10 Shocking Documentaries That Ruined Reputations And Careers. K.P. Next came a mass panic amongst parents and immense press coverage of the family. While the worst was predicted by many, Steven was actually living with his captors, forgetting most details of his old life and old family, and he was reunited at the age of 14. He has been a guest speaker on numerous national radio and television stations and is a five time published author. Yet, these following true crime documentaries all went far beyond what was considered casual true crime viewing. In 2013, Kai McGillvary, a self-identified "home-free" nomad, became a viral sensation after saving a woman from a deadly assault and giving a colorful TV interview. Lee Benson, Director: Director: Some of these interviews really stick with you. Wuornos claimed all of the seven men she killed raped her, or at least tried to. We've scoured the lot to select the 20 best true crime documentaries on HBO Max. There's Double-lock your doors before pressing play on these stand-out documentaries that Of course, the titular swindler isn't really a rich power player but by the time Fjellhy (and the man's many other victims) figured that out, he'd stolen a lot of their money through a series of subtle and sophisticated deceptions. Diane Schuler, Kathie Durst, wife of real estate scion Robert Durst, disappeared in 1982. It covers the shocking events concerning the Guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, who garnered an immense following during the '70s and founded the community of Rajneeshpuram in Oregon. The story of the Beatrice Six is so full of twists, turns, and uncomfortable truths that it can be difficult to know who to believe. A.F. Arnold Friedman, Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story. Amazingly, Durst manages to escape justice right until the end, when he gives himself away to the filmmakers with a stunning mistake. He led her outside to an ally; upon realizing his intent, she stopped. How to watch: Atlanta's Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children (Opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. Vice magazine reported, Its harrowing and upsetting, and it will haunt you for a long time, which is part of what it makes it necessary viewing.. Jaycee Dugard, In 2010, an adult man named Larry Ray moved into his daughter's dorm. How to watch: Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim Wall (Opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. The duo's actions are still Gerry Bogacz, (Opens in a new tab). Related: Dear Zachary: The Most Heartbreaking True Crime Documentary Youll Ever See, 7. In 1969, 26-year-old Cesnik was teaching at Baltimores all-girls Archbishop Keough High School when she went missing. By the time it's all over, you'll know the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the historic McDonald's Monopoly fraud case. Michaela Petit, See titles to watch instantly, titles you haven't rated, etc, Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father, Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills, Kidnapped for 18 Years: The Jaycee Dugard Story. Best Supernatural/haunting/Scary/ghost Movies. Efforts to put suspected serial killer Robert Durst behind bars have spanned decades. Any good true crime documentary should be able to keep the viewer guessing even if the information presented is public record. "The Mystery of D.B. Tom Roberts, Authorities say it was murder, McGillvary claimed self-defense. | For more than a decade starting in 1989, a veritable army of crooks and stooges bilked McDonald's out of $24 million worth of winnings from its annual McDonald's Monopoly sweepstakes. Real estate heir Robert Durst's attorneys kept him out of prison for years, despite overwhelming evidence and an admission of guilt that he committed multiple murders. 45 Best True Crime Documentaries Streaming In 2023. That's what this documentary is here to find out, by untangling the intersection between media, crime, perception, and notoriety. Then in 1974, Brobergs teenage daughter, Jan, is kidnapped by the superficially charming patriarch of the Berchtold family twice. Murder On Middle Beach & 9 Other Great True Crime Shows Only On HBO Max. The combination of hearing a man's experience with domestic abuse (something not often platformed), and he and his ex being normal, young, good-looking people make this film pack a punch. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Lori Vallow once lived a fairly normal American existence, residing in Arizona with her husband and their three children. Ron Guerette, Kathay Lovell, Her body has never been found. $0.02M, 96 min David Balding, Goodnight, Sugar Babe: The Killing of Vera Jo Reigle details the tragic life of 24-year-old Vero Jo Reigle who had the mental capacity of an 8-year-old. Now, according to "Sins of Our Mother," she's in prison, awaiting trial on murder and conspiracy to murder in the deaths of four people, including two of her own children. However, this feature length documentary shows that truth is most definitely stranger than fiction, showcasing the story in its stomach churning entirety. From start to finish, this documentary is truly heart-breaking and one you can only watch once. In 1985, as HBO's six-part miniseries "Mind Over Murder" tells viewers, 68-year-old Helen Wilson was assaulted and murdered in the small town of Beatrice, Nebraska. Local teenagers Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley Jr., and Jason Baldwin were soon identified as prime suspects in the crime, but their connections to the murders were flimsy. In the small town of Pocatello, Idaho, the Broberg family meets the Berchtold family when they move into the neighborhood. However, documentarian Erin Lee Carr ushers her audience past the tabloid fodder, cutting through the misogynistic headlines to rediscover Kim Wall, an intrepid reporter who lost her life while on an assignment that should have been breezy, not deadly. Michael Peterson, Content Warning: The following article contains discussions of sexual violence, child abuse, pedophilia, torture and murder. The result is a mesmerizing watch that will make you question how easy you'd be to fool when faced with one of the most notorious liars of the 21st century. "Evil Genius" details the death of Brian Wells, which occurred during what many refer to as the "pizza bomber" case. (Opens in a new tab). He said, Im mentally scarred right now. It may sound like fiction, but every bit really happened. In 2013, Saxon was 18 years old, a virgin, and on her first night out in Sydney's Kings Cross. | The tragedy of these cases, however, is that the decision to prematurely close them in the '80s may mean they're unsolvable now. Director: Most disturbing, dark, crime, mystery, controversial Documentaries. Told by some of the people who helped promote and set up the 2017 non-starter of an event, "Fyre Fraud" is both a step-by-step account of how everything that could go wrong did, as well as a true crime documentary unveiling just how much of an intricate and bold scam the whole thing may have been. The Keepers is a dark, disturbing investigation into the unsolved murder of a nun named Sister Catherine Cesnik. Director: How to watch: Mind over Murder (Opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017) 3. It's a flummoxing conundrum of justice that sees mother and daughter trade places as victim and attacker, and raises serious questions about the criminal justice system's ability to hand down levelheaded verdicts in morally complicated cases. Its going to be a hard binge, but one you may leave with a greater understanding of the A.F. Across six episodes, the fascinating and frequently hilarious doc introduces us to colorful characters on both sides of the law as it digs into the particulars of the criminal enterprise and how it eventually fell apart. In Behind Closed Doors, documentarian P.A. Documentary, Crime. True crime documentaries are experiencing perhaps their biggest boom period - especially due to the presence of streaming. Documentary on the Friedmans, a seemingly typical, upper-middle-class Jewish family whose world is instantly transformed when the father and his youngest son are arrested and charged with shocking and horrible crimes. Documentarian and true crime heavy hitter Erin Lee Carr whose engrossing works appear multiple times on this list covers the bizarre murder of Dee Dee Blanchard in Mommy Dead and Dearest. Did they really do it, or was this a case of hysterical accusations spinning out of control? Bryan Gibson, Votes: Martha Ratliff, TV-MA Harleigh Cutts (she/her) BA (ProfWrtgPublish) in prog. Abducted in Plain Sight (2017) 2. | Gross: But theres much more to this story than you may think. Cooper threatened the crew and passengers of a commercial flight, and then, with the fortune he demanded on his person, parachuted into the dark, chilly forest below, never to be seen again. Carter takes viewers into the heart of the media storm that erupted when the two were found dead in 2008. Being a true crime fan has gone from being a small niche interest to a widespread hobby for many people. Documentary, Biography, Crime. | Three years later, he reappears in Spain with a terrifying story of abduction and torture. Stars: (Opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. One of the most disturbing documentaries on Netflix, Our Father was made by Jason Blum and Lucie Jourdan. An in-depth look at the director James Ronald Whitney's family history of incest spanning at least three generations and the devastating consequences that include drug abuse and alcoholism. Jay Schuler, R 94 min After Shamblin's death in a plane crash in 2021, more and more has been uncovered about who she really was and what truly went on behind the curtains. Allan Avery, TV-14 Whether it's due to their editing, the shocking nature of the content, or their political relevance, these are some true crime docs worth your time and attention. Cooper incognito, these stories are convincing and even credible. Documentary, Crime, Director: Director: Filmmakers use hidden cameras to capture the various suicide attempts at the Golden Gate Bridge - the world's most popular suicide destination. Stars: Stars: Organizers promised a weekend-long festival of A-list acts and luxurious accommodations. Long gone are those late nights where you would have to stay up till 1 am to watch anything about the morbid and the macabre. Tania Head, So check back here monthly as we keep you up to date on the very best true crime documentaries out there. The duo's actions are still regarded as one of Florida's most well known cocaine operations. Filmmaker Anthony Jarecki initially set out to make a documentary about popular New York City entertainer David Friedman titled Just A Clown. Sylvia Browne, Then, the filmmakers hire a bounty hunter to find Smith, and hopefully allow his victims to bring him to justice. Former students at the school narrate the story as they detail horrifying acts of sexual abuse suffered at the hands of the school priest who was eventually found guilty of these crimes. Magnotta was arrested in Berlin after visiting an internet cafe to check how famous he had become and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. How to watch: I'll Be Gone in the Dark (Opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. ", The 15 best documentaries streaming on HBO Max to learn something new, It was tough, but we found the 20 best movies on HBO Max, 'Barry' is back and we've never needed it more, Meet the true crime podcaster making your guilty pleasure more ethical, 'The Last of Us' Episode 3 trailer teases 2 very recognisable new faces, 'The Last of Us' episode 4 trailer teases a tense confrontation, The best VPNs for remaining anonymous online, HBO Max just hiked its price, effective immediately, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 1, Prince Harry answering Stephen Colbert's quickfire questions gets into the real stuff, We need to talk about 'The Strays' bold ending, The TikTok 'bold glamour' filter is going viral for its wildly unrealistic beauty standard. 65 min Kurt Kuenne The apparent fetish seemed to go beyond hypothetical imagery, when Valle began improperly accessing the National Crime Information Center database through his NYPD credentials and drawing up comprehensive abduction plans for women he actually knew. "Audrie & Daisy" tells the tragic story of teenagers Audrie Pott and Daisy Coleman. Documentary, Drama. Spoiler: Rob and Dave are the same guy, and he's not in prison. But during the filming, Friedmans brother and father were accused of child sex abuse. Cookies help us deliver our Services. In the early hours of July 23, 2007, two men entered a suburban residence and began a campaign of terror against a family of four that left only father Dr. William Petit alive. Kate Davis, However, the latter should never mask just how heinous the actions of Epstein truly were. In "Sasquatch," Holthouse tries to piece together the who, what, and why of the bizarre murder. Satiate your morbid curiosities with true crime documentaries ranging from unsolved murders to terrifying urban legends. The 2019 documentary Dont F**K with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer is one of the most fascinating and disturbing multi-part documentaries you will watch on Netflix. Stars: Can either be found at house parties telling everyone Charles Manson was only 5ft 2" or at home reading true crime magazines. | Throughout the documentary, both directors launch into an investigation and connect the Cropsey urban legend with Andre Rands sinister crimes. However, it also offers a disturbing look at the alarming lack of transparency from police regarding the perpetrators' arrests and trials. Over five episodes, Pollard tracks the story from the beginning of the killings to the reopening of the investigation in 2019. Stars: As far as portraits of truly terrible people go, The Jinx remains one of the most horrific. The title is based upon Michael's claim that a drunken Kathleen has fallen down the stairs resulting in her death. 25 Sizzling Outfit Ideas Perfect for V-Day. 99 min In The Betrayed Girls, they speak to survivors, explore why only nine men were convicted, and most of all, how this was able to happen for so long without police intervention. 60 min Still, Schulers family refuses to accept this explanation as they believe Diane never used drugs or alcohol and that other possible medical complications were the real cause for her erratic driving. How to watch: Beware the Slenderman (Opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. The Keepers | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix, Goodnight Sugar Babe: The Killing of Vera Jo Reigle | Trailer | J. Based on the book of the same name, this five-part documentary series revolves around Jeffrey MacDonald. This 90-minute documentary packs in so many twisted themes including child molestation, kidnapping, grooming, Stockholm syndrome, and the culture of silencing sexual abuse victims. Tell us what you think about this feature. James Ronald Whitney, The Nightmare. Stars: 11,796 In 2012, Magnotta murdered student Jun Lin in Montreal, Canada, before he fled the country. Another project from director Erin Lee Carr, Thought Crimes: The Case of the Cannibal Cop follows the strange case of former NYPD officer Gilberto Valle. A vodka bottle was also found in the minivan after the crash. Yes! The quote was, Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. Brad Katinas, | Gross: The daughter of a wealthy Mormon family See full summary, Director: Here are the 20 most gripping true crime projects, both TV series and films, now streaming on HBO Max. Beverly Merrindempse, By exploring multiple time periods and slowly revealing connections between them, "The Puppet Master" tells the story of a con artist as audacious as he is deceptive. WebDisturbing documentaries . tells the tragic story of 12-year-old Garrett Phillips, who was murdered in his own home back in 2011. Director: Stars: It's a truly odd tale of true crime and also one about the mysteries of human psychology and criminology. How to watch: I Love You, Now Die (Opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. But "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" isn't just about his crimes it's also about the tireless efforts of pioneering true crime blogger, author, and victim rights crusader Michelle McNamara, who finally brought the Golden State Killer to justice through her exhaustive investigation. Vera Jo, unfortunately, met Cheri Brooks, a domineering mother of nine children, who convinced her to fall pregnant with one of her sons. The reality television industry came calling, but he wasn't much interested. A Green Beret Army surgeon, MacDonald is sent to prison for the murder of his two young daughters and his pregnant wife. Alex shows incredible strength in his vulnerable retelling, and viewers will find themselves emotionally invested. Abducted In Plain Sight is well-known as one of the most frustrating and strangest true crime documentaries of all time. The series talks with people inside LuLaRoe and people on the outside investigating it. The tragic ride ended with Schuler and her captives racing 85 miles per hour down the wrong side of a divided highway, her blood alcohol level through the roof. (Opens in a new tab). Diana Davis, An unsettling and surprising look at the factors that lead to dangerous cults, "Stolen Youth" explores one that formed at prestigious Sarah Lawrence College. Buckey also happened to be a preschool teacher and Johnson's estranged husband. (Opens in a new tab). In 2001, Michael Perry and Jason Burkett committed three brutal murders in a Texas town. Tina Daheley, Bart Layton From 1984 to 2007 in Los Angeles, California, the Grim Sleeper claimed ten victims taking a break from 1988 to 2002. | The documentary goes into detail about the various crimes that led to these bombings, including rampant counterfeiting and forgery. The series features old home videos and various interviews with family members, the most damning being Dylan Farrow, Allen's accuser. Directed and produced by Kate Davis and David Heilbroner, The Cheshire Murders chronicles a horrific home invasion that devastated a small town in Connecticut. Now, its completely normal to stream documentaries about death and misery whilst sipping your morning cup of coffee. Yet, these following true crime documentaries all went far beyond what was considered casual true crime viewing. They managed to disturb audiences so greatly; that it was near impossible to stream them more than once. The low-budget documentary was a hit worldwide grossing more than $3 million at the box office and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature. It's a story about Kendrick's family seeking some form of justice for Kendrick that sadly may never come. Since the death of Gabriel, the social services department in California has hired more than 3,000 new workers who are now trained workers on how to interview children that are suffering abuse and detect physical injuries. On Friday 23 May 2014, British-born Elliot Rodger killed six students and injured 13, causing carnage across nine locations in Santa Barbara before turning the gun on himself. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you. Meaning that, Hey, be careful that you dont get so involved that you become me.. Abducted in Plain Sight. It was detailed that upon the discovery of her body in a laneway by her house, her face was so disfigured she couldn't be identified by her neighbors. My Brother The Serial Killer: My Brother The Serial Killer is a 2012 documentary about serial killer Glen Rogers, otherwise known as the Casanova Killer, who was convicted for a series of murders and arsons. His high-profile kidnapping case captivated the region, but things took a major turn when it was revealed the area spoiler alert if you want to stay relatively in the dark had also been terrorized by Steven's brother, Cary, by all accounts a vicious serial killer. Featuring themes of child sexual abuse, incest, and the torture and murder of a young mother with an intellectual disability, this film is not for the faint-hearted or weak-stomached. Dont F**k With Cats: Hunting An Internet Killer is a three-part docuseries that shook the internet. Someone wound up brutally murdered, and witnesses were convinced it was the work of Sasquatch, aka Bigfoot, the forest monster of legend. Its hard to watch, but important to see. Since the release of the documentary, then-President Barack Obama eliminated solitary confinement for minors. Even if you are already aware of Epstein and the gist of his crimes, this documentary will serve as quite the eye opener as to just how sickening and severe they were. 7 strange & disturbing true crime documentaries on Youtube How to watch: There's Something Wrong with Aunt Diane (Opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. Daniel Bixler, a cousin of the Brooks family, and his teenage girlfriend Nicole Peters were charged with the murder although they claimed they were under the influence of the others, meaning the Brooks family. The following two films, released in 2000 (Paradise Lost 2: Revelations) and 2012 (Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory) are equally important viewing. Park Dietz. His enraged parents campaigned to gain custody of their grandson and finally convict their sons killer. A lot of people failed him, and theres a lot of reasons that this happened. $0.89M, Not Rated Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon a Crime. Stephanie Slater, However, he wasn't really a curious businessman with an interest in healthy, sustainable living. That is the question that the Netflix documentary "The Keepers" asks over the course of its runtime. A 13-year-old boy disappears from Texas. On November 24, 1971, a man who has become known as D.B. The thrilling BBC miniseries Three Girls is a phenomenal dramatic retelling of these events if you're strong enough for more.