Best True Crime TV Shows for Fans (Updated 2025 Edition)

From complex documentaries to gripping dramatizations, the best true crime tv shows let us explore the deepest fears and mysteries of human nature from the safety of our homes. 

These shows invite us to become armchair detectives, piecing together clues and trying to understand the “why” behind the crime. It’s a way for us to confront the unknown and seek answers in a world that often feels chaotic.

The following list curates the top true crime series of 2025, from groundbreaking documentaries to unforgettable dramatizations that everyone is talking about. So, get ready to add your next binge to the queue.

10 True Crime Shows Everyone’s Obsessed With in 2025

The true crime landscape is richer and more diverse than ever. Here are ten shows that are capturing the attention of fans in 2025, from groundbreaking documentaries to thought-provoking dramatizations.

American Nightmare (Documentary)

When the story of a kidnapping in Vallejo, California, first broke, it seemed too bizarre to be true. Dubbed the “real-life Gone Girl,” the case was initially dismissed by police as an elaborate hoax orchestrated by the supposed victim, Denise Huskins.

American Nightmare is a gripping documentary that brilliantly unpacks this baffling case, exposing the systemic failures of law enforcement and the dangers of media bias. 

Rather than sensationalizing the crime, the series focuses on the victim-blaming and public shaming that Huskins and her partner endured. 

It’s a powerful and infuriating look at how quickly a system designed to protect can turn against an innocent person, making it one of the best true crime TV shows for its insightful social commentary.

The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (Documentary)

The Jinx is nothing short of a landmark in the true crime genre, forever changing how we tell these stories. Director Andrew Jarecki’s years-long investigation into the eccentric and reclusive millionaire Robert Durst is a masterclass in suspense. 

The documentary meticulously builds a case against Durst, weaving together old interviews, family home videos, and Jarecki’s own conversations with the man himself. 

It’s a slow-burn psychological thriller that culminates in one of the most jaw-dropping moments in television history, a moment that didn’t just wrap up the series but genuinely impacted a real-life murder case. 

This is a must-watch for anyone who wants to see how a documentary can not only inform but also influence the pursuit of justice.

Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Dramatization)

This series sparked widespread debate for its chilling and controversial portrayal of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. 

Rather than just a gory retelling of his crimes, Dahmer, led by a genuinely unnerving performance from Evan Peters, makes a conscious choice to focus on the victims and the systemic failures that allowed his horrific acts to continue for so long. 

The show delves into the missed opportunities by police and the cultural biases that enabled Dahmer to operate with impunity. 

It’s a disturbing, yet essential, watch that forces the audience to confront the social context of the murders, earning it a spot among the best true crime TV shows for its willingness to explore the “why” behind the headlines.

The Staircase (Documentary on Netflix and Dramatization on Max)

The mystery surrounding the death of Kathleen Peterson is so compelling that it inspired both a groundbreaking documentary and a major dramatic series. 

The original documentary, which follows the legal battle of Michael Peterson after he’s accused of his wife’s murder, offers a raw, unfiltered look into the case, from courtroom drama to family dynamics. 

The later dramatization, with a brilliant cast including Colin Firth and Toni Collette, explores the different theories and emotional complexities of the story. 

Watching both provides a comprehensive and fascinating look into the ambiguities of the case, showcasing the different ways a story can be told and how each medium can reveal new layers of truth and possibility.

Murder on Middle Beach (Documentary)

Murder on Middle Beach stands out as a deeply personal and emotionally charged series. The documentary follows filmmaker Madison Hamburg as he investigates the unsolved murder of his own mother, Barbara Hamburg. 

What starts as a true crime investigation quickly becomes a heartbreaking journey of a son seeking answers, peeling back layers of family secrets and community lies that span decades. 

The raw, intimate footage and candid interviews with family members make this a powerful testament to the idea that some of the most compelling true crime stories are those driven by a quest for personal closure and justice, not just a dramatic narrative.

The Vow (Documentary)

This HBO documentary takes viewers deep into the terrifying world of NXIVM, a cult-like organization that attracted celebrities and business moguls. 

The Vow is a slow-burn psychological thriller, focusing not on the sensational headlines but on the emotional and psychological manipulation at the heart of the group. 

The series relies on extensive, never-before-seen footage and interviews with former members to reveal how seemingly normal people were drawn into a world of coercion and abuse. 

It’s a powerful and cautionary tale that goes beyond the typical true crime narrative to explore the insidiousness of human exploitation.

Love & Death (Dramatization)

A gripping and stylish dramatization, Love & Death revisits the infamous 1980 murder of Betty Gore by her friend, Candy Montgomery. Elizabeth Olsen’s captivating performance as Candy is a highlight, as she navigates an affair that leads to a brutal, shocking crime. 

The series meticulously recreates the suburban setting of the time and explores the secrets and simmering tensions beneath the surface of a small, seemingly perfect community. 

It’s a fantastic example of a dramatized true crime series that focuses on the character motivations and psychological breakdown that led to the event, making it an overlooked gem for fans of the genre.

Unsolved Mysteries (Documentary)

A modern revival of a classic, the Netflix version of Unsolved Mysteries brings a fresh, modern approach to unsolved cases and mysterious disappearances. 

Departing from the original show’s host and reenactments, each episode focuses on a single mystery, presenting compelling witness accounts and evidence without a narrator. 

Its unique format invites viewers to become part of the investigation, keeping the original show’s spirit of audience participation alive. 

It’s a great example of how a familiar concept can be updated for a new generation, proving that the human desire to solve a mystery remains timeless.

A Friend of the Family (Dramatization)

This series is a chilling and heartbreaking dramatization of the real-life story of Jan Broberg, who was kidnapped multiple times by her family friend, Robert Berchtold. 

Led by a terrifyingly calm and manipulative performance from Jake Lacy, the show is an unflinching look at the insidiousness of grooming and manipulation. 

It’s a difficult but essential watch that explores the fragility of trust and the horrifying lengths a predator will go to. 

The series stands out as one of the most disturbing and powerful best true crime TV shows of recent years for its honest and empathetic portrayal of the victims and their unimaginable ordeal.

The Confession Killer (Documentary)

The Confession Killer explores a unique and baffling case: that of Henry Lee Lucas, a man who confessed to hundreds of unsolved murders he didn’t commit. 

This fascinating documentary systematically dismantles his credibility and, in doing so, exposes the shocking incompetence and misconduct within the police system that allowed a serial confessor to take credit for crimes he didn’t commit. 

It’s a compelling look at a different kind of true crime, one where the biggest offense is not murder but a systemic failure that undermined the pursuit of justice and allowed real criminals to go free.

Psychological Impact: Why Are We So Drawn to These Stories?

Our obsession with true crime isn’t just about morbid curiosity. It’s rooted in deeper psychological drivers. For many, consuming true crime is a way to feel a sense of catharsis and control over a chaotic world. 

By watching a story unfold and a resolution (or lack thereof) be reached, we can process our fears in a safe, controlled environment. 

There’s also a powerful draw to the themes of justice and morality. We’re captivated by the pursuit of truth and find satisfaction in seeing a perpetrator brought to justice or, conversely, feel a righteous anger when the system fails. 

Finally, there’s the intellectual challenge of behavioral analysis. We are naturally curious about the human mind and seek to understand the motivations behind extreme actions, making us want to dig deeper and try to solve the puzzle for ourselves.

What’s Coming Next in the True Crime World

The genre continues to expand with new stories and fresh perspectives. Be on the lookout for new seasons of popular docuseries like Unsolved Mysteries and new dramatizations exploring notorious cases. 

Upcoming projects are rumored to include a deep dive into the Gotti family and a new docuseries re-examining the infamous Zodiac Killer case.

 

Whether you’re a fan of detailed documentaries that expose the facts or dramatic recreations that bring a story to life, there’s a true crime show for everyone. 

The best true crime TV shows are those that not only recount a story but also prompt us to ask bigger questions about our society, our justice system, and the human mind.

 So, what’s your preference? Are you a fact-finder who prefers a documentary, or a drama lover who wants to feel the tension of a dramatization? Keep exploring our site and also check out The Best New Fall TV Shows in 2025.