Unlock a world of suspense and intrigue with Netflix’s top crime documentaries. These true tales, each more captivating than the last, offer a profound look into the dark side of human nature, from elaborate heists to shocking murders. Dive in to see the stories unfold before your eyes.
1. How to Rob a Bank
IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
Runtime: 95 minutes
Meet a charismatic rebel in 1990s Seattle who pulls off a string of audacious bank heists. It’s like something out of a Hollywood movie, but this documentary is all too real. The storytelling is enthralling, and you’ll find yourself rooting for this audacious individual despite his questionable career choices. It’s a fascinating look into the mind of someone who dared to defy the system.

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2. The Menendez Brothers
IMDb Score: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%
Runtime: 100 minutes
Lyle and Erik Menendez capture attention once more as they speak out from prison in this gripping documentary. Serving life sentences for the murder of their parents, the brothers provide insight into the infamous crime and their sensational trials. It’s a chilling exploration of what drove them to such extremes, and whether justice was truly served.
3. Our Father
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
Runtime: 90 minutes
An at-home DNA test uncovers a shocking truth: a popular fertility doctor has been using his own sperm without consent. This documentary unravels a web of deceit and betrayal, as one woman discovers she has multiple half-siblings. It’s a haunting reminder of the trust placed in medical professionals, and how it can be devastatingly abused.
4. Lover, Stalker, Killer
IMDb Score: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
Runtime: 88 minutes
Imagine finding love online only to discover your partner’s obsession could turn deadly. This documentary navigates the chilling journey of a mechanic and the woman he met through online dating. It’s a cautionary tale of how romance can swiftly turn into a nightmare, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and questioning the risks of modern dating.
5. Amanda Knox
IMDb Score: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
Runtime: 92 minutes
Step into the atmospheric world of Amanda Knox, as her infamous trial in Italy unfolds. Convicted and then acquitted for the murder of her roommate, Knox’s story is a whirlwind of media frenzy, cultural clashes, and legal battles. This documentary is a deep dive into whether she was an innocent caught in a judicial nightmare or the manipulative figure some portrayed her to be.
6. The Tinder Swindler
IMDb Score: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Runtime: 94 minutes
An Israeli conman posing as a wealthy diamond mogul swindles women for millions. His victims, rather than staying silent, plan revenge. This documentary is not just about the crime, but the resilience and power of those he tricked. It’s a fascinating watch that leaves you wondering how someone manages to deceive so many, and what it takes for them to rise above.
7. The Thin Blue Line
IMDb Score: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Runtime: 101 minutes
Errol Morris’s masterpiece re-enacts the investigation of a police officer’s murder, blending real-life interviews with dramatic storytelling. This documentary is credited with reshaping crime documentaries, questioning the reliability of the justice system. Its unique approach makes it not just a film, but an experience that challenges viewers to think critically about truth and justice.
8. Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
Runtime: 103 minutes
Dive beyond the celebrity headlines into the mechanics of the 2019 college admissions scandal. Rick Singer, the architect of the scheme, manipulated a system already favoring the wealthy. This documentary peels back the layers of privilege and deceit, examining how far some will go to secure their children’s futures, regardless of the cost.
9. What Jennifer Did
IMDb Score: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%
Runtime: 89 minutes
Jennifer Pan’s call to 911 reveals more than a tragic home invasion. As investigators dig deeper, her involvement in the crime becomes evident. This documentary is a chilling exploration of family, pressure, and the drastic actions one may take under duress. It’s a captivating watch as the layers of Jennifer’s life unravel, revealing shocking truths.

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10. Casting JonBenet
IMDb Score: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
Runtime: 81 minutes
Twenty years after the tragic death of JonBenet Ramsey, this documentary revisits the case that gripped the world. Rather than a straightforward retelling, it explores the lasting impact on those involved. The unique approach offers a reflective and haunting portrayal of how a single crime can leave an indelible mark on society.