Looking for a captivating crime documentary to stream on Amazon Prime Video? You’re in for a treat! Here’s a list of the best crime documentaries currently available, showcasing gripping true stories and jaw-dropping revelations. From daring heists to infamous trials, these documentaries will keep you hooked from start to finish.

1. American Animals

IMDb Score: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%

Runtime: 116 minutes

“American Animals” tells the tale of four young men in Lexington, Kentucky, who attempt one of the most audacious art heists in U.S. history. The film is a captivating blend of reenactments and interviews, making viewers question the fine line between reality and fiction. The narrative is suspenseful and engaging, offering an insightful look into the minds of those who dared to challenge the system. This documentary is both thrilling and thought-provoking, perfect for those who love a good heist story.

2. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

IMDb Score: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

Runtime: 95 minutes

This emotional documentary is a heartbreaking tribute to Andrew Bagby, a young doctor whose life was tragically cut short. Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne crafts a poignant narrative for Bagby’s son, Zachary, piecing together memories and stories. The film delves into the complexities of love, loss, and justice, offering a raw and intimate look at the aftermath of a life lost too soon. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster that stays with you long after the credits roll.

3. Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie and Tupac

IMDb Score: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

Runtime: 105 minutes

“Last Man Standing” dives deep into the notorious world of Death Row Records, exploring the intertwining lives of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. The documentary examines the LA street gang culture and its impact on the music industry, revealing chilling associations with corrupt police officers. It’s a must-watch for fans of true crime and hip-hop history, peeling back the layers of intrigue behind two of music’s most tragic losses.

4. The 11th Hour

IMDb Score: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%

Runtime: 92 minutes

While technically more about environmental crime, “The 11th Hour” offers a compelling look at the damage we’ve inflicted on our planet. Featuring insights from global experts, this documentary provides both a warning and a call to action. It’s not your typical crime story, but it showcases the ultimate crime against nature. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of urgency to contribute to the solution rather than being part of the problem.

5. Deliver Us from Evil

IMDb Score: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

Runtime: 101 minutes

“Deliver Us from Evil” is a harrowing deep dive into the corruption of the Catholic Church, focusing on the case of Father Oliver O’Grady. The documentary uncovers the unsettling truth of how his heinous acts were allowed to continue unchecked. Victims’ testimonies and O’Grady’s chilling confessions bring a sobering perspective to this haunting story. It’s an eye-opener about institutional failures and the devastating impact on countless lives.

6. The Imposter

IMDb Score: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

Runtime: 99 minutes

“The Imposter” tells the stranger-than-fiction story of a missing boy who miraculously reappears years later. However, not everything is as it seems. The documentary keeps you on the edge of your seat as it uncovers one twist after another. The film is cleverly structured, blurring the lines between documentary and mystery thriller, leaving viewers questioning the truth until the very end.

7. Cropsey

IMDb Score: 6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

Runtime: 84 minutes

“Cropsey” blends urban legend with true crime, investigating missing children cases tied to a real-life boogeyman. The filmmakers delve into the chilling mysteries surrounding their local lore, uncovering unsettling truths about their childhood nightmares. This documentary is an eerie exploration of the power of folklore and its dark connections to real life, sure to captivate fans of mysterious and haunting tales.

8. Square One

IMDb Score: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: Not Available

Runtime: 84 minutes

“Square One” revisits the 1993 allegations against Michael Jackson, providing an investigative lens that challenges public perceptions. This documentary offers fresh insights and interviews, painting a different picture of the controversial case. It’s an intriguing exploration of media influence, public opinion, and the complexities involved in high-profile cases, encouraging viewers to question what they thought they knew.

9. Cocaine Cowboys

IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Runtime: 116 minutes

“Cocaine Cowboys” chronicles the Miami drug trade of the 1980s, a time when the city was transformed into a hub of violence and excess. Through interviews with key players, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the era’s chaos. It’s an adrenaline-fueled ride through history, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who shaped a city through crime and ambition.

10. The Invisible War

IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

Runtime: 93 minutes

“The Invisible War” is a powerful exposé of the epidemic of sexual assault within the U.S. military. The documentary features deeply personal stories from survivors, revealing a disturbing pattern of institutional neglect and cover-up. This film is a crucial watch for understanding the systemic issues and the urgent need for reform, leaving a lasting impact on viewers and encouraging societal change.

11. Detainment

IMDb Score: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: Not Available

Runtime: 30 minutes

“Detainment” recreates the interrogation of two boys suspected of a shocking crime in England. It’s a gripping and controversial film that explores the complexities and moral questions surrounding juvenile crime. The documentary presents a raw and unfiltered look at the justice system, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about innocence, guilt, and the impact of media sensationalism.

12. Survivor’s Guide to Prison

IMDb Score: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

Runtime: 102 minutes

“Survivor’s Guide to Prison” is both informative and eye-opening, offering a gritty look at the U.S. penal system. Through a series of interviews and reenactments, it provides practical advice for navigating the harsh realities of incarceration. The film critiques the justice system’s flaws with a blend of urgency and dark humor, making it a compelling watch for those interested in social justice and reform.

13. Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger

IMDb Score: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

Runtime: 107 minutes

“Whitey” delves into the trial of infamous gangster James J. Bulger, using it as a lens to examine corruption at the highest levels of law enforcement. The documentary features interviews with key figures involved in the case, shedding light on Bulger’s complex relationship with the FBI. It’s a fascinating exploration of crime, justice, and the murky waters of institutional power.