The Best Crime Docuseries to Binge Watch on Netflix | May 2020

Over the last few weeks we’ve been bringing you plenty of inspiration when it comes to top-grade lockdown entertainment, including must see movies, and binge-worthy TV shows, but if you’ve exhausted those options, we have another suggestion for you. The world of true crime documentaries has over the last few years become a must see genre, and while it’s not exactly the easiest watch, it’s immensely fascinating and will have you instantly hooked. If you’re new to the world of true crime, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks that you can binge right now.

Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer

This controversial documentary had everyone talking when it initially dropped last year and should be at the top of every crime enthusiast’s watch list. This gripping documentary follows a group of cyber sleuths after a shocking and disturbing video of a man torturing and killing two kittens is discovered online. Analysing every detail of the video, the group are determined to track down the individual, who meanwhile is loving the attention he’s receiving. Things take an even darker turn when a second and equally disturbing video is released, suggesting that the perpetrator is looking at harming more than an animal next. This 3 part series will have you hooked from start to finish, but be warned, it’s not for the faint hearted.

The Staircase

If murder mysteries are more your thing, The Staircase is one of our top picks. This dark and investigative documentary follows the murder trial of author Michael Peterson after the mysterious death of his wife, who was killed after falling down the stairs in their home. Was it an accident, or was it murder? This thirteen part series leaves no stone unturned, as camera crews were given access to Peterson’s extended family, attorneys, and the courtroom itself. Achieving rave reviews from critics, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Evil Genius

Evil Genius is another true crime series that will have you gripped and baffled throughout. Focusing on from the infamous high profile “pizza bomber” case, this is a true crime story with a difference. This four part series starts with the gruesome death of Brian Wells, a pizza delivery man who robs a bank with a bomb around his neck, along with the aftermath that follows. Sounds strange? It only gets stranger from there!

Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes

If you never caught Confessions of a Killer when it was originally released, now’s the time. Each episode contains footage sourced from interviews and archive footage of notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy. The series chronologically follows Bundy’s life, including his crimes, arrest and eventual execution, as well as interviews with his family, friends, witnesses, and surviving victims. This riveting docuseries is dark and disturbing, but won’t want to miss a single second.

Making a Murderer

Another binge worthy series for your true crime watch list has to be Making a Murderer. Filmed over thirteen years, the series follows Steven Avery, a man who was sentenced to 18 years in prison for murder. The story is connected with Brendan Dassey, also accused of being an accessory to the murder. But, did he actually do it? With two seasons for you to sink your teeth into, you’ll be hooked after one episode.

Drug Lords

Fans of shows such as Narcos, Breaking Bad and Ozark will enjoy this real life look at drug cartels and kingpins. Featuring the stories of the likes of Pablo Escobar and the Cali Cartel, this scandalous series includes interviews from gang members, journalists, and the officers determined to bring them down. It’s the ideal in-depth look into some of history’s most notorious criminals.

Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons

Originally hitting our screens in 2016, this in-depth documentary takes a close look at twelve prisons around the world. With journalists becoming voluntary inmates to gain a unique perspective, as well as that of prison guards and those interacting with the prison system, this gritty docuseries gives you an insight into prisons such as Halden Prison in Norway, Bogotá in Columbia, and Belize Central Prison.

We hope we’ve given you plenty to work with when it comes to the world of true crime. Of course there’s plenty more where that came from too, with a whole host of gripping documentaries to binge on. Just be warned though, you might need to watch a couple of Family Guy episodes afterwards - it’s pretty heavy stuff!

Written by Amy Jackson - 9th May 2020