The documentary navigates the sticky legal area deftly, posing fascinating questions about what Valle's case means for the future of crime in the digital age. Six-year-old Beth talks to a therapist about the horrific abuse she has suffered as well as the abuse she inflicts upon small animals and her own brother. Directed by Academy Award nominee Amy Berg, The Case Against Adnan Syed can be understood and appreciated as a standalone project. But if you've watched The Girl From Plainville, the docu-drama series inspired by these true crime events, then I Love You, Now Die might well be a must-see. A.F. In the meantime, viewers can check out some of the more incredibly disturbing yet underrated true crime documentaries already out there. One of the well-worn tropes of horror is that the story youre about to watch is "based on a true story". | And while there's plenty you'll want to research about the case after seeing the movie seriously, you've got 25 years of legal developments that aren't accounted for here it remains one of the most well-regarded perspectives on the disturbing crime available, not to mention an utterly transfixing viewing experience. In 1993, a bartender named Rob convinced a British college student that he was actually an MI5 agent, a friend's suicide was related to a campus terrorist cell, and they had to hit the road for their own safety. But one never really knows who they'll be spending an evening (or more) with, beyond what they offer up about themselves. Garbus prioritizes deep and complex analysis over a tidy narrative in her take on the case. Her fandoms include DC (especially Harley Quinn), Pokmon, Sailor Moon, H3, The Beatles, the 80s and CozyGaming. "The Jinx" is a fascinating, unsettling character study, made all the more unnerving when Durst basically incriminates himself. The case of the Broberg family is so frustrating that filmmaker Skye Borgman even had to pause the entire filming project for six weeks. It may sound like fiction, but every bit really happened. Rick Edwards, It's a story predicated upon unhealthy obsession, manipulation, and repulsive actions that impacted an entire family. "Making a Murderer" is one of the most noteworthy true crime docuseries of the past few years. Documentary, Crime. (Opens in a new tab). After being held captive for 18 years by a convicted child molester, Jaycee Dugard appeared to be alive and kicking, when police investigation closes in on her kidnapper. The title comes from the frantic phone call made from a cell phone in an SUV: Theres something wrong with Aunt Diane! The call was from Diane Schulers niece to her father. Here are the 20 most gripping true crime projects, both TV series and films, now streaming on HBO Max. (Opens in a new tab). 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. Theres Something Wrong with Aunt Diane details all of the events in the lead-up to the accident. Where does the truth lie? David Friedman, The tale, currently available to HBO subscribers, never heads where you expect. Over two parts, Carter interviews those closest to the case about everything from the small details needed to nab the killer to the broader societal issues that made this particular investigation so tumultuous. He has been a guest speaker on numerous national radio and television stations and is a five time published author. 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. He sent out three bombs to three separate people in the Salt Lake City area, resulting in two deaths the third bomb going off by accident in Hofmann's own car. Founded in 2012 by DeAnne Brady and her husband Mark Stidham, LuLaRoe is a multi-level marketing company that sells women's clothing. This documentary tells the story of three women who disappeared between 2002 and 2004, all of whom were held in the basement of a Cleveland house for approximately ten years. Released in 2012 and co-directed with his daughter Sarah, the documentary details the people and events involved in the Central Park Jogger case of 1989. Andrew Jarecki, | If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Juliet Stevenson, Uncovered: The McMartin Family Trials does a fair job of presenting all facts and allowing the viewer to consider the possibilities, but the simple fact remains: The trial resulted in no convictions. Mark Murphy, | Gary Napoli, Lead investigator Tom Ruskin told CNN, Ive never seen a case like this. In the mid-80s, Salt Lake City found itself rocked by a series of bombings carried by Mark Hofmann. Laura Nirider, One of the most disturbing documentaries on Netflix, Our Father was made by Jason Blum and Lucie Jourdan. Few documentaries are as heart-breaking, horrifying, and disturbing as Trials of Gabriel Fernandez. Regardless of his reliability as a source, there's no denying the tragedy of his best friend and fellow child star Corey Haim's sudden death in 2010 (due to pneumonia) after battling drug addiction. Next came a mass panic amongst parents and immense press coverage of the family. Peacock clearly understood just how fascinating Gacy is which is why they released "John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise" in 2021. Documentary, Drama. Flash-forward a few years and miles away to the Clifton family, where divorced Sandra was romanced by a rich guy named Dave, who bought her a car and drove a wedge between her and her grown children. How to watch: The Cheshire Murders (Opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. The man blamed for the crime was Oral "Nick" Hillary, who was accused by the predominantly white community of Potsdam, New York. Between 1979 and 1981, at least 30 Black children were abducted and murdered. What unravels is a story of murder, molestation, clergy abuse, and probable cover-ups. If youre a regular true crime fan, chances are you already know everything there is to know about the so-called "Slenderman stabbing." (Opens in a new tab). Then sleuths John Green and Deanna Thompson worked together to help track Magnotta down and put an end to his sickening crimes. Being a true crime fan has gone from being a small niche interest to a widespread hobby for many people. Spanning seven years, it was the longest and most expensive trial in US history. He led her outside to an ally; upon realizing his intent, she stopped. Stars: True crime documentaries are experiencing perhaps their biggest boom period - especially due to the presence of streaming. Kate Davis, That's because it basically is only it's true. This was just the beginning. This is the twisted true story of Luka Magnotta who uploaded videos of himself torturing and killing felines to the internet. Stewart enlists the help of a true crime author and a private investigator to not only find his father, but possibly also solve one of American law enforcement's longest-standing murder mysteries. They were both convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances of torture. | 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. Cooper incognito, these stories are convincing and even credible. 1. Director: The title of "The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker" makes it sound like a horror movie or a spooky campfire story. Directors: Murder On Middle Beach & 9 Other Great True Crime Shows Only On HBO Max. Another riveting true crime project from Erin Lee Carr, I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth vs. Michelle Carter is a two-part look at one of the most senseless crimes of the modern age. "McMillions" and "LuLaRoe" would honestly make for a great double feature. "Who Killed Garrett Phillips?" It's a sympathetic but truthful account that will leave you with plenty to chew over. Satiate your morbid curiosities with true crime documentaries ranging from unsolved murders to terrifying urban legends. In the meantime, viewers can check out some of the more Across six episodes, Durst sits down with Jarecki for a series of disturbing interviews, a number of which have since been treated as evidence in the continued prosecution of Durst. If the story of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh has flown under your radar, we highly recommend giving this one a watch. | It's a shocking story steeped in death and controversy about how a small community was forever changed by one horrific event. This film documents her subsequent healing and recovery. Against the advice of his attorneys, Durst actively participated in the creation of the 2014 docuseries. Creator of a car known as "The Dale," Elizabeth's life was rife with scrutiny and controversy in regards to her own past. Kurt Kuenne 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. | Anthony Meoli, Stephanie Slater, How to watch: Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn (Opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. Director Kurt Kuenne got great reviews for this documentary about his murdered friend, Dr. Andrew Bagby. Asking the right questions at the just the right times, Garbus produces a compelling narrative that is at once an indictment of police failings and a rallying cry for identifying the real killer. Hayley Petit, A portrait of three of the UK's mature prostitutes who sell sex in hotel rooms and their homes. Stars: (Opens in a new tab). However, this feature length documentary shows that truth is most definitely stranger than fiction, showcasing the story in its stomach churning entirety. (Opens in a new tab). In the latter half of the documentary it's shown how the two despite their young age were tried and convicted as adults for their actions. I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. 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. 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. His family are overjoyed, but something is wrong. On two separate occasions, Jan was abducted by her next neighbor Robert Berchtold during the 1970s. | Gross: 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. Directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady depict the stories of the many women done wrong by Richard Scott Smith, a scam artist who charmed his way into their lives, married them some simultaneously and under fake names and robbed them of their life savings and credit. In 2001, 28-year-old Dr. Andrew Bagbys body was found in a park in Pennsylvania. Not all true crime needs to focus on sickening murders. The series looks at the trial of Michael Peterson, who was convicted of murdering his wife Kathleen back in 2001. In this challenging and boldly funny four-episode documentary mini-series, Carmichaels story is reclaimed by balancing the perspective of her haters with in-depth interviews with those who knew her best. The Lady and the Dale The Lady and the Dale Credit: Werner Herzog, the uncompromising filmmaker best known for "Fitzcarraldo," "Grizzly Man," and other unsettling works about humanity's darkest, most depraved, and most catastrophic notions, outdid himself with "Into the Abyss." Born on the Something Awful forums of the 2010s, Slenderman quickly became a widespread symbol of homegrown internet horror. (Opens in a new tab). $3.12M, R Magnotta was arrested in Berlin after visiting an internet cafe to check how famous he had become and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. In this haunting documentary from director Irene Taylor Brodsky, we revisit the 2014 attempted murder of 12-year-old Payton Leutner. Sign up for The Lineup's newsletter and receive our most chilling cases delivered straight to your inbox. Content Warning: The following article contains discussions of sexual violence, child abuse, pedophilia, torture and murder. Documentary. Meanwhile, a no-nonsense submarine expert and a conflicted biographer detail how the alibi of accused killer Peter Madsen fell apart, uncovering the horrifying depths of his ruthless ambition. A.F. The miniseries focuses on the now infamous scam Monopoly promotion run by McDonald's for over a decade. The daughter of a wealthy Mormon family See full summary, Director: 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 series follows Carter's efforts to prove her innocence, posing fascinating questions about what crimes can be committed online. They both stood accused of neglecting, abusing, and torturing Fernandezs eight-year-old son, Gabriel. Viewers were enraged at Cheris quite blatant psychopathy as she manipulates and commands those around her. Kathleen Bagby, Votes: The 34 Best True Crime Documentaries and Series of 2022 (So Far) From suburban killers to millionaire scammers. (Opens in a new tab). Updated on February 27, 2023: The world of true crime is a fascinating one, and as long as people break the law, there will be documentaries telling these wild stories. It instead showcases the ripple effect it had on the people around Cathy. While working as a fringe investigative journalist in the 1990s, David Holthouse was privy to an odd and frightening night in the remote forests of Northern California. The seven episode documentary series takes a look at the murder of nun Catherine Cesnik back in the late 60s. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. Here, we have rounded up some of the strangest true crime documentaries on YouTube that you can watch for free. 1. Drug Lords Charlotte Lindstrom For someone who has the looks of a supermodel, Charlotte Lindstrom was a killer hiding in plain sight. While she mastered her crime to perfection, she was eventually tracked down by the police. In this three-part Netflix series, Lori's only surviving child, Colby Ryan, tries to help filmmakers figure out what went so tragically wrong in his mother's life, and it all hinges on her involvement with Chad Daybell, a man who believed that he and Vallow could see the good and bad spirits that lived inside of people and that the way to vanquish the bad ones was to kill the bodies in which they resided. 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. Tying in with the Satanic Panic experienced by the West Memphis Three, the claims from children as young as three were so outlandish it's impossible for today's audience not to critically reflect on how much fear can override logic. $0.18M, Not Rated (Opens in a new tab). Adam O'Brian, 38 Disturbing Documentaries Lists about some of the most shocking and upsetting documentary films Ariel Castro. Jesse Temple, Documentary. Those interested in doing a deep dive on the topic should check out The Goonies child star Corey Feldman's story. 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.. Arthur Ginsberg A strange, dark story involving large-scale theft, fake identities, elaborate cons, and even a supernatural element, "Bad Vegan" is a hard to believe but totally true documentary series that began long ago in a place of good intentions and stated purity. 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