TRUE CRIME - documentaries
(I prefer the real, original stuff - I'm not a fan of True Crime Soaps with dramatizations, re enactments & blurry stock footage.
Those are collected in my "True Crime Soaps" List)
Those are collected in my "True Crime Soaps" List)
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- StarsDan CogdellClive DoyleDick DeGuerinDocuseries examining the challenges attorneys face defending their infamously accused clients.
- StarsErik ThompsonPhillip ResnickBrian LevinNever-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews offer a vitural scene-of-the-crime vantage point for history's most major news events.
- StarsRachel KentTom ScorzoneBenjamin ShafferA look at notorious murders and crimes that happened during the 1990s.
- StarsBryan BurroughMartin KoughanJennet ConantVanity Fair Confidential brings you deep into the criminal affairs of various people whose stories were once across the pages of Vanity Fair Magazine. The show covers high scandal cases including those of soldiers, family heirs, and even boy band moguls.
- StarsFrank Di NapoliJames M. ReillyT.J. CraigA TV series where individuals share their perspectives of loved ones who committed horrific crimes.
- StarsLouise HullandEmma KennyBrian HookThe relatives of murderers tell their stories, revealing how the crimes affected their families and whether there were any signs of murderous intentions beforehand.
- DirectorWerner HerzogStarsWerner HerzogRichard LopezMichael PerryConversations with death row inmate Michael Perry and those affected by his crime serve as an examination of why people - and the state - kill.
- StarsChris HansenRalph SmithJoseph FisherInvestigative journalist Chris Hansen takes a deeper look into some of the most grisly and complex murder cases of the past few decades.
- StarsStacy KeachScott CohnKristin ReyerDocumentary series focusing on history's largest financial crimes ranging from Ponzi schemes, murder, card counting, generating fake currency and goods, extortion, online dating, identity theft, drug distribution, and insider trading.
- StarsRob WarnerCliff LansleyDawn ArcherThe stories of people who have shed crocodile tears to hide their guilt in criminal cases.
- StarsMurray KnockRoss StokesExploring some of New Zealand's most famous cases of people being wrongly convicted of heinous crimes. Made with the support of NZ on Air.
- StarsAngelo DiazChristopher DiazAmy SutherlandA reality-based crime story series with interesting plot twists dealing with some of the citizens of Atlanta. The dramatizations are profoundly chosen. The true life stories include unusual scenarios that involve Atlanta & criminal activity.
- StarsHenry C. LeeTim PalmbachKurt SpohnDr. Lee reconstructs how he solved some of his cases during his 40 years as a forensic scientist.
- A murder, a body, a single piece of unknown DNA. So begins the gripping story of one of the most ambitious forensic investigations ever undertaken. Science and passion collide in this 7-year saga of murder and the search for justice in the foothills of the Italian Alps.
- StarsChristopher McDanielNick RaffaeleCharmar JeterThrough the eyes of the original jurors, this series re-examines some of the most controversial cases of "The People v. Michael Jackson," "The People v. OJ Simpson," "The People v. George Zimmerman" and "The People v. Robert Durst".
- StarsJoni E. JohnstonMark E. SafarikJohn Matthew FabianThe macabre rituals of serial killers are examined.
- StarsLisa SorensonRob KimmelmanChristopher Crutchfield WalkerThe Pacific Northwest, nicknamed "Wonderland," is a deadly terrain in nine rainy months, encouraging serial killer activity.
- StarsCaroline CatzBarbara FlynnVince EganDocumentary series telling the story of some of Britain's most high-profile murder cases.
- An original four-part crime documentary series produced in association with HBO Asia and Star World, The Talwars: Behind Closed Doors examines the story of a double murder of a teenage girl and her family's household servant in Noida, India. Featuring never-before-seen exclusive interviews with Aarushi's parents, the series chronicles the twists and turns of a case that has confounded and divided India's law enforcement, media, judiciary and people alike.
- StarsJulia DrahosLaura FrizzoMark SchwartzmanIn the cold, isolated world of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Police Chief Laura Frizzo launches an investigation into the disappearance of Chris Regan, never expecting to come face to face with a possible serial killer.
- StarsChristopher MasonBill RatnerTimothy WildeHigh society chronicler Christopher Mason presents real stories of infamous crimes which unfolded behind the veil of wealth, power, and respectability.
- StarsKal CauthenAngelina CortezD.A. HänksA specially-appointed team of skilled homicide investigators comb the streets of Atlanta, solving some of the most baffling and unusual murders in the city; bringing justice to the victims and their families in the process.
- DirectorStephen MaingStarsManuel 'Manny' GomezSandy GonzalesRukia LumumbaA group of brave NYPD officers risk it all to expose the truth about illegal quota practices in police departments.
- DirectorNancy SchwartzmanStarsMark ColeAnthony CraigRachel DissellAn account of a notable sexual assault that took place in Steubenville, Ohio in 2012, and the role that social media played in the crime and on the community.
- A journey through The Army's criminal justice system seen through the lens of controversial case of Clint Lorance.
- StarsJohn WalshDaniel David SimDon LaFontaineTrue crimes are dramatized in hopes that viewers can give information leading to the capture of the criminals.
- StarsPaula TisoDominique MaherCandice van LitsenborghAudio recordings from investigations, including police interviews, recorded telephone calls and voicemails.
- StarsKiera BellJaada Lawrence GreenShayne Elsa DrummondThis documentary examines how the emotional impact of a homicide resonates with the victim's loved ones long after the crime is committed.
- StarsSusan SarandonClive Stafford SmithConcetta TomeiCapital-murder cases are examined in this documentary series.
- StarsBray PoorJohn S. Howell Sr.Morgan WilsonFBI: Criminal Pursuit is a groundbreaking series that takes the audience inside the 21st Century FBI. The FBI is the most sophisticated law enforcement agency in the world ... pursuing the most dangerous criminals.
- StarsJack DanielNakoa DeCoiteHolgie ForresterIn Murder Loves Company we meet people gathered together in a unique shared world. One of these people will soon be murdered, but it is always a surprise who. One of these people is the killer, but their identity is a mystery.
- StarsWilliam SalyersJayne TainiPage LeongWhen their 4-year-old son is murdered, a young couple fights a twisting and arduous battle trying to identify a frustratingly elusive killer.
- StarsPaul HolesMelissa BrownellErika HutchcraftThe true crime HLN Original Series "Unmasking A Killer" profiles the terrifying real-life story of the Golden State Killer, one of the nation's most prolific serial killers, who is responsible for a staggering 50 rapes and 12 murders in California.
- StarsDiane CardeaSawyer SchultzJunko ChengThis true-crime series features individuals who share their heartfelt perspectives of loved ones who fell victim to horrific and senseless acts of crime.
- StarsChad NanceNate AndersonJenna WoodringA journalist races to learn the truth when human remains are found in the home of self-proclaimed Satanist Pazuzu.
- StarsFil WatersPaul NoonanBrian HarrisLegendary homicide detective, Fil Waters has made a name for himself as one of Houston's most successful interrogators, and recounts his most famous cases.
- StarsDion GrahamNathan SchillingJason WhiteThe series follows detectives during the hours immediately following a homicide.
- StarsJames TupperTammy GillisDaniel StolfiA look at real Canadian crime stories by talking to the detectives who led the investigations.
- StarsYakov KolontarovMark KrenikJamin ThompsonHomicide detectives reveal how unique objects, often with an emotional connection to the victim, have provided vital clues in solving murder cases.
- StarsYoram SheftelEli GabayMichael ShakedA Cleveland grandfather is brought to trial in Israel, accused of being the infamous German death camp guard known as Ivan the Terrible.
- CreatorKelly LoudenbergStarsDavid BurnsBrian HutchinsonJames KonatA critical look into some true crime cases where American law enforcement made up for lack of actual physical evidence by using devious psychological tactics during interrogation in order to extract confessions from naive suspects.
- DirectorRob KlugStarsMichael CarrollRichard Schlesinger
- DirectorSamantha SandersStarsBill KurtisTed Ammon, a well to do financier and investment banker is found murdered at his mansion in The Hamptons, New York. The prime suspects are his soon to be ex-wife Generosa and her boyfriend Daniel Pelosi. American Justice takes a look at numerous details in this case.
- 2015– 43mTV-147.4 (14)TV EpisodeStarsRick BucknerDon FindlayKeith Hunter JespersonMelissa Moore--daughter of Keith Hunter Jesperson, infamously known as the "Happy Face Killer" tells her own personal story as the daughter of a serial killer. The episode reveals shocking behind-the-scenes accounts of what it was like growing up with a father who, she later learned, was committing horrific murders.
- StarsTyler HayseBrian KramerMary Ellen O'TooleThe series delves into the psychological showdown that takes place inside actual police interrogation rooms and dissects what happens to yield a confession.
- CreatorRoss M. DinersteinClay TweelStarsHeather McPhaulJohn GrishamJ.J. ArendsThe story of Ron Williamson, a man who sat on Oklahoma's death row for 11 years for a crime he didn't commit. Based on John Grisham's "The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town."
- StarsShaun DooleyRay TeretThe series following the work of the Greater Manchester Police Serious Sexual Offences Unit, combined with the Major Investigation Team.
- StarsTom RobertsPatricia WinkerPaul BergquistA look at some of the most infamous crimes in U.K. history
- StarsElizabeth YardleyGeoffrey WansellFred DinenageBrand new and exclusive to Pick, Britain's Most Evil Killers explores the crimes of Britain's 12 most brutal killers.
- StarsPatricia WinkerGeorgia GiblinRichard HerdmanReality series interviewing people/families who were victims of violent crimes or people who were friends / family of murderers and rapists and had narrow escapes
- StarsStan GrantMatt DoranNig RichardsHosted by Matt Doran (Season 3) and Stan Grant (Seasons 1&2), this series investigates Australian crimes that upset and stunned the nation. Using gripping interviews with people at the heart of the tragedies, drama reconstructions and archival footage, it details the events leading up to the crime, the crime itself and the aftermath of the biggest crimes ever committed in Australia.
- Filmed in a documentary style, this UK Police TV Series deals with detectives handling murders.
- DirectorSven ArnsteinStarsRachel BellJames AllenSteve ToussaintA woman is found dead in her bed by police who believe she committed suicide - until the pathologist's report proves otherwise and her next-door neighbor confirms things have been moved in her house.
- StarsJeffrey DahmerLionel DahmerShari JordanStone Phillips presents never-before-seen footage from his "Dateline NBC" interview with serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer recorded in 1994.
- StarsLionel DahmerNancy GlassShari Dahmer"Dahmer on Dahmer: A Serial Killer Speaks" offers a fresh look at the infamous serial killer's life through the eyes of the woman who became his closest confidant. With new interviews from pivotal figures in the case, the series sheds light on the grisly and complicated investigation. Looking back on her first interview with Dahmer, Nancy highlights on-and-off-camera conversations detailing Dahmer's disturbing crimes through his own words, giving insight into his dark, depraved manner and reasons for killing. The two-night event offers an in-depth look at the man and monster that was Jeffrey Dahmer with new and exclusive interviews from those closest to him, including parents Lionel and Shari Dahmer, who haven't spoken about this case or their son publicly in over 20 years, and surviving victims Billy Capshaw and Preston Davis, who have decided to finally break their silence about what happened to them. Their unique experiences with Dahmer throughout various stages of his life expose a serial killer unlike any other -- one not motivated by the impulse to kill, but rather the desire to exercise control.
- DirectorJohn BorowskiStarsSteve GiannangeloRick StatonRich Hillen Jr.Serial Killer Culture examines the reasons why artists and collectors are fascinated by serial killers.
- StarsChristopher SladeLouis B. SchlesingerKatherine RamslandEach episode is a look into the childhood and life of serial killers.
- DirectorNick BougasStarsDavid BerkowitzKenneth BianchiTed BundyA post clinical style of commentary and re-cap by the judges, lawyers, psychologists, forensic scientists and serial killers themselves, who were engaged in the criminal prosecution of some of the most famous serial killers.
- StarsRobert PowellKenneth BianchiAngelo Buono Jr.At last, for the first time here is a major new series of the most extraordinary stories behind the greatest crimes and trials of this century. True stories carefully researched and reconstructed with actual archive footage. Cases which have become almost legendary in the annals of crime and detection.
- CreatorJoe BerlingerStarsStephen MichaudBob KeppelKathleen McChesneyA look inside the mind of serial killer Ted Bundy, featuring interviews with him on death row.
- StarsGreg LewisSamuel M. LewisLucia OskerovaThis true-crime series unfolds murder cases shrouded in mysterious clues that detectives must focus on to unveil the killer and solve the crime.
- StarsMurray FarnellChaz SmithAlan AlvesRe-investigation of the murder of three young women in 1979 - Fall River, MA.
- StarsTerry SullivanPhilip HershJay LevineThe chilling story of one of the world's most notorious serial killers told through the words of Gacy himself, those who were forever changed by his unspeakable deeds and those who believe that the full truth remains concealed to this day.
- DirectorRolf SchübelStarsJürgen BartschGertrud BartschTobias BrocherThis is a documentary feature about Jürgen Bartsch, who killed four young boys in the early 60s, being between 15 and 19 years of age. The German press and public labeled him "beast" at that time because he tortured the boys, and chopped their bodies up after killing them. The film consists of interview footage from people who knew Bartsch, and you hear Bartsch himself talking about himself and his crimes; taken from tapes recorded by analysts while he was imprisoned. The film shows that Bartsch was not only a killer, but also a victim.
- DirectorMarta CunninghamStarsJames BingJeremy BingRosalie BlackOn February 12, 2008 in Oxnard, California, eighth-grade student Brandon McInerney shot his classmate Larry King twice in the back of the head during first period. When Larry died two days later, his murder shocked the nation. Was this a hate crime, one perpetrated by a budding neo-Nazi whose masculinity was threatened by an effeminate gay kid who might have had a crush on him? Or was there even more to it? Looking beyond all the copious news coverage of this tragic event, 'Valentine Road' tells the story of two victims: the murdered and the murderer. With keen insight, the film connects the human wreckage of Larry's and Brandon's troubled lives--both physically abused, both from broken homes, and both searching for a sense of belonging.
- DirectorErin Lee CarrStarsJessica ThomasJim ArnottDavid BlanchardIn this documentary, the murder of Deedee Blanchard by her daughter Gypsy Rose is explored, as well as the circumstances leading up to the event.
- StarsFred DinenageDavid WilsonClive AitkinsFred Dinenage takes a fresh new look at the murders that shocked the United Kingdom in the 20th century, and the killers that committed them. Dinenage was not only the official biographer to the Kray brothers, the foremost perpetrators of organized crime in London's East End during the 1950s and '60s, he has also been a serious crime journalist for over four decades. He knows that with certain crimes, myth can overshadow the reality of what actually occurred. In "Murder Casebook" Dinenage guides the viewer step by step through the real stories. From the Krays themselves to the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the UK, Dinenage meets with the people whose lives were affected by these crimes, experts who were involved in the investigations and journalists from the time. Leading criminologist Professor David Wilson, also gives valuable and fascinating insights into each killer, ranging from "Black Panther" Donald Neilson to the "Brides in the Bath" murderer George Joseph Smith. "Fred Dinenage Murder Casebook" features criminology, forensic science and other modern techniques used to analyze crimes and to understand the motive, method and impact they had then, and still have even now.
- StarsErryn ArkinOlivia StambouliahSteve LiebmannCrime investigation Australia takes you deep into the Most horrific crimes Australia has ever seen.
- StarsLarry Gene BellDavid BerkowitzLee BrownFormer FBI agent John Douglas, the inventor of criminal profiling, leads a journey into the minds of the 20th Century's most notorious killers, including Charles Manson, John Wayne Gacy, and Jeffrey Dahmer.
- StarsBeth KarasBlake Rice KirklandJeff KlingerWhen 23-year-old mother of four Stacy Peterson vanishes, suspicion lands on her police officer husband Drew. Investigators soon discover that he's no stranger to tragedy; years earlier his previous wife died under mysterious circumstances.
- DirectorMatthew WattsStarsTalon BeesonKevin D. BentonDanielle FeinOn January 31, 2012, engaged couple Billy Payne and Billie Jean Hayworth are found murdered in their Mountain City, Tennessee home. As police investigate, the story takes a shocking turn when the admitted shooter claims the crime was a sanctioned hit ordered by a rogue CIA agent. Authorities dig deeper, but find no record of the agent, and actually discover that the killers have been catfished. Who is behind the fabricated government official? Ripped from the pages of renowned prosecutor Dennis Brooks' new book, TOO PRETTY TO LIVE is a story of betrayal, vengeance, and two overly-protective parents manipulated into committing murder.
- StarsRyan FergusonEva NagaoTiffani StoneLove, lust, murder, mystery, suspense...all the makings of a great dramatic story. The catch? It's not a fictional story. It's real life. This serialized documentary series follows the journey of alleged wrongfully convicted prisoners fighting for their freedom. We will navigate these cases in an effort to uncover the truth with the highest possible stakes - the lives and freedom of innocent people locked up for life, and the duty to honor the lives of those lost. This series takes an in-depth look into three criminal cases through the unique POV of Ryan Ferguson, who at 19 years old was convicted of a murder he didn't commit.
- DirectorElkan AllanStarsJeffrey DahmerE. Michael McCannGerald P. BoyleThis documentary uses clips of the trial of Jeffrey Dahmer to tell the individual stories of his murders.
- StarsSiobhan FinneranFollow West Midlands Police as they use real life forensic science to catch criminals.
- StarsJakobTorger TengsJohn Arne BaugeIn this "True Crime" documentary series, the murder of Birgitte Tengs in Karmøy Norway, 1995, is investigated. The case is one of the most famous murder cases in Norway.
- DirectorMichael CollinsWhen a teenager from a political family in the Philippines is accused of a double murder, the country's entire judicial system is put to the test after years of alleged corruption.
- CreatorPaul DowlingStarsBill CampMichel BryantJim DresbackForensic Files II is a revival continuation of the long-running American documentary true crime series Forensic Files (1996-2011).
- StarsJillian LaurenRon'NettaAlena AckerThe astonishing story of the unprecedented relationship between acclaimed author and journalist Jillian Lauren and the most prolific serial killer in American history, Sam Little.
- StarsChristophe HondelatteFrédérique LantieriDominique RizetThe biggest French criminal cases are revisited in this show.
- StarsJavier LeivaInvestigative series around amateur detectives that have helped solve real crimes.
- StarsMike LynchAndy ShearwoodAlibile MohammedCatching a Killer is a British true crime documentary television series. Each episode documents detectives with the Thames Valley Police as they investigate a murder.
- StarsMark AustinDiana WestonPaul McGannEach episode examines a notorious crime and includes interviews with relatives of the victims.
- CreatorJudy TygardStarsPeter Van SantErin MoriartyMaureen MaherOne of television's most popular true-crime series, investigating shocking cases and compelling real-life dramas with journalistic integrity and cutting-edge style.
- StarsPaul WinfieldKeith DavidMike ColterCity Confidential features real life stories in a wide variety of American cities. While many of these stories deal with murder, some also deal with attempted murder, and public officials caught in compromising situations, among other things. The cities featured vary widely in size, from the smallest village to the largest urban areas.
- StarsEddie MarsanDick DeGuerinDave WalkerUnlike many male murderers, female killers tend to know their victims. What pushes ordinary women to kill people who they know and sometimes who they love.
- StarsJenny YourstoneJonna HenningssonAnders Eklund"In the Head of a Killer" dig deep into the psyche of Sweden's worst violent offenders. About their childhood, what signs were there, what drove them to sexual violence and murder?
- StarsAngel BumpassChristine BranstadAlison KanneAn intimate account of what happens when someone is formally charged with a crime and sent to trial as told by the perspective of the accused, their legal team and their family members.
- DirectorMichael HarteStarsDouglas BenceBob BrentonMike CattranSerial killer Dennis Nilsen narrates his life and horrific crimes via a series of chilling audiotapes recorded from his jail cell.
- StarsBill KurtisDave ReichertKathy MillsCold Case Files shows how timing, persistence and high-tech police work combine to catch people who have slipped through the cracks for decades.
- CreatorPaul DowlingStarsPeter ThomasTom BevelSkip PalenikA series featuring detailed accounts on how notable crimes and diseases were solved through forensic science.
- DirectorJamie CrawfordStarsKathleen GarrettTed BundyGeorgann HawkinsDocumentary about the hunt for notorious Serial Killer Ted Bundy from the personal perspectives of the Police Officers who brought him to Justice.
- StarsEmile JansenIsis CaljéA documentary in which the atrocities of serial killer Willem van Eijk are central, who killed five young women in the 70s and 90s. He is also associated with countless cold case cases from that time. Writer Sytze van der Zee describes his image of the man who got the nicknames 'the beast of Harkstede' and 'the Dutch Jack the Ripper'.
- StarsRobert LindsayDavid Michael KruegerCody MittenLooking at new research by neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists and biochemists, and with powerful testimony from murder witnesses and murderers themselves, the series reveals the latest thinking on the causes of violent behavior and considers how murderers can best be treated and managed.
- StarsJacqueline BynonChildren of the Snow explores the unsolved and baffling kidnapping, captivity, and murder of four young people in the suburbs of Detroit 40 years ago. The case, dubbed the Oakland County Child Killer, sparked the biggest manhunt in US history, ushering in a wave of fear we came to know as 'stranger danger'.
- StarsValerie Haselton DrescherMatt HaneyRichard A. JonesJudith Mawson had just escaped a 19-year marriage filled with abuse, drugs, and cheating when she met Gary Ridgway. Appearing to be a "normal" guy, the two made plans future plans which were cut short when Gary was charged with the murders of 48 women.
- DirectorMatthew TuneStarsSuzanne PackerJohn CooperTim DixonThe real-life story behind the ITV drama The Pembrokeshire Murders. For the first time, all the key people who brought serial killer John Cooper to justice reveal their role in this extraordinary case.
- DirectorThomas LeaderA true crime documentary about one of Alabama's most horrifying cases. Involving an incestuous family, a sex trafficking ring and the unsolved disappearance of a young mother.
- StarsCatherine OxenbergIndia OxenbergJanja LalichSeduced follows India Oxenberg's abuse and her own culpability inside the NXIVM cult, an organization marketed as a self-help group.
- DirectorMark MarabellaStarsJoel RifkinJulian AttawayRobert MladinichThrough newly revealed interviews from Attica Correctional Facility, New York's most prolific serial killer, Joel Rifkin, reveals exclusive insights into the mind of a monster.