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Best true crime documentaries on Netflix

Netflix offers a compelling array of true crime documentaries that dive deep into some of the most infamous and complex cases. Notable among these are 30 for 30: O.J.: Made in America, Amanda Knox, American Nightmare, and Athlete A, each providing unique insights into high-profile criminal investigations.

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30 for 30: O.J.: Made in America is a critically acclaimed documentary that examines the life of O.J. Simpson, from his rise to fame to the infamous murder trial that captivated the nation. Amanda Knox follows the controversial case of the American student convicted of murder in Italy, exploring the media frenzy and legal battles surrounding her case. American Nightmare delves into the chilling story of a double homicide in the 1980s, while Athlete A exposes the harrowing story of sexual abuse within the world of gymnastics, centered on the abuse committed by Larry Nassar. These documentaries not only reveal the shocking details of each case but also explore the broader cultural and social implications, shedding light on systemic issues in the criminal justice system. Each film offers an in-depth, thought-provoking look at some of the most controversial and tragic true crime stories in modern history.

  • 30 for 30: O.J.: Made in America
    30 for 30: O.J.: Made in America

    30 for 30: O.J.: Made in America - The story of a controversial icon's rise and fall.

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  • Amanda Knox
    Amanda Knox

    Amanda Knox - The fight for justice in an international tragedy.

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  • American Nightmare
    American Nightmare

    American Nightmare - Exploring America’s dark history of horrific crimes.

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  • Athlete A
    Athlete A

    Athlete A - The shocking story of abuse in the world of gymnastics.

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  • Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.
    Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.

    Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. - A story of love, betrayal, and scandal.

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  • Casting JonBenet
    Casting JonBenet

    Casting JonBenet - A creative take on an infamous case.

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  • Don't Fk with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
    Don't Fk with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer

    Don't Fk with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer - An online search for a killer’s identity.

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  • Girl in the Picture
    Girl in the Picture

    Girl in the Picture - A woman’s disappearance leads to a shocking discovery.

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  • Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey
    Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey

    Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey - The story of control and manipulation in a cult.

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  • Lover, Stalker, Killer
    Lover, Stalker, Killer

    Lover, Stalker, Killer - A twisted tale of love, obsession, and murder.

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Best true crime documentaries on Netflix

1.

30 for 30: O.J.: Made in America

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A deep dive into O.J. Simpson's life, this documentary covers his rise to fame, the infamous murder trial, and the racial tensions surrounding the case. It's a compelling mix of sports, crime, and culture.

Pros

  • pros Well-researched
  • pros In-depth storytelling
  • pros Captivating interviews
  • pros Balanced perspective
  • pros Historical context

Cons

  • consLengthy
  • consMay be too detailed for some
  • consHeavy on analysis
  • consSlower pacing
  • consContains disturbing content

2.

Amanda Knox

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This documentary follows the story of Amanda Knox, the American student accused of murder in Italy. It delves into the media frenzy, the courtroom drama, and the subsequent release of Knox.

Pros

  • pros Strong interviews
  • pros High emotional impact
  • pros Intricate legal analysis
  • pros Balanced view
  • pros Engaging storytelling

Cons

  • consLengthy
  • consSensitive subject matter
  • consSome graphic content
  • consSlow pace at times
  • consCould be controversial

3.

American Nightmare

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This film covers a series of murders linked to a specific cult-like group, shedding light on the chilling series of events that led to an infamous American tragedy.

Pros

  • pros Haunting
  • pros Gripping
  • pros Emotional depth
  • pros Well-paced
  • pros Captures societal issues

Cons

  • consDisturbing
  • consHard to watch
  • consSensitive material
  • consSomewhat confusing
  • consDark tone

4.

Athlete A

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This documentary covers the story of USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar and the systemic abuse he inflicted on young athletes. It focuses on the strength of the survivors and the fight for justice.

Pros

  • pros Powerful survivor stories
  • pros Well-researched
  • pros Important message
  • pros Moving
  • pros Educational

Cons

  • consGraphic content
  • consHeartbreaking
  • consFocuses heavily on trauma
  • consHeavy
  • consSome parts are slow-paced

5.

Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.

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Bad Vegan tells the story of Sarma Melngailis, a celebrity chef who was convicted of embezzling money from her own restaurant and fleeing with her husband. It’s a bizarre, thrilling story of deceit.

Pros

  • pros Engaging
  • pros Bizarre story
  • pros Thought-provoking
  • pros Intriguing twists
  • pros Fast-paced

Cons

  • consSomewhat unbelievable
  • consFocuses on a specific person
  • consShallow analysis
  • consLack of depth
  • consSlow moments

6.

Casting JonBenet

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This experimental documentary investigates the mysterious death of child beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey. Instead of following traditional documentary paths, it uses actors re-enacting scenes to explore theories.

Pros

  • pros Unique storytelling
  • pros Artistic approach
  • pros Creative direction
  • pros Thought-provoking
  • pros Fresh perspective

Cons

  • consUnconventional
  • consSlow-moving
  • consLimited new information
  • consDisorienting
  • consConfusing format

7.

Don't Fk with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer

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This documentary follows a group of internet users who track down a man who posted disturbing videos of animal cruelty, leading to a shocking discovery of a real-life murder.

Pros

  • pros Gripping
  • pros Well-paced
  • pros Unique premise
  • pros Emotional involvement
  • pros Fascinating

Cons

  • consGraphic content
  • consDisturbing
  • consFast-paced
  • consSomewhat sensationalized
  • consCan be unsettling

8.

Girl in the Picture

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The tragic story of a young woman whose death leads investigators to uncover a horrifying family secret, which unravels a tale of abuse and identity.

Pros

  • pros Emotional
  • pros Heartbreaking
  • pros Well-documented
  • pros Gripping
  • pros Well-executed

Cons

  • consHeart-wrenching
  • consDark subject matter
  • consEmotional distress
  • consSlow pacing
  • consHeavy

9.

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey

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This documentary focuses on the rise of the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and the manipulative leadership of Warren Jeffs, as well as the women who were controlled by him.

Pros

  • pros Revealing
  • pros Captivating
  • pros Eye-opening
  • pros Well-researched
  • pros Important social commentary

Cons

  • consDepressing
  • consDisturbing
  • consHard to watch
  • consSlow
  • consFocus on trauma

10.

Lover, Stalker, Killer

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A shocking story of a woman whose new relationship turns into a terrifying ordeal as her lover becomes obsessed with her. This true crime tale explores jealousy, revenge, and fatal attraction.

Pros

  • pros Gripping
  • pros Emotional
  • pros Intense storytelling
  • pros Good character exploration
  • pros Suspenseful

Cons

  • consEmotional distress
  • consDark theme
  • consSome graphic content
  • consSlow pacing
  • consLimited closure

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