Shaping the Shadows: 15 True Crime Documentaries That Redefined the Genre

True crime has long fascinated people, and this interest has only grown with the rise of modern documentaries. From pamphlets in colonial America detailing crimes and trials to public executions that were treated like social events, crime stories have always drawn attention. As media evolved, true crime adapted to new formats, with Truman Capote's In Cold Blood shaping it into a modern genre. By the 1980s, Errol Morris's film The Thin Blue Line pushed true crime further into the documentary world, especially as it helped overturn a conviction. Now, with streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and HBO Max, true crime documentaries and series have become a staple of modern entertainment, captivating millions with their detailed retellings of shocking crimes.

This article dives into 15 notable true crime documentaries and series that have shaped the genre, exploring their impact and what makes them stand out.

1. The Act of Killing (2012)

The Act of Killing is a chilling and unique documentary that centers on mass political assassinations in Indonesia during the mid-1960s. The film’s shocking twist is that the killers themselves—such as Anwar and Herman—participate in the documentary by reenacting their crimes. This portrayal of individuals who still live comfortably, some even holding government positions, adds a disturbing layer to the film, making it both unsettling and thought-provoking.

Available on: Peacock

2. Tales of the Grim Sleeper (2014)

This documentary profiles the serial killer Lonnie Franklin Jr., who terrorized Los Angeles by murdering at least 10 women over three decades. Director Nick Broomfield takes a deep dive into the city’s neglect of vulnerable communities, showing how the police’s disregard for poor, Black women allowed Franklin to continue his crimes for years. It’s an eye-opening look into the intersection of crime, race, and poverty.

Available on: YouTube, Max

3. Making a Murderer (2015-2018)

Netflix made a huge mark on the true crime scene with Making a Murderer, which follows the story of Steven Avery. After serving 18 years for a wrongful conviction, Avery was later found guilty of another crime—this time, a murder. The series raises questions about whether Avery was framed, given the embarrassment caused to local law enforcement by his earlier exoneration. The public outcry was so intense that more than 180,000 people petitioned for Avery’s release, despite it being a state-level case.

Available on: Netflix

4. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)

This documentary series provides a deeper look into the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy’s mind, featuring taped conversations he had with journalists while in prison. Bundy, responsible for the brutal murders of dozens of women in the 1970s, chillingly explains how he thought each murder would "fulfill" him, but he was never satisfied. The tapes reveal the disturbing psychology of one of America’s most infamous criminals.

Available on: Netflix

5. American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)

This documentary uses the social media and text messages of Shanann Watts to piece together the horrific murder of her and her two daughters by her husband, Chris Watts. The use of personal footage and police interrogations offers an intimate and haunting look into a seemingly normal family that was shattered by Chris's shocking actions.

Available on: Netflix

6. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark (2020)

This series blends true crime with memoir as it follows the late writer Michelle McNamara’s investigation into the Golden State Killer. McNamara was an amateur sleuth whose obsession with the unsolved case helped bring attention to a criminal responsible for dozens of assaults and murders across California. Tragically, McNamara passed away before the killer was identified through DNA testing, but her work lives on through this gripping documentary.

Available on: Max

7. Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children (2020)

This series reexamines the case of roughly 30 Black children who went missing in Atlanta between 1979 and 1981. The series explores the racial tensions of the time and questions whether the investigation, which was reopened in 2019, overlooked critical evidence. It’s a poignant exploration of justice, race, and the value placed on Black lives.

Available on: Max

8. The Innocence Files (2020)

Highlighting the work of the Innocence Project, this series tells the stories of people who spent years in prison for crimes they did not commit. One of the standout episodes features Kennedy Brewer, a man who was wrongfully convicted of killing a child and spent 15 years behind bars before DNA testing exonerated him. This powerful series shows just how often the justice system fails, leaving innocent people to suffer.

Available on: Netflix

9. Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel (2021)

This series takes on the mysterious death of Elisa Lam, whose body was found in a water tank at the notorious Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles. Internet sleuths tried to solve the case online, but the documentary explores whether such efforts help or hinder real investigations. It’s an eerie exploration of a case that captivated the world.

Available on: Netflix

10. The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness (2021)

This docuseries revisits the infamous “Son of Sam” serial killer David Berkowitz, but also delves into journalist Maury Terry’s belief that Berkowitz was part of a larger cult. Terry’s investigation into possible conspiracies surrounding the killings adds a layer of mystery to an already infamous case.

Available on: Netflix

11. Night Stalker: The Hunt For a Serial Killer (2021)

This series tells the story of Richard Ramirez, a notorious serial killer whose reign of terror in Los Angeles during the mid-1980s shocked the nation. Through interviews with detectives and victims, viewers get a firsthand account of the horror Ramirez inflicted on the city.

Available on: Netflix

12. Black and Missing (2021)

This documentary focuses on the disproportionate number of Black women and girls who go missing, and how the media and police often overlook these cases. The filmmakers highlight the efforts of a grassroots organization that works to find these missing individuals, bringing much-needed attention to a tragic issue.

Available on: Max

13. Last Stop Larrimah (2023)

A small, remote town in Australia becomes the center of a mystery when one of its 11 residents disappears. The remaining residents all become suspects, and the film showcases the quirky and isolated nature of small-town life. It’s a unique take on the true crime genre, focusing on the strange dynamics of this tiny community.

Available on: Max

14. Murder in Big Horn (2023)

This documentary spotlights the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the United States, a problem that has long been ignored by mainstream media. Following the high-profile disappearance of Gabby Petito, this series brings attention to the many Indigenous women who disappear without receiving the same attention.

Available on: Paramount Plus, Hulu

15. They Called Him Mostly Harmless (2024)

This upcoming documentary tells the story of a hiker known as "Mostly Harmless," whose body was found in Florida after a long journey on the Appalachian Trail. His true identity was discovered by internet sleuths, adding to the growing trend of online communities solving real-life mysteries.

Available on: Max

These documentaries show how the true crime genre has evolved over time, exploring not only the criminals but also the societal issues surrounding crime and justice. Each film or series offers a unique perspective, ensuring that true crime will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.