Vice magazine reported, Its harrowing and upsetting, and it will haunt you for a long time, which is part of what it makes it necessary viewing.. Jennifer Petit, Threw it on as background noise because I like true crime. is a freelance writer specialising in the cultural impact of entertainment media. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst. Gerry Bogacz, Bruce Sinofsky Those interested in doing a deep dive on the topic should check out The Goonies child star Corey Feldman's story. | Another project from director Erin Lee Carr, Thought Crimes: The Case of the Cannibal Cop follows the strange case of former NYPD officer Gilberto Valle. My Brother The Serial Killer: My Brother The Serial Killer is a 2012 documentary about serial killer Glen Rogers, otherwise known as the Casanova Killer, who was convicted for a series of murders and arsons. * Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor, How to watch: The Lady and the Dale(Opens in a new tab) is streaming on HBO Max. 38 Disturbing Documentaries Lists about some of the most shocking and upsetting documentary films 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. | A.F. (Opens in a new tab). 3. Stars: Documentary, Crime, Drama. 70 min In 1993, the naked bodies of three young boys were found in the woods, hogtied with their shoelaces. The duo's actions are still This is due to Wells, a pizza delivery man, being forced to commit the crime via an explosive bomb strapped to his neck. A.F. A Green Beret Army surgeon, MacDonald is sent to prison for the murder of his two young daughters and his pregnant wife. All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. Giulia Bongiorno, 90 min May 11, 2022 saw the release of the movie. Documentary. | Documentary, Biography, Crime. Known as the "Rochdale Grooming" case, over 1400 vulnerable children were systematically abused by gangs of men between 2005 and 2013. Viewers are introduced to Alex, who recounts the horrifying abuse he suffered at the hand of his ex-girlfriend, Jordan. It's as important a story now as it was back then, and this documentary showcases it perfectly and with ample craftsmanship. While it mostly focuses on child stars' experiences with predator management teams, it does delve into the drug-fuel parties some studios threw for teenage boys in the 1990s, and worse. The high-profile murder trial of American novelist Michael Peterson following the death of his wife in 2001. Web849K views 1 year ago. Then in 1974, Brobergs teenage daughter, Jan, is kidnapped by the superficially charming patriarch of the Berchtold family twice. Below are some of the best true crime documentaries currently on Netflix. In today's killer crime documentary, we're covering the case of the most DISTURBING murder you've NEVER heard of: THE MAJUBA MURDERS. David Friedman, Then Melngailis fell in love and married Shane Fox and brought him into the business. It details the sinister machinations of Gypsy's MotherDee Dee, and what led to her murder in 2015. Watch at your own peril. It instead showcases the ripple effect it had on the people around Cathy. Buckle way, way up. 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. Six people were subsequently implicated, tried, and imprisoned for the crime, with nearly all of them having confessed. Through this four part series, various Epstein survivors are given ample time to go into detail about their unfortunate encounters. Ron Guerette, Why did everyone look away when Gabriel needed to be saved? Jesse Temple, Every day, countless people use Tinder to find romance. Content Warning: The following article contains discussions of sexual violence, child abuse, pedophilia, torture and murder. It might still be on Tubi, I think I also saw it on Amazon Prime. Documentarian Nanfu Wang (One Child Nation) speaks with members of the Beatrice Six, the police force that targeted them, and the surviving family members of Helen Wilson to investigate how this case was horrendously mishandled and its impact 35 years later. But was there any real evidence? In this four-part adaptation of the true crime memoir "The Most Dangerous Animal of All," Gary L. Stewart attempts to identify and locate the biological parents who gave him up for adoption. Now, its completely normal to stream documentaries about death and misery whilst sipping your morning cup of coffee. David Heilbroner The two part documentary looks at the details of the case itself and just what Hillary was subjected to during and after the trial. A.F. That's what this documentary is here to find out, by untangling the intersection between media, crime, perception, and notoriety. Related: Where They Are Now: The West Memphis Three, 6. Here are the 20 most gripping true crime projects, both TV series and films, now streaming on HBO Max. There was an urban legend that an escaped mental patient was on the run from the hospital; it turns out that a former janitor at the local high school named Andre Rand had actually escaped from Willowbrook Mental Institution. 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. 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. | He led her outside to an ally; upon realizing his intent, she stopped. | 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. Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon a Crime. (Opens in a new tab). Director: Tom Roberts, Tinder users like Cecilie Fjellhy, one of his victims, matched up with a charming, good-looking, wealthy businessman. Dan Barnes, For more than a decade starting in 1989, a veritable army of crooks and stooges bilked McDonald's out of $24 million worth of winnings from its annual McDonald's Monopoly sweepstakes. But one never really knows who they'll be spending an evening (or more) with, beyond what they offer up about themselves. 10 Most Disturbing True Crime Documentaries (& Where To Stream Them). Cooper" doesn't explore the crime itself, so much as the legend of the hijacker. On July 13, 2014, 18-year-old Conrad Roy died by suicide in a Kmart parking lot in Massachusetts. A.F. (Opens in a new tab). The survivors are incredibly brave when speaking about what they went through, but viewers will find it disturbing, to say the least. In 2001, 28-year-old Dr. Andrew Bagbys body was found in a park in Pennsylvania. Her blood alcohol content was reportedly .19% at the time of the collision, but Schuler had no history of alcoholism and had appeared sober to witnesses shortly beforehand. Beverly Merrindempse, 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. 95 min Daisy Beaumont, Stars: Dear Zachary. The series follows Carter's efforts to prove her innocence, posing fascinating questions about what crimes can be committed online. Currently available on Amazon Prime, "Tales of The Grim Sleeper" showcases the story of Lonnie David Franklin Jr. AKA The Grim Sleeper. Welcome to Action Park! The documentarylooks the rampant cyber bullying and abuse the girls were subject to following their sexual assaults and the police investigations that followed. His crimes are made even more disturbing when you learn he was a beloved and trusted member of his community. 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. Through interviews with the murderers and those whose lives were irrevocably changed by their crimes, "Into the Abyss" captures some truly searing truths. It's a story predicated upon unhealthy obsession, manipulation, and repulsive actions that impacted an entire family. Charlize Theron won an Oscar for her portrayal of Wuornos in the film Monster. On May 5, 1993, three 8-year-old boys were found dead and mutilated in a wooded area known as Robin Hood Hills. It was detailed that upon the discovery of her body in a laneway by her house, her face was so disfigured she couldn't be identified by her neighbors. Knappenberger explained, Nobody listened to Gabriel when he was alive. Stars: Spanning seven years, it was the longest and most expensive trial in US history. | That is the question that the Netflix documentary "The Keepers" asks over the course of its runtime. In 2013, Kai McGillvary, a self-identified "home-free" nomad, became a viral sensation after saving a woman from a deadly assault and giving a colorful TV interview. Jaycee Dugard was 11 years old when she was abducted. Directed by Skye Borgman, and originally released in 2017, "Adducted in Plain Sight" focuses on the horrific kidnappings of Jan Broberg Felt. It's the story of Steve Avery, a Wisconsin man who falsely served 18 years in prison for the attempted murder of Penny Beerntsen. Thompson revealed, (Magnotta sent) me a Nietzsche quote that really rattled me and was very prolific. This six part Netflix series is packed to the brim with first hand accounts, and ample archival footage all used to shocking effect. When her minivan collided head-on with an SUV, she, her daughter, three of her nieces, and all of the passengers in the other vehicle died. 60 min Academy Award winner Alex Gibney walks viewers through the (alleged(Opens in a new tab)) scam concocted by the ex-CEO, which not only garnered the support of numerous high-profile investors but even saw its entirely fake technology a blood-testing device called "Edison" begin a pseudo rollout in actual pharmacies. In 1980, Some viewers will recognize the case from its serialized dramatization in Hulu's The Act, but Carr's telling offers a more nuanced look at the fact pattern. By continuing to browse, you accept the use of cookies and other technologies. But "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" isn't just about his crimes it's also about the tireless efforts of pioneering true crime blogger, author, and victim rights crusader Michelle McNamara, who finally brought the Golden State Killer to justice through her exhaustive investigation. Now, according to "Sins of Our Mother," she's in prison, awaiting trial on murder and conspiracy to murder in the deaths of four people, including two of her own children. Shamblin was the founder of the Weigh Down Workshop and the Remnant Fellowship, a bizarre mishmash of spiritual and dietary guidelines. However, the latter should never mask just how heinous the actions of Epstein truly were. We've scoured the lot to select the 20 best true crime documentaries on HBO Max. Documentarian and true crime heavy hitter Erin Lee Carr whose engrossing works appear multiple times on this list covers the bizarre murder of Dee Dee Blanchard in Mommy Dead and Dearest. 11,796 Kathie Durst, wife of real estate scion Robert Durst, disappeared in 1982. This is the twisted true story of Luka Magnotta who uploaded videos of himself torturing and killing felines to the internet. 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. * Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter, How to watch: Class Action Park (opens in a new tab)is now streaming on HBO Max. WebDisturbing Documentaries: A Ranker Collection of 38 Lists. All told, the project isn't likely to change your mind about the case, but it offers new insights and evidence worth your (and possibly the court's) attention. Not all true crime needs to focus on sickening murders. They were busy looking for the children, they were focusing on the people of interest, but being able to interview neighbors, friends, people that even knew the children, the families, and so forth, we were able to put together an entire history of what had transpired and I think, for us too, it was clear that Cropsey and that urban legend was very connected to Andre Rand specifically because we had laid it out and it was clear.. Cooper incognito, these stories are convincing and even credible. Was she really the reckless drunk, or the perfect suburban mother? Truly one of the most devastating true crime documentaries ever produced, Dear Zachary is an absolutely unbelievable story that will have your tear ducts working Based in Perth, Australia, Harleigh writes for Collider and Medium while producing podcast scripts and performing lead vocals in her band Night Shift. The three women who had been missing were found with a six year-old girl at the home of the 52-year-old school bus driver on Monday 6 May. 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. Amelia Edwards, Director: In the meantime, viewers can check out some of the more There's Youll unearth the facts behind brutal serial killers, wrongly convicted teens, and horrifying psychopaths. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications Katie Piper, upcoming Model had acid thrown in her face by an ex boyfriend. The documentary is offered as a gift for Bagbys orphaned young son, so he can know something of the father he lost. | I couldnt believe these people were real. More than a tale of tragedy, Undercurrent explores the humanity in journalism and the horrors of toxic masculinity. "Who Killed Garrett Phillips?" Documentary, In June 2002, Salt Lake City was the setting for a chilling kidnapping. David Monaghan An unsettling and surprising look at the factors that lead to dangerous cults, "Stolen Youth" explores one that formed at prestigious Sarah Lawrence College. Directors Nick Cammilleri and Zackary Drucker unfurl the times and trials of Elizabeth Carmichael, who was not only a nationally recognized automobile executive and infamous con artist, but also a wife, mother, and transgender trailblazer. If you're in the mood to watch something that's terrifying, riveting, and will keep you on the In a country where 1 in 6 women has been sexually assaulted, it's clear that there is a fundamental issue with violence against women, and what constitutes consent. Even if you are already aware of Epstein and the gist of his crimes, this documentary will serve as quite the eye opener as to just how sickening and severe they were. It's a very unpleasant, very warts-and-all look at a very disturbing and murky situation. It all began in 1985, when beloved grandmother Helen Wilson was murdered in her home. Documentary, Biography, Crime. Viewers were enraged at Cheris quite blatant psychopathy as she manipulates and commands those around her.