Skip to content

Watch Now: Top 7 True Crime Documentaries to Stream

From cults and terrorists to the most shocking murders.

If you can't stop reading true crime stories, you should consider watching the documentaries surrounding them. From the almost unbelievable series of events that led to the downfall of convicted killer Alex Murdaugh and his southern legal dynasty and the story behind Lori Vallow Daybell's alleged indoctrination into a doomsday cult that authorities believe led her to kill two of her children, you can get a much more extensive look at the most shocking crimes and the criminals behind them by streaming these gripping docuseries. Many of them feature real, never-before-scene footage surrounding the crimes, interviews with the criminals and those who knew them, and insight into the motives behind the crimes that shocked the entire world. Here are 7 true crime documentaries to stream (and bing on!) now. 

Netflix

Ten years after the horrific domestic terror attack at the Boston Marathon, this docuseries takes a deep dive into the events surrounding the April 15, 2013 bombings that took place during the famed event, killing three and wounding hundreds of others. Archive footage, chilling reenactments and exclusive interviews, with witnesses  make this a gripping series you won't want to miss. 

Netflix

There have been a number of documentaries surrounding the murder of Margaret "Maggie" Murdaugh, 52, and her son, Paul Murdaugh, 22, by family patriarch and convicted killer Alex Murdaugh. However, this Netflix version is one of the latest and greatest. If follows the sudden downfall of the affluent southern legal dynasty and features interviews with some of the people involved in the family, including relatives and Paul's former girlfriend Morgan Doughty, who was on the boat the night her friend, Mallory Beach, died while Paul was allegedly behind the wheel.

Hulu

If you are fascinated by cults and the psychologt behind how people get involved in them, then Stolen Youth is a must-watch. The docuseries centers around Larry Ray, a repeat offender who started a cult at Sarah Lawrence with his daughter's college roommates. The three-part series features shocking interview with those who were involved in the cult or close to those who were and also footage taken of Ray and his recruits. 

Netflix

Back in the earlish aughts when clubbing was a regular pastime of young Hollywood, a group of young clubbers robbed the houses of the rich and famous, including Paris Hilton, Audrina Patridge, and Rachel Bilson. This three-part documentary is the story behind Sofia Coppola's 2013 film The Bling Ring, as told the criminals themselves, including Alexis Haines and Nick Prugo.

Amazon

Do you ever wonder what it's like to be in love with a serial killer? This documentary will give you a little insight. Elizabeth Kendall spent years dating the infamous mass murderer, telling her story in this five-part series. Her daughter Molly, and a number of Bundy's victims also tell their stories in hopes of gaining a greater understanding of his crimes from a female perspective. 

Hulu

When fashion meets murder. The Curse of Von Dutch: A Brand to Die For chronicles the rise and fall of the cult fashion brand that was a celebrity staple in the early 2000s. Interviews with those involved with the company, including the stars who wore the logo-happy hats and tanks, are plentiful – and so is the drama. 

Netflix

"Cult mom" Lori Vallow was charged for killing her children, Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow. This documentary follows the events leading up to their murders, including how she met her fifth husband, Chad Daybell, her indocrinization into the doomsday cult world, and the events following the crimes. The three-part series features interviews galore, including ones with her surving son, Colby Ryan, who recently testified against her, and other family members. 

Leah Groth
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. Read more
Filed Under