Films

10 True Crime Netflix Picks That’ll Keep You Up All Night

These gripping true crime stories on Netflix are so intense, you’ll be hooked until sunrise.

"Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer."
© IMDb"Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer."

Netflix has become a haven for true crime fans, offering a lineup of gripping documentaries, chilling series, and dramatized retellings that blur the line between entertainment and horror.

From shocking murders to elaborate scams, these stories reveal the darkest sides of real life and the people who lived them. Whether you’re in the mood for a binge-worthy mystery or a bone-chilling investigation, these titles will keep you on edge long after the credits roll.

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

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The mysterious disappearance of Elisa Lam at a notorious Los Angeles hotel quickly spiraled into one of the internet’s most obsessed-over cases. Through interviews and chilling archival material, the series explores how Lam’s fate became tangled with the hotel’s dark past and the dangers of online speculation.

American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025)

Gabby Petito’s disappearance during a cross-country trip with her fiancé drew massive public attention as online clues sparked nationwide interest. The series peels back the curated social media image to reveal a devastating story of control, violence, and unanswered questions.

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Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021)

A wave of terror swept through California as a string of brutal crimes pointed to a single elusive figure. This gripping miniseries follows the intense manhunt that led to the capture of Richard Ramirez, revealing the fear, chaos, and determination behind one of the most infamous cases in modern history.

The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga (2024)

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What begins as a local dispute between a former Elvis impersonator and a small-town politician spirals into one of the most bizarre criminal sagas in recent American memory. This twisting true crime docuseries explores ambition, paranoia, and a chain of events that pulled a quiet Mississippi town into the national spotlight.

The Keepers (2017)

Decades after the murder of a beloved teacher, her former students begin to unravel a web of silence surrounding her death. This haunting series traces their search for truth and justice in a case that still casts a long shadow over Baltimore.

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American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders (2024)

When journalist Danny Casolaro was found dead while chasing a sprawling network he called “The Octopus,” his story became one of the most mysterious deaths in modern investigative reporting. This gripping series dives deep into his research and reopens questions that still unsettle those who get too close.

Sins of Our Mother (2022)

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When two children disappear without a trace, suspicion turns to their mother and her disturbing beliefs. As investigators dig deeper, they uncover a tangled web of apocalyptic doctrine, unexplained deaths, and a new marriage tied to chilling allegations.

Wild Wild Country (2018)

In the 1980s, a controversial commune led by Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his aide Ma Anand Sheela settled in rural Oregon, sparking a clash with locals that escalated into crime and chaos. “Wild Wild Country” dives into this bizarre true story, covering scandals from vote manipulation to the largest bioterror attack in U.S. history. With riveting footage and candid interviews, it’s a gripping portrait of power, devotion, and conflict.

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Abducted in Plain Sight (2019)

“Abducted in Plain Sight” tells the chilling story of Jan Broberg, a young girl from Idaho who was kidnapped by her neighbor during the 1970s. After the first incident, circumstances allowed the man to remain close, leading to a second abduction. Jan shares her experience in rare interviews, shedding light on the complex events behind the case.

The Pharmacist (2020)

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After losing his son to a drug-related shooting, a Louisiana pharmacist begins his own investigation when authorities fall short. His pursuit of justice soon leads to a wider discovery: a doctor flooding the streets with painkillers and a system unable—or unwilling—to stop it.

Clara is about to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Writing Arts at the National University of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In her role as a writer for Spoiler US, she covers movies, TV shows, streaming platforms, celebrities, and other topics of entertainment and general interest. Since 2021, she has been working as a film critic for Bendito Spoiler, Cinema Saturno, and Peliplat, attending festivals, conducting interviews, and regularly participating in cinematic debate podcasts. Her main focus of work is in the horror genre.

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