Netflix True Crime Series You Shouldn’t Watch Alone
Netflix has been misidentified with binge-watching, and in the case of the true crime documentaries, a spouse can have a spine-chilling experience. True crime shows present thrilling narratives that can keep the audience on their seats and examine terrible offenses, complex cases, and puzzling turns of events. Although some of these shows are certainly worth watching, they are disturbing, and, at times, even frightening.
This list is recommended to anyone who is a serious Netflix customer and likes true crime but does not want to break the loop of fear and suspense, and has to go down the rabbit hole. This guide explores the most terrifying and captivating Netflix true crime shows that are best watched alongside a friend or a few friends. We will answer some questions that are commonly asked as well, and you will have the ultimate guide on where to watch, who stars in it, and others.
Why Are We Obsessed with True Crime?
Before diving into the list, it’s worth asking: why are we so drawn to true crime content?
To many, there is a certain fascination with true crime based on the morbid fascination with the darker side of human nature. It is a genre that is concerned with real life occurrences, and it tends to illuminate the most horrifying and intricate happenings of the society. Such series are prone to arguments and discussions and the viewers are left with a few questions such as, How could this happen? Or what should I have done in such a case?
Although the genre is perhaps too shocking at some points, it can also be very informative about human psychology and the intricacies of the justice system. True crime shows are more than fascinating, whether you are interested in the investigation of the process, criminal mind or just a good mystery.
Therefore, should you be willing to read into the most disturbing, mind-opening, and shocking tales, these are the Netflix true crime shows that you should never watch alone.
1. Making a Murderer
Why You Shouldn’t Watch Alone
“Making a Murderer” is one of the most talked-about Netflix true crime series of all time. This gripping documentary follows Steven Avery, a man who was wrongfully convicted of a crime, exonerated after 18 years, only to be accused of another crime shortly after his release. The series is an emotional rollercoaster, diving deep into Avery’s legal battle and the controversial tactics used by law enforcement.
Viewer Beware: With its emotional intensity and unsettling implications about the justice system, it’s a series that’s bound to leave you questioning everything you know about the legal process. Watching this one alone might leave you haunted by doubts and questions long after the credits roll.
Where to Watch: Netflix (Available in the USA)
Release Date: 2015 (Season 2 in 2018)
What You’ll Learn
- The flaws in the criminal justice system
- The devastating impact of wrongful convictions
- The complexities of the Avery case
2. The Staircase
Why You Shouldn’t Watch Alone
“The Staircase” takes viewers inside the world of Michael Peterson, a novelist accused of murdering his wife, Kathleen, after she was found dead at the bottom of a staircase. With real-time access to Peterson’s legal team and courtroom drama, the series offers a riveting look at the trial, family dynamics, and the intricacies of the investigation.
Viewer Beware: The series’s slow-burning storytelling and the ambiguity surrounding Peterson’s innocence or guilt will make you question what’s true and who’s reliable. The tense moments and mounting evidence could leave you with sleepless nights if you’re not watching with someone to discuss it with.
Where to Watch: Netflix (Available in the USA)
Release Date: 2004 (Final episodes in 2018)
What You’ll Learn
- The intricacies of the criminal trial
- The emotional toll on the family
- The questions surrounding the death of Kathleen Peterson
3. The Keepers
Why You Shouldn’t Watch Alone
“The Keepers” is a haunting exploration of the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a beloved nun in Baltimore. This series delves into the shocking allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and how they might have played a role in her death. With twists and turns at every corner, the series is both heartbreaking and eye-opening.
Viewer Beware: The sensitive subject matter and the emotional weight of the stories shared by the victims might leave you feeling disturbed. Watching it alone could make it hard to process, so it’s best to have someone by your side for emotional support.
Where to Watch: Netflix (Available in the USA)
Release Date: 2017
What You’ll Learn
- The abuse of power within religious institutions
- The unresolved mystery behind Sister Cathy’s death
- The impact on the victims and the community
4. Mindhunter
Why You Shouldn’t Watch Alone
While “Mindhunter” is a dramatized series rather than a documentary, it delves into the chilling world of criminal profiling. Set in the late 1970s, FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench interview imprisoned serial killers to understand the psychology behind their crimes. The series is based on real-life events, and many of the characters are based on actual serial killers, including Edmund Kemper and Richard Speck.
Viewer Beware: The suspenseful, psychological nature of the series will likely leave you uneasy. The conversations with serial killers and the dark, foreboding atmosphere might be too much for solo viewing, so consider watching it with a friend who’s also ready for the deep dive into the minds of the most notorious criminals.
Where to Watch: Netflix (Available in the USA)
Release Date: 2017 (Season 2 in 2019)
What You’ll Learn
- How criminal profiling began
- The psychology behind serial killers
- The history of some of the most infamous criminal cases
5. The Confession Tapes
Why You Shouldn’t Watch Alone
In this six-part series, “The Confession Tapes” examines cases where individuals have confessed to crimes they may not have committed. These confessions, often obtained under duress, force viewers to confront the possibility that innocent people may be wrongfully convicted based on coerced confessions. Each episode looks into the circumstances surrounding a different case.
Viewer Beware: The unsettling nature of false confessions and the vulnerability of those involved in the investigations will leave you uneasy. Watching this series alone might evoke feelings of anxiety or distrust, so it’s better to have someone to process the information with.
Where to Watch: Netflix (Available in the USA)
Release Date: 2017
What You’ll Learn
- The psychology behind false confessions
- The flawed criminal justice system
- The lengths people will go to under pressure
6. American Murder: The Family Next Door
Why You Shouldn’t Watch Alone
This shocking documentary tells the true story of Chris Watts, who murdered his pregnant wife, Shanann, and their two young daughters. The film uses real footage, including police body cams and home videos, to piece together the tragic events that led to the family’s deaths.
Viewer Beware: The raw and emotional footage, coupled with the chilling nature of the crime, makes this one a tough watch. The disturbing reality of the murder, combined with the emotional toll it takes on the family, could leave you shaken and upset.
Where to Watch: Netflix (Available in the USA)
Release Date: 2020
What You’ll Learn
- The manipulation and deceit behind the crime
- The emotional impact on the victims’ families
- The devastating consequences of violence
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Netflix True Crime Series
Where can I watch these Netflix true crime series?
All the series mentioned above are available to stream on Netflix in the USA. Make sure to check the availability in your region before diving in.
Who is in the cast of these true crime series?
Most of the series are documentaries, so the cast consists of real-life individuals involved in the cases. For example, “Mindhunter” features actors like Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany, while “The Staircase” includes interviews with Michael Peterson and his family.
What is the release date of these series?
- Making a Murderer (2015, 2018)
- The Staircase (2004, 2018)
- The Keepers (2017)
- Mindhunter (2017, 2019)
- The Confession Tapes (2017)
- American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
Are these true crime documentaries appropriate for all audiences?
Due to their intense and disturbing nature, these documentaries are not recommended for children or sensitive viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
What’s the ending of “The Staircase”?
The conclusion of “The Staircase” is left somewhat open-ended, with Michael Peterson’s guilt still being a matter of debate. The series ends with his conviction being overturned in 2017, but the question remains: Did he kill his wife, or was he wrongfully convicted?
Conclusion
Netflix’s true crime series is among the most captivating and disturbing content available on the platform. Whether you’re a true crime aficionado or someone just getting into the genre, these documentaries will leave you questioning the criminal justice system, human nature, and the stories behind some of the most heinous crimes in history.
However, they’re not for the faint of heart. Many of these shows are best enjoyed with a friend by your side, someone to discuss theories with or help you process the dark and often unsettling content. If you’re ready for the psychological thrill of true crime, grab a friend, turn off the lights, and dive into these gripping stories.
If you’ve watched any of these true crime series, let us know your thoughts in the comments! Or share this article with friends who are also into true crime, so they know which shows to watch (or avoid) alone!
