True crime documentaries have a way of pulling us into the darkest corners of human behaviour, leaving us captivated, horrified, and often questioning the world around us. For true crime enthusiasts, these films and series are not just entertainment—they’re a deep dive into real-life mysteries, investigations, and the psychology of those who commit the unimaginable. If you’re ready to explore the grittiest and most unsettling true crime stories, here are the most disturbing true crime documentaries you need to add to your watchlist.
1. Making a Murderer (2015)
- What It’s About: This groundbreaking Netflix series follows the case of Steven Avery, a man exonerated after spending 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, only to later be convicted of murder under questionable circumstances.
- Why It’s Disturbing: The documentary sheds light on potential corruption within the justice system, leaving viewers grappling with questions about fairness, power, and the lengths to which people will go to secure a conviction.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
2. The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)
- What It’s About: This Netflix series delves into the twisted mind of one of America’s most infamous serial killers, Ted Bundy, using never-before-heard audio recordings of Bundy recounting his crimes.
- Why It’s Disturbing: Bundy’s calm, calculated descriptions and his ability to manipulate those around him showcase the terrifying charisma of a man who lured and murdered dozens of women. Hearing his voice adds an eerie layer to the already horrifying story.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
3. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015)
- What It’s About: This HBO series explores the life of real estate heir Robert Durst, who was implicated in multiple murders over decades but managed to evade justice—until a shocking confession caught on tape.
- Why It’s Disturbing: The chilling moment when Durst, unaware he’s still being recorded, seemingly admits to the crimes is one of the most jaw-dropping moments in documentary history.
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
4. *Don’t Fk With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer* (2019)**
- What It’s About: This Netflix documentary follows a group of internet sleuths who band together to track down Luka Magnotta, a man who started by torturing animals on video before escalating to murder.
- Why It’s Disturbing: The documentary highlights not only Magnotta’s horrific crimes but also the power—and dangers—of internet vigilantism. The way the story unfolds is as shocking as it is unsettling.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
5. Abducted in Plain Sight (2017)
- What It’s About: This jaw-dropping documentary tells the story of 12-year-old Jan Broberg, who was abducted—twice—by a trusted family friend.
- Why It’s Disturbing: The manipulative tactics used by the abductor to gain the trust of the victim’s parents are almost more horrifying than the abductions themselves. It’s a shocking reminder of how predators can infiltrate even the most secure-seeming families.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
6. The Keepers (2017)
- What It’s About: This haunting Netflix series investigates the murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a beloved nun and teacher, and uncovers decades of abuse and corruption within the Catholic Church in Baltimore.
- Why It’s Disturbing: The documentary doesn’t just focus on Sister Cathy’s murder but also reveals systemic cover-ups and the long-lasting trauma endured by survivors of abuse.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
7. Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021)
- What It’s About: This Netflix series recounts the harrowing crimes of Richard Ramirez, the “Night Stalker,” who terrorised Los Angeles in the 1980s with a string of brutal murders, assaults, and burglaries.
- Why It’s Disturbing: The series takes viewers into the sheer fear that gripped an entire city, highlighting the randomness and brutality of Ramirez’s crimes and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to stop him.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
8. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)
- What It’s About: This heart-wrenching documentary was created as a tribute to Andrew Bagby, a young doctor who was murdered by his ex-girlfriend. The film takes a devastating turn when custody of Andrew’s son becomes part of the story.
- Why It’s Disturbing: The emotional impact of this documentary is almost unbearable, as it lays bare the pain of losing a loved one while grappling with the failures of the justice system.
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
9. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez (2020)
- What It’s About: This Netflix series examines the tragic and brutal death of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez, who was subjected to severe abuse by his mother and her boyfriend while child protective services failed to intervene.
- Why It’s Disturbing: The documentary highlights systemic failures that allowed Gabriel’s suffering to continue, forcing viewers to confront the devastating consequences of neglect and bureaucratic inaction.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
10. Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes (2022)
- What It’s About: This Netflix documentary provides chilling audio recordings of interviews with Jeffrey Dahmer, one of the most infamous serial killers in history, as he describes his gruesome crimes.
- Why It’s Disturbing: Hearing Dahmer’s calm, matter-of-fact explanations of his actions offers an unsettling insight into his mindset, making his already infamous story even more haunting.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Conclusion
True crime documentaries captivate us because they force us to confront the darkest aspects of humanity, the failures of the systems meant to protect us, and the resilience of those who seek justice. The documentaries on this list are not for the faint-hearted—they are raw, real, and deeply disturbing, but they also offer a profound look into the human capacity for both evil and endurance.
Have you watched any of these documentaries? Which one left you most disturbed or compelled? Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you’re looking for more chilling stories, check out my book The Killer Next Door, which delves into the lives of ordinary people who committed extraordinary crimes.
K Eleanor | Author 