11 of the Best True Crime Documentaries You Could Ever Watch

A well-done true crime documentary is both chilling and fascinating. It delves into the criminal mind, offering an in-depth look at some of the world’s most notorious and grisliest crimes. Curious about which of these titles you should add to your must-watch list? Here are 11 of the best true crime documentaries ever.

1. The Staircase (2004)

This film, directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, offers viewers an inside look at the high-profile murder trial of Michael Peterson. In 2001, Peterson, who was an author, was arraigned for the murder of his wife Kathleen, whose body was discovered lying on the stairway of their home in Durham, N.C. De Lestrade was able to gain access to Peterson’s lawyers, home, and his immediate family, enabling the cameras to capture the defense team and how it viewed various strategies.

The movie received an astoundingly high Rotten Tomatoes score of 100%. A New York Times review states, “As a study of the evolution of a criminal defense, The Staircase is a masterpiece.”