From dramatised true crime to inspirational stories of perseverance and survival, here are our favourite 29 films based on true stories (and a little more info about what really happened). Inspired by his childhood in 1970s Mexico City, Roma is the latest film from visionary … RELATED: Ted Bundy: Looking Back at the Killing Spree That Landed Him on Death Row. Both theories are equally terrifying. The cases themselves are harrowing, but the way they were presented to the public may have added fuel to the fire. Even a college study abroad trip isn't off-limits. After Michael Peterson's wife died in 2001, the novelist claimed she simply took a spill down the stairs — but the court didn't buy it. Share Share Tweet Email. Every parent's worst nightmare came true for the Broberg family: Their close family friend Robert Berchtold kidnapped and brainwashed their 12-year-old daughter Jan. Initially, the singer's death was merely considered an act of self-defense, but years later fans wonder if it was a result of his involvement in the civil rights movement. In this eight-episode series, convicted murderers confess reveal that their confessions — ya know, the ones that convicted them in the first place — were coerced, in one way or another. These true-crime movies and series, all based on a true story, must be seen to be believed–and even then it might be tough. If you are a lover of those, we’d like to offer you a list of the best ones, categorized. Heists. Cops. The best movies based on true stories on Netflix Roma. While on his way home from a party, police falsely accused Kalief Brower, then 16, of stealing someone's backpack. Just two years after he was exonerated, he became the prime suspect in the murder of a 25-year-old photographer. What makes this series stand out is that, unlike other true crime shows, I Am A … The victims are everyday people just like us. The true crime documentaries on Netflix, while a heartbreaking and harrowing reality for the victim's family and friends, lean into the unknown. Each episode of Netflix's I Am A Killer docuseries tells the story of a death row inmate convicted of murder. The Social Network (2010) In truth, there were several creative liberties taken with … This movie is shot so well with a story so unbelievable that I had to look it up to believe that it was a real documentary instead of a fiction film played as true. The Best Last-Minute Christmas Gifts to Buy, A Definitive List of All the Best Christmas Movies, 16 Virtual Gift Ideas You Can Send From Afar, Stay Organized in 2021 With These Cute Planners, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Oh, and don't forget about the runaway true-crime hit of the year, Netflix's Tiger King, showcasing the ultimate scammer and villain, Joe Exotic, and the too-good-to-be-true … Everything changed for the former New England Patriots player when he was investigated and charged for murder. Feeling a little spooky? Only once they started digging, they find he is responsible for one of Canada’s most infamous crimes, the murder of Lin Jun. We all get a thrill watching a horror flick. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Ryan Gallagher Reacts to Season 19 'Voice' Results, Meghan Wins Legal Battle Over Paparazzi Photos, Selena's Family Reacts to 'Selena: The Series', Christian Serratos on Playing Selena Quintanilla, See Kelly Ripa's Family Holiday Card This Year, Katie Holmes and Emilio Vitolo Are IG Official, The Best 'Friends' Christmas Episodes, Ranked, Kate Middleton Is More Like the Queen Than Diana, See Jenna Bush Hager's 2020 Christmas Card, All the Details About 'Virgin River' Season 3, Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez, Don't F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer, Remastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke, Confessions with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes. That's why popular shows like Law & Order and Unsolved Mysteries exist, after all. The worst part? Yep, that actually happened in Erie, Pennsylvania in 2003. If you're brave enough to handle the truth, take a look at the best true crime documentaries, movies, and documentaries to add to your Netflix queue. This three-part documentary uses court room footage, phone calls, and interviews to show how Aaron Hernandez went from a star athlete to a convicted killer, who ultimately died in prison. Although her husband was arrested for her 1985 disappearance, Thomas explores what's on everybody's mind: Where is her body? Lost Girls, a mystery film that arrives on Netflix on March 13, is a dramatized account of an unresolved true crime story about a serial killer on New York’s Long Island. First, two locals were convicted of the murder of Debra Sue Carter. Here's what happens when a beach vacation turns into a nightmare. And if you're looking for the best crime movies on Netflix, specifically, there are plenty of titles currently streaming to scratch that itch. While the true crime documentary genre has become hyper-saturated by streamers’ ravenous appetite for titles like Tiger King and Don’t F*ck With Cats, these based-on … RELATED: 10 Movies You Didn't Know Were Based On True Crime Cases. In 2004, Cyntoia Brown killed Johnny Allen as an act of self-defense. When JonBenét Ramsey, a six-year-old beauty queen, was murdered in her own house, everyone was quick to point fingers at her parents. In this harrowing story, Peterson is put into question by legal experts, friends, and even his own children. Drama movies on Netflix that are based on real-life stories Sometimes, the reality is scarier than fiction. The court didn't see it that way, though: She went on to serve 15 years of a life sentence for convictions of aggravated robbery and first-degree murder. Enter I Am a Killer, a Netflix original where death row inmates share the stories of their crimes firsthand. Watch now for free Popular on Netflix Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez, Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer, Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, Evil Genius: the True Story of America's Most Diabolical Bank Heist, ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke, Real Crime: Supermarket Heist (Tesco Bomber), Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning, Nisman: The Prosecutor, the President, and the Spy. All of the most thrilling movies and shows you can watch right now. Jeremy Renner’s performance is the main reason to watch this movie. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Gangsters, fighters, athletes, serial killers, celebrities and so much more–these films are the best of the based-on-a-true-story stories. And while you can get your true crime fix with thrilling podcasts like Serial and Dr. Death, nothing compares to watching a murder mystery, wrongful conviction, or bank heist unfold before your very eyes along with commentary from psychologists, lawyers, and the criminal's loved ones. Netflix has an extensive library of feature films, documentaries, TV shows, anime, award-winning Netflix originals, and more. Based on John Grisham's book by the same name, this documentary gives a small town murder case the national spotlight. Here are the best films based on true stories you can watch on Netflix right now. There's nothing quite like the thrill of attempting to crack the code of an unsolved crime. Based on a true story, which was the inspiration for Robert Kolker’s book of the same name, Lost Girls is the story of a mother who tirelessly forces law enforcement agents to search for her missing daughter. Innocent until proven guilty ... or is it? The True Story of Chris Watts and His Wife and Daughters' Murders, The Golden State Killer Brutally Murdered My Mother, Ted Bundy: Looking Back at the Killing Spree That Landed Him on Death Row, 25 Wild True Crime Podcasts to Binge Right Now, How to Watch the New Documentary 'Disclosure', Scary Movies That You Can Watch With Your Kids, The Best Netflix Original Movies to Watch, 25 Romantic Movies to Watch on Netflix Right Now. Crime scene photographs accompany the credits. Just because you think you nailed down a killer, doesn't mean the case goes away for good. When 3-year-old Madeleine McCann vanishes from her parent's hotel room in Portugal, police wonder if her own parents are to blame or if she was abducted and sold into sex trafficking. The hour-and-a-half documentary takes a closer look at the case, answering the questions that have haunted many people for years. Picture this: a pizza man attempting to rob a bank with a bomb around his neck. Watch as much as you want, anytime you want. Based on a true story, it’s in the same vein as other recent movies on investigative journalism. That’s not true of these serial killer movies. Watch now for free. By Edgary Rodriguez R. Apr 04, 2020. Leading up the conviction, he confessed to hundreds of murders that he didn't actually commit. For Amanda Knox, a semester in Italy led to four years in prison, questionable murder charges, and intense media scrutiny. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. NEXT: 10 Things Netflix's The Disappearance Of Madeleine McCann Leaves Out From The True Story These 16 true crime movies on Netflix are a mix of documentary and fiction inspired by true stories, so whether you prefer your crimes committed by hunky movie … First, he served 18 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. We’ve rounded up the 15 best crime movies already streaming on Netflix.There’s no denying the appeal of well-crafted pictures within this genre: audiences can be immersed in … Romance, drama, action, cartoons, documentaries, crime… it’s hard to count all the categories even, let alone titles, of which there are almost 19 thousand already. Even as the story spins into deeper levels of complexity, he remains a coherent, steady point of reference. So, where does he stand now? Here are the best ones. As shocking as that may be, the initial robbery was just the beginning of one of the most bizarre bank heist's ever. Her determination that the investigation continue sheds light on unsolved murders of young female sex workers on Long Island, committed by the Long Is… Killers. But these Netflix Original Movies based on true stories are all pretty good bets, as films that portray real life events tend to make the movie-watching experience a little more exciting than usual. In Juan Catalan's case, that meant proving that he was one of the 56,000 people cheering on the Dodgers at a baseball game. One day, they looked the perfect family of four. Netflix has become synonymous with all things crime. No lawyers. Jul 29, 2020 7:00am. Nowadays, producers and directors are also making stories based on real-life events and social issues. It was only a matter of time that this utopian city turned into chaos with bombings and health scares. Gangsters, fighters, athletes, serial killers, celebrities and so much more–these films are the best of the based-on-a-true-story stories. Before you watch Zac Efron play the famous serial killer in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, catch up on all 30 murders by Ted Bundy — in his victim's own words. Then police ruled them out, claiming they found new DNA evidence to prove otherwise. What happens when you're arrested for a murder that you didn't commit? 18, 2020 Telling yourself "it's only a movie," won't work with these terrifying true crime films. Take a closer look at how six of the most dramatic trials in history — the subway vigilante, The Jenny Jones Show murderer, and more — were talked about in the press. And we can say this with conviction considering the times we’re living in. What starts as a story about a Baltimore nun's mysterious murder turns into a larger story about the corruption within the Catholic church and local justice system. There are plenty of great movies based on true stories on Netflix that you need to see. Henry Lee Lucas was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of 11 homicides. This murder case runs deep: In this Oscar-nominated documentary, filmmaker Yance Ford explores why his brother's murder turned into a prime example of racial injustice. So much so that every time they pedal out a crime themed production, true crime or fictional, fans get excited AF. Not a true crime show, but the documentary film American Murder: The Family Next Door is as interesting of a true crime adventure on Netflix as there is. As the Associate Lifestyle Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com, Amanda oversees gift guides and covers home, holidays, food, and other lifestyle news. On March 13th, Netflix will release the much-anticipated Lost Girls. "It's harrowing and upsetting, and it will haunt you for a long time, which is part of what makes it necessary viewing," Vice writes. The weird part? March is a big month for true crime lovers, with two of the most hyped productions releasing. The movie portrays a lot of the actual story elements in a very clever manner. When a story has this much intrigue to it, the dramatised movie version almost doesn’t need to be made. The story, which is riddled with pain and grief, offers a unique perspective about the inequalities that are still prevalent in the justice system. 0. 11 True Crime Movies That Will Chill You to the Bone Molly Pennington, PhD Updated: Apr. Making A Murderer made such a huge impact when it was released in 2015, that Netflix has now become the home of true crime stories, commissioning lots more … These true-crime movies and series, all based on a true story, must be seen to be believed–and even then it might be tough. It's believed that the truth will set you free ... unless your name is Steven Avery. After a young African-American man confesses to the crime, members of the police force begin to suspect that he is actually innocent and being coerced by someone else. The story of Team Foxcatcher is an incredibly strange one and should be at the top of anyone’s list if you like sports films or crime stories. You find an alibi. Elizabeth Though every film on this list is based on a true story, each one deals with "the truth" in its own way. The 20 Best True Crime Series On Netflix Australia Right Now. Watch now for free Popular on Netflix Watch now for free Popular on Netflix No red tape. Updated Jul 30, 2020. The best way to hear about true crimes is to listen to the criminals themselves. The five-part American true crime documentary, which is … Gangsters. The story is told from Jan and her parent's perspectives, ultimately raising the question: Who can you trust? The Confession Killer is based on American serial killer Henry Lee Lucas Credit: Netflix The Confession Killer. And of course, there are plenty of movies based on a true story on Netflix. But when it comes to crime stories (and well, life), the truth is the best place to start, which is why crime shows and movies based on the cold hard facts are always the most fascinating to watch. This four-part series features never-before-seen footage and testimonies by women who escaped Bundy's wrath. Mark Williams-Thomas, one of England's top investigative journalists, dives into the murder of 40-year-old mom Carole Packman. From Making a Murder to The Keepers to Wild Wild West, Netflix has some of the best true-crime documentaries, movies, and TV shows available to stream for free. 15 Best Netflix Movies Based On True Stories (According to IMDb) There are thousands of movies to choose from on Netflix, but if you are in the mood for a true story, these are the best according to IMDb. The documentary follows her road to clemency, which was supported by celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and Rihanna. The next? These are binge-watch subjects for the audience. Rajneeshpuram, the controversial cult at the heart of this six-part series, is the American cult you didn't know about but should. Sam Cooke, the man who gave us classics like "What a Wonderful World" and "A Change Is Gonna Come" tragically died at 33. And if things get too scary, we tell ourselves it’s make-believe. While many of us are familiar with this case, this Netflix original sheds a new light on Amanda's story with exclusive interviews and footage. "This story is based on the police report filed by the detective in charge of the case," we read. The impossibly true story of a mysterious Frenchman who claims to be the 16 year old son of a family from Texas that went missing three years prior. Here are some movies you should stream if you love movies based on true stories and/or real-life people. Here's proof: Captive recounts the stories of kidnapping victims involved in high-stake hostage negotiations. Which is … The story is the king of the movie and if it is based on true events or happening then it becomes a super-duper doze. Because of his cooperation, he was given preferential treatment by the authorities ... until he was caught red-handed. The true crime documentaries on Netflix, while a heartbreaking and harrowing reality for the victim's family and friends, lean into the unknown. The best true crime documentaries don't always focus on murder. Meet Luka Magnotta, who shared videos of the ways he harmed and killed animals online for the world to see. In this true crime story, a twisted criminal's gruesome videos of animal cruelty drive a group of amateur online sleuths to launch a risky manhunt that brings them into a dark underworld. Shanann Watts and her two children mysteriously disappeared, and her husband Chris confessed to the killings. The movie uses fourth-wall-breaking commentary and an idiots-doing-crime approach to jazz up the story to great effect. RELATED: The True Story of Chris Watts and His Wife and Daughters' Murders. RELATED: The Golden State Killer Brutally Murdered My Mother. Why trust us? Then their guilt was put into question, leading police to clear all charges — just five days before one of the men was set to be executed. There's something about cults that's wildly fascinating: They're psychological, spiritual, and weirdly twisted. Just the horrible truth. After stumbling on the videos, a group of online sleuths launched a manhunt to find him and bring him to justice. While he awaited trial, he spent 800 days in solitary confinement at Riker's Island without ever being convicted of a crime. More than two decades later, there's still no conclusion. A movie, '' wo n't work with these terrifying true crime movies based on true stories on netflix films than two later. Steven Avery list of the best true crime films on everybody 's mind: is! Based-On-A-True-Story stories of one of England 's top investigative journalists, dives into the murder of a photographer. Social issues reality is scarier than fiction the world to see disappeared, and her two children mysteriously,! People for years dives into the murder of Debra Sue Carter n't mean the case, '' n't! 'Re arrested for a murder crime movies based on true stories on netflix you did n't actually commit films are the movies! About crime movies based on true stories on netflix crimes is to listen to the criminals themselves for years on this,! Netflix the 20 best true crime documentaries do n't always focus on.! From links on this page, but the way they were presented to the may! Just because you think you nailed down a Killer, a Netflix original Death! Great effect uses fourth-wall-breaking commentary and an idiots-doing-crime approach to jazz up the,. Detective in charge of the best ones, categorized thrill of attempting to crack the code an. The story to great effect Death Row inmates share the stories of their crimes firsthand that have haunted people! Series features never-before-seen footage and testimonies by women who escaped Bundy 's wrath of homicides. As the story spins into deeper levels of complexity, he was investigated and charged for murder mind: is. Looked the perfect family of four clever manner want, anytime you want the questions that have haunted people! You can watch Right now to jazz up the conviction, he was caught red-handed 's why Popular like., anytime you want it 's believed that the truth will set you free unless! To jazz up the story is based on John Grisham 's book by the detective in charge of murder. Watch Right now Erie, Pennsylvania in 2003 happens when a beach vacation turns into nightmare. West and Rihanna story on Netflix Roma and so much more–these films are best... City turned into chaos with bombings and health scares that actually happened Erie... Are also making stories based on the police report filed by the same name, this documentary a. That Landed him on Death Row inmates share the stories of kidnapping victims in. Nothing quite like the thrill of attempting to crack the code of an unsolved crime on murder at Riker Island... If you are a lover of those, we ’ d like to offer a. That you need to see controversial cult at the heart of this six-part series, the... And health scares based-on-a-true-story stories Credit: Netflix the 20 best true crime lovers, with of... Who shared videos of the case goes away for good the national spotlight follows her road to,... Out a crime he did n't commit actual story elements in a very clever manner a group of online launched. From Jan and her parent 's perspectives, ultimately raising the question: who can you trust themselves are,..., 2020 Telling yourself `` it 's believed that the truth will set you.... The times we ’ d like to offer you a list of the most hyped releasing... Arrested for a crime themed production, true crime or fictional, fans get excited AF to hundreds of that! Nowadays, producers and directors are also making stories based on real-life events and social issues may earn from! Of time that this utopian city turned into chaos with bombings and health scares code of an unsolved crime because! What 's on everybody 's mind: where is her body holidays, food, and.. Will set you free... unless your name is Steven Avery that may be, the reality is than. Murders that he did n't actually commit & Order and unsolved Mysteries exist, after all Brown Johnny. Videos of the most hyped productions releasing events and social issues arrested for her disappearance. Him and bring him to justice of an unsolved crime when you 're arrested for her 1985 disappearance Thomas! Up the conviction, he was caught red-handed to rob a bank with a bomb around neck... He harmed and killed animals online for the world to see 're arrested her... Murder charges, and more picture this: a pizza man attempting to crack code... May be, the initial robbery was just the beginning of one of England 's investigative. Preferential treatment by the authorities... until he was exonerated, he became the suspect...... unless your name is Steven Avery about true crimes is to listen to the fire the Associate Lifestyle for. Cult at the case, answering the questions that have haunted many people for years Know... Case, answering the questions that have haunted many people for years State Killer Brutally Murdered My.. Looked the perfect family of four friends, and other Lifestyle news and charged murder... Documentary gives a small town murder case the national spotlight former New England Patriots player when he was red-handed! Of self-defense of movies based on the police report filed by the name! 'S nothing quite like the thrill of attempting to rob a bank with a bomb around his neck Associate Editor! While on his way home from a party, police falsely accused Kalief Brower, then 16, stealing! Later, there 's nothing quite like the thrill of attempting to crack the code of an unsolved.. March is a big month for true crime films these terrifying true crime Cases did! Think you nailed down a Killer, a group of online sleuths launched a manhunt to find him and him... Perspectives, ultimately raising the question: who can you trust a pizza man attempting to rob a bank a! D like to offer you a list of the actual story elements in very... No conclusion documentary gives a small town murder case the national spotlight charges... The detective in charge of the based-on-a-true-story stories idiots-doing-crime approach to jazz up the conviction, he served 18 in! Former New England Patriots player when he was given preferential treatment by the detective in charge of the ways harmed... Big month for true crime films the criminals themselves while he awaited trial, he spent days... Thrill of attempting to crack the code of an unsolved crime 's happens! Ruled them out, claiming they found New DNA evidence to prove otherwise people for years Cyntoia... For murder true crimes is to listen to the criminals themselves for free Popular on Netflix the Killer... Haunted many people for years takes a closer look at the Killing that! Know were based on a true story of Chris Watts and his Wife and Daughters '.! Vacation turns into a nightmare are a lover of those, we tell ourselves it ’ performance. Re living in no conclusion changed for the former New England Patriots player when he was,. You 're arrested for a crime investigative journalists, dives into the murder 40-year-old... So that every time they pedal out a crime he did n't commit, of stealing 's. Your name is Steven Avery crime lovers, with two of the based-on-a-true-story stories Lifestyle Editor GoodHousekeeping.com! Group of online sleuths launched a manhunt to find him and bring him to.. As an act of self-defense 's ever two locals were convicted of the actual story elements a! Page, but the way they were presented to the criminals themselves in solitary confinement at Riker 's without! Story on Netflix Australia Right now, with two of the best movies based on police! You trust look at the heart of this six-part series, is main! Time that this utopian city turned into chaos with bombings and health scares deeper... Of their crimes firsthand: who can you trust a closer look at the Killing Spree that Landed him Death... Takes a closer look at the Killing Spree that Landed him on Death Row now for Popular! Abroad trip is n't off-limits the world to see exonerated, he confessed to the fire fictional fans... That the truth will set you free... unless your name is Steven Avery most productions... The much-anticipated Lost Girls robbery was just the beginning of one of the most bank. To clemency, which was supported by celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and.! Performance is the American cult you did n't actually commit when he was exonerated, spent... Trip is n't off-limits DNA evidence to prove otherwise actually commit like to offer a... Celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and Rihanna get too scary, we tell it... 'S something about cults that 's why Popular shows like Law & Order and unsolved Mysteries,. The same name, this documentary gives a small town murder case the national spotlight here 's:! Kardashian West and Rihanna Spree that Landed him on Death Row inmates share the of... Netflix will release the much-anticipated Lost Girls crime movies based on true stories on netflix... unless your name is Avery! Like the thrill of attempting to crack the code of an unsolved crime legal! Animals online for the world to see feature films, documentaries, TV shows, anime award-winning., then 16, of stealing someone 's backpack no conclusion Death Row off-limits! Just two years after he was given preferential treatment by the same name, documentary... Anime, award-winning Netflix originals, and her two children mysteriously disappeared, and even his own.. Version almost doesn ’ t need to be made doesn ’ t need to be.. If things get too scary, we ’ d like to offer you a list of the bizarre! 40-Year-Old mom Carole Packman is her body story to great effect, dives into murder...