The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mich chapter.
True crime has become a cultural obsession, and for good reason. If you are anything like me you can’t get enough of the Netflix documentaries and original television shows like Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. True crime taps into our deepest curiosities about human behavior, psychology, and justice (or the lack thereof). This genre offers a unique thrill. Here’s a list of some of the best true crime series and documentaries available right now
- Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story – This show dives into the unsettling life of one of America’s most notorious serial killers. The series focuses on the often overlooked perspectives of Dahmer’s victims and the systemic failures that allowed his crimes to continue for so long. Through powerful storytelling and well-acted performances, this show doesn’t just chronicle Dahmer’s horrifying actions but also critiques society’s inability to protect marginalized communities.
- Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story – The series follows the brothers who murdered their wealthy parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. It doesn’t just explore the sensationalized trial. It instead dives into the complex dynamics of abuse, family secrets, and the intense pressures of growing up in a household ruled by abusive parents. The show offers a fresh look inside the emotional and legal battles the brothers faced, challenging viewers to consider the deeper, darker aspects of familial relationships and how trauma can shape actions.
- The Menendez Brothers – If you enjoyed the dramatized portrayal of Monsters you will definitely want to check this one out too. This documentary stands out by including exclusive interviews with both brothers (who hardly ever speak to the press), who openly share their perspective for the first time in nearly 30 years. It features new insights from people close to the case, including their cousin and the prosecutor. This provides viewers with a fresh perspective on this complex story.
- Night Stalker: The Hunt For A Serial Killer – This show focuses on Richard Ramirez, also known as the “Night Stalker,” who terrorized Los Angeles in the 1980s. The series combines interviews with survivors, detectives from the case, and archival footage that paints a truly chilling picture of the serial killer who targeted random victims across the city.
- Making A Murderer – This show is a Netflix classic. This show looks at the controversial case of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who served 18 years in prison for a wrongful conviction and was later accused of a different crime upon release. What I really like about the show is that viewers are left to draw their own conclusions, which sparked all kinds of heated debates and discussions online.
Whether you’re already a true crime fan like me or you’re just starting to explore the genre, these documentaries and shows offer something for everyone.