Hey there, curious souls and binge-watch aficionados! Ever find yourself deep in the Netflix rabbit hole, scrolling through the endless sea of shows and wondering, “What’s worth my precious time?” Well, buckle up, because we’re diving into the crème de la crème of streaming content! If you’ve been on the lookout for the best documentaries series on Netflix of all time, you’re in for a treat.
Imagine Netflix as a massive buffet, and we’re here to be your culinary guides, serving up only the most mouthwatering documentary series that’ll tickle your brain and keep you glued to the screen. Whether you’re a history buff, a true-crime junkie, or just someone who loves a good story, we’ve got the goods.
From the spine-chilling tales of true crime to the eye-opening explorations of the natural world, these documentaries are like the Netflix equivalent of comfort food—satisfying, enriching, and a little bit addictive. Grab your popcorn, cozy up, and let’s embark on this cinematic journey through the best that Netflix has to offer. Ready to explore? Let’s dive in!
Detailed Table of Top 10 Greatest True Crime Series Of All Time
| Rank | Web Series | Runtime | Created by | Star Cast | Cinematography | Release Date | IMDB Rating | Famous Quotes |
| 1 | Making A Murderer (2015)Season 2 | 47–77 minutes | Laura Ricciardi, Moira Demos | Steven Avery, Brendan Dassey, Dean Strang, Len Kachinsky, Ken Kratz, Teresa Halbach, Barb Tadych, Allan Avery, Dolores Avery, Jodi Stachowski, Jerry Buting | Moira Demos | December 18, 2015 | 8.5/10 | I didn’t do it. I’m innocent. |
| 2 | Unbelievable (2019)Season 1 | 43–58 minutes | Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, Michael Chabon | Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever | Quyen TranXavier GrobetJohn Lindley | September 13, 2019 | 8.3/10 | If you’re lying, I’m going to find out. But I think you’re telling the truth. |
| 3 | Wild Wild Country (2018)Season 1 | 64–71 minutes | Maclain Way, Chapman Way | Rajneesh, Ma Anand Sheela, Jane Stork, Philip Toelkes, Laura Eisen | Adam StoneChapman Way | March 16, 2018 | 8.1/10 | Love is the highest form of knowledge. |
| 4 | The Trials Of Gabriel Fernandez (2020)Season 1 | 53 minutes | Brian Knappenberger | Jon Hatami, Scott Andrew Yang, Brian Knappenberger, Stephanie Rodriguez, Elizabeth Carranza, David Barron | Nick Midwig | February 26, 2020 | 8.1/10 | If you’re a mandated reporter, your job is to report. |
| 5 | The Keepers (2017)Season 1 | 59 minutes | Ryan White | Gemma Hoskins, Abbie Schaub, Jean Hargadon Wehner (Jane Doe), Teresa Lancaster (Jane Roe), Tom Nugent, Sister Catherine Cesnik | David JacobsonJohn Benam | 19 May 2017 | 8.0/10 | The truth is never really as simple as we’d like it to be. |
| 6 | Don’t F**k With Cats (2019)Season 1 | 64–71 minutes | Mark Lewis | Deanna Thompson, John Green, Marc D, Lucas, Paula, Alyssa | Darren Langlands | December 18, 2019 | 8.0/10 | If you see something, say something. Don’t let things go. |
| 7 | Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)Season 1 | 51-74 minutes | Joe Berlinger | Ted Bundy, Hugh Aynesworth, Stephen G. Michaud, Ann Rule, Robert Keppel | Adam Stone | January 24, 2019 | 7.7/10 | I’m just a guy who was a little bit out of control. That’s all. |
| 8 | The Devil Next Door (2019)Season 1 | 3h 49min | Daniel Sivan, Mor Loushy | John Demjanjuk, Yoram Hare, Michael Scharf, Misha Matusow, Gary C. Brown | Daniel J. Hinson | November 2019 | 7.5/10 | It’s the man who could be the Devil himself. |
| 9 | Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist (2018)Season 1 | 45–53 minutes | Daniel Loflin, Tina Brown | Tina (Morris) DiFiore, Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, Ken Barnes, Brian Wells, Detective Geyer | Daniel L. Smith | May 11, 2018 | 7.5/10 | I had to go along with it or they’d kill me. |
| 10 | Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness (2020)Season 3 | 41–48 minutes | Eric Goode, Rebecca Chaiklin | Joe Exotic, Carole Baskin, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, John Finlay, Rick Kirkham, John Reinke, Kelci “Saff” Saffery, Jeff Lowe, Erik Cowie, Howard Baskin, Travis Maldonado, Dillon Passage, Tim Stark, Rachel Starr | Damien Drake | March 20, 2020 | 7.5/10 | I’m a big player in the exotic animal world. |
1.Making a Murderer (2015)
Genres: Documentary, Crime
Runtime: 47–77 minutes per episode
Creators: Laura Ricciardi, Moira Demos
Stars: Steven Avery, Brendan Dassey, Dean Strang, Ken Kratz
Cinematography: Iris Ng
Original Release Date: December 18, 2015
IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 84%
JustWatch Rating: 90%
Famous Quote: “I didn’t do it. I’m innocent.”
Summary:
“Making a Murderer” is a gripping documentary series that explores the controversial case of Steven Avery, a man from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, who was convicted of a crime he claims he did not commit. The series, created by Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, investigates the complex and troubling aspects of Avery’s legal battles, from his initial wrongful conviction for a sexual assault to his later conviction for the murder of Teresa Halbach.
Season 1 presents a detailed examination of Avery’s story, revealing how he was exonerated after 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, only to find himself accused of another serious crime. The series raises questions about the integrity of the legal system, the potential for wrongful convictions, and the impact of personal and political motivations on legal outcomes.
Season 2 continues to follow Avery’s ongoing legal struggle and the efforts of his defense team to prove his innocence. It delves into the intricacies of the case, exploring new evidence, legal strategies, and the broader implications of the case for the justice system.
The documentary is known for its detailed investigation, compelling storytelling, and the way it invites viewers to question the fairness of the judicial process. It has been praised for its thorough research and emotional impact, drawing attention to issues of justice and human rights.
2.Unbelievable (2019)
Genres: Crime, Drama
Runtime: 43–58 minutes per episode
Created by: Susannah Grant
Stars: Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever
Cinematography: Quyen Tran, Xavier Grobet, John Lindley
Original Release Date: September 13, 2019
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 98%
JustWatch Rating: 96%
Famous Quote: “If you’re lying, I’m going to find out. But I think you’re telling the truth.”
Summary:
“Unbelievable” is a gripping crime drama that unfolds the true story of a young woman named Marie Adler (played by Kaitlyn Dever), who is accused of lying about being raped, leading to a series of events that expose a larger pattern of injustice and systemic failures in the handling of sexual assault cases.
Season 1 follows two parallel narratives: Marie Adler’s traumatic experience and the subsequent investigation led by two detectives, played by Toni Collette and Merritt Wever. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover disturbing truths about the mishandling of sexual assault cases and the impact of trauma on survivors.
The series, created by Susannah Grant and based on real events and the Pulitzer Prize-winning article “An Unbelievable Story of Rape,” examines themes of victimization, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. It is praised for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters, its sensitive handling of sensitive subject matter, and its compelling storytelling.
3.Wild Wild Country (2018)
Genres: Documentary, Crime
Runtime: 64–71 minutes per episode
Created by: Maclain Way, Chapman Way
Stars: Rajneesh, Ma Anand Sheela, Jane Stork, Philip Toelkes
Cinematography: Adam Stone
Original Release Date: March 16, 2018
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 98%
JustWatch Rating: 92%
Famous Quote: “Love is the highest form of knowledge.”
Summary:
“Wild Wild Country” is a riveting documentary series that delves into the controversial and dramatic story of the Rajneeshpuram commune, a massive spiritual community established in the 1980s in Wasco County, Oregon by the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho). The series chronicles the rise and fall of this utopian experiment led by the charismatic Rajneesh and his enigmatic aide, Ma Anand Sheela.
The documentary explores the conflict between the commune’s members and the local residents, capturing the escalating tensions that lead to criminal activities, including attempted murder and bioterrorism. It provides an in-depth look at the clash between the commune’s ambitions and the legal, social, and political challenges they faced.
4.The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez (2020)
Genres: Documentary, Crime
Runtime: 53 minutes per episode
Created by: Brian Knappenberger
Stars: Jon Hatami, Scott Andrew Yang, Stephanie Rodriguez, Elizabeth Carranza
Cinematography: Nick Midwig
Original Release Date: February 26, 2020
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 82%
JustWatch Rating: 78%
Famous Quote: “If you’re a mandated reporter, your job is to report.”
Summary:
“The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez” is a harrowing documentary series that investigates the tragic case of Gabriel Fernandez, an eight-year-old boy who was brutally abused and murdered by his mother and her boyfriend in Los Angeles County. The series meticulously examines the failures of the child welfare system that allowed Gabriel’s abuse to go unchecked despite multiple reports from concerned individuals.
The documentary is structured around the trials of Gabriel’s mother, Pearl Fernandez, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, who were both held responsible for the abuse and death of the young boy. It highlights the systemic issues within the social services and judicial systems that failed to protect Gabriel despite numerous warning signs and reports.
The series presents a stark and emotional look at the case through court proceedings, interviews with those involved, and an exploration of the broader implications of the failures in Gabriel’s case.
5.The Keepers (2017)
Genres: Documentary, Crime
Runtime: 59 minutes per episode
Created by: Ryan White
Stars: Gemma Hoskins, Abbie Schaub, Jean Hargadon Wehner (Jane Doe), Teresa Lancaster (Jane Roe)
Cinematography: David Jacobson
Original Release Date: May 19, 2017
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%
JustWatch Rating: 89%
Famous Quote: “The truth is never really as simple as we’d like it to be.”
Summary:
“The Keepers” is a compelling documentary series that delves into the unsolved murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik, a beloved teacher at Archbishop Keough High School in Baltimore. The series explores the connections between Cesnik’s death and allegations of sexual abuse at the school, revealing a complex web of corruption and cover-ups.
The documentary follows two former students, Gemma Hoskins and Abbie Schaub, as they investigate Cesnik’s murder and uncover disturbing details about the abuse that took place at the school. Their investigation reveals a systemic failure within the Catholic Church and the local authorities to address the abuse allegations, which had been reported by several students over the years.
The series interweaves personal stories from survivors, interviews with key figures, and detailed examination of archival materials and evidence related to the case.
6.Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)
Genres: Documentary, Crime, Mystery
Runtime: 64–71 minutes per episode
Created by: Mark Lewis
Stars: Deanna Thompson, John Green, Marc D, Lucas, Paula, Alyssa
Cinematography: Darren Langlands
Original Release Date: December 18, 2019
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 67%
JustWatch Rating: 91%
Famous Quote: “If you see something, say something. Don’t let things go.”
Summary:
“Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer” is a gripping documentary series that follows a group of amateur sleuths as they track down a brutal killer who gained notoriety by posting videos of animal abuse online. The series explores the rise of the killer, the online community’s reaction, and the eventual investigation by law enforcement.
The story begins when a disturbing video of a man torturing and killing two kittens goes viral. The online community, particularly a group of dedicated animal lovers, comes together to identify and capture the perpetrator. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a series of crimes that lead them to a more sinister and complex criminal profile.
The documentary details the challenges and dangers faced by these amateur detectives as they work to bring the killer to justice, illustrating the power of online communities and the lengths people will go to in the pursuit of justice.
7.Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)
Genres: Documentary, Biography, Crime
Runtime: 51–74 minutes per episode
Created by: Joe Berlinger
Stars: Ted Bundy, Hugh Aynesworth, Stephen G. Michaud, Ann Rule, Robert Keppel
Cinematography: Adam Stone
Original Release Date: January 24, 2019
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: Not available
JustWatch Rating: 90%
Famous Quote: “I’m just a guy who was a little bit out of control. That’s all.”
Summary:
“Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” is a chilling documentary series that offers a deep dive into the life and crimes of Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. The series is built around a collection of interviews conducted with Bundy on death row, where he reveals details about his crimes, motivations, and psychological state.
The documentary features never-before-heard audio tapes from Bundy’s prison interviews, providing insights into his manipulative nature and the dark aspects of his personality. The series also explores the investigation into Bundy’s crimes, including his capture, trial, and eventual execution.
The narrative is enhanced by interviews with journalists, law enforcement officials, and experts who provide context and analysis of Bundy’s criminal activities and the impact they had on his victims and society.
8.The Devil Next Door (2019)
Genres: Documentary, Crime, History
Runtime: 3 hours 49 minutes
Created by: Daniel Sivan, Mor Loushy
Stars: John Demjanjuk, Daniel J. Hinson, Yoram Hare, Michael Scharf, Misha Matusow, Gary C. Brown
Cinematography: Daniel J. Hinson
Original Release Date: November 2019
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%
JustWatch Rating: 80%
Famous Quote: “It’s the man who could be the Devil himself.”
Summary:
“The Devil Next Door” is a gripping documentary series that delves into the life and trial of John Demjanjuk, a retired American autoworker who was accused of being a notorious Nazi death camp guard known as “Ivan the Terrible.”
The series explores the complexities of Demjanjuk’s case, which spanned decades and involved a global manhunt, a high-profile trial, and intense debates over justice, identity, and guilt. It examines how Demjanjuk’s past as a Ukrainian immigrant in America was overshadowed by the allegations of his involvement in heinous war crimes during World War II.
Through a mix of archival footage, interviews with historians, legal experts, and survivors, and dramatic reconstructions, the series provides an in-depth look at the legal battles to bring Demjanjuk to justice, the political and emotional ramifications of the trial, and the moral questions it raised about accountability for war crimes.
9.Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist (2018)
Genres: Documentary, Crime
Runtime: 45–53 minutes per episode
Created by: Daniel Loflin
Stars: Tina (Morris) DiFiore, Daniel L. Smith, Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, Ken Barnes, Brian Wells, Detective Geyer
Cinematography: Daniel L. Smith
Original Release Date: May 11, 2018
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 80%
JustWatch Rating: 90%
Famous Quote: “I had to go along with it or they’d kill me.”
Summary:
“Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist” is a documentary series that unravels the bizarre and chilling events surrounding the infamous 2003 collar bomb bank robbery in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The series meticulously traces the case from the initial bizarre bank robbery where Brian Wells, a pizza delivery driver, was killed when a bomb strapped to his neck detonated, to the subsequent investigation that uncovered a complex web of conspiracies, including claims of a scavenger hunt orchestrated by Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong and others.
Through interviews with key players, including law enforcement officials, journalists, and individuals involved in the case, as well as archival footage and reenactments, the series examines the psychological profiles of those implicated, the legal twists and turns, and the unanswered questions that linger about the true motives behind the crime.
10.Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness (2020)
Genres: Documentary, Crime, Biography
Runtime: 41–48 minutes per episode
Created by: Eric Goode
Stars: Joe Exotic, Carole Baskin, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, John Finlay, Rick Kirkham, John Reinke, Kelci “Saff” Saffery, Jeff Lowe, Erik Cowie, Howard Baskin, Travis Maldonado, Dillon Passage, Tim Stark, Rachel Starr
Cinematography: Damien Drake
Original Release Date: March 20, 2020
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 79%
JustWatch Rating: 71%
Famous Quote: “I’m a big player in the exotic animal world.”
Summary:
“Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness” is a true crime documentary series that delves into the wild and dangerous world of big cat enthusiasts, focusing on the lives and conflicts of the key figures in the exotic animal trade.
The series explores the life of Joe Exotic, the flamboyant owner of the GW Zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, who becomes embroiled in a bitter feud with Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist and owner of Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida. The rivalry between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin is the backdrop for the series, which uncovers a web of criminal activities, personal vendettas, and shocking events.
The documentary reveals the extravagant lifestyles of its subjects, including Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, another exotic animal breeder with a controversial reputation, and Jeff Lowe, a business partner of Joe Exotic who plays a significant role in the unfolding drama.
The series is a mix of real-life drama, crime investigation, and personal stories, exploring themes of greed, obsession, and the dark side of the exotic animal trade. It covers the arrest and conviction of Joe Exotic for plotting to murder Carole Baskin and the broader implications of the case on the big cat industry.
Anas Chaudhary is a writer at Entertainment 24 Seven, specializing in entertainment news, facts, and trends. He brings a fresh perspective and engaging storytelling to his coverage of the latest happenings in the entertainment world.