True crime stories are all the rage right now. After the success of the Serial podcast and HBO's The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, it would only make sense that Netflix's Making a Murderer would be a hit among subscribers.
Even after being released almost a month ago, Steven Avery's name continues to pop up in the news and on our social media feeds. And how can it not since the docu-series does leave a lasting impression the viewer?
Making a Murderer, at its core, is a really good story. A man spends 18 years in prison for a crime he didn't do, only to get out be sent back behind bars — this time for murder. What makes it even more captivating is that all this is true (regardless of whether or not you think Avery really did it).
Of course, we rank the series one the best whodunit murder mysteries we've seen in a long time, but after it ends, you're probably left feeling the Netflix cycle of grief that comes after binge-watching.
Don't worry, subscribers, Making a Murderer isn't the only documentary that will leave you on the edge of your seat as you play detective in your mind. Here are six true crime documentaries to stream on Netflix.
Cropsey (2009)
Director: Barbara Brancaccio, Joshua Zeman
Stars: Joshua Zeman, Barbara Brancaccio, Bill Ellis
We have to start this list off with Cropsey in part because this reporter is originally from Staten Island. Although the crimes happened before my time, it hits close to home, which makes it even more real. In this documentary, two filmmakers try to solve the mystery of what happen to five children who went missing in Staten Island in the '70s and '80s, and the urban legend of the man who could have done it.
Aileen: Life And Death Of A Serial Killer (2003)
Directors: Nick Broomfield, Joan Churchill
Stars: Aileen Wuornos, Nick Broomfield, Terry Humphreys-Slay
If you enjoyed Making a Murderer, you will really enjoy Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer. But unlike Avery, its hard to deny that Wournos was a monster. She is known for being America's first female serial killer, and this actually is the follow-up film (The Selling of a Serial Killer is also available to stream) that focuses on her declining mental state as she claimed the prison used sonic pressure to control her.
The Central Park Five (2012)
Directors: Ken Burns, Sarah Burns
Stars: Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Kharey Wise
The Central Park Five follows a story of five minority teens who were convicted of sexually assaulting a white woman in Central Park in 1989. The teens spent years in prison before a serial rapist confessed to committing the brutal crime.
Kids For Cash (2013)
Director: Robert May
Stars: Charlie Balasavage, Joanne Balasavage, Justin Bodnar
This true crime documentary does not feature a murderous plot, and instead turns the lens to focus on a person on the other side of the court room — the judge. Kids for Cash is about a judge who was on a mission to keep kids in line by ordering hard sentences, but one parent set out to expose his motives.
The Thin Blue Line (1988)
Director: Errol Morris
Stars: Randall Adams, David Harris, Gus Rose
Using interviews, archival footage and reenactments to tell the story, The Thin Blue Line argues that a man was wrongfully convicted for murder. It also exposes a corrupt justice stem in Dallas, Texas, perfect for those who are fans of Avery's case.
The Imposter (2012)
Director: Bart Layton
Stars: Adam O'Brian, Anna Ruben, Cathy Dresbach
This documentary has more of a cinematic feel to it, which will only make the story even more compelling. The Imposter is about a young boy from Texas who goes missing for three years, who later turns back up at home after spending time in Spain. But is he really who he says he is?
