It's one of life's greatest paradoxes, but there is something about true crime documentaries that many people find relaxing. After an honest day's work, a great way to unwind is watch a show about a serial killer. It doesn't make sense, but it works.
If you need to chill out and have a quiet night at home, look no further than these 10 documentaries. Just make sure to lock your doors. Also avoid seedy-looking alleyways and poorly lit parking garages.
'Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer'
Richard Ramirez terrorized the greater Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas from April 1984 to August 1985. He committed at least 14 murders when breaking into people's homes. His crimes took place in the afternoons and evenings, so he earned the nickname the Night Stalker. He died in 2013 while waiting on death row following his 1989 conviction. It is believed his troubled childhood and drug usage helped shape him into a killer. You can learn more about him in this Netflix documentary.
'Athlete A'
If you want to learn more about the reprehensible doctor who molested countless American gymnasts, including Simone Biles, watch this docuseries on Netflix. Larry Nassar worked for USA Gymnastics for years. The organization covered up his crimes until the investigative journalists at The Indianapolis Star got involved and broke the story.
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'Our Father'
Dr. Donald Cline used his position of power as a fertility doctor for nefarious purposes. He used his sperm in his patients without their consent and as a result fathered over 90 children between 1974 and 1987. When one of his daughters took a DNA test, she made the shocking discovery. Watch this stranger than fiction story on Netflix.
'The Tinder Swindler'
This crime story is a dating app nightmare situation. Simon Leviev, an Israeli conman born Shimon Hayut, used Tinder to scam women. He pretended to be the son of Lev Leviev, a wealthy Russian-Israeli diamond magnate. He would ask his matches to borrow money after love bombing them with expensive gifts bought with money from other women. He even claimed to be attacked at times and needed the funds for medical expenses. Stream this on Netflix.
'Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer'
This five-part Amazon Prime docuseries tackles serial killer Ted Bundy from the female perspective. From 1974 and 1978, Ted raped and killed multiple women across seven states. He even performed sexual acts on his victims' dead bodies. He did this while dating girlfriend Elizabeth Kendall, who is also featured in the series, along with her daughter.
'Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal'
This Netflix true crime docuseries tells the story of the downfall of the wealthy and powerful Murdaugh family from South Carolina. For years, generations of this family worked as lawyers and judges in Allendale, Colleton, Hampton, Beaufort, and Jasper counties. Richard Alexander "Alex" Murdaugh abused the legal system for his own gain. On March 2, 2023, Alex was convicted of murdering his wife Margaret "Maggie" Murdaugh and son, Paul Murdaugh. This series shows what led up to this and uncovers other alleged crimes.
'Capturing the Killer Nurse'
Charles Cullen worked as a intensive care unit nurse and murdered at least 40 people from 1988 until he was caught in 2003. His crimes took place in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He almost got away with everything. This Netflix documentary focuses on the investigation and the burden of proof.
'Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed'
In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menéndez murdered their parents José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menéndez. During their 1996 trial, the brothers claimed they committed the crimes because of years of physical and sexual abuse. They were convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Thirty years later, Roy Rosselló, a former member of boy band Menudo, accused José Menéndez, who had been a Hollywood executive, of raping him as a teen. This Peacock series connects the two stories.
'The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard'
This Lifetime docuseries was filmed right before Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released from prison. She was the victim of Munchausen by proxy at the hands of her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. Gypsy Rose Blanchard took part in the planning of her mother's murder, but not the actual act. She served eight years in prison for this and was released early on December 28, 2023. This is her story in her own words.
'Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets'
This Amazon Prime series takes a hard look at the organization behind the famous Duggar family. The Duggars rose to fame on the hit TLC show 19 Kids and Counting. They are members of the Institute in Basic Life Principles, a Christian sect that teaches extremely conservative views, particularly about women. This created a breeding ground for sexual abuse and religious trauma.
'The Jinx Part 2'
If you are familiar with The Jinx, then it won't at all surprise you that the second part of this chilling documentary series directed by Andrew Jarecki is one of the most intense shows currently on television. Found on MAX, this riveting narrative focuses even more on the nitty gritty of Robert Durst's murders, as well as the intense trial and the people in his life who may have aided in his dark pursuits. It is a must-watch for true crime lovers.
