Over the past few years, Netflix has exponentially grown its selection of true-crime-related content. With the library getting bigger every day, it's hard to know what's worth watching. Here are eight of the best true-crime series available to stream on the platform to help ease the burden.
In Netflix's The Keepers, director Ryan White examines the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy, a Baltimore nun. Through interviews, the series takes a deep dive into abuse, rape, murder and the Catholic Church's role in it all. By dissecting the relationship the Church and the government have with one another, the documentary sheds light on the loopholes and ambiguous laws in place that overtly protect abusers rather than victims.
Aside from the commendable narrative structure, what makes The Keepers so impactful is its divergence from the true-crime archetype most audiences have come to expect. Not only does White give the victim, in addition to numerous other survivors, a voice, but each woman is truly able to tell their own story. While The Keepers classifies as a murder mystery, more importantly, it's a story of triumph, courage and the significance of standing up to injustice.
Ava DuVernay's When They See Us details a 1989 case involving a group of wrongly convicted Black and Latino adolescents. The reenactment depicts the events leading up to the incident and the unsettling aftermath of the conviction. While a portion of what's shown during the series is covered in Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon's documentary The Central Park Five, DuVernay goes even further by showing the children as they grow into adults.
When They See Us expertly shows the catastrophic repercussions of racism, in conjunction with a deeply flawed legal system, has had on these five men. While the series recounts the case from the perspective of those who are so often forgotten about, DuVernay poignantly showcases the gut-wrenching reality of just how broken America's criminal justice system is, especially when it comes to cases involving people of color.
The Pharmacist casts its focus on Dan Schneider, a grieving father seeking answers to his son's unsolved murder. As Schneider desperately tries to solve his son's case, he stumbles upon something even bigger. At which point, the documentary shifts gears and explores the rise of the opioid epidemic and its relation to the monster that is Big Pharma. The horrific ripple effect incompetent law enforcement, drug companies, greedy doctors and a very complacent government have on each other are bought to the forefront.
Although it's beyond disheartening to watch how many people were/are involved in the opioid epidemic, it's incredibly inspiring to witness Schneider turn his grief into something extraordinary. The Pharmacist provides audiences with proof that everyday people can absolutely be heroes. Through the determination, selflessness and empathy of one man, fraud is uncovered, giving some much-needed awareness to a crisis that is still ongoing.
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is perhaps the most heartbreaking true-crime series Netflix has to offer, as it investigates the abuse and eventual murder of eight-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Through official documents, interviews and numerous eyewitness accounts, director Brian Knappenberger puts the severe mishandling of Gabriel's case on blast, explaining the countless ways the system failed in protecting an innocent child.
Although Gabriel's mother and her boyfriend are physically responsible for the murder, the series doesn't pull any punches when rightfully placing blame on Child Protective Services (CPS), as well as the social workers involved in the case. As shown in each episode of the series, whether it's due to a lack of funding or access to necessary resources, a staggering number of those working for CPS simply aren't doing their job. As a result, children, just like Gabriel, continue to slip through the cracks.
Sam Hobkinson's Fear City: New York vs. The Mafia is a straightforward documentary perfectly suited for history buffs and fans of the gangster genre. While Fear City is a true-crime series, it's considerably less intense than what typically falls into the category. Focusing on the five Mafia families that dominated organized crime in New York during the 70s and 80s, the series also explains how several FBI agents were finally able to take them down. Complete with interviews, both from federal agents and a handful of Mob members, Fear City is a fast-paced and refreshing take on a story that's been told a hundred different times, a hundred different ways.
Although it's become a trope in gangster flicks to paint the baddies as gods amongst men, Fear City doesn't gloss over or glorify wrongdoings. Instead, it calls them out and holds those deserving accountable for their crimes. Fear City: New York vs. The Mafia isn't perfect in every respect, but it's definitely an easy and worthwhile watch.
In terms of execution and style, Errol Morris' Wormwood is as good as it gets. It centers on the mysterious death of Frank Olsen, a former CIA employee, and follows his son as he re-examines the puzzling circumstances surrounding his father's case. Throughout the series, dramatized reenactment sequences splice with extensive interviews, trials and testimonies. At times, the reenactments follow the spoken words. In other moments, they veer off in a different direction, presenting viewers with the opportunity to question what's fact and what's fiction.
Of course, this particular stylized format is not entirely new, but the mix of content, quality performances and storytelling is territory previously uncharted. Most impressive of all, the reenactments aren't cringe-inducing. They interweave in a way that adds an overall sense of eeriness while simultaneously elevating the story.
The People v. O.J. Simpson is a retelling of O.J. Simpson's infamous murder trial. While viewers more than likely know the ending to this crime, the ten-part series goes in-depth as it explores the intricacies within the case and what factors determined the controversial verdict. Shifting focus from the actual sentence, or lack thereof, The People v. O.J. Simpson takes audiences both inside and outside of the courtroom, sharing a riveting tale of gross injustice.
The performances and writing are what ultimately sell the series. It's entertaining without being one-sided, factual without being boring, informative without feeling exploitive. Packing a nine-month-long trial into ten hours is a lofty mission, but in this case, the series succeeds on nearly every level.
American Vandal may not be a typical true-crime series, but it's one worth mentioning. Based on real incidents, the mockumentary takes a satirical approach in its storytelling. With a cast full of unknown actors, the series focuses on Dylan Maxwell (Jimmy Tatro), a high school student receiving blame for a series of pranks. As Dylan claims his innocence, fellow student Sam Ecklund (Griffin Gluck) takes it upon himself to clear Dylan's name. Interestingly enough, although American Vandal comes off as nothing more than a silly comedic endeavor, it's sprinkled with just the right amount of emotional depth to captivate audiences and even tug at their heartstrings.
In short, Season 1 of American Vandal is satire done right. Yes, the premise is ridiculous, but at the same time, the series is lighthearted, cleverly executed and, honestly, pretty hilarious. Penis and ball hair jokes may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for what it's worth, it's a really great series to spend a few hours binge-watching.
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