When it comes to documentaries, it's hard to escape the fascination of true crime. Not only is it a highly covered subject, but pretty much every platform that streams content has built up a large selection of true crime documentaries and series for viewers to immerse themselves in. Netflix leads the way with its diverse offering, offering a wide selection of true crime documentaries that are thrilling and terrifying in equal measure.
The genre is undoubtedly incredibly popular, but it can be difficult to figure out which documentary to binge on for the evening when you're gearing up for a streaming marathon. We've rounded up some of the best true crime documentaries on Netflix to get you started. Check out these popular recommendations below and get ready to get hooked.
“Tell them you love me”
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This disturbing documentary examines the case of Anna Stubblefield, a former ethics professor who, at age 29, met Derrick Johnson, a 28-year-old man with cerebral palsy who cannot speak, through his brother John. Stubblefield offered to help Derrick improve his communication skills and taught him to type. Over the course of their “aided communication,” the two fell in love and had a consensual sexual relationship, even though she was married at the time, Stubblefield claims. However, Derrick's mother, Daisy Johnson, claims her son was unable to consent to physical or emotional intimacy and believes Stubblefield manipulated his hands to give him the illusion of agency.
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'Girl in the picture'
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When a seriously injured woman is found on the side of the road, she is believed to be the victim of a hit-and-run accident. As investigators delve deeper into the case, they uncover a complex web of deception surrounding the woman's identity and her relationship with her much older husband. The woman, who left behind a young son, was seen in a photograph with her husband years earlier when she was just a child. That photograph, which found its way to investigative journalist Matt Birkbeck, became the catalyst for a 20-year journey to uncover the truth. As Birkbeck peels away the layers of lies and deception, he reveals the woman's stolen identity, the abuse she suffered, and the systemic failure that prevented her from finding help each time. This emotionally charged documentary will shed light on the dark corners of human nature and keep you on the edge of your seat along the way.
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“American nightmare”
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This gripping documentary chronicles a couple's ordeal that bears an eerie resemblance to the thriller Gone Girl. Denise Huskins and her boyfriend Aaron Quinn's lives changed forever after an intruder broke into their home in 2015. The stranger had reportedly tied up the couple, drugged them and kidnapped Huskins, demanding a ransom for her safe return. However, in a shocking twist, the couple were met with disbelief from the authorities. This series explores the truth behind what actually happened on that fateful night and the aftermath the couple had to deal with as a result.
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