The Best Netflix True-Crime Documentaries

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An empty, American-style courtroom.
BetMGM Mar 21, 2023, 5:52 AM

We all know that playing casino games at an online casino can be a lot of fun. There’s no doubt about that, but it is also important to take a break. So, what do you do when you’re not playing online slots at BetMGM? Have you ever considered watching the best true-crime documentaries on Netflix? The last decade has seen a massive boom in the popularity of true crime series. Netflix certainly has some hand in that, as the streaming site has made true crime one of its most popular genres. Remember the “Tiger King era?” Well, if true crime is your thing or you’re wondering about the attraction, we’ve made a list of the five best true crime documentaries on Netflix!

1. Wild Wild Country (2018)

“Wild Wild Country” is a documentary on Netflix about the controversial Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho). The controversial cult leader builds a utopian city in the Oregon desert and conflict with the locals escalates into a national scandal. To some, Rajneesh was a great guru, spiritual teacher and mystic, while to others he was considered a dangerous cult leader, master criminal and terrorist. He accumulated several thousand followers who descended on Rajneeshpuram, the land formerly known as the Big Muddy Ranch. In “Wild Wild Country” you’ll get fear and loathing, paranoia and megalomania. Directed by Maclain and Chapman Way, this documentary depicts attempted murder, biological warfare, an arms race, automatic weaponry, FBI, espionage, the biggest immigration fraud case in US history and so much more! Netflix gives a thorough description of what happened.

2. Tell Me Who I Am (2019)

Directed and produced by the British filmmaker Ed Perkins, “Tell Me Who I Am” focuses on twin brothers Alex and Marcus Lewis. Alex lost his memory in a motorcycle accident at age 18 and has had to rely on his twin brother, Marcus, to fill in the gaps. However, Marcus purposely omitted that he and his brother were sexually abused by their mother. When the sexual abuse is revealed after their mother’s death, both brothers must come to terms with the abuse at age 54. The film received acclaim from critics after its release and was described as “harrowing.”

3. Killer Sally (2022)

“Killer Sally” is a rare breed of true crime story; the main character wants you to listen to her story. Sally McNeil is an award-winning bodybuilder. This docuseries includes interviews with friends, family and Sally McNeil herself. It explores bodybuilding’s most notorious crime. McNeil shot her husband and fellow bodybuilder Ray McNeil dead on Valentine’s Day in 1985. This three-part series, directed by Nanette Burstein, details Sally’s rise to fame in bodybuilding and her explosive relationship. It’s a good series to watch if you want to take a break from watching some of the best soccer documentaries on Netflix.

4. The Real Bling Ring Hollywood Heist

This documentary series follows a group of LA teenagers who stole from celebrity homes in 2009. It was a tabloid-ready scandal born from celebrity obsession and attention as a valuable social commodity. The group of teenagers is guilty of ransacking the homes of Orlando Bloom, Audrina Patridge, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Ashley Tisdale and more. This film, directed by Miles Blayden-Ryall, sets out to give the teenagers a chance to tell their stories themselves. While it aims to dive deeper into the crimes and how the teenagers executed them, you’ll also see other themes, such as tabloids and gossip magazines’ obsession with the celebrity-obsessed.

Making A Murderer (2018)

Filmed over 13 years, “Making a Murderer” is a real-life thriller that follows the unprecedented story of two men accused of a grisly crime they may not have committed. This Netflix series chronicles the story of Steve Avery who was convicted of killing photographer Teresa Halbach just two years after being released from prison for a wrongful conviction of sexual assault and attempted murder in a different case. This series dives into his wrongful conviction. Avery filed a suit against Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, and several individuals involved with his arrest. The Netflix series directed by Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos garnered plenty of publicity, which prompted petitions to have Avery’s case reviewed.

Switch your attention to fun online casino games

When you’re done watching the best true-crime documentaries on Netflix, you can get your thrill with the best online casino games. Register at BetMGM and play various online slots, live dealer games and casino table games!

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Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.