15 Morbidly Fascinating True Crime Shows And Movies That Are Required Viewing

Do you still have faith in humanity? You'll lose what's left of it after watching these.

Chelsi

• Published in Film & TV
• July 1, 2022

Much like the surge in popularity of multilevel marketing businesses a few years ago, there is a sudden demand for true crime documentaries and adaptations lately. It seems a majority of our population finds the lives of criminals fascinating.

There is a morbid curiosity in finding out how these criminals and con-men think. What goes on in their head when they're committing a crime?

What motivates them to break the laws put forth in our society that most of us are capable of following? How do they react after the crime has been done and what methods do they use to try to get away with their immoral actions?

Those are some of the few questions that compel casual and avid viewers alike into tuning in. We not only watch the real-life documentaries of their stories, but we also wait for the release of the TV show and movie adaptations with enthusiasm.

Movie producers and streaming services have seen the demand. They are delivering these true crime shows left and right.

Do we have enough time to keep up with all of them? Well, if you are truly curious about this morbid genre, you will find the time to schedule them during the weekend.

Here is a list of the recent true crime TV shows and movies you cannot miss. You might just have to pay a pretty penny because they are on different streaming services.

1. The Girl From Plainville

This is the dramatization of the trial of Michelle Carter. The then-teenager was found to have encouraged her boyfriend, Conrad Roy, to commit suicide.

2. The Staircase

The series revolves around the death of Kathleen Peterson. It's an adaptation of the documentary of the same title where they explored the events prior to the murder of Kathleen by her husband.

3. Candy

Jessica Biel completely transformed herself to play Candy Montgomery, a woman who was accused of killing her friend. She was having an affair with her friend's husband before killing her.

4. The Dropout

This is the story of the founder of Silicon Valley unicorn startup, Theranos. Elizabeth Holmes defrauded investors out of billions of dollars after claiming she has invented the machine that would revolutionize blood testing.

5. WeCrashed

The series explores the life of eccentric WeWork founder, Adam Neumann. Jared Leto plays Neumann and Anne Hathaway plays his wife, Rebekah.

6. The Thing About Pam

If you think Renée Zellweger's transformation for her role in Bridget Jones's Diary then you have to watch her play Pam Humpp. Pam was convicted of the murder of Betsy Faria after she tried to frame Betsy's husband for the crime.

7. Inventing Anna

Inventing Anna is all about the fake heiress Anna Delvey. She managed to scam her way into New York's most elite circles to set up a fake foundation she had no money for.

8. Joe vs. Carole

Missing Kate McKinnon from SNL? Watch her as the polarizing Carol Baskin in the fictional adaptation of her story with Joe Exotic.

9. Under the Banner of Heaven

The TV show starring Andrew Garfield is based on the book of the same name written by Jon Krakauer. It's the story of Detective Jeb Pyre investigating the death of a Mormon mom and her baby and uncovering something more sinister with the church.

10. Dr. Death

It's the story of a doctor named Christopher Duntsch who has been accused of repeatedly injuring patients. He has been convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

11. Landscapers

Here's something new: true crime dark comedy. It's the story of Susan and Christopher Edwards who murdered the former's parents then buried them in their backyard only to be found out 10 years later.

12. The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Andrew Garfield and Jessica Chastain play the televangelist couple, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Jim was actually convicted years later for wire and mail fraud.

13. Gaslit

Julia Roberts brings Martha Mitchell to life onscreen in this Watergate-era series. Martha was the wife of the attorney general during the scandal and was the first to bring attention to Nixon's dealings.

14. Impeachment: American Crime Story

This time, it's Monica Lewinsky who gets to tell her version of events. The series examines the explosive impeachment scandal of Bill Clinton after his affair with Lewinsky.

15. House of Gucci

Lady Gaga and Adam Driver in one movie are enough to make a hit. On top of that, House of Gucci is all about the murder of Maurizio Gucci who was murdered by his own wife who had hired a hitman.

True crime documentaries, TV shows, and movies are always a bit conflicting to enjoy. They are after all about true people who had lives and families.

Watching their lives play out on our TVs and the big screen has the potential to desensitize us to the heinous crimes but that isn't always the case. Their stories may be fascinating but they are not made for casual entertainment.

Chelsi