15 best true crime documentaries of 2025

True crime is still incredibly popular, and 2025 has brought a lot of fascinating documentaries. We’ve put together a list of the 15 best ones released this year, including titles like “The Perfect Neighbor” and “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.”

Wow, it feels like true crime dramas have really taken over this year! Everyone’s been talking about shows like ‘Good American Family,’ ‘Murdaugh: Death in the Family,’ ‘The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox,’ the latest season of ‘Monster,’ and even ‘Apple Cider Vinegar.’ It’s been a wild ride keeping up with them all!

Today, we’re highlighting the best documentaries of 2025, a year that saw filmmakers experiment with new and innovative storytelling techniques.

I’ve been playing a lot of games lately that are really different – some let families share their stories directly, which is super powerful, and others make you think about the tricky ethical stuff happening with technology. Either way, all these games deserve to be recognized. Just a heads-up though, some of them deal with tough topics and might be upsetting.

The Perfect Neighbor

Release date: October 17, 2025
Where to stream it: Netflix
How long is it? 1 hour 37 minutes

I just finished watching “A Perfect Neighbor,” and it’s really stuck with me. It’s a tough watch, because it uses actual police bodycam and emergency dispatch recordings to tell the story of Ajike Owens, who was tragically killed by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in 2023. What’s really upsetting is how the film shows how issues of racism and those controversial “stand your ground” laws played a part in everything that happened. It’s a really powerful, but heartbreaking, look at the case.

What makes this documentary stand out is its subtle but powerful storytelling. It presents events solely through police bodycam footage, allowing viewers to form their own conclusions based on what actually happened. This raw, unfiltered approach vividly portrays a tragic situation that could have been prevented, and highlights how quickly everyday encounters can escalate due to underlying societal biases and mistrust. It’s a deeply moving film and a must-watch true-crime documentary of the year.

Predators

Release date: December 8, 2025
Where to stream it: Paramount+
How long is it? 1 hour 36 minutes

This documentary takes a close look back at the show To Catch a Predator, exploring its controversial sting operations, how it affected the culture at the time, and the ethical issues it brought up. It features interviews with people who acted as decoys on the show, previously unreleased footage, and an interview with host Chris Hansen.

Predators offers a thoughtful and honest look at the story behind the show To Catch a Predator. It doesn’t just show the most shocking parts; it explores the ethical questions and complex issues that arose when a legal process became a form of entertainment, making us reconsider what we thought we knew about the show and its impact.

American Murder: Gabby Petito

Release date: February 17, 2025
Where to stream it: Netflix
How long is it? 3 episodes

This documentary tells the heartbreaking story of Gabby Petito, a young woman and popular travel vlogger, who was killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. It’s presented in three parts, detailing the events leading up to and surrounding her tragic death.

As a true crime fan, I found American Murder: Gabby Petito incredibly moving. It really hit me hard to hear Gabby’s story told through the people who knew and loved her, adding so much depth. While the AI-recreated voice felt a little unsettling, the documentary itself was really well done – it moved at a good pace and cut through all the sensationalism to focus on the bigger issues in the case. Especially impactful was seeing how Brian Laundrie’s family’s loyalty, even to a fault, ultimately played a part in the tragedy, and that letter… wow, it really drove that point home.

An Update on Our Family

Release date: January 15, 2025
Where to stream it: HBO Max
How long is it? 3 episodes

This documentary explores the story of the Stauffer family, who vlog their lives online, and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of their adopted son, Huxley. It also asks important questions about whether it’s right to share children’s lives on social media.

“An Update on Our Family” starts as a seemingly cheerful look at a family sharing their life on YouTube, but it soon becomes a more serious story about the impact of turning a child’s life into online content. The documentary series thoughtfully covers the Stauffers’ adoption of Huxley, avoiding sensationalism around his absence from their channel. Instead, it asks important questions about responsibility and the increasing issue of children being exploited online before they are old enough to protect themselves.

A Deadly American Marriage

Release date: May 9, 2025
Where to stream it: Netflix
How long is it? 1 hour 42 minutes

This documentary revisits the 2015 death of Jason Corbett, who was killed by his wife, Molly Martens, and her father, Tom Martens, a retired FBI agent.

A Deadly American Marriage is a frustrating but powerful documentary that details the events surrounding Jason Corbett’s murder and its aftermath, featuring honest interviews with both families involved. The film avoids taking sides, instead presenting the facts and allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. Particularly moving are the interviews with Jason’s children, Jack and Sarah Corbett-Lynch, who courageously share their experience of losing their parents and then being caught in a difficult legal struggle.

Unknown Number: The High School Catfish

Release date: August 29, 2025
Where to stream it: Netflix
How long is it? 1 hour 34 minutes

In October 2020, 13-year-old Lauryn Licari in Beal City, Michigan, and her boyfriend were harassed by a mysterious online stalker. The police investigation into the months of torment revealed a far more disturbing reality than they initially expected.

This story stays with you long after you finish watching it—just check out the reaction videos online! Director Skye Borgman wisely allows the people involved to share their experiences and shock in their own words, while also thoughtfully exploring important topics like online safety and child abuse. The eventual reveal of the truth is completely shocking and unexpected.

One Night in Idaho: The College Murders

Release date: July 11, 2025
Where to stream it: Prime Video
How long is it? 4 episodes

This documentary series explores the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. It focuses on the impact of the tragedy on the victims’ loved ones, featuring the first-ever interviews with the parents of Ethan Chapin and Madison Mogan.

What makes the documentary One Night in Idaho stand out is its respectful approach. It avoids sensationalizing the tragic crime and instead focuses on the voices of those who knew and loved Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, allowing them to share their stories. By not dwelling on the perpetrator, the film humanizes the victims and reminds us that their lives – not the crime itself – should be the central focus, cutting through the speculation and misinformation that surrounded the case.

The Diamond Heist

Release date: April 16, 2025
Where to stream it: Netflix
How long is it? 3 episodes

This documentary tells the true story of a daring plot to steal diamonds from London’s Millennium Dome in 2000. It features interviews with both the criminals who planned the heist and the police officers who investigated it.

This Netflix docu-series has the stylish feel of a Guy Ritchie film – he was an executive producer, and his influence is clear. With its fast-paced editing, dramatic reenactments, and compelling narrative, it feels like a classic British gangster movie, but it’s a true story! You’ll likely find yourself unexpectedly supporting the criminals at the heart of it all.

Amy Bradley Is Missing

Release date: July 16, 2025
Where to stream it: Netflix
How long is it? 3 episodes

I’ve been following the case of Amy Bradley for years, and it’s just heartbreaking. This is a really thorough look at what happened when she vanished during a cruise in 1998 – she was only 23 – and it focuses on her family’s incredible dedication to finding out the truth about what happened to her. It’s a truly compelling and sad story.

The disappearance of Amy Bradley remains a mystery, but the documentary Amy Bradley is Missing thoughtfully explores the key questions surrounding the case – including whether she was a victim of murder or human trafficking, and what the FBI uncovered in its investigation. While it may not offer the answers Amy’s family desperately seeks, the film is well-made and provides a poignant look at the woman she was before her disappearance.

Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror

Release date: August 19, 2025
Where to stream it: Hulu
How long is it? 3 episodes

Samantha Stites shares her story for the first time about being stalked by Christopher Thomas for more than ten years, detailing how his obsession led to a shocking and devastating event.

This documentary is powerful because it realistically portrays the daily struggles of being stalked – it’s not just about fear, but also the draining emotional toll, frustrating lack of progress, and the difficulty of getting help from authorities. Samantha’s bravery in sharing her experiences gives the series real impact, and her calm demeanor makes her story even more affecting.

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing

Release date: April 9, 2025
Where to stream it: Netflix
How long is it? 3 episodes

This report investigates the often-hidden challenges faced by young social media stars, focusing on Piper Rockelle and her group, ‘The Squad,’ and how their manager, Tiffany Smith, runs things.

Similar to the Ruby Franke case, this documentary series is a powerful reminder of the need for stronger child labor laws, especially online. The series, told from the perspective of “The Squad” – a group of young content creators managed by Piper Rockelle’s mother, Tiffany Smith – is difficult to watch but important. It shows how quickly seemingly innocent “family content” can lead to the exploitation of children.

Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke

Release date: February 27, 2025
Where to stream it: Hulu
How long is it? 3 episodes

As a true crime fan, I was completely shocked by the story of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt. This documentary really gets into how their extreme parenting beliefs started, and how tragically things spiraled out of control, ultimately leading to horrific abuse. It’s a disturbing look at what happens when ideology goes too far.

Since Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were sentenced in 2024, several documentaries have explored their story. However, “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” is likely the most detailed, including interviews with Ruby’s former husband, Kevin, and her children, Shari and Chad. Even with all the information presented, it’s still shocking to understand how Ruby and Jodi’s abusive behavior was allowed to continue for so long.

A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read

Release date: March 17, 2025
Where to stream it: HBO Max
How long is it? 5 episodes

This documentary offers an in-depth look at the investigation and subsequent trial of Karen Read, who was accused of killing Boston police officer John O’Keefe, but ultimately found not guilty.

“A Body in the Snow” offers a unique and in-depth look at the case, with exclusive access to those closest to both the victim and his family, including legal teams and experts. While the series may lean towards a particular perspective, it skillfully connects events and details that might have been missed, ultimately helping viewers understand how the jury reached its decision.

The Mortician

Release date: June 1, 2025
Where to stream it: HBO Max
How long is it? 3 episodes

This story details the shocking downfall of David Sconce and the Lamb Funeral Home, revealing how a trusted mortuary became involved in fraud, improper cremations, and a serious breach of public trust.

What makes this documentary stand out is how unbelievable the story feels – you’ll constantly find yourself questioning if it actually happened. Like other documentaries released this year, it gives a voice to its subject, David Sconce, but it doesn’t shy away from showing him, or his family, exactly as they are. This honesty makes ‘The Mortician’ even more unsettling than a typical horror movie.

My Father, the BTK Killer

Release date: October 10, 2025
Where to stream it: Netflix
How long is it? 1 hour 34 minutes

This memoir tells the story of Kerri Rawson as she grapples with the shocking revelation that her father is Dennis Rader, the notorious BTK serial killer, and explores the profound impact his crimes had on her life.

What makes this documentary compelling is its unique focus. Instead of simply recounting the crimes of Dennis Rader, it tells the story through the eyes of his daughter, Kerri Rawson, who lived with the consequences of his actions. While the film is often difficult to watch and centers heavily on her experience, this offers a rare and intimate perspective rarely seen in serial killer documentaries – the impact on family.

If you enjoy true crime, be sure to look for the new documentaries available on streaming services this month. We’ve also compiled lists of the best TV shows and movies from 2025 so far.

2025-12-10 16:26