15 Crime Shows Based on Real Murders

True crime shows have a way of pulling you in, blending raw human stories with the chilling reality of real murders. They let you peek into the darkest corners of life while keeping you safe on your couch.

From gritty docuseries to dramatized retellings, these shows dig into cases that shocked the world. Below, I’ve rounded up 15 crime shows based on real murders, each offering a unique lens on justice, tragedy, and human nature.

The Keepers (2017)

This Netflix docuseries dives into the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a Baltimore nun killed in 1969. It follows former students turned amateur sleuths as they uncover dark secrets tied to the Catholic Church and a possible cover-up.

The show’s strength lies in its focus on the victims and their community, weaving personal stories with investigative grit. It’s less about flashy drama and more about the haunting quest for truth in a case that remains open.

The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015-2024)

HBO’s ‘The Jinx’ follows real estate heir Robert Durst, linked to three murders, including his wife’s 1982 disappearance. Through interviews with Durst himself, the series unravels his bizarre life, culminating in a shocking hot-mic confession.

Part two, released years later, covers his trial and death in 2022. The show’s mix of raw footage and Durst’s own words makes it a gripping look at a man who evaded justice for decades.

Making a Murderer (2015-2018)

Netflix’s ‘Making a Murderer’ tracks Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man wrongfully convicted of rape, only to face murder charges after his release. The series questions whether Avery was framed for Teresa Halbach’s 2005 murder.

Its detailed look at the justice system, from police work to courtroom battles, sparked massive debate. The show’s raw storytelling and real-time developments keep you hooked, even if it leaves more questions than answers.

The Staircase (2004-2018)

This Netflix series, originally a French documentary, follows novelist Michael Peterson, accused of killing his wife Kathleen in 2001 after she’s found dead at the bottom of their staircase. It explores theories from accident to murder.

Spanning years of trials and appeals, the show dives into family dynamics and legal twists, including the bizarre ‘owl theory.’ Its intimate access to Peterson’s life makes it a standout in true crime.

The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016)

This FX series dramatizes the 1994 murder trial of O.J. Simpson, accused of killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. It captures the media frenzy, racial tensions, and legal drama of the case.

With a stellar cast, including Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden, the show balances courtroom intensity with cultural commentary. It’s a vivid snapshot of a case that gripped the nation.

Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021)

Netflix’s ‘Night Stalker’ chronicles the 1980s rampage of Richard Ramirez, who terrorized Los Angeles with brutal murders and assaults. The series focuses on the detectives who tracked him down.

Through survivor interviews and gritty reenactments, it captures the fear that gripped the city. The show avoids glamorizing Ramirez, instead honoring the victims and the relentless pursuit of justice.

The Act (2019)

Hulu’s ‘The Act’ dramatizes the shocking 2015 murder of Dee Dee Blanchard by her daughter, Gypsy Rose. It explores Dee Dee’s Munchausen syndrome by proxy, which trapped Gypsy in a web of abuse.

Joey King and Patricia Arquette deliver chilling performances, making the story both heartbreaking and unsettling. The series shines a light on a rare psychological disorder and its deadly consequences.

Unbelievable (2019)

This Netflix miniseries follows Marie, a young woman who reports a rape but faces disbelief, while two detectives hunt a serial rapist. It’s based on a real case from the early 2000s.

Kaitlyn Dever’s raw performance anchors the story, showing the emotional toll of a flawed system. The show’s focus on empathy and dogged police work makes it both inspiring and infuriating.

Your Honor (2020-2023)

Showtime’s ‘Your Honor’ is a fictionalized take inspired by real-life corruption cases, focusing on a judge whose son is involved in a hit-and-run tied to a mob family. The murder at its core drives the plot.

Bryan Cranston’s intense performance as the desperate judge keeps you glued. While not a direct retelling, its roots in real legal scandals add a layer of authenticity.

The Undoing (2020)

HBO’s ‘The Undoing’ is a drama inspired by high-profile murder cases, centering on a therapist whose husband becomes a suspect in a brutal killing. It draws from real-life tales of privilege and betrayal.

Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant bring star power to this tense thriller. The show’s exploration of wealth, lies, and justice feels ripped from tabloid headlines, keeping you guessing.

The Serpent (2021)

Netflix’s ‘The Serpent’ follows Charles Sobhraj, a conman and serial killer who murdered travelers in 1970s Southeast Asia. The series blends drama with real events, focusing on a diplomat’s quest to stop him.

Tahar Rahim’s chilling portrayal of Sobhraj captures his manipulative charm. The show’s vivid settings and cat-and-mouse chase make it a gripping look at a lesser-known case.

Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022)

This Netflix series dramatizes the horrific crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, who killed 17 men and boys in the 1970s and 1980s. It focuses on the victims and the system’s failures to stop him.

Evan Peters delivers a haunting performance as Dahmer, though the show faced criticism for its sensitive subject matter. It’s a tough watch but sheds light on a dark chapter in history.

Under the Bridge (2024)

Hulu’s ‘Under the Bridge’ is based on the 1997 murder of Reena Virk, a Canadian teen killed by her peers. The series follows a journalist and a detective digging into the case’s social complexities.

Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough shine in this emotional retelling. The show tackles bullying, race, and youth violence, making it a poignant reflection on a tragic crime.

When They See Us (2019)

Ava DuVernay’s Netflix miniseries recounts the wrongful conviction of the Central Park Five, teens accused of a 1989 assault and rape they didn’t commit. It’s based on a real miscarriage of justice.

The powerful performances, especially from Jharrel Jerome, bring the pain and resilience of the accused to life. The show’s unflinching look at systemic racism is both heartbreaking and essential.

American Murder: Gabby Petito (2024)

Netflix’s ‘American Murder: Gabby Petito’ covers the 2021 murder of Gabby Petito during a cross-country trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. It uses real footage and interviews to tell the story.

The series highlights domestic violence and the public’s obsession with the case. Its raw, unflinching approach makes it a stark reminder of real-world tragedies.

Which true crime show hooked you the most, or did I miss one you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments!