Grab your comfiest blanket, your favorite fall snacks, and maybe a friend or two because spooky season is officially here. While some people love haunted houses and horror films, nothing sends chills down the spine quite like real-life stories of crime and mystery. Whether you’re a year-round true crime junkie or just looking for something eerie to binge before Halloween, here are my recent favorites that are guaranteed to keep you hooked.
*Please note the following are for mature audiences, viewer discretion is advised.
Documentaries
If you haven’t checked out this new Netflix series yet, you are seriously missing out. It is creepy, gruesome, and guaranteed to leave you feeling completely unsettled. The show is a dramatic retelling of a true story, and it dives deep into the chilling mind of Ed Gein. Before watching, I had never heard much about him, but his horrifying crimes and twisted psychology have inspired some of the most iconic horror films of all time. Classics like Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre all drew heavily from his case, making this series a must-watch for any true crime or horror fan.
The Girl from Plainville is a gripping and heartbreaking true crime series you won’t be able to look away from. It tells the story of Michelle Carter and the shocking events that led to the tragic death of Conrad Roy. The series explores the complex psychology behind the case, the manipulation, and the legal battle that followed. This story is intense, unsettling, and draws you in for a real-life mystery and the darker side of human behavior.
This has quickly become one of my favorite murder-docs, partly because it takes place in my mom’s hometown. Mr & Mrs Murder unravels the chilling 2000 disappearance of Mike Williams during a duck hunting trip in Florida. At first, everyone assumed he had been eaten by alligators, but the case remained unsolved for nearly two decades, leaving viewers constantly asking why. The series dives deep into the twisted betrayal at the heart of the story, involving Mike’s wife, Denise, and his best friend, Brian Winchester, who conspired to murder him for a $1.75 million life insurance payout. Through compelling interviews with key figures, the docuseries exposes the dark secrets and shocking events that led to this devastating tragedy.
American Murder- The Family Next Door
This is one of the most shocking and disturbing cases in recent times, and even though the documentary has been out for a while, it is absolutely jaw-dropping. It is one of the most intense and unsettling true crime stories I have ever watched, and it will have you falling down TikTok rabbit holes for weeks. Using real footage, text messages, and social media posts, the documentary gradually unravels the events that rocked the Watts family’s community, keeping you on edge from start to finish.
Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal
Murdaugh Murders is a gripping true crime docuseries on Netflix that unpacks the shocking saga of the powerful Murdaugh family in South Carolina. The series explores the mysterious deaths of Gloria Satterfield, Mallory Beach, and the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, all set against a backdrop of wealth, privilege, and influence. Through interviews, court footage, and insider accounts, the docuseries exposes the web of lies, financial crimes, and betrayals that ultimately led to Alex Murdaugh’s downfall. It is a fascinating and unsettling look at a family dynasty turned tragic, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.
PodcastS
Told from Jake’s perspective, this true crime podcast feels more like a thriller than reality. Jake Haendel was diagnosed with a rare, terminal brain disease that left him in a coma for eighteen months, fully conscious but unable to move or speak. Doctors assumed he could not hear anything, but he did. What he overheard from the one person still visiting him would change everything. This is not just a story of survival but also of betrayal, addiction, and a fight for justice that no one saw coming.
In Season 2, To Live and Die in LA dives into the mysterious disappearance of Elaine Park. People don’t just vanish in Malibu, and this podcast takes you behind the scenes with Elaine’s mom, private investigators, and other key figures in her life as they try to piece together the truth. Full of twists, chilling discoveries, and emotional moments, this is one of my favorite podcasts that makes you feel as though you are part of this real-life mystery.
Your Own Backyard reexamines the 1996 disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart. Journalist Chris Lambert delves deep into the case, interviewing over 200 people and uncovering new leads that reignite public interest. His meticulous investigation brings renewed attention to the case, leading to the eventual arrest and conviction of Paul Flores for Kristin’s murder. This podcast not only sheds light on a long-unsolved case but also demonstrates the power of grassroots journalism in seeking justice.
Season 1 of THREE explores the mysterious 2012 disappearance of 16-year-old Skylar Neese in West Virginia. Hosted by Amanda Knox, whose own case is worth a deep dive, the podcast examines the investigation, the role of social media, and the people closest to Skylar as the case unfolds. Each episode peels back layers of the mystery, leaving you both shocked and fascinated.
Bear Brook investigates one of the most baffling cold cases in New Hampshire history. Over the course of decades, four bodies were discovered in barrels in Bear Brook State Park, and investigators struggled to piece together the identities and connections of the victims. Using forensic genealogy, DNA analysis, and tireless detective work, the podcast uncovers a twisted story of murder, family secrets, and deception that spans generations. It is haunting, meticulous, and a must-listen for true crime fans who love a deep, investigative dive.
Now, choose your first case and get ready for a binge-worthy spooky season!