1. The Paradise Lost Trilogy

Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills premiered in 1996; Paradise Lost 2: Revelations came out in 2000; and Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory, premiered more recently, was put on hold because its three central subjects, the West Memphis 3, were released from jail. These three films are among my favorite crime documentaries, and the release of the third one actually inspired this post. I've been following this case—hardcore researching and reading material from both sides—since 1996. It's really worth it to watch all three films; your heart will go out to the families of the victims and to the accused themselves. You can find more details on the Paradise Lost IMDb page.

2. Capturing the Friedmans

This documentary is extremely interesting as well, and disturbing for a number of reasons. At the time it was shown, it was considered incredibly controversial due to both the subject matter and the depiction. This one isn't for the faint of heart and it can be a trigger for some viewers, so I suggest watching the trailer and researching it a little bit if you think this tale about a family torn apart from allegations of molestation might trigger you in some way.

Key Reasons to Watch These Documentaries:

3. The Thin Blue Line

This is without question one of the most amazing crime documentaries ever made. It revolves around Randall Dale Adams, who was accused of murdering a police officer in Dallas, TX. As with the Paradise Lost documentaries, the research conducted both for the film and because of it led to several amazing results, such as the confession by the actual killer. For those interested in the impact of investigative journalism, this is a must-watch. Visit the Criterion Collection for more information.

4. The Trials of Darryl Hunt

As you can see, a lot of crime-based documentaries have to do with convicted killers. This one is also similar to The Thin Blue Line and the Paradise Lost trilogy because it, too, ultimately showed that Darryl Hunt was innocent of the rape and murder for which he was convicted. He spent 19 years in jail before DNA evidence proved that his claims of innocence were true. It's a powerful look at the resilience of the human spirit.

5. Cocaine Cowboys

Cocaine Cowboys is one of the most illuminating crime documentaries I've ever seen. If you've ever wondered about the drug trade, specifically as it pertains to cocaine, it's a wonderful watch. It's extremely interesting and in-depth, and includes interviews with individuals on both sides of the trade. If you enjoy this deep dive into criminal history, you might also like our guide on forensic science movies that explore the technical side of crime-solving.

6. Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer

If you liked the movie Monster, starring Charlize Theron, you'll love the real story of Aileen Wuornos. It's actually the 2003 follow-up to Nick Broomfield's Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer, and both are worth watching. This one, however, includes the last days of her life—and the stunning revelation, by Aileen, that much of her defense had been based on lies. It’s a haunting portrayal of a complex life.

7. The Execution of Wanda Jean

This is one of HBO's many powerful crime documentaries. While it might not be as well-known as others, it is still extremely thought-provoking. Wanda Jean Allen was the first African American woman to face the death penalty in modern times. You hear about her crime, her life, and the days leading up to her execution. It raises important questions about mental health and the legal system. You can learn more about this case on the official HBO website.

Some crime documentaries show the flaws in the justice system, while others simply show a different point of view. A lot of crime documentaries can leave you wondering about the guilt or innocence of the subject. They make you wonder, for that matter, about the nature of guilt and innocence. Some sweep the nation, even the world, alerting people to specific cases, while others are swept under the rug and out of the mainstream, leaving you to discover them later, so you can be posthumously introduced to lives wasted, gone, and even forgotten by everyone but their loved ones. Do you enjoy watching true crime documentaries? Let me know why; tell me what they make you think about and how they make you feel.