People’s obsession with true crime entries has skyrocketed in recent years. Of course, streaming platforms have contributed significantly to this scenario. There is something oddly satisfying about watching true crime entries, even if they make us feel horrified. They make us wonder about the depths of the human psyche and generate a strange curiosity about the darker aspects of human nature.
The year 2023 is shaping up to be brilliant for fans of true crime series/films. Let’s check out the best ones.
1. January 6th (Film)
Streaming Date: January 5, 2023
Streaming Platform: Discovery+ (through an add-on subscription on Prime Video)
Jules and Gédéon Naudet’s ‘January 6th’ is a documentary film based on the events of the January 6 US Capitol attack. It features interviews with the heroes, first responders, and survivors of the attack, offering their unique perspectives on the incident. It treasures a story of courage and resilience that transcends political connections. Notable figures, such as Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Liz Cheney, DC Police Chief Robert J. Contee III, and more, appear in this film. Critics praised the film for its accurate portrayal of the incident. They hailed it as an exceptional, educational, and necessary true crime entry.
2. The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker (Film)
Streaming Date: January 10, 2023
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Back in 2013, a YouTube video went viral that showed Kai (real name Caleb McGillvary), an unhoused nomad, using a hatchet to attack a man who gave him a ride. According to several early reports, Kai committed such an act because the driver allegedly hit a pedestrian with his car and then tried to choke the person who came to assist. This scenario made Kai an overnight sensation. However, things turned upside down after Kai got arrested for the murder of a man in New Jersey. After this incident, many people questioned the authenticity of Kai’s hatchet incident. It is a feel-good story that suddenly turns into a horribly tragic tale.
3. Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street (Series)
Streaming Date: January 4, 2023
Streaming Platform: Netflix
This Joe Berlinger’s four-part true crime docuseries follows the rise and fall of the notorious American financier, Bernie Madoff, who organised the world’s biggest Ponzi scheme (worth around $65 billion) in the history of Wall Street. Critics heavily praised Berlinger’s ability to unpack the incident’s complexity in a way that viewers can easily understand. This docuseries is a pacy and jaw-dropping financial thriller that will certainly entertain you.
4. Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld (Film)
Streaming Date: January 6, 2023
Streaming Platform: Netflix
This documentary flick explores the operations of the infamous D-Company. It features interviews with the police officers of Mumbai who reveal how they have dealt with and confronted numerous criminal activities and underworld mafias. It also focuses on the clashes between Mumbai Police and the notorious mafia Dawood Ibrahim and his allies, such as Abu Salem and others. The film opened to strongly positive reviews and received praise for its gritty and intriguing dramatisations, amazing background score, and ability to regenerate the 90s feel.
5. Dancing on the Grave (Series)
Streaming Date: April 21, 2023
Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video’s Dancing on the Grave is a true crime docuseries based on the murder case of Shakereh Khaleeli. She was a real estate developer and philanthropist murdered by her second husband and ill-famed godman, Swami Shradhananda. Her family informed the Karnataka Police about her sudden disappearance in 1991. Three years later, the cops managed to get an admission of Khaleeli’s murder from Shradhananda. He admitted that he buried her remains in her own house. In 2005, he was sentenced to death. This docuseries, directed by Patrick Graham, has a compelling and gripping narrative that will leave you baffled.
6. Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal (Series)
Streaming Date: February 22, 2023
Streaming Platform: Netflix
The well-known Murdaugh family of South Carolina seemed to have a great life until a tragic boating accident ended up taking the life of an innocent young girl. This incident slowly reveals the cracks in their so-called perfect life. This captivating three-part true crime series explores the real truth behind the incident and delves deep into the shocking murders of Maggie Murdaugh and her son, Paul. As investigators dive deep into this disturbing case, they unravel dark and unsettling secrets about the wealthy family. Despite having its flaws, this one has emerged as one of the most popular docuseries on Netflix.
7. American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing (Series)
Streaming Date: April 12, 2023
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Cops and survivors of the horrifying Boston Marathon bombing of 2013 reflect on those heartwrenching moments before, during, and after the devastating incident. This concise but gripping docuseries has earned acclaim from critics and viewers. Netflix is notorious for its original movies. But when it comes to true crime documentaries, the streaming platform knows how to hit the ball out of the park. And it does the same with this one as well.
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