10 Most Chilling Documentaries to Stream on Netflix Today

No matter how many crime dramas you have seen, there is nothing more twisted and terrifying than the real-life cases. From child abuse rings that continue to profit from gullible parents to some of the most notorious killers, almost any true crime case can make anyone's stomach turn.

Netflix has no shortage of documentaries covering all types of crimes, from the old to the new, revealing the truth you may never have seen before. If you're not too sensitive to all sorts of trigger and content warnings, be sure to check out the list below.

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey (2022)

This miniseries is a perfect choice for those interested in religious cults, how they come to life, and the men behind them. Keep Sweet is the story of Warren Jeffs' rise to power in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his eventual downfall, which couldn’t come any faster.

The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping (2024)

If you've ever heard of behavioral therapy camps or schools, but weren't sure what they were, this is a must-see documentary curated by a survivor of such facilities. This documentary will leave you horrified by all kinds of child abuse, but equally enraged by the fact that these schools and camps are still up and running.

Conversations with a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes (2022)

Every true crime fan knows who John Wayne Gacy is. In fact, the terrifying image of a killer clown has gone far beyond the community and made its way into pop culture. This documentary is a raw cut of the serial killer's thoughts, revelations and desires, giving viewers a rare chance to understand the criminal's logic.

Making A Murderer (2015-2018)

The other side of true crime is the wrongfully convicted, and it is rare to get a case where the truth comes out. Steven Avery spent 18 years in prison for a murder he never committed, and as you can imagine, this ended up causing irreversible damage not only to his mental health, but to his entire life.

The Most Hated Man on the Internet (2022)

More than anything else, The Most Hated Man on the Internet is a story of collective vengeance against Hunter Moore and his website, Is Anyone Up, which ended up being the largest collection of revenge porn on the Internet. Even though the efforts lead to justice, this documentary is a frightening example of what any young woman could end up facing.

Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare (2023)

Another documentary shows the horrible truth behind places some call wilderness camps. Stories of teenagers kidnapped from their homes and sent to a completely foreign company without any parental protection are sure to send chills down your spine at the sight of the concentrated abuse and neglect that some children have to endure.

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich (2020)

There's probably not a single person in the world who doesn't know who Jeffrey Epstein is, but when it comes to his crimes and the way he operated for years, many lack a clear understanding. This documentary dives deep into Epstein's schemes, twisted indulgences, and some of the associates who still walk free.

Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal (2023)

The story of Alex Murdaugh is a perfect example of how you never know who your neighbors are. The Murdaugh family was a prominent one for South Carolinians, often seen as community leaders. However, a murder case ended up revealing a horrific chain of abuse, corruption, and violence that has been hidden for years.

Abducted In Plain Sight (2017)

All cases of sexual assault and harassment are equally horrific, but when it comes to children, these cases hit twice as hard. The neighbor obsessed with a little girl is one of a parent's worst nightmares, and the further the case progresses, the more frustrated you become at the sheer lack of help from the justice system.

Don't F**k With Cats: Hunting An Internet Killer (2019)

Although the show has a funny title, there is nothing funny about it. It covers an investigation started by a group of Facebook users who were deeply disturbed by the growing number of animal abuse videos. As it turns out, the animal abuse was just the beginning of a truly horrific chain of events caused by a twisted murderer.