5 best Netflix true crime shows with 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes
Netflix has a wide array of true crime shows that grip audiences with their gritty reenactments, chilling interviews, and detailed investigations. From docuseries that delve into unsolved mysteries to deep dives into the psychology of murderers, true crime enthusiasts have an abundance of choices. However, for those looking for the cream of the crop, here are five shows that stand out due to their high-quality storytelling and critical acclaim, as evidenced by their 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes scores.
1. “Making a Murderer” (2015)
Rating: 97%
This groundbreaking docuseries follows the story of Steven Avery, a man from Wisconsin who served 18 years in prison for a wrongful conviction only to find himself accused of another crime shortly after his release. Viewers are taken on a deeply troubling journey through the American criminal justice system and are left with more questions than answers.
2. “The Confession Tapes” (2017)
Rating: 100%
“The Confession Tapes” is a riveting series that explores cases where people convicted of murder claim their confessions were coerced, involuntary or false. Through gripping interviews and an examination of the evidence, this series presents a chilling look at the potential miscarriages of justice in these controversial cases.
3. “The Keepers” (2017)
Rating: 97%
This haunting seven-episode series investigates the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a Baltimore nun and Catholic high school teacher who disappeared in 1969. What begins as a murder mystery spirals into a much darker story involving sexual abuse and a potential church cover-up.
4. “Mindhunter” (2017)
Rating: 97%
Although not a documentary series like the others on this list, “Mindhunter” earns its spot for its compelling dramatization of the early days of criminal profiling at the FBI. The show blends fact with fiction in following two agents who interview serial killers to understand their motives and help solve ongoing cases.
5. “American Murder: The Family Next Door” (2020)
Rating: 85%
Documenting one of the most shocking family murder cases in recent history, this film pieces together home footage, social media posts, text messages, and law enforcement recordings to provide a hauntingly intimate portrait of the seemingly normal Watts family before tragedy struck.
While “American Murder: The Family Next Door” falls slightly below the 90% threshold mentioned (the current score is 85%), it is included for its significant impact and relevance in true crime discussions.