8 Documentaries To Watch After Netflix's This Is The Zodiac Speaking
This is the Zodiac Speaking is actually one of several true-crime documentary shows to highlight a murder mystery that puzzled real-life authorities.
The Zodiac Killer remains a haunting figure in American crime history, infamous for his chilling murders and cryptic ciphers that captivated the public. His story, which began in the late 1960s with the deaths of at least five known victims, has inspired countless media portrayals. Netflix's new docuseries, This is the Zodiac Speaking, quickly rose to the top of the platform’s charts, demonstrating the ongoing fascination with the unsolved Zodiac Killer case.
Directed by Phil Lott and Ari Mark, this three-part series focuses on prime suspect Arthur Leigh Allen, echoing themes from David Fincher’s acclaimed film Zodiac. This renewed interest in the Zodiac murders opens the door for viewers to explore more compelling documentaries that delve into chilling details and psychological insights from other cases, providing a richer understanding of the 20th century’s most notorious criminals.
8 The Menendez Brothers
The Two Brothers Who Killed Their Abusive Parents
Your comment has not been saved
Lyle and Erik Menendez, imprisoned for killing their parents, recount the crime and the dramatic trials in this documentary.
- Director
- Alejandro Hartmann
- Release Date
- October 7, 2024
- Cast
- Lyle Menendez , Erik Menendez
- Runtime
- 116 Minutes
Following the gripping narrative of This is the Zodiac Speaking, true crime enthusiasts will find The Menendez Brothers a compelling next watch, offering a deeply personal look at a case that shocked America. Directed by Alejandro Hartmann, this documentary provides unprecedented access to Lyle and Erik Menendez, who share their story directly through audio interviews from prison.
The Menendez Brothers has an audience score of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes.
For the first time in nearly three decades, the brothers discuss the motivations behind their actions, allowing viewers to grapple with the complexities of their circumstances. This fresh perspective invites a deeper understanding of the factors that led to their drastic decisions. In addition to the brothers’ narratives, the documentary features insights from jurors, family members, and legal professionals involved in the case, creating a multifaceted exploration of the trial that captivated the nation.
The Menendez Brothers not only sheds light on the complexities of family dynamics but also challenges viewers to reflect on the intersection of trauma and justice.
The film revisits key moments from the 1989 case through archival footage and highlights the heartbreaking truths of the abuse the brothers endured. By juxtaposing their tragic past with the legal ramifications of their actions, The Menendez Brothers not only sheds light on the complexities of family dynamics but also challenges viewers to reflect on the intersection of trauma and justice.
7 Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes
The Infamous Serial Killer From Milwaukee
Your comment has not been saved
Conversations With A Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes is a documentary series released in 2022 that delves into the mind of the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer through newly unearthed interviews. Directed by Joe Berlinger, the series provides a disturbing insight into Dahmer's psyche and the horrific crimes he committed, featuring never-before-heard recordings that shed light on his motives and actions.
- Cast
- Jeffrey Dahmer , Vernell Bass , Pamela Bass , Fred Berlin , Park Dietz
- Release Date
- October 7, 2022
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator(s)
- Joe Berlinger
Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes stands out as a crucial exploration of one of America’s most notorious serial killers, providing viewers with an unsettling yet compelling insight into the mind of Jeffrey Dahmer. Created by Joe Berlinger, this three-part docuseries utilizes archival audio footage from Dahmer's incarceration to unravel the complexities of his horrific crimes, including murder, dismemberment, and cannibalism.
By examining the psychological nuances of Dahmer’s psyche, the series prompts important discussions about the factors that allowed such a predatory figure to operate under the radar for years, specifically within the context of Milwaukee’s gay scene. Moreover, the docuseries confronts systemic issues related to law enforcement and societal bias, questioning how Dahmer was able to evade detection despite a prior conviction for sexual assault.
What Happened To The Zodiac Killer's Surviving Victim Bryan C. Hartnell
Bryan Hartnell was the sole survivor of an attack by the self-styled Zodiac killer, and went on to consult on David Fincher's movie Zodiac in 2007.
Interviews with key figures involved in the case, including Dahmer’s defense attorney, shed light on the failures of the justice system and police accountability during that era. By placing Dahmer's personal narrative with broader societal implications, the series not only captivates audiences with its chilling content but also fosters a deeper understanding of the societal factors that can enable such heinous acts.
6 Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter
A Woman Seeks Answers About Her Biological Daughter
Your comment has not been saved
A mother reveals the complex mystery surrounding the disappearance of teenager Audria, her biological daughter whom she gave up for adoption when she was nine months old. The young girl disappeared in 1989, at the age of 14, after accusing her adoptive father of sexual abuse.
- Cast
- Cathy Terkanian
- Release Date
- September 12, 2024
- Seasons
- 1
- Network
- Netflix
Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter offers a gripping look into Cathy Terkanian's heartbreaking quest to find her missing daughter, Aundria Bowman, who has been gone for 21 years. This two-part docuseries highlights Terkanian’s emotional journey as she connects with Aundria's friends and online sleuths, showcasing the profound lengths a mother will go to reclaim her child.
Through her search, the series reveals the power of community in addressing cold cases and emphasizes the unyielding instincts of a mother driven by love and loss. The documentary also confronts troubling themes of domestic abuse and neglect, illustrating the harsh realities of Aundria's upbringing.
Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter has an IMDB score of 7.6.
Through personal accounts from friends and witnesses, the series sheds light on the grim conditions she faced at home. By amplifying these stories, Into the Fire encourages others impacted by similar experiences to come forward and share their narratives, fostering greater awareness of the need for vigilance in cases of missing persons. This docuseries serves as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of truth and justice requires collective effort and empathy.
5 Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes
The Terrifying British Serial Killer
Your comment has not been saved
Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes explores the life and crimes of Dennis Nilsen, a notorious British serial killer who murdered 12 young men and boys between 1978 and 1983. The documentary series features exclusive interviews and archive footage, providing a comprehensive examination of Nilsen's motivations and actions.
- Cast
- Dennis Nilsen
- Release Date
- August 18, 2021
- Seasons
- 1
- Directors
- Michael Harte
Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes is a chilling true-crime documentary that delves into the life and crimes of Dennis Nilsen, a Scottish serial killer active from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Confessing to the murders of 15 young men and boys, Nilsen’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of 1980s Britain, where many vulnerable individuals sought refuge in London amid rising unemployment.
The documentary features over 250 hours of Nilsen’s private audio recordings, alongside interviews with police, journalists, survivors, and bereaved families, providing a comprehensive view of his disturbing psyche and the aftermath of his actions. This documentary is a worthwhile watch as it offers a rare, intimate look into Nilsen's thoughts and motivations through his own recordings, shedding light on the complexities of his character.
It serves as a reminder of the societal conditions that contributed to his heinous crimes, highlighting the vulnerabilities of those who fell victim to him. By bringing together personal testimonies and historical context, Memories of a Murderer not only recounts the chilling events but also emphasizes the need for vigilance and awareness of the factors that can lead to such tragedies, making it a compelling and educational viewing experience.
4 Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case
The Truth About The Murder Of An Argentinian Teenager
Your comment has not been saved
Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case, directed by Lorena Muñoz, is a documentary that recounts the murder of a high school student in 1990s Argentina. Through personal stories from her loved ones, the film highlights their relentless pursuit of justice amid widespread protests.
- Release Date
- October 10, 2024
- Director
- Lorena Muñoz
- Runtime
- 96 Minutes
- Main Genre
- Documentary
Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case is a compelling Netflix documentary that examines the brutal murder of 17-year-old Maria Soledad Morales in 1990, a case that became a catalyst for national outrage in Argentina. Following a party in San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Maria was kidnapped by her boyfriend, Luis Tula, and handed over to a group of men, including Guillermo Luque, the son of a prominent politician.
Her body was discovered three days later, revealing signs of rape, severe injuries, and evidence of a cocaine overdose, marking this as Argentina's first murder officially recognized as femicide. This documentary delves into the social and political ramifications of Maria Soledad's tragic death, which sparked widespread protests and media coverage across Argentina.
By spotlighting the systemic issues surrounding violence against women and political corruption, the film not only sheds light on a pivotal moment in Argentine history but also emphasizes the urgent need for societal change.
By spotlighting the systemic issues surrounding violence against women and political corruption, the film not only sheds light on a pivotal moment in Argentine history but also emphasizes the urgent need for societal change. There's also a noteworthy focus on the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence.
3 Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer
The Terror Installed By Richard Ramirez In The Greater Los Angeles Area
Your comment has not been saved
Night Stalker: The Hunt For A Serial Killer is a true-crime documentary series recounting the pursuit and capture of Richard Ramirez, a notorious serial killer who terrorized California in the 1980s. The series explores the investigation and eventual arrest of Ramirez, featuring interviews with law enforcement, witnesses, and those closest to the case.
- Cast
- Gil Carrillo , Frank Salerno , Pearl Carrillo , Tony Valdez , Laurel Erickson
- Release Date
- January 13, 2021
- Seasons
- 1
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer is a gripping four-part documentary series that chronicles the terror unleashed by Richard Ramirez, known as the Night Stalker, who brutally murdered at least 14 people in the Greater Los Angeles area during 1984-85. Directed by Tiller Russell and James Carroll, the series offers a unique perspective by focusing on the voices of survivors, law enforcement officials, and journalists rather than centering solely on Ramirez himself.
Detective Gil Carrillo, alongside his partner Frank Salerno, provides a personal narrative as they recount their relentless investigation into the Night Stalker’s heinous crimes. This documentary is a worthwhile watch because it not only sheds light on the investigative process but also humanizes the victims and the detectives working tirelessly to solve the case.
While some may find the production a bit tabloid in style, the series emphasizes the emotional toll on the investigators, particularly Carrillo, whose family faced threats as a result of his work. By highlighting both the brutality of Ramirez's crimes and the resilience of the victims and their families, Night Stalker serves as a haunting reminder of the impact of violence and the dedication of those who seek justice.
2 Monsters Inside: The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan
The First Major Criminal Case Of A Person Diagnosed With Dissociative Identity Disorder
Monsters Inside: The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan is a compelling 2021 docuseries that delves into the life of Billy Milligan, who, after being arrested in 1977 for a series of robberies, kidnappings, and rapes on the Ohio State University campus, became a pivotal figure in discussions surrounding mental health and criminal responsibility. Despite the evidence against him, Milligan claimed to have no memory of the crimes, leading to a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder (DID).
His legal team argued that two of his ten identified personalities committed the acts without his knowledge, resulting in his acquittal and subsequent years spent in mental hospitals, where he developed additional identities. This docuseries not only explores the complexities of Milligan's case but also raises important questions about the intersection of mental health and the justice system.
10 Best True Crime TV Shows, Ranked
True crime has always been a popular genre for TV shows and movies, but what are the best true crime shows that dramatize the source stories?
Through interviews with mental health professionals, family members, and legal experts, viewers gain insight into the challenges of diagnosing and treating individuals with DID. The series captures the public's fascination with Milligan's story and the broader implications of how society views mental illness, making it a thought-provoking examination of a notorious case that remains relevant in discussions of criminal justice and mental health today.
1 The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman
One Of The Biggest Scammers In UK History
Your comment has not been saved
This harrowing docuseries investigates the machinations of a conman posing as a British spy, who exploits and deceives his victims, leaving destruction in his path. Through interviews and dramatic recreations, the series examines the impact on the lives shattered by his manipulation and fraud.
- Release Date
- January 18, 2022
- Seasons
- 1
The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman is a gripping 2022 docuseries that investigates the notorious British con artist Robert Hendy-Freegard, who manipulated his victims through elaborate lies and coercive control tactics. The three-part series features firsthand accounts, including that of Sarah Smith, who unwittingly joined Hendy-Freegard on a decade-long journey marked by deception and emotional abuse.
Claiming to be an undercover MI5 agent, Hendy-Freegard instilled fear in his victims, leading them to abandon their families and financial security. This docuseries is an unflinching exploration of coercive control and the psychological mechanisms that can render even the most rational individuals vulnerable to manipulation.
Through compelling storytelling and the courage of those who share their experiences, The Puppet Master not only reveals the depths of Hendy-Freegard's deceit but also serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring how easily reality can be distorted under the influence of a skilled manipulator. This makes it both chilling and enlightening, not unlike the tale woven in This is the Zodiac Speaking.
Your comment has not been saved
After decades of mystery, the Seawater family presents new evidence about the Zodiac Killer, sharing their story and naming the only suspect agreed upon by detectives.
- Release Date
- October 23, 2024
- Seasons
- 1
- Network
- Netflix
Source: Screen Rant