12 Movies Like Murdertown You Need to Watch
Craving tense true-crime watches? Explore 12 gripping documentary, crime, and mystery picks for fans of Murdertown, with fresh options to stream.
If you’re searching for movies like Murdertown, you probably want tense true-crime stories that lean into investigation, mystery, and the human cost of violent cases. This list brings together documentaries and crime series that keep the focus on real cases, from Murdertown (2018) and The Case That Haunts Me (2018) to Strangers You Know (2021) and The Lake Erie Murders (2018). You’ll also find newer standouts such as Catching Killers (2021), True Life: Crime (2020), Homicide (2024), and New York Homicide (2022). Each title offers a different angle, whether you prefer cold-case pressure, interview-driven storytelling, or a broader look at how detectives piece together the truth. With 12 titles on the page, it’s easy to find a next watch that matches your taste for documentary-driven crime stories.
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01
The Case That Haunts Me
documentary · crime
Sweeping true crime stories narrated by detectives who investigated cases ranging from mysterious disappearances to twisted family murders, showcasing unforgettable incidents that shattered law and order, leaving authorities perplexed.
Directed by Eric Sabbag, Gabriel Pelletier, Anne De Léan, John L'EcuyerCast Jason Cavalier, Mark Day, Rossif Sutherland, Tammy Gillis, Tyler Elliot BurkeHulu -
02
Strangers You Know
crime · documentary
A hard-hitting crime docuseries unpacking the details of some of South Africa’s most heinous murders. Each episode will take you to the heart of a brutal incident that gripped the nation.
Directed by Willem GroblerCast Anene Booyse, Karabo Mokoena, Jayde PanayiotouAmazon Prime VideoFreevee -
03
The Lake Erie Murders
documentary · crime
Lake Erie is home to some of North America’s darkest and deadliest murder cases. Dive deep into its most notorious mysteries and hear insight from the detectives working on the frontline of these shocking investigations.
Directed by Elliot Goldner, Thomas Latter, Phil Bowman, Lewis Albrow, Bill KerrCast Jeremy Bobb, Mya Douglas, Scott Smith, JR Long, Danny RyderHuluMax -
04
Catching Killers
documentary · crime · mystery
The investigators behind infamous serial killer cases reveal the harrowing, chilling details of their extraordinary efforts in this true crime series.
Directed by Alex Emslie, Suemay Oram, Ben Reid, Simon Jacobs, Sonia PavlovicCast Will Bayliss-Brown, Gabrielle Fritz, Laura Ndreu, Michael J. Alexander, Kristian DrewNetflix -
05
True Life: Crime
documentary
Take a deep dive into the true-crime stories rocking headlines and social media feeds. These victims were young, the crimes against them were shocking and haunting questions remain.
Directed by B.J. Golnick, Jess FuerstCast Dometi PongoParamount Plus -
06
Homicide
documentary · crime
Detectives and prosecutors revisit their most challenging homicide cases in this chilling true-crime docuseries.
Directed by Adam KassenCast Dick Wolf, Jovanna Valladares, Austin Leigh Wilson, Chiyeko JonesNetflix -
07
New York Homicide
documentary · crime · mystery
A deep dive into some of the most chilling murder cases in New York City's recent history. New York City is a shining beacon of opportunity for people across the world and a true melting pot. It's a city with a gritty core, where tensions run high. A series of details to the brazen crimes that could only happen in New York and the intense work by law enforcement and civilians who race to take murderers off the streets.
Directed by Justin Lee Stanley, Tim O'ConnorCast Brian Panella, Mariah Moss, Jack Caruso, Julie Leon, Nicholas SafierPeacock Premium -
08
Philly Homicide
documentary · crime
Host and retired detective Lt. Chris McMullin gives insights on crimes that took place in a region steeped in rich history and vibrant culture that is known for tenacity and grit. Archival footage, exclusive first-person interviews with former and current Philadelphia area detectives, and cinematic recreations provide an insider's view into the heartrending cases Philly's finest diligently worked to solve. The series delves into the twists and turns of the most harrowing murders committed in the city known as America's birthplace.
Directed by Bruno BahunekCast Terry Quillen, Brian Field, Kelsey-Lamar Miller, Brian Stewart, Anthony HortonPeacock Premium -
09
Hometown Homicide
documentary · crime
Using the urgency and intimacy of local news footage, the stories of murder investigations that turned small towns and communities upside down are recounted.
Directed by William Kerr, Andrea De Brito, Kristin IrwinCast Jake Robards, Bobby Nelson, Raymond Savoie, Michael Hegarty, Taylor OwensMax -
10
The Confession Tapes
documentary · crime
This true crime documentary series investigates cases where people convicted of murder claim their confessions were coerced, involuntary or false.
Directed by Kelly Loudenberg, Christina Burchard, Sara GoldblattCast Brian Hutchinson, Jim Trainum, Michael Abramsky, Daniel BennetNetflix -
11
People Magazine Investigates
documentary · crime
Uncover the heart-wrenching true stories behind crimes that transcended headlines and became part of popular culture. Exclusive first hand interviews reveal shocking twists, new evidence, and unexpected resolutions.
Directed by Stephen Schuster, Mike Testin, Adam Werth, Thomai Hatsios, Charlie MysakCast David Christopher Wells, Michael Wayne Brown, Anna Mhairi, Carl Turner, Mark SchaeferMax -
12
True Crime Story: Citizen Detective
documentary · crime
The gripping stories of everyday citizens who have solved or are attempting to solve a murder. Each episode focuses on an individual citizen detective – or a group working together – and the case that they’re consumed by, unpacking the details of the case and exploring the psyches of those who simply need to know what happened and why?
Cast Madison Taylor McConvilleAMC+
Wrapping Up
Whether you want forensic detail, emotional interviews, or a case-by-case mystery that builds real suspense, these picks deliver plenty to explore. Titles like Murdertown, Catching Killers, and New York Homicide show how gripping factual crime storytelling can be when the investigation stays front and center. Bookmark this page so you can come back whenever you want another strong recommendation, because the selection is updated regularly. If your next search is for more tightly paced crime documentaries, this list should keep your queue full for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these movies similar to Murdertown?
These picks were matched by tone, themes, and story style using a similarity model trained on plot synopses, genres, and cast — not just shared genre tags — so the connection runs deeper than a simple category match.
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Last updated: September 4, 2026