Image Credits - NetflixTrue crime documentaries have a way of pulling us into real-life mysteries, shocking investigations, and chilling criminal cases. But not every series requires a long-term commitment—some of the best ones wrap up in just a few episodes, making them perfect for a gripping one-sitting binge. Here are some of the most captivating true crime docuseries you can watch in a single night.
1. Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019) – 3 Episodes
This shocking Netflix docuseries follows internet sleuths who track down a man posting disturbing videos of animal cruelty, only to discover he has escalated to something far more sinister. With its gripping storytelling and unexpected twists, this one is impossible to stop watching.
2. The Tinder Swindler (2022) – 1 Episode (Feature-Length)
This viral Netflix documentary tells the wild story of a con artist who manipulated women on a dating app into giving him huge sums of money. A mix of true crime and psychological thriller, this feature-length doc is both infuriating and fascinating.
3. American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing (2023) – 3 Episodes
This tense Netflix docuseries breaks down the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the nationwide manhunt that followed. With firsthand accounts from law enforcement and survivors, it offers a gripping retelling of the harrowing events.
4. The Murders at Starved Rock (2021) – 3 Episodes
Available on HBO, this miniseries investigates the brutal 1960s murders of three women in Illinois and the decades-long uncertainty over whether the man convicted was actually guilty. With emotional interviews and deep investigative work, it’s a haunting watch.
5. I Just Killed My Dad (2022) – 3 Episodes
This disturbing yet fascinating Netflix docuseries unravels the case of a teenager who shot his father—and why he insists he had no choice. With psychological depth and unexpected turns, it’s a binge-worthy deep dive into a unique crime.
6. Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist (2018) – 4 Episodes
This chilling Netflix docuseries examines the bizarre 2003 “collar bomb” bank robbery in Pennsylvania, in which a pizza delivery man was forced to commit a heist with an explosive strapped to his body. As the investigation unfolds, the truth becomes even stranger than fiction.
7. The Family I Had (2017) – 1 Episode (Feature-Length)
A heartbreaking documentary available on streaming platforms, The Family I Had explores the shocking case of a 13-year-old boy who murdered his younger sister and the emotional fallout that followed. It’s an unsettling but deeply moving watch.
For those who love the rush of a gripping true crime story without the long commitment of a multi-season show, these docuseries deliver shocking twists, jaw-dropping revelations, and unforgettable storytelling—all in a single sitting.
