There’s something incredibly addictive about true-crime films. Maybe it’s the real-life tension, the shocking twists, or the fact that truth really can be stranger than fiction. Lately, I’ve been diving deep into Netflix’s true-crime collection, and let me just say if you're even slightly curious about the darker side of human nature, there’s no shortage of gripping content waiting for you.

Let’s start with American Nightmare, one of the most unbelievable crime stories I’ve seen in a long time. A woman is kidnapped in the middle of the night, her boyfriend calls 911, and instead of getting help—they accuse him of staging the whole thing. As each episode unfolds, you realize the truth is far more disturbing than the fiction we’re used to. It's intense, emotional, and completely unforgettable.

Then there’s The Girl in the Picture, which left me speechless. It’s the story of a young woman found dead on the side of the road. No one knew her real name. The more the documentary digs, the more it unearths a lifetime of manipulation, hidden identities, and a twisted father figure. It’s one of those stories that stays with you for days. You might even pause halfway through just to Google it because you won’t believe it’s real.

If you’re interested in stories that challenge your judgment, Killer Sally is one to watch. Sally McNeil was a professional bodybuilder who shot her husband on Valentine’s Day. At first glance, it looks like a straightforward case of domestic violence. But as the story unfolds, so does a complicated relationship filled with rage, jealousy, and years of tension. The documentary doesn’t tell you who to believe. It just lays out the facts—and lets you wrestle with them.

Another must-see is Don’t Pick Up the Phone. It tells the wild story of a prank caller who convinced fast-food managers to commit terrible acts against employees over the phone. As bizarre as it sounds, this really happened in dozens of restaurants across the U.S. It’s a terrifying look at how easily people can be manipulated under pressure and how systems failed to protect the victims.

Now, if you’re in the mood for a film that blends powerful storytelling with real social struggles, The Color Purple (2023) is a stunning addition. While not a documentary, it draws deeply from real history and lived experiences. Taraji P. Henson shines as Shug Avery in this reimagined version of Alice Walker’s classic. The film captures the pain and resilience of Black women in early 20th-century America. It’s emotional, moving, and relevant. Watching it felt like more than entertainment—it was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much work still lies ahead.

Netflix’s new thriller Straw, starring Taraji P. Henson, is a gripping emotional ride. Henson plays Janiyah, a desperate single mother who accidentally causes a hostage situation at a bank while trying to access her paycheck. As the film unfolds, we learn she’s been hallucinating her daughter who tragically died hours earlier. Straw stands out for its raw portrayal of mental health, grief, and systemic failure. With a powerful performance by Henson and a shocking twist, this is one of Netflix’s must-watch dramas of the year.

Netflix has done an impressive job curating these films. Whether you’re interested in criminal psychology, justice gone wrong, or just love a good mystery, there’s something on this list that’ll keep you glued to your screen.

So next time you're scrolling through Netflix wondering what to watch, skip the fiction for a night and let these true stories pull you in. You’ll be entertained but you’ll also walk away thinking a little differently about the world around you.

If you’ve already seen one of these or have a recommendation of your own, drop it in the comments. I’m always on the hunt for the next true-crime story that keeps me up way past bedtime.