True crimes and serial killer documentaries have always worked as a genre for viewers, and the highest-rated ones on IMDb hardly disappoint. The chilling tales of notorious criminals, their gruesome acts, the relentless investigations, and the pursuit of justice never fail to intrigue those who indulge in OTT content.
From infamous figures like Ted Bundy to Jeffrey Dahmer, history has witnessed serial killers who lived seemingly normal lives while harbouring a dark side. Some managed to evade capture multiple times, while others shocked the world with their complete lack of remorse.
The popularity of serial killer documentaries stems from the desire to dive into the intricacies of crime scenes, forensic analysis, and the twisted minds behind these heinous acts. It is no wonder that these stories attract massive media attention.
If you’re curious about the intensity and gore of these cases, our selection of the best serial killer documentaries, as rated by IMDb, will undoubtedly send shivers down your spine.
Here are the highest-rated serial killer documentaries, according to IMDb ratings
Our listicle of true crime and serial killer documentaries, arranged by their IMDb rankings, digs up cases that are not for the lily-livered.
1. Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)
Director: Mark Lewis
Cast: Deanna Thompson, John Green, Claudette Hamlin
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Number of episodes: 3 episodes, 1 season
How long will a binge-watch take: 1 hour, 2 minutes
First up on our list of highest-rated serial killer documentaries, according to IMDb, is Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer, a Netflix original documentary series. This chilling series revolves around a group of amateur investigators determined to uncover the identity of an individual who takes pleasure in torturing and filming cats.
The most unsettling aspect of this documentary is that the abuse of animals is often a characteristic shared by serial killers. Witnessing the evolution of someone’s desire to kill is undeniably petrifying. The series sheds light on the brutal truth that these individuals can be anyone – even our coworkers or neighbours – reminding us that darkness can reside within seemingly ordinary individuals.
2. Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer (2020)
Director: Trish Wood
Cast: Elizabeth Kendall, Molly Kendall, Rich Bundy
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Number of episodes: 5 episodes, 1 season
How long will a binge-watch take: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Ted Bundy never ceases to fascinate filmmakers and every aspect of this serial killer deserves a documentary. Unlike other documentaries, this docu-series takes a unique approach by shifting the narrative away from his crimes, murders, and victims. Instead, it focuses on Elizabeth Kendall, Bundy’s long-time girlfriend, and her daughter Molly Kendall.
For nearly four decades, the two deliberately kept themselves hidden from the public eye, cutting all ties with the killer. However, in this compelling series, they courageously share their experiences and shed light on what it truly means to be in a relationship with a killer.
3. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)
Director: Joe Berlinger
Cast: Stephen Michaud, Bob Keppel, Kathleen McChesney
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Number of episodes: 4 episodes, 1 season
How long will a binge-watch take: 4 hours
Ted Bundy possessed good looks, charm, and intelligence and even volunteered for a suicide hotline; yet he was a cold-blooded serial killer. What sets him apart is his choice to lead a life of murder instead of pursuing a career as an attorney. The recordings of his conversations, as he casually discusses his heinous crimes as if they were mundane activities, are bone-chilling. Bundy’s lack of remorse or guilt for his actions is truly unsettling, as he fully comprehended his deeds without any sense of wrongdoing. This aspect of the series is what makes it so disturbing, leaving viewers with a sense of unease long after watching it.
Interestingly, in the same year, Joe Berlinger also directed the crime thriller Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) for Netflix, featuring Zac Efron as Ted Bundy, before delving into this documentary series.
4. Night Stalker: The Hunt For a Serial Killer (2021)
Director: James Carroll, Tiller Russell
Cast: Paul Skolnick, Gil Carrillo, Frank Salernoy
IMDb rating: 7.5/10
Number of episodes: 4 episodes, 1 season
How long will a binge-watch take: 2 hours, 8 minutes
This Netflix documentary portrays the capture and prosecution of the notorious serial killer Richard Ramirez. It follows the dedicated efforts of homicide investigator Frank Salerno and detective Gil Carrillo as they work tirelessly to identify and apprehend the murderer.
Through the use of crime scene photographs, archival footage, and insightful interviews with Salerno, Carrillo, and the media who reported on the terrifying crimes, this four-part series delves into the Night Stalker case. It not only explores Ramirez’s gruesome murders but also sheds light on the sexual assault and child abduction cases that were later linked to him.
Additionally, it highlights the investigative methods, expertise, and experience employed by the detectives to bring an end to Ramirez’s violent killing spree.
5. The Confession Killer (2019)
Director: Robert Kenner, Taki Oldham
Cast: Bob Prince, Nan Cuba, Hugh Aynesworth, Phil Ryan
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Number of episodes: 5 episodes, 1 season
How long will a binge-watch take: 3 hours, 45 minutes
The documentary series The Confession Killer (2019) on Netflix is essential viewing as it offers a fresh perspective on serial killers. Through an exploration of the case of Henry Lee Lucas, a drifter killer who falsely confessed to numerous murders, the show highlights the dangers of overzealous and inept policing. It raises the important question of whether we should trust the words of such individuals, who may seek to boost their own egos by fabricating stories.
6. Jack the Ripper: Unmasking the Ripper (2005)
Director: Mark Ubsdell
Cast: Paul Begg, Richard Jones, Jenny Phillips
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
How long will a binge-watch take: 1 hour, 15 minutes
This 2005 serial killer documentary delves into the mysterious figure known as Jack the Ripper. This infamous character, who managed to evade capture, has captivated the minds of amateur crime enthusiasts for over a hundred years. While many have put forth their theories on his true identity, historian Richard Jones presents a compelling argument supported by evidence in this film.
Considered one of the top documentaries on the subject, Unmasking the Ripper thoroughly examines three main suspects and provides a historical backdrop of the grim streets of Victorian London in 1888, where the Ripper’s heinous crimes took place.
7. John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise (2021)
Director: Rod Blackhurst
Cast: Terry Sullivan, Philip Hersh. Jay Levine
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Number of episodes: 6 episodes, 1 season
How long will a binge-watch take: 5 hours
The 2021 mini-series John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise explores the long-standing rumour that the infamous ‘killer clown’ had accomplices during his heinous crimes in suburban Chicago during the late ’70s. This thought-provoking series delves into the notion that Gacy’s ties to the police prevented a thorough investigation into his actions and suggests the possibility of unidentified victims.
This comprehensive Peacock Original docuseries covers Gacy’s early life, his crimes and his notoriety.
8. Murder in the Bayou (2019)
Director: Matthew Galkin
Cast: Scott Lewis, Ramby Cormier, Frankie Richard, Teresa Gary, Ethan Brown
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Number of episodes: 5 episodes, 1 season
How long will a binge-watch take: 4 hours, 32 minutes
Murder in the Bayou is a gripping docuseries that delves into a series of unsolved murders in a rural town in Louisiana. With just five episodes, the show manages to captivate its audience without overwhelming them. The documentary uncovers the dark underbelly of police corruption and possible involvement in these heinous crimes, highlighting the likely culprits, some of whom are prominently featured in the series.
While it may not be difficult to speculate on the individuals who may have played a role in these murders, the docuseries skillfully maintains an air of uncertainty, presenting the evidence without bias. This thought-provoking show is not for the faint-hearted, as it features disturbing subject matter that may leave viewers deeply affected and apprehensive about certain aspects of Louisiana.
9. Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York (2023)
Director: Anthony Caronna, Howard Gertler
Cast: Carter Mangan Jr., Matt Foreman, Bea Hanson, Andy Humm
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Number of episodes: 4 episodes, 1 season
How long will a binge-watch take: 2 hours, 30 minnutes
This HBO original documentary series is adapted from the book titled Last Call: A True Tale of Affection, Desire, and Homicide in the LGBTQ Community of New York by Elon Green. It chronicles the atrocities committed by serial killer Richard Rogers, who infiltrated queer bars and clubs to identify his targets and brutally killed and dismembered a minimum of two homosexual and bisexual individuals in New York during the years 1992 and 1993.
Rogers managed to evade capture until the year 2001 and has refrained from making any public statements regarding the grotesque crimes. As a consequence, he was handed two back-to-back life sentences.
10. Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer (2003)
Director: Nick Broomfield, Joan Churchill
Cast: Aileen Wuornos. Nick Broomfield, Terry Humphreys-Slay, Leitha Prather
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Number of episodes: 4 episodes, 1 season
How long will a binge-watch take: 1 hour, 33 minutes
In Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer (2003), British director Nick Broomfield explores the controversial topic of the death penalty. This documentary is the second (the first was released in 1992) of two films about Aileen Wuornos, a notorious serial killer.
Broomfield challenges the court’s assessment of Wuornos’ mental state by presenting evidence from a 2002 hearing and interviews conducted just before her execution. It raises questions about whether Wuornos, who murdered seven clients between 1989 and 1990 while working as a sex worker in Florida, was truly mentally stable as claimed by court-appointed psychiatrists.
11. Crazy, Not Insane (2020)
Director: Alex Gibney
Cast: Dorothy Otnow Lewis, Catherine Yeager, Richard Burr
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
How long will a binge-watch take: 2 hours
This 2020 documentary is a must-watch for fans of Mindhunter. Instead of focusing on a single serial killer, this HBO film directed by Alex Gibney (known for Going Clear) sheds light on Dr Dorothy Otnow Lewis, a psychiatrist who has devoted her career to understanding the motivations behind the heinous acts committed by ‘extreme offenders.’
Dr. Lewis posits that many killers suffer from DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly referred to as multiple personalities), suggesting that they may not bear full responsibility for their actions. While her theory is contentious, it adds depth to Gibney’s portrayal of her.
12. Cropsey (2009)
Director: Barbara Brancaccio, Joshua Zeman
Cast: Joshua Zeman, Barbara Brancaccio, Bill Ellis
IMDb rating: 6.3/10
How long will a binge-watch take: 1 hour, 24 minutes
Cropsey is a documentary that stands out among a few others for its ability to evoke a sense of horror. It delves into an urban legend that turns out to be true, leaving viewers with a bone-chilling realisation.
Growing up in Staten Island, the filmmakers were exposed to stories about an elderly man residing in the woods, known for abducting children. After watching this film, you will understand the eerie connection between the mythical figure of ‘Cropsey’ and the heinous acts committed by convicted kidnapper Andre Rand.
13. H.H. Holmes: America’s First Serial Killer (2004)
Director: John Borowski
Cast: Tony Jay, Ed Bertagnoli, Willy Laszlo, Cary Callison
IMDb rating: 6.3/10
How long will a binge-watch take: 1 hour, 4 minutes
The documentary H.H. Holmes: America’s First Serial Killer was released a year after the highly successful non-fiction book, The Devil in the White City. It delves into a dark period in American history by focusing on the life of H.H. Holmes, a lifelong scam artist and the owner of the infamous ‘Murder Castle’ in Chicago.
During the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, Holmes would prey on unsuspecting tourists, brutally murder them, and then sell their skeletons to medical schools. Directed by Borowski (famous for Albert Fish), this film does not shy away from graphic details and utilises stock footage to illustrate the story.
14. The Jeffrey Dahmer Files (2012)
Director: Chris James Thompson
Cast: Andrew Swant, Pamela Bass, Jeffrey Jentzen
IMDb rating: 6.3/10
How long will a binge-watch take: 1 hour, 16 minutes
The documentary film The Jeffrey Dahmer Files from 2012 delves into the events of the summer of 1991 when notorious serial killer and sex offender Jeffrey Dahmer was captured and taken into custody in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This independent production incorporates dramatised reenactments alongside in-depth interviews with key figures such as lead detective Patrick Kennedy, medical examiner Jeffrey Jentzen, and Dahmer’s neighbour, Pamela Bass.
15. Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi (2022)
Director: Ayesha Sood
Cast: Sanjay Bansal, Altaf Hussain, Manjit Singh
Number of episodes: 3 episodes, 1 season
IMDb rating: 6.1/10
How long will a binge-watch take: 2 hours, 40 minutes
Last up on the list of best serial killer documentaries, according to IMDb ratings, is Netflix’s Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi. This documentary delves into the horrifying crimes committed by Chandrakant Jha, a notorious serial killer, who sent shockwaves throughout India with his beheaded victims and chilling notes. The series explores Jha’s motives, the efforts of law enforcement, and the profound impact he had on the country.
Although the docuseries follows a somewhat predictable formula in presenting information, it remains a compelling watch for those intrigued by Jha’s case and unfamiliar with the details. Directed by Sood, the show effectively utilises archival footage, recreations, and interviews to create a bone-chilling portrayal of the events.
(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes/Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer)
This article first appeared here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which is the highest-rated serial killer documentary according to IMDb?
Netflix’s Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer is the highest-rated serial killer documentary boasting an IMDb rating of 8/10.
Tags
Written by
Kratagya Rathore could possibly be your passport into the world of style, grooming, skincare, and mindful living. Fashion is as imperative to him as his daily 10,000 steps count. He is a raconteur, almost living his life in a musical; A social firefly who is also fluent in silence. A journalism grad, Kratagya has previously worked for Times Internet and The Times of India.
