The Best True Crime Documentaries to Stream on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime This August

It's always surprising, and concerning, how many criminals have avoided capture despite massive rewards and international investigations. This Netflix true crime docuseries covers the most wanted individuals still at large and displays the cunning and sheer luck required to evade capture. The series calls to mind a classic line from the Netflix crime drama Narcos: "The bad guys need to get lucky every time. The good guys just need to get lucky once."

First up: Dirty John is not a true crime documentary. It's a crime drama anthology series based on real-life events—and its second season is scheduled to hit Netflix on the 14th of August. The first season of Dirty John starred Eric Bana and Connie Britton. It was based on the true story of John Meehan (Bana) and Debra Newell (Britton), a couple whose strained relationship was filled with lies. The second season, subtitled The Betty Broderick Story, stars Amanda Peet, Christian Slater, and Rachel Keller. It tracks the deadly drama surrounding Broderick (Peet), her ex-husband, Dan Broderick (Slater), and Dan's lover, Linda (Keller). 

This three-part true crime docuseries examines organized crime in New York City in the 1970s and 80s and the efforts by the FBI to bring down the mob. The series reveals the stranglehold organized crime had on the Big Apple at this time, and the innovative techniques used by the FBI to finally dismantle these criminal regimes.

In last month's look at true crime documentaries to stream, we celebrated the return of Unsolved Mysteries. Netflix's reboot still ranks in the top 10 most-viewed shows on the platform, and it's no surprise why. Many viewers have mobilized on social media, searching for answers and attempting to help solve the cold cases featured on the show. The second batch of episodes is streaming now, and is even more engaging than the first set of episodes. Stream the whole season this weekend—perhaps you may be able to help solve a mystery. 

Related: 11 Chilling Shows to Watch After You’ve Binged Every Episode of Unsolved Mysteries 

With prominent socialite Ghislaine Maxwell having recently been charged with the crimes of enticement of minors and sex trafficking of children, the Epstein case is back in the news. This new docuseries tracks Jeffrey Epstein's heinous crimes, elevating the voices of the victims of the convicted sex offender and shining a harsh light on the powerful figures involved in the scandal. 

Dubbed the "Oakland County Child Killer," the still-unidentified kidnapper and murderer of four Detroit youth has remained a topic of interest for 40 years. Sparking a wave of 'stranger danger,' the unsolved crime generated some of the largest manhunts in the United States. This 2019 documentary explores the case as well as the country's reaction to the crimes. 

We highlighted this series in our July roundup, but are presenting it here once again as August 1st marks the day in 1969 when the first Zodiac Killer letters arrived at multiple newspaper offices in California. Author Gary L. Stewart, who wrote the book that was adapted into The Most Dangerous Animal of All, had no personal interactions with his father, Earl Van Best, Jr. And yet, Gary believes his father may have been one of America's most notorious serial murderers: the Zodiac Killer. This 2020 true crime documentary serves as an extended investigation of Stewart's research.

Related: Gary L. Stewart Thinks He Knows Who the Zodiac Killer Is–His Father

Called "the most important film of 2018" by Forbes, The China Hustle is a unique true crime story due to the fact that you may be one of the victims. Exploring a financial crime big enough to impact your 401k, this ongoing scandal and its economic impacts should not be ignored.

Much has changed in the Golden State Killer case since this 2018 true crime documentary first aired; for starters, Golden State Killer suspect Joseph James DeAngelo was arrested and has now pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder and a number of other felonies. Revisit the case in this four-part docuseries, hosted by cold case expert Paul Holes. 

Related: 13 Riveting True Crime Books for Fans of I'll Be Gone In the Dark 

The Case that Haunts Me explores haunting investigations told by the detectives who led each case. Some of these cases remain unsolved, while others were cracked. All of the investigations will keep viewers from sleeping easily. 

This explosive new true crime docuseries centers on the murder of American DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. In 1985, Camarena was kidnapped, tortured, and killed by one of Mexico's most violent drug lords. Thirty-five years after Camarena's death, three former cartel insiders have stepped forward to share shocking information about what happened all those years ago—and just who may have known about Camarena's brutal death. 

The 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese stands as one of the most tragic and controversial murder cases in recent memory. Kitty's brother, William "Bill" Genovese, investigates the case in this true crime documentary. In doing so, he explores the questions that linger still: what truly happened that night and can the memory of Kitty's life shine brighter than her death?

Related: Kitty Genovese: 6 Books to Read After Watching The Witness Documentary 

This true crime documentary focuses on Ted Bundy, the crimes he committed, and the many women he hurt. After 40 years of silence, Elizabeth Kendall, Bundy's one-time girlfriend, and Elizabeth's daughter, Molly Kendall, have stepped forward to share their experiences with Bundy, providing a valuable female perspective on the notorious serial killer's life and crimes. 

Related: 8 Twisted Confessions from Ted Bundy That Will Make Your Skin Crawl