If you were captivated by the chilling true-crime documentary The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith (2022), you're likely craving more gripping stories of unresolved mysteries and investigative deep dives. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat, blending suspense, real-life intrigue, and relentless pursuit of justice.

The Thin Blue Line (1988)
Description: A groundbreaking true crime documentary that re-examines a murder case, using reenactments and interviews to challenge the official narrative and uncover potential miscarriages of justice.
Fact: The film's evidence was so compelling that it led to the exoneration of the wrongly convicted man, Randall Dale Adams.


Murder on Middle Beach (2020)
Description: A deeply personal documentary series where the filmmaker investigates his own mother's unsolved murder, blending family drama with true crime intrigue.
Fact: The director, Madison Hamburg, began filming the series as a way to cope with his grief and uncover the truth about his mother's death.


The Imposter (2012)
Description: A mind-bending documentary that follows a bizarre case of identity theft and deception, revealing how a young man convinced a family he was their missing son.
Fact: The story is so unbelievable that it includes interviews with the actual imposter, who details his audacious scheme.


The Act of Killing (2012)
Description: A chilling documentary that explores the psychological aftermath of mass killings, blending surreal reenactments with raw interviews to uncover unsettling truths.
Fact: The film's subjects, former Indonesian death squad leaders, reenact their crimes in various cinematic genres, creating a disturbing yet fascinating narrative.


The Central Park Five (2012)
Description: A harrowing documentary that exposes the wrongful conviction of five teenagers, highlighting systemic racism and the failures of the criminal justice system.
Fact: The case became a symbol of racial injustice, and the five men later received a multi-million dollar settlement from New York City.


The Night Of (2016)
Description: A gripping crime drama that delves into the complexities of the justice system, focusing on a murder case that unravels with unexpected twists and moral dilemmas.
Fact: The series was inspired by the British show 'Criminal Justice' and features a haunting performance by Riz Ahmed, who lost 20 pounds for his role.


I'll Be Gone in the Dark (2020)
Description: A haunting docuseries that follows the hunt for the Golden State Killer, blending investigative journalism with personal narrative to explore the impact of unsolved crimes.
Fact: The series is based on Michelle McNamara's bestselling book, and her relentless pursuit of the killer is a central theme.


The Case Against Adnan Syed (2019)
Description: A detailed examination of a high-profile murder case, exploring the evidence, legal battles, and media frenzy surrounding the conviction of a young man.
Fact: The case gained widespread attention through the podcast 'Serial,' which became a cultural phenomenon.


The Witness (2015)
Description: A poignant documentary that re-examines a infamous murder case through the eyes of the victim's brother, who seeks to understand the truth behind her death.
Fact: The film includes never-before-seen footage and interviews, shedding new light on the decades-old case.


The Murder of Laci Peterson (2017)
Description: A true crime documentary that delves into the high-profile case of a pregnant woman's disappearance and the subsequent trial of her husband, exploring media sensationalism and public perception.
Fact: The case was one of the most followed in American history, with extensive media coverage and public debate about the defendant's guilt.
