10 Gripping Shows Like The Curious Case of Natalia Grace (2023)

Description: This series shares with 'Natalia Grace' an examination of manipulation and control within unusual relationships. Both explore how charismatic leaders or caregivers can exert disturbing influence over others, with legal consequences eventually unfolding.

Fact: Features firsthand accounts from India Oxenberg, a high-profile NXIVM member. Reveals details about the secret 'DOS' slave/master group within NXIVM. Includes footage of leader Keith Raniere's bizarre teachings.

Description: Like 'The Curious Case of Natalia Grace', 'The Imposter' is a documentary that explores a shocking case of identity deception. It follows Frédéric Bourdin, a French con artist who impersonated a missing Texas boy, and the family who bizarrely accepted him as their own. Both stories involve themes of manipulation, family dynamics, and the unsettling question of who is truly the victim.

Fact: The documentary combines interviews with dramatic reenactments, creating a unique storytelling style. Frédéric Bourdin is known as 'The Chameleon' for his ability to assume different identities. The real Nicholas Barclay, the boy Bourdin impersonated, remains missing to this day.

Description: Similar to 'The Curious Case of Natalia Grace', 'The Jinx' is a gripping true crime documentary series that delves into the bizarre and unsettling life of Robert Durst, a wealthy real estate heir suspected of multiple murders. Both series explore themes of deception, legal battles, and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator. The storytelling style is investigative, with shocking revelations that unfold over time.

Fact: The series features an infamous moment where Robert Durst, unaware his microphone was still on, seemingly confesses to the murders. The documentary played a significant role in Durst's eventual arrest. Director Andrew Jarecki also directed the fictional film 'All Good Things', which was inspired by Durst's life.

Description: While different in subject matter, 'Tread' shares with 'Natalia Grace' an exploration of how a seemingly ordinary situation escalates into something extraordinary and destructive. Both involve individuals who feel wronged taking extreme actions, with documentary footage playing a key role in telling the story.

Fact: Documents Marvin Heemeyer's 2004 bulldozer rampage in Granby, Colorado. Features Heemeyer's own audio recordings explaining his motives. The armored bulldozer he built is still considered an impressive feat of engineering.

Description: This documentary covers the same case as 'The Act' but in non-fiction format, making it even more directly comparable to 'The Curious Case of Natalia Grace'. Both explore disturbing family dynamics, medical deception, and the question of who is truly the victim in complex abuse situations.

Fact: Features actual interviews with Gypsy Rose from prison. Includes never-before-seen home videos of Dee Dee and Gypsy. The documentary reveals how Gypsy's online relationship led to the murder plot.

Description: This dramatized series shares similarities with 'The Curious Case of Natalia Grace' in its exploration of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a form of abuse where a caregiver exaggerates or induces illness in a dependent for attention or sympathy. Both stories involve complex mother-child relationships, deception, and legal consequences.

Fact: The series is based on the real-life case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Patricia Arquette won an Emmy for her portrayal of Dee Dee. Gypsy Rose was released from prison in December 2023 after serving 8 years for her role in her mother's murder.

Description: This documentary examines a controversial case where text messages were central to a conviction, similar to how communication evidence plays a role in 'The Curious Case of Natalia Grace'. Both explore the legal and ethical boundaries of responsibility in unusual criminal cases involving young people.

Fact: The case set legal precedent regarding involuntary manslaughter via text messages. Michelle Carter was released from prison in 2020 after serving 11 months. The documentary includes actual text exchanges between Carter and Conrad Roy III.

Description: This documentary series shares with 'Natalia Grace' an in-depth look at a mysterious death case with conflicting narratives. Both involve families torn apart by allegations and leave viewers questioning what really happened.

Fact: Originally released as 8 episodes, then expanded with updates. Michael Peterson's case inspired multiple fictional adaptations. The owl theory is one of the most unusual alternative explanations in true crime history.

Description: Like 'The Curious Case of Natalia Grace', this groundbreaking documentary series follows a controversial legal case over many years, raising questions about the justice system's handling of unusual circumstances. Both leave viewers questioning who is telling the truth.

Fact: Filmed over 10 years in real time. Sparked widespread debate about Steven Avery's guilt or innocence. Led to new legal filings in Avery's case due to its popularity.

Description: Similar to 'Natalia Grace', this documentary explores a bizarre crime that seems too strange to be true. Both involve complex schemes, unusual characters, and leave viewers questioning motives and culpability.

Fact: Covers the infamous 'pizza bomber' case from 200Features Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, considered one of the most intelligent female criminals. The case involved an elaborate scavenger hunt with deadly consequences.