10 Gripping True Crime Shows Like ‘It Couldn’t Happen Here’

Description: This documentary explores a bizarre case of identity theft and deception, where a young man convinces a family he is their missing son, raising questions about truth and gullibility.

Fact: The film combines interviews with dramatic reenactments, creating a surreal and unsettling atmosphere. The real-life imposter, Frédéric Bourdin, participated in the documentary.

Description: A gripping documentary series that follows the investigation of the Golden State Killer, blending true crime storytelling with personal narrative and investigative journalism.

Fact: The series is based on Michelle McNamara's bestselling book of the same name. McNamara's relentless pursuit of the killer is a central theme, highlighting the emotional toll of true crime research.

Description: This series revisits a high-profile murder case, exploring the flaws in the justice system and the media frenzy surrounding the trial, while questioning the conviction's validity.

Fact: The case gained renewed attention due to the popular podcast 'Serial.' The series provides new insights and interviews with key figures, including Adnan Syed himself.

Description: This series delves into a shocking true crime story involving deception and manipulation within a family, focusing on psychological abuse and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.

Fact: The series is based on the real-life case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother Dee Dee, whose story gained widespread media attention. It explores the complexities of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

Description: A documentary that re-examines a infamous crime through the perspective of a key witness, challenging public perceptions and uncovering new details about the case.

Fact: The film focuses on the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, a case that became synonymous with the 'bystander effect.' It includes never-before-seen footage and interviews.

Description: A comprehensive documentary that follows a murder trial over many years, offering an intimate look at the defendant's life and the legal strategies employed.

Fact: The original series was updated with new episodes as the case evolved. The trial's twists and turns have made it a subject of ongoing fascination and debate.

Description: A meticulously crafted documentary series that examines a controversial murder case, highlighting potential police misconduct and the complexities of the legal system.

Fact: The series sparked widespread debate and led to new legal efforts for Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey. It was filmed over a decade, capturing the case's developments in real time.

Description: A deep dive into the unsolved murder of a nun and the alleged cover-up involving the Catholic Church, blending true crime with investigative journalism.

Fact: The series uncovers decades of abuse and corruption within a Baltimore Catholic school. It features interviews with survivors and former students who seek justice.

Description: This series unravels a bizarre and convoluted crime involving a bank robbery, a bomb, and a pizza delivery man, exploring the minds of those who orchestrated it.

Fact: The case, known as the 'pizza bomber heist,' is one of the most unusual in American crime history. The series includes never-before-seen footage and interviews with key players.