If you were captivated by the chilling true-crime drama 'In Ice Cold Blood (2018),' you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that share its dark, suspenseful tone, real-life crime inspiration, or investigative storytelling. Whether you're a true-crime enthusiast or love edge-of-your-seat thrillers, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

The Central Park Five (2012)
Description: A documentary that examines a wrongful conviction case, shedding light on racial injustice and flaws in the legal system, themes commonly found in crime documentaries.
Fact: The film was directed by Ken Burns, his daughter Sarah Burns, and her husband David McMahon, marking a rare family collaboration in documentary filmmaking.


The Night Of (2016)
Description: A gripping crime drama that examines the complexities of the justice system and the personal toll of being accused of a heinous crime, much like other intense legal procedurals.
Fact: The series was originally developed by HBO in 2012 but underwent significant changes, including recasting the lead role, before its eventual release.


The Cheshire Murders (2013)
Description: A harrowing documentary that explores a brutal home invasion and its aftermath, focusing on the impact on the victims' families and the community, akin to other true crime stories that highlight societal issues.
Fact: The film was directed by Kate Davis, who is known for her work on other impactful documentaries like 'Stonewall Uprising.'


The Case Against Adnan Syed (2019)
Description: This documentary series revisits a high-profile murder case, offering a deep dive into the evidence and legal proceedings, similar to other investigative true crime narratives.
Fact: The series was produced in conjunction with the popular podcast 'Serial,' which first brought widespread attention to Adnan Syed's case.


The Act (2019)
Description: This true crime series delves into the psychological manipulation and disturbing relationship between a mother and daughter, mirroring the dark and unsettling themes often explored in crime documentaries.
Fact: The series is based on the real-life case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who conspired to kill her abusive mother. Patricia Arquette won an Emmy for her portrayal of the mother.


The Witness (2015)
Description: This documentary investigates a notorious crime from the perspective of a key witness, offering a personal and emotional angle to the story, much like other intimate true crime explorations.
Fact: The film focuses on the infamous 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, a case that sparked widespread debate about bystander apathy.


The Staircase (2004)
Description: A comprehensive documentary series that follows a murder trial over many years, offering an in-depth look at the legal strategies and personal dramas involved, akin to other long-form true crime narratives.
Fact: The series was originally released in 2004 but was updated with new episodes in 2018 as new developments emerged in the case.


Making a Murderer (2015)
Description: This documentary series meticulously chronicles the legal battles of a man accused of murder, highlighting potential miscarriages of justice, a theme prevalent in many true crime stories.
Fact: The series was filmed over a decade, providing an unprecedented look at the long-term legal process and its effects on the accused and his family.


Evil Genius (2018)
Description: A true crime series that unravels a bizarre and complex criminal plot, focusing on the eccentric personalities involved, much like other documentaries that delve into the psychology of crime.
Fact: The case explored in the series, known as the 'pizza bomber heist,' involved a bank robbery, a hostage situation, and a deadly collar bomb.
