9 Gripping Shows Like Helter Skelter (2020)

Description: A documentary that uncovers a complex web of corruption and deceit in the world of college basketball, revealing how individuals manipulate systems for personal gain.

Fact: The film provides unprecedented access to secret recordings and insider accounts, shedding light on a scandal that rocked the sports world.

Description: A personal and haunting exploration of an unsolved murder, where the filmmaker investigates his own mother's death, blending true crime with intimate family drama.

Fact: The documentary series was created by the victim's son, who spent years piecing together clues and confronting family secrets in his quest for answers.

Description: A documentary series that meticulously reconstructs infamous crime scenes, offering a detailed look at the events and societal factors that contributed to the crimes, much like an in-depth forensic analysis.

Fact: Each season focuses on a different high-profile crime, with the first season examining the Cecil Hotel's dark history and its connection to the mysterious death of Elisa Lam.

Description: This documentary tells the bizarre true story of a French con artist who impersonated a missing Texas boy, blending elements of psychological thriller with real-life crime investigation.

Fact: The film uses a mix of interviews and reenactments to create a chilling narrative, leaving viewers questioning the nature of identity and deception.

Description: A documentary that exposes the flaws in the criminal justice system through the story of five wrongfully convicted teenagers, highlighting issues of racial injustice and media influence.

Fact: The case led to significant legal reforms and a multimillion-dollar settlement for the wrongfully accused, who spent years in prison before being exonerated.

Description: A gripping crime drama that examines the complexities of the justice system through the lens of a murder case, highlighting themes of racial bias, legal intricacies, and the personal toll on those involved.

Fact: The show was originally developed as a British series called 'Criminal Justice' and was adapted for American audiences, retaining its intense, character-driven narrative.

Description: This documentary series explores the relentless pursuit of justice in a decades-long hunt for a serial predator, blending true crime with personal narrative to uncover the impact of crime on victims and investigators alike.

Fact: The series is based on Michelle McNamara's bestselling book of the same name, and its release coincided with the arrest of the Golden State Killer, the subject of her investigation.

Description: This series delves into the psychological manipulation and true crime narrative, focusing on a disturbing mother-daughter relationship that spirals into criminal behavior. It shares a deep exploration of human psychology and the dark side of familial bonds.

Fact: The series is based on the real-life story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother Dee Dee, whose case shocked the nation due to the extreme nature of Munchausen syndrome by proxy involved.

Description: This documentary provides a harrowing firsthand account of a crime and its aftermath, focusing on the emotional and psychological effects on those who survive traumatic events.

Fact: The film centers on Kitty Genovese, whose murder in 1964 became infamous due to the reported apathy of bystanders, a narrative that was later challenged and reevaluated.