As beautiful as our little blue planet might seem from the outside, there are fissures that goes really deep. Society is known to be built on ideologies and is expected to show and receive kindness. But these ideal case scenarios are sometimes broken into pieces when human psychology takes a dip in the darkness. Crimes and criminals have attracted major attention from film makers who intends to present the stories that shook the world at some point or got shunned away by authorities just so these horrifying incidents don’t disturb the peace dwellers. So, on that note, here is a list of 19 true crime movies and shows that can horrify you to the core.
1. Girl in the Box

Released in 2016, directed by Stephen Kemp, Girl in the Box is a deeply unsettling portrayal of captivity and control, made all the more chilling by its basis on real events. The film recounts the harrowing experience of Colleen Stan, whose life takes a dark turn after a seemingly ordinary ride. Its gripping narrative and eerie atmosphere reveal the depths of human manipulation and resilience. This psychological thriller is horrifying because it showcases the unthinkable happening in plain sight.
2. The Girl Next Door

Based on a shocking true story, The Girl Next Door is a painful story of cruelty hiding behind suburban normalcy. It follows Meg, a young girl subjected to unimaginable torment by a twisted caregiver and manipulated children. The film’s horror lies in its raw depiction of unchecked evil and the vulnerability of innocence. Its unsettling realism leaves a mark, making it a haunting reminder of the darkness humans can give in to.
3. Come and See

Released in 1985, directed by Elem Klimov, Come and See is a haunting portrayal of the horrors of war, inspired by real events during World War II. The story follows young Florya as he witnesses the brutal devastation of his village and the depths of human suffering. Its raw depiction of innocence lost and the savagery of conflict is deeply unsettling. The film’s unflinching realism and emotional weight make it an unforgettable exploration of the true cost of war.
4. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father, directed by Kurt Kuenne and released in 2008, is a devastating true story that unravels the fragility of justice and the strength of love. This poignant documentary, crafted as a tribute to a lost friend, evolves into a gripping exploration of betrayal, heartbreak, and resilience. The emotional weight of its revelations is profoundly unsettling, making it a deeply affecting reminder of life’s unpredictable tragedies.
5. In A Glass Cage

In a Glass Cage dives into the twisted dynamic between a paralyzed former Nazi and the boy who becomes his caretaker, creating an atmosphere of claustrophobic dread. Inspired by the darkest corners of human behaviour, the story unfolds with chilling tension and psychological torment that’s hard to shake. Its horror lies in the unnerving power struggles and unrelenting sense of doom. This 1986 film, Directed by Agustí Villaronga, is a haunting exploration of guilt, cruelty and the scars of the past.
6. Men Behind the Sun

Men Behind the Sun delves into the horrifying acts of Unit 731, a secret Japanese army facility during World War II. Released in 1988, directed by T. F. Mou, the film presents a chilling account of real-life experiments conducted on prisoners. Its terror comes from its brutal depiction of human suffering and the cold, systematic cruelty of war crimes. This unsettling piece of cinema forces viewers to confront the darkest chapters of history.
7. City of God

Based on true events, City of God takes you to the gritty streets of Rio, where crime and survival shape young lives. It tells the gripping story of Rocket, a boy trying to escape the chaos, and Lil Zé, who thrives in it. The film is terrifying because it reveals the brutal reality of life in the slums, where innocence is often lost to violence and fear. Its raw energy and powerful storytelling leave an unforgettable impact.
8. The Strangers

Directed by Bryan Bertino, The Strangers was released in 2008. It is a chilling tale of a couple terrorized by masked intruders. Inspired by real-life events, the film taps into the primal fear of random violence and the vulnerability of home. Its horror lies in the eerie silence, sudden chaos, and the unsettling randomness of the attackers’ motives. With its slow-burn suspense and relentless tension, it leaves you double-checking your locks at night.
9. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

Directed by John McNaughton and released in 1986, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a grim and haunting dive into the life of a man shaped by chaos and cruelty. Based on true events, it is horrifying because of its cold, matter-of-fact portrayal of violence without reason or remorse. The film’s unflinching realism and unsettling detachment make it a chilling exploration of the darkest corners of humanity.
10. Boston Strangler

The title Boston Strangler carries the weight of a chilling real-life case, diving into the twisted mind behind a reign of terror. With gripping performances by Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon, the film captures the relentless pursuit of truth amidst chaos. It’s horrifying because it lays bare how fear gripped a city and how justice seemed elusive. The story’s tension lies in its unsettling realism, making it as haunting as it is unforgettable.
11. House of Gucci

Lady Gaga dazzles as Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci, a story pulled straight from real-life high fashion and high drama. The film unravels the chilling tale of ambition, betrayal, and the dark side of luxury, showing how power can tear even the richest empires apart. With jaw-dropping performances and opulent visuals, it’s horrifying to see how greed and obsession destroy family ties, making the Gucci name unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
12. The Clovehitch Killer

Directed by Duncan Skiles in 2018, The Clovehitch Killer sneaks into your psyche with its chilling portrayal of suburban darkness. Loosely inspired by real-life events, it follows Dylan McDermott as a seemingly perfect dad whose past may hide sinister secrets, and Charlie Plummer as his curious son uncovering unsettling truths. The horror lies in its blatant realism. How evil can hide behind a picture-perfect family facade. It's a slow-burn thriller that leaves you questioning how well you really know the ones you love.
13. Till

Till takes its name from Emmett Till, whose tragic fate shook America to its core. Based on a true story, it follows his mother, Mamie, as she transforms her unimaginable grief into a powerful fight for justice and change. The horror lies in the raw exposure of racial injustice and the heartbreak of a parent’s loss. It’s a deeply moving reminder of history’s darkest corners and the strength it takes to confront them.
14. American Nightmare

Released in 2019, American Nightmare dives into chilling real-life stories with ordinary people like John, whose lives spiral into unimaginable terror. The show’s horror lies in how these events unfold in seemingly safe neighbourhoods, reminding viewers that evil can lurk anywhere. With two gripping seasons, it delivers a haunting mix of suspense and humanity, making you question how well you know the world around you.
15. Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Dahmer unpacks the unsettling true events surrounding one of history’s most notorious figures, focusing on the disturbing depths of human behaviour. The show’s horror lies in its chilling depiction of how darkness can thrive unnoticed in everyday settings. Through its meticulous storytelling, it captures the fragility of trust and the devastating impact on countless lives. Released in 2022, the series stars Evan Peters as Jeffrey Dahmer, brought to life under the direction of Ryan Murphy.
16. Mindhunter

Mindhunter delves into the psychological exploration of real-life criminals, unravelling the complex minds behind heinous acts. The show is horrifying for its raw portrayal of how dark instincts can manifest and its unsettling realism. It is based on true events, following the early days of criminal profiling by the FBI's Behavioural Science Unit. Released in 2017, the series stars Jonathan Groff as Holden Ford, under the skilled direction of David Fincher. Available on Netflix, it is an unflinching look at the shadowy corners of the human psyche.
17. The Asunta Case

Released in 2024, The Asunta Case: A Mother's Crime focuses on Asunta Basterra, a young girl at the heart of a tragic real-life mystery that shook Spain. This gripping series is horrifying for its exploration of betrayal and the dark secrets within a family, leaving viewers questioning trust itself. With a single intense season, it features powerful performances from key figures like Alfonso Basterra and Rosario Porto, whose lives are intertwined in this chilling tale. A haunting reminder that truth can be stranger than fiction.
18. The Girl from Plainville

Released in 2022, The Girl from Plainville tells the unsettling story of Michelle Carter, portrayed brilliantly by Elle Fanning, and her involvement in a case that left audiences shocked. Based on true events, the show dives into the complexities of mental health, manipulation, and the chilling impact of technology in human relationships. With just one season, it captivates with hauntingly strong performances by Chloë Sevigny and Colton Ryan. This series is horrifying because it’s not just a story, it’s a peek at the darker side of reality.
19. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes

Ted Bundy, one of history's most infamous figures, is at the centre of Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes. This gripping documentary series unravels chilling details of his calculated actions through rare interviews, archival footage, and personal accounts. Based on real-life events, the show is deeply unsettling as it reveals the manipulative charm and deceit of Bundy, making viewers question appearances and trust. Directed by Joe Berlinger, with Ted Bundy as the unsettling focal point, the 2019 series offer a haunting look into the mind of a man whose actions stunned the world.

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