10 Bone-Chilling True Crime Series That Will Keep You Guessing

1. The Keepers (2017)

The Keepers is a bone-chilling deep dive into the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a beloved nun and Catholic high school teacher in Baltimore. After disappearing in November 1969, Sister Cathy's body was found nearly two months later, but her killer remains unidentified.

The series not only delves into the crime itself, but also uncovers a potential cover-up involving sexual abuse allegations at the school. In an eerie twist of reality, one of the series' main interviewees, former student Jean Wehner, only recovered her memories of abuse after a car accident triggered her repressed past.

2. Cold Case Files (1999-2006, 2017)

Unsolved crimes take center stage in Cold Case Files, a series that delves into the most perplexing cases in the history of American crime. Each episode features a different crime that was initially left unsolved, but later revisited, often due to advancements in forensic science or the discovery of new evidence. An interesting tidbit about this series is that its original run hosted by Bill Kurtis was so popular, it sparked a 2017 reboot presented by actor Danny Glover.

3. BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime (2016-2020)

In BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime, hosts Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej bring a refreshingly casual yet compelling approach to well-known and lesser-known true crime cases. From notorious crimes like the murder of JonBenét Ramsey to the strange disappearance of Louis Le Prince, the Father of Cinematography, the duo brings a unique combination of humor, skepticism, and in-depth research to each case.

Despite handling such grim topics, Bergara and Madej's banter and polar-opposite beliefs in the supernatural have made the series a hit among fans.

4. The Innocence Files (2020)

The Innocence Files is an eye-opening series that follows the work of The Innocence Project, a non-profit legal organization committed to exonerating the wrongly convicted. Each episode documents different cases where advancements in science and diligent investigation have overturned wrongful convictions, often after decades of the innocent person serving time. The series actually led to the reopening of some cases and has significantly contributed to the ongoing discussions about legal reform in America.

5. The Staircase (2004, 2013, 2018)

The Staircase is a gripping docuseries centered around the trial of novelist Michael Peterson, accused of killing his wife, Kathleen. Initially released in 2004 with eight episodes, the series received additional episodes in 2013 and 2018, following new developments in the case.

The case's twists and turns, including a theory about an owl being the real perpetrator, kept viewers guessing and have made the series a standout in the true crime genre. Director Jean-Xavier de Lestrade had unprecedented access to Peterson's defense, even capturing strategic discussions and private conversations.

6. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015)

The Jinx is a terrifying journey into the life of Robert Durst, a real estate heir with an unsettling connection to several unsolved crimes, including the disappearance of his wife. The series is renowned for its unprecedented access to Durst and its jaw-dropping finale, which must be seen to be believed. Durst himself was arrested for murder the day before the series finale aired, making it one of the most shocking outcomes in documentary history. The Jinx has an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

7. Unsolved Mysteries (1987-2010, 2020)

Unsolved Mysteries is a true crime classic that was given a fresh coat of paint in 2020 by Netflix. The series examines a plethora of cases ranging from missing persons to paranormal occurrences. The original series, hosted by Robert Stack with his ominous voice, was renowned for its chilling theme music and unresolved endings.

The reboot has continued the tradition, focusing on one mystery per episode and maintaining the chilling atmosphere of the original. The show's tips hotline led to approximately 260 cases being solved during the original run.

8. Making a Murderer (2015, 2018)

Making a Murderer details the story of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who served 18 years in prison for a wrongful conviction, only to be arrested again under dubious circumstances two years after his release. This gripping series raises serious questions about the American justice system and the potential corruption within it. The series, which took ten years to film, led to an international audience calling for Avery's release and even prompted a response from then-President Barack Obama.

9. The Confession Tapes (2017)

The Confession Tapes is a thought-provoking series that explores the unnerving reality of false confessions. Each episode delves into a different case where a person confessed to a crime they didn't commit, often due to manipulative interrogation tactics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show has a solid 100% rating. Behind the scenes, director Kelly Loudenberg spent more than three years researching and filming for the series, interviewing experts and people who gave false confessions.

10. Evil Genius: The True Story of America's Most Diabolical Bank Heist (2018)

Evil Genius unravels the bizarre case of the “pizza bomber heist” — a bank robbery in Erie, Pennsylvania, that resulted in the death of pizza delivery man Brian Wells. The four-part series takes the viewers through an elaborate plot involving peculiar characters and puzzling motives, peeling back layers of deceit and manipulation. The title Evil Genius is derived from the investigators' description of Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, the primary suspect in the case.