This article mentions information about the crimes committed that some readers may find upsetting.
There are many questions that viewers of Netflix's Dahmer series did include events that actually happened, the TV show also took creative liberties with the horrifying true story. As a result, those interested in the minds and motivations of real-life serial killers like Dahmer may want to turn to documentaries for more information and less sensationalism.
Dahmer himself has been the subject of numerous documentaries, but nearly every notable killer has featured in a documentary of some kind, so there's plenty for those with an interest in true crime to add to their watchlists. Because of the continued fascination with serial killers, there are plenty of TV and movie documentaries that come out and have received high scores on IMDb.
Albert Fish: In Sin He Found Salvation (2007) - 5.6
Stream On Prime Video
Dubbed the Gray Man, the Werewolf of Wysteria, the Brooklyn Vampire, the Moon Maniac, and The Boogey Man, Albert Fish is one of the most notable serial killers in American history. While he confessed to several killings, he was only convicted of one and executed via electric chair in 1965 (per History).
Albert Fish: In Sin He Found Salvation describes Fish's crimes in graphic detail and discusses his background, including the many children he had, his other aliases, and the many things he did to himself. While there is plenty of information in the documentary, some very odd reenactments are played out throughout the film that may hinder viewers' enjoyment due to subpar, stilted acting
H.H. Holmes: America's First Serial Killer (2004) - 6.3
Stream On Tubi & The Roku Channel
Before his true nature was revealed, H.H. Holmes was known for being an intelligent con artist and bigamist who would later become one of America's first serial killers. He would occasionally sell the skeletal remains of his victims to local medical schools. Holmes confessed to murdering 27 people in what would be later dubbed his "Murder Castle" (via Biography).
H.H. Holmes: America's First Serial Killer was relatively well received as it presents factual evidence in a professional and easy-to-understand manner throughout. Authentic photos, some reenactments, and an appropriately creepy narrator all set the tone for this eerie documentary. While some may view the matter-of-fact approach as dry, it's a short watch with a run time of just 64 minutes.
Fresh Meat: Jeffrey Dahmer (2021) - 6.4
Stream On Tubi
Among the best movies and shows similar to Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is one of the many documentaries on the killer himself. Fresh Meat: Jeffrey Dahmer is heralded as a fast-paced Cliff Notes style look at the infamous serial killer's life, but it also contains graphic descriptions of Dahmer's crimes that may not be appropriate for all audiences.
While the documentary was praised for its inclusion of interviews with people who knew him, it can jump from one point to the next in a frenetic manner and is certainly not as polished as other offerings. Those interested in watching this documentary should be strongly warned that it contains gruesome and disturbing details.
Aileen Wuornos: Selling Of A Serial Killer (1992) - 6.9
Stream On Plex
Known for being one of the most prolific female serial killers to date, Aileen Wuornos was found guilty of killing six men. Initially, she claimed that the murders were acts of self-defense but would later it that she killed for profit. However, there is much more to the case which is covered in Aileen Wuornos: Selling of a Serial Killer.
The fascinating documentary shows Wuornos on trial while also going into information about her troubled past, the media coverage on the case, and the officers accused of making a deal with Hollywood. As a result, no one comes out of the documentary looking very well, but for those interested in the case, it gives fascinating insight into all sides of the story.
John Wayne Gacy: Devil In Disguise (2021) - 7.3
Stream On Peacock
John Wayne Gacy is known for his horrendous acts and the murder of at least 33 young male victims (per Britannica). The notorious serial killer has been the subject of a few documentaries over the years and one of the more popular is John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise.
Devil in Disguise is a 6 episode mini-series that covers everything there is to know about the tragic murders, including an old interview between Gacy and Robert Ressler. For those interested in Gacy's story, the miniseries is one of the best documentaries on the subject as it goes in-depth into what really happened, with the only criticism centered around the episodes being too long.
The Confession Killer: Henry Lee Lucas (2019) - 7.4
Stream On Netflix
Between the 1960s and '70s, Henry Lee Lucas confessed to allegedly killing hundreds of people. However, according to Biography only three were confirmed, one of them being his own mother. The contradictions in his story have led to speculation and curiosity, which resulted in a documentary that addresses them directly.
The TV miniseries The Confession Killer is considered one the best serial killer TV shows on Netflix. It details the actual crimes as well as discusses the hundreds of crimes Lucas claimed he committed, examining both his and law enforcement's culpability for the false confessions. The many positive reviews express praise for the in-depth research, while others mention that the episodes are too bloated.
Night Stalker: The Hunt For A Serial Killer (2021) - 7.5
Stream On Netflix
Richard Ramirez was and still is ed as a violent, sadistic man known for his brutal acts against his female victims. As detailed by Brittanica, he was convicted of murdering thirteen people, but it is believed there may have been more. The terror he reigned over Los Angeles in the 1980s means that the Night Stalker has left his mark on society.
Due to an ongoing fascination with Ramirez, he is one of the many killers Mindhunter fans would've liked to see the show include. He has also been the subject of multiple documentaries over the years. Netflix's miniseries Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer is one of the higher-rated documentaries on Ramirez and is praised for its insight from the detectives on the case, with minimal criticism that was predominately focused on the overlong episodes.
Martina Cole's Lady Killers: Amelia Dyer (2008) - 7.5
As one of the many who took part in baby farming - a late nineteenth and early twentieth-century adoption and fostering method - Amelia Dyer was a cold-hearted woman who killed the infants placed with her rather than taking care of them. Evidence pointed to at least 12 murders, with some experts speculating that there were many more (per Thames Valley Police).
As part of the documentary series Martina Cole's Lady Killers, the background of Dyer, including her professional training, marriages, and murders, are all delved into. While this is just one episode of a larger series, it's a stand-out due its lesser-known but shocking story. The episode presents historically accurate info for anyone interested and unlike other documentaries, the acting during re-enactments is solid.
Fred And Rose (2014) - 7.5
A seemingly ordinary couple, behind closed doors at what would later be called their "House of Horror," Fred and Rose West were real-life monsters. As reported by the BBC, the couple tortured and killed twelve people, two of which were Fred West's biological daughter from a previous marriage and the daughter he had with Rose.
Fred and Rose is a TV miniseries that documents the life and crimes of the infamous British couple. The documentary series gives a comprehensive overview of the story which is likely to shock and disturb those who have yet to hear it. In a well-presented documentary, the most interesting revelation is how the crimes were able to go undetected for decades.
Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019) - 7.7
Stream On Netflix
Ted Bundy is undoubtedly one of the most infamous and well-known serial killers in America. Bundy had confessed to thirty-six murders, but some have speculated that there may have been more (per History).
The TV miniseries, Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes is one of the most well-regarded documentaries on the serial killer. It's widely praised for sticking to the facts without embellishment and sensationalism of Bundy or his crimes. Chilling and disturbing due to the information it presents, those who are already familiar with the story may note a lack of depth and fine details. Overall, however, it's a polished and professional documentary that covers the case in an engaging way.
