17 Crime Dramas That Are Based On Incredible True Stories

Everyone loves a good documentary movie or limited series now and then, but sometimes watching talking head interviews over recovered footage or reenactments can get a bit dry. Thankfully, there’s a genre out there that manages to thread the needle between fiction and reality, and that’s the based-on-a-true-story crime drama, which has grown increasingly popular in recent years across multiple streaming platforms and services.

These stories usually adapt a nonfiction book or podcast, casting the real-life roles with famous actors and putting their own spin on the events to tell the story. This can be a good and a bad thing–obviously with these dramatized versions of events, you won’t be able to trust everything you see as complete fact, and will need to understand that some artistic license is obviously being employed. But be that as it may, more and more these dramas are relying less on sensationalism and more on the direct input of the people involved, making them a viable way to learn some new things while also being kept on the edge of your seat in suspense or terror.

We’ve gathered up a list of 17 true crime dramas, ranging from cringe worthy scammers and wild parties gone awry to some of the most notorious serial killers in history. There are classic limited series and movies from the last ten years mixed in with brand new and ongoing offerings that have just hit their given streaming platform this month. Truely, something for everyone.

What are your favorite true crime dramas? Let us know in the comments below.