
Not every jaw-dropping story comes from Hollywood. Some of the most shocking, inspiring, and mind-blowing tales are real, and Netflix knows how to bring them to life. Who is the smooth-talking scammer living the high life on stolen cash? How does a man clear his name using the most unlikely evidence? And what scandal was so dirty it rocked an entire system? These are not movie scripts– they are 100% real events recorded in the best Netflix documentaries
that will leave you hooked and craving more!
Whether you are a mystery buff, a lover of secret worlds, or just someone who enjoys getting lost in unbelievable real-life stories, this list has something for you. Counting down to the very best
, each story is packed with shocking twists, unforgettable scenes, and stories that are too good to be true—except they are!
10. Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute
Country queen, music legend, and an all-around icon, Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute
is a star-studded tribute to one of the greatest artists of all time. Featuring performances from Miley Cyrus, Kacey Musgraves
, and more, this concert documentary is filled with heartfelt tributes and performances.
Dolly Parton is an icon, she is a legend, and she is every moment.
On April 7, watch Miley Cyrus, Kacey Musgraves, Shawn Mendes, Katy Perry, Jennifer Nettles, Brandi Carlile, Yolanda Adams, and so many more pay tribute to the living legend in Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute. pic.twitter.com/gFhDq5lKEu
— Netflix (@netflix) March 22, 2021
From her soulful vocals to her inspiring philanthropy, this show shows why she is adored by millions. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to her magic, this homage will have you singing along.
9. The Tinder Swindler
explains the timeline of Simon’s scandal
, exploring how he posed as a billionaire, wooed women with private jets and five-star hotels, then vanished, leaving them up to their necks in debt. How did he pull it off? And how did his victims turn the tables? This documentary is packed with suspense, betrayal, and a thrilling hunt for justice. If you think online dating is risky, wait until you see this story. It is so wild, it reads like a Hollywood thriller—but it is 100% real!
He has seduced and swindled young women for millions and is a fugitive from justice in several countries. Three women decided it was time for payback.
From the producers of DON’T F**K WITH CATS, THE TINDER SWINDLER is only one swipe away on Netflix ➡️ pic.twitter.com/j1nfPuNpaA
— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) February 2, 2022
8. Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors
History buffs and mystery lovers, this one is for you! What if there was an army buried in the ground for more than 2,000 years, only to be discovered by accident? Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors
takes you inside one of history’s greatest archaeological finds: the life-sized army standing guard over China’s first emperor.
Each warrior has special details, hinting at secrets still buried in the ground. This documentary unravels how these ancient soldiers were crafted and why they were hidden for centuries.
#NowWatching
Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors 2024
@netflix @TerracottaWAUS
Fascinating, informative documentary. pic.twitter.com/ZqxB6LeGe9— Ehm Gee (@MGeeSpot) June 20, 2024
7. What Jennifer Did
A brutal crime, a daughter’s dark secret, and a case that left the world stunned. What Jennifer Did
unpacks the true case of Jennifer Pan, whose parents were brutally attacked in their own home
. But when investigators dig deeper, the real truth is more twisted than anyone could have imagined. Was she a victim or a mastermind? This documentary unravels the mystery with real footage and chilling details that will keep you hooked until the last second!
🥇 What Jennifer Did is the #1 Netflix movie in the world right now, topping the charts in 30 countries❗️#whatjenniferdid #Documentary #Netflix pic.twitter.com/uTfsomxCs5
— Netflix News Source (@NetflixReporter) April 14, 2024
6. Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes
How does a serial killer justify his crimes? Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes
gives you access to Dennis Nilsen’s chilling personal recordings, where he recounts his gruesome murders in disturbing detail
. His very matter-of-fact tone makes it all the more unsettling. Why did he do it? What drove him to such evil acts? This documentary pieces together the shocking truth behind his crimes, forcing you to face the darkest corners of the human psyche!
From the makers of DON’T F**K WITH CATS, comes MEMORIES OF A MURDERER: THE NILSEN TAPES. The documentary features audio of self reflection from one of the UK’s most prolific and depraved serial killers. Available August 18 on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/aLARKCPjxa
— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) July 27, 2021
5. Long Shot
If you are a true crime buff then this is your top pick! How do you prove your innocence when the odds are stacked against you? Long Shot
tells the story of Juan Catalan, a man wrongly accused of a crime
, until a random TV show saved his life. His alibi? Footage from the show, Curb Your Enthusiasm
. This gripping documentary is a rollercoaster of emotions, proving that sometimes, fate is stranger than fiction.
Juan Catalan was innocent, but only Larry David and the Dodgers could prove it. Long Shot, a Netflix Documentary, is now streaming. pic.twitter.com/fHhUulEz6I
— Netflix (@netflix) October 24, 2017
4. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
Charming, intelligent, and pure evil— Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
draws you into the mind of America’s most infamous serial killer. Using never-before-heard interviews, this chilling documentary lets Bundy tell his own story
, revealing the sickening thoughts behind his horrifying crimes. How did he manipulate so many people? Why were his murders so shocking? If you think you know the full story, think again. This one will keep you up at night!
Ted Bundy is the subject of Netflix’s next documentary series. Director @JoeBerlinger will take you inside the mind of the infamous serial killer in “Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes,” premiering January 24 #NetflixNewsWeek pic.twitter.com/kCGBnhZssA
— Netflix Queue (@netflixqueue) December 11, 2018
3. Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist
Imagine finding out that your relationship, your love, and even your heartbreak were all a lie. Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist
tells the story of Manti Te’o, a star athlete whose world fell apart when his online girlfriend was exposed as a hoax.
How did this happen? And how did it nearly destroy his career? With exclusive interviews and explosive revelations, this documentary takes you inside one of the craziest catfishing scandals ever and you will never believe what happens next!
A documentary on Manti Te’o is being released on @netflix 👀
“UNTOLD: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist” premieres August 16th. #UntoldNetflix
(via @PropagateCo)pic.twitter.com/l023YKYymr
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 19, 2022
2. Tell Them You Love Me
What happens when love and ethics collide? Tell Them You Love Me
tells the shocking true tale of Dr. Anna Stubblefield, a respected professor who fell for Derrick Johnson, a non-verbal man with cerebral palsy.
Was it true love or manipulation? This documentary explores passion, consent, and the boundaries of right and wrong in a case that shook the academic world. Emotional, thought-provoking, and deeply controversial- this is a must-watch for anyone who loves a gripping drama with twists.
Tell Them You Love Me, a #netflix #documentary, tells the #story of an esteemed #professor who becomes #embroiled in a #controversial #affair w/Derrick Johnson, a #nonverbal man w/ #cerebralpalsy, that leads to a #criminal #trial challenging perceptions of #disability of #consent pic.twitter.com/8WKMglV3lK
— Nikki Jiovanni (@NikkiJiovanni) June 16, 2024
1. The Menendez Brothers
What drives two brothers to commit an unthinkable crime? The Menendez Brothers
revisits the sensational case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who reportedly killed their wealthy parents in 1989
. Was it cold-blooded greed or years of secret abuse that pushed them over the edge? Through exclusive interviews and courtroom footage, this documentary dives deep into one of the most infamous trials in American history.
30 years after the murders, Lyle and Erik Menendez tell their story.
The Menendez Brothers premieres October 7. pic.twitter.com/U3TedPHu6E
— Netflix (@netflix) September 23, 2024
Whether you believe the Menendez Brothers are guilty or victims themselves, this one will leave you questioning everything! Be it a con artist pulling off the scam of the century, a mystery that keeps you guessing, or a story so wild you will be Googling it afterward—there is never a dull moment with these picks!
Which Netflix documentary had you glued to your seat? Any favorites we forgot? Spill the titles in the comments below!