By The Update
Real-life crime is grim – but that doesn’t mean watching it has to be. Netflix continues to crank out murder, mystery, and morally questionable documentaries faster than you can say “Wait, how many red flags did she ignore?” From viral scams to unsolved vanishes, these are The Update’s top picks for the most buzzed-about, binge-ready true crime on Netflix right now. All based on real popularity. No fluff. No filler. Just felonies.
1. American Murder: Gabby Petito
(2025, 3 episodes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: ~75–83% (critics)
- IMDb: ~7.1/10
- Metacritic user score: ~6.8/10
- Viewer sentiment: Emotional, controversial, and AI-generated enough to make even ChatGPT feel awkward
- Why buzzed: Shot to #1 globally within a day of release
The Update Verdict:
Heartbreaking? Absolutely. Exploitative? Maybe. Necessary? Depends who you ask. This doc leans heavy on tech tricks (yes, that AI voice is as weird as you think), but the emotional punch still lands. It’s a must-watch, if you can stomach Netflix using algorithms to narrate trauma.
2. Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer
(2025, 3 episodes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (critics)
- IMDb: ~7.1/10
- Critic take: Haunting and respectful, true crime with a moral compass
- Why buzzed: Directed by Liz Garbus and praised for centering the victims, not the maniac
The Update Verdict:
Finally, a docuseries that doesn’t treat serial killers like misunderstood rockstars. Gone Girls is heavy, thoughtful, and way more interested in justice than jump scares. Think “Dateline,” if “Dateline” had a soul and a subscription to The Atlantic.
3. The Innocence Files
(2020, 9 episodes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: ~100% (critics)
- Metacritic: ~86/100 (“universal acclaim”)
- Why buzzed: Real-life exonerations that make you feel all the feelings – and lose trust in the system
The Update Verdict:
Warning: This one may ruin your faith in the justice system, but hey – what hasn’t these days? The Innocence Files is infuriating and inspiring in equal measure. If you’re into crying on your couch while yelling “GET HIM OUT!” at the screen, this is your Superbowl.
4. Amy Bradley Is Missing
(2025, 3 episodes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: Still waiting on a proper Tomatometer
- IMDb: ~7/10
- Critic buzz: Mixed reviews, mostly “meh” with a side of “is this all speculation?”
- Why buzzed: Went viral after Kim Kardashian posted about it. Yes, really.
The Update Verdict:
It’s emotional. It’s unsolved. It’s… kinda frustrating. Amy Bradley Is Missing feels like watching a very compelling Reddit thread with no satisfying conclusion. You’ll care deeply and yell at your TV – but mostly you’ll want a second opinion and a better ending.
5. The Tinder Swindler
(2022, feature-length)
- Rotten Tomatoes / Audience: Still riding high
- Why buzzed: Turned romantic fraud into global entertainment (and memes)
The Update Verdict:
This is the one your mom watched, your ex referenced, and your group chat debated for days. The Tinder Swindler is the ultimate “how did she fall for that?!” saga – and honestly, it still holds up. Swipe right on the drama, left on humanity.
Final Thoughts from The Update:
Crime is terrible, but wow – Netflix makes it addictive. Whether you’re here for cold cases, wrongful convictions, or dating disasters, the true crime lineup is packed. Just maybe don’t watch Amy Bradley Is Missing at 2AM unless you enjoy pacing your kitchen wondering if you’re now part of the mystery.
