## Making a Murderer (2015–2018)

Netflix's decade-long investigation into Steven Avery's case stands as the highest-ranked true crime documentary across multiple platforms. The series chronicled Avery's 1985 conviction for sexual assault—a crime he did not commit. After serving 18 years in prison, DNA testing proved his innocence and he was released in 2003. Avery subsequently sued authorities for $36 million, only to be charged in 2005 with the murder of Teresa Halbach. He remains convicted, with ongoing appeals cited in source materials.

## Wild Wild Country (2018)

Netflix's examination of the Rajneeshpuram cult conflict in Oregon achieved a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series investigates the commune's crimes, including bioterrorism charges, and the violent confrontations that ensued. The documentary reveals how a spiritual movement descended into criminality and brought law enforcement scrutiny to one of America's most infamous cults.

## Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021)

This Netflix documentary achieved a 71% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes while exploring one of Los Angeles's darkest chapters. The series follows law enforcement's pursuit of serial killer Richard Ramirez and documents the terror he inflicted across the city. The investigation reveals how detectives ultimately identified and apprehended the killer.

## The Keepers (2016)

Netflix's investigation into the 1969 murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik at Archbishop Keough High School in Baltimore uncovered decades of institutional cover-ups. The documentary prompted such widespread attention that the school permanently closed in 2017. The series remains a landmark example of how documentary investigations can pressure institutions to confront historical crimes and accountability.

## Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez (2020)

Netflix's three-part series examines the downfall of NFL star Aaron Hernandez, convicted of murder in 2015. The documentary analyzes how a celebrated athlete became involved in violent crime and explores the psychological and circumstantial factors surrounding his conviction. It earned a 68% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.2/10 on aggregator sites.

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

This four-part documentary achieved an 80% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes while detailing the 2003 pizza bomber bank robbery in Pennsylvania. The case remains one of America's most bizarre and complex criminal schemes, combining elements of crime, psychology, and unexpected twists that kept audiences engaged throughout the series.

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## Sources

- Moviepilot.de: https://www.moviepilot.de/serien/beste/genre-true-crime-dokumentation - Rotten Tomatoes Guide to Best True Crime Docuseries: https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-true-crime-docuseries/ - Spiegel Streaming Guide: https://streaming-guide.spiegel.de/listen/die-5-haertesten-true-crime-dokus-und-filme/ - Netflix (official platform summaries)