Disturbing True Crime Documentaries You Can Only Watch Once

True crime documentaries have surged in popularity, captivating audiences with tales of serial killers, mysterious disappearances, and unsolved cases. It’s now common to delve into these dark narratives over a morning coffee, a stark contrast to the late-night viewings of the past. However, some true crime stories are so profoundly disturbing that they leave a lasting impact, making a single viewing almost unbearable. Prepare yourself, as the following documentaries delve into the depths of human darkness, potentially changing how you perceive the genre.

The Keepers (2017)

‘The Keepers’ begins as a classic true crime mystery, focusing on the unsolved murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik in 1969. Cesnik, a 26-year-old nun teaching at Archbishop Keough High School in Baltimore, disappeared, and her body was later found at a garbage dump. However, the series quickly spirals into a harrowing tale of murder, clergy abuse, molestation, and potential cover-ups.

Former students recount their experiences of sexual abuse at the hands of a school priest, creating a deeply unsettling narrative. The series is described as harrowing and haunting, with Vice magazine noting its necessity due to its disturbing nature. The layered complexity and the depth of the crimes make it a difficult watch for even seasoned true crime fans.

Goodnight, Sugar Babe: The Killing of Vera Jo Reigle (2013)

’Goodnight, Sugar Babe: The Killing of Vera Jo Reigle’ tells the tragic story of 24-year-old Vera Jo Reigle, who had the mental capacity of an 8-year-old. Vera Jo’s life took a dark turn when she met Cheri Brooks, a manipulative mother of nine, who coerced her into becoming pregnant with one of her sons. After the birth, Vera Jo became a virtual slave to the Brooks family, with Cheri exploiting her disability checks.

In 2011, Vera Jo was found brutally murdered in Findlay, Ohio. Daniel Bixler, a cousin of the Brooks family, and his teenage girlfriend Nicole Peters were charged with the crime claiming they were under the influence of the Brooks family. The documentary evokes outrage at Cheri’s blatant psychopathy, with one of her sons comparing her to Charles Manson. The sheer exploitation and cruelty make this a truly heart-wrenching documentary.

Abducted In Plain Sight (2017)

‘Abducted In Plain Sight’ is notorious for being one of the most frustrating and bizarre true crime documentaries ever made. The documentary recounts the story of Jan Broberg, who was kidnapped not once, but twice, by the same man, a neighbor named Robert Berchtold. The Broberg family’s naiveté and Berchtold’s manipulative charm create a narrative that is hard to comprehend.

The film explores themes of grooming, child molestation, and the silencing of sexual abuse victims. The bizarre circumstances and the family’s seeming inability to recognize the danger have sparked intense internet discussions and memes. Even the filmmaker, Skye Borgman, admitted to needing a six-week break during filming due to the frustrating nature of the case, making it clear why this documentary is a difficult and disturbing watch.

There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane (2011)

‘There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane’ unravels the events leading up to a tragic car crash in 2009, where Diane Schuler drove her minivan in the wrong direction on the Taconic State Parkway, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including herself, her daughter, and three nieces, as well as the occupants of the SUV they collided with.

Toxicology reports suggested that Schuler was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, but her family vehemently rejects this explanation, claiming she never used drugs or alcohol. The documentary leaves many questions unanswered, as investigators struggled to reconcile the evidence with the family’s insistence on her sobriety. The conflicting accounts and the sheer devastation make this documentary deeply unsettling.

Time: The Kalief Browder Story (2017)

‘Time: The Kalief Browder Story’ recounts the horrific experience of 16-year-old Kalief Browder, who was falsely accused of stealing a backpack and subsequently imprisoned without trial at Rikers Island from 2010 to 2013. He spent 1,000 days behind bars, with 800 of those in solitary confinement, before the charges were eventually dropped.

The documentary highlights the severe psychological trauma Browder endured. Despite attempting to rebuild his life, he tragically took his own life at the age of 22. Produced by Jay-Z, the series exposes the flaws in the justice system and the devastating impact of incarceration on young individuals. Browder’s story led to significant reforms, including the elimination of solitary confinement for minors. However, the emotional toll of watching his suffering makes this a difficult but crucial documentary.

Cropsey (2009)

’Cropsey’ blurs the line between urban legend and terrifying reality. Directors Josh Zeman and Barbara Brancaccio investigate the real-life crimes of Andre Rand, a former janitor who had escaped from Willowbrook Mental Institution. Rand was responsible for the kidnapping and murder of five children in Staten Island, the same area where the directors grew up hearing the ‘Cropsey’ urban legend.

The documentary connects the myth of Cropsey with Rand’s sinister actions, creating a chilling narrative that feels more like a horror film than a true crime story. The directors’ personal connection to the case adds an extra layer of eeriness, making it a disturbingly real and unforgettable watch.

Don’t F**k with Cats (2019)

‘Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting An Internet Killer’ is a three-part docuseries that shocked viewers worldwide. It follows the disturbing case of Luka Magnotta, who gained notoriety for posting videos of himself torturing and killing cats online. A group of internet sleuths, including John Green and Deanna Thompson, took it upon themselves to track Magnotta down and bring him to justice.

The series documents Magnotta’s descent into further depravity, culminating in the murder of student Jun Lin in Montreal. The graphic nature of Magnotta’s crimes and the emotional toll on those who hunted him make this documentary particularly disturbing. Thompson’s recounting of Magnotta’s psychological manipulation highlights the dark side of internet obsession and vigilantism.

Capturing the Friedmans (2003)

’Capturing the Friedmans’ presents a disturbing and complex look at the Friedman family. Initially, filmmaker Anthony Jarecki intended to create a documentary about David Friedman, a popular entertainer. However, the project took a dark turn when Jarecki uncovered that David’s brother, Jesse, and their father, Arnold, had pleaded guilty to child sexual abuse.

Using home video footage from the days leading up to the trial, Jarecki explores the conflicting stories of the accused and the survivors. The documentary raises questions about guilt, innocence, and the impact of media coverage on families. Its unflinching portrayal of a family in crisis makes it a difficult but powerful watch.

The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez (2020)

‘The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez’ is undeniably one of the most heart-wrenching and disturbing true crime documentaries. The series documents the trial of Pearl Fernandez and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, who were accused of abusing and torturing Pearl’s eight-year-old son, Gabriel, ultimately leading to his death. The details of the abuse are incredibly graphic and emotionally challenging.

Viewers were left horrified and frustrated with the failures of the child protective services. The documentary asks difficult questions about how such a tragedy could have occurred and why the system failed to protect Gabriel. Since Gabriel’s death, California has implemented changes in its social services, but the pain of the case remains, making it a very tough documentary to watch. The question remains: “Why did everyone look away when Gabriel needed to be saved?”

Dear Zachary (2008)

‘Dear Zachary’ begins as a tribute from a best friend to a murdered man but evolves into a heart-wrenching story about the failures of the justice system. After Andrew Bagby was murdered by his ex-girlfriend, she fled to Canada and revealed she was pregnant with his son, Zachary. Andrew’s best friend, Kurt Kuenne, started filming a documentary as a way for Zachary to get to know his father.

The film takes several unexpected turns as it delves into the legal battles fought by Andrew’s parents to gain custody of Zachary and bring their son’s killer to justice. Kuenne’s personal involvement and the emotional depth of the story make this documentary an incredibly moving and disturbing experience, highlighting the profound impact of a broken system.

These documentaries offer more than typical true crime narratives; they delve into the darkest aspects of human behavior, leaving viewers profoundly disturbed. While the true crime genre is often consumed for entertainment, these films serve as stark reminders of real-world horrors, making them unforgettable, albeit difficult, to watch.

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