Captivated by true crime? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve got the scoop on the best true crime documentaries apps you could try. These are must-haves for history fans and those who like real-life criminal investigations.
We’ll help you navigate the ever-expanding landscape of true crime media. Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or just starting out, there’s an option for you. Let’s get started!
MagellanTV
This isn’t your average true-crime doc marathon app. It’s a treasure trove for curious minds, offering a vast library of docu-series that go way beyond the genre you crave.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Beyond True Crime: While it boasts a curated selection of true-crime shows, it ventures into history, paranormal investigations, and even science and nature.
- Focus on Learning: Forget mindless entertainment. This platform is designed to ignite your curiosity and fuel your lifelong love of learning.
- Community of Learners: It fosters a community of enthusiasts who share your passion for exploration and discovery.
Pros:
- High-quality, curated documentaries
- Strong selection of true crime content
- Unique offerings like paranormal investigations
Cons:
- Sub-pack required
- Limited selection
- Focuses on analysis and exploration over pure thrills (true crime)
Who Will Like It:
- True Crime Aficionados: It’s a goldmine for those seeking well-made documentaries that delve into the complexities of real-life crimes.
- History Buffs: Immerse yourself in captivating historical narratives, uncovering the intricacies of the past.
- Inquisitive Minds: If you’re naturally curious and crave knowledge, MagellanTV’s diverse library will keep you hooked.
You may also like: 25 Free Trial Cable TV Apps & Websites
True Crime Network
This app delivers exactly what its name promises: a treasure trove of shows dedicated to the world of true crime. And it gives you a daily dose of the macabre without breaking the bank. It covers hundreds of docu-series and podcasts to keep your curiosity piqued.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Free to Use: It is completely free. No sub packs, no hidden fees, just pure true-crime goodness.
- Wide Variety: The app boasts a diverse lib of documentaries and podcasts, ensuring there’s smth for every true crime taste.
- Regularly Updated: New content is added monthly, keeping you up-to-date on the latest cases and captivating stories.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Dedicated true crime content
- Diverse selection of shows and podcasts
- Great option for budget-conscious viewers
Cons:
- Shows might be older and not the latest releases
- Some shows might have lower production quality
- Content can be graphic and disturbing
Who Will Like It:
- True Crime Enthusiasts: If you’re consumed by the complexities of crime and the human psyche, True Crime Network is your one-stop shop for diverse content.
- Budget-Conscious Viewers: Free streaming is a major draw for those who don’t want to add another subscription to their budget.
- Podcast Listeners: Enjoy true crime content while you commute, exercise, or do chores with the app’s podcast library.
Crime +
Here’s an app that covers over 1K hours of docu-series to take you deep inside the world of crime. It takes you beyond the headlines, offering in-depth explorations of chilling cases, exclusive shows, and even familiar faves.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- British Focus: It boasts a unique selection of British Originals.
- Depth & Analysis: Forget surface-level coverage. This app delves deeper, allowing you to partner with detectives, hear from victims’ families, and understand the psychology behind the crime.
- Variety & Familiarity: It offers a mix of new and familiar to keep you engaged.
- Offline Viewing & Ad-Free Exp: You can download shows to watch on the go, and enjoy uninterrupted viewing with no pesky ads.
Pros:
- Over 1K hours of content
- Unique British Originals
- In-depth analysis of cases
- Offline viewing
- Ad-free
Cons:
- Needs a sub-pack after a free trial
- Content can be graphic and disturbing
- Might be too in-depth for casual viewers
Who Will Like It:
- Fans of British Shows: Looking for a different perspective on true crime? The app’s focus on British Originals caters to those seeking unique content.
- Offline Viewers: Downloading shows for offline viewing makes this app perfect for commutes and trips.
Netflix
When it comes to streaming, Netflix is a household name. It also happens to be a haven for true-crime fans. It covers various docu-series that have captivated audiences and sparked conversation.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Viral Hits & Award Winners: Netflix has a knack for producing true-crime documentaries that go viral and garner critical acclaim.
- Variety & Depth: It has a broader selection of documentaries on various subjects.
- Recommendation Engine: It can help you discover hidden gems and true-crime series you might not have found otherwise.
- Kid-Friendly Interface: It prioritizes safe streaming experiences, so you can make separate profiles and control content accessible to children.
Pros:
- Extensive lib
- Personalized recs
- Separate profiles for kids
- Simple UI
Cons:
- Requires a subscription fee
- Can be overwhelming for some
- Some true-crime shows prioritize entertainment over in-depth analysis
Who Will Like It:
- Variety Seekers: Beyond true crime, it has tons of content across the genres. It’s a one-stop shop for diverse entertainment needs.
- Parents: The platform’s kid-friendly features allow parents to create safe streaming environments for their children.
Check also: 16 Best Mystery & Detective Games
Hulu
That’s a service with a healthy dose of true crime. Yeah, it’s not fully dedicated, but it has great pieces you may want to explore if you’re a fan of the genre. Generally, it’s a good mix of true crime content and other entertainment.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- True Crime Selection: It boasts a respectable collection of docu-series to keep you hooked.
- Variety & Bonus Content: There are tons of other genres to explore. It has everything from comedies to sports.
- Personalized Recs: It suggests shows based on your viewing habits.
- Multiple Profiles & Offline Viewing: Create separate profiles for different viewers (great if you have kids).
Pros:
- Respectable selection of true-crime series
- Various other genres
- Personalized recs
- Multiple profiles
- Offline viewing (limited selection)
Cons:
- Not the most extensive true crime selection
- Requires a subscription fee
- Limited offline viewing
Who Will Like It:
- True Crime Fans: It has a satisfying collection of true-crime documentaries and series to keep you entertained.
- Families: Multiple profiles and the variety of content make Hulu a good choice for families with diverse viewing prefs.
Peacock TV
Well, this one is also not fully true-crime focused, but it’s free and the selection is pretty decent. It lets you access Peacock Channels and has a massive section dedicated to docu-series.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Free True Crime: Unlike some competitors, Peacock TV boasts a dedicated True Crime channel and Dateline 24/7 access, providing a decent selection of true crime content at no cost.
- Variety & Premium Upgrade: There are tons of movies and TV shows, including Spanish-language content. You can also upgrade to get more content.
- Multiple Profiles: Create up to 6 personal profiles for different viewers.
Pros:
- Free True Crime Channel with a decent selection of content
- Tons of other genres
- Multiple profiles
- Spanish-language content
Cons:
- Limited selection of free true crime
- Live sports require a premium subscription
- Not everything can be viewed offline
Who Will Like It:
- Budget-Conscious True-Crime Fans: If you’re looking for free access to true crime content, Peacock TV’s dedicated channel and Dateline 24/7 are a good starting point.
- Large Families: The ability to create multiple profiles is ideal for families.
Amazon Prime Video
As it might not be your first choice, this app offers a surprisingly diverse selection of true crime docu-series. Can it compare to dedicated platforms? No. But it has enough films that are worth watching and there are tons of other things to see with it.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- True Crime Variety: It goes beyond the typical murder cases. It offers documentaries exploring cults, gangs, the criminal underworld, and even cunning con artists. This caters to various true crime interests.
- Exclusive Content: Prime Video boasts a library of original content, including true-crime series. It offers fresh perspectives and unique stories.
- Offline Viewing & Multiple Profiles: Download content for offline viewing and create personalized profiles for different viewers.
Pros:
- Diverse true crime section
- Access to Amazon Originals
- Downloading shows for offline viewing
- Personalized recs and watch parties
Cons:
- Requires Prime membership
- Content variety might not appeal to everyone
- Limited offline viewing
Who Will Like It:
- True Crime Aficionados: It has a diverse selection and unique offerings beyond typical murder cases.
- Prime Members: If you already have a Prime membership, you’re already paying for access to this vast library of content, including true-crime documentaries.
- Variety Seekers: It offers a diverse library beyond true crime.
Have a look at: 11 Free Arrests Records Apps
discovery+
Here’s a catch of Discovery content, including a dedicated section for true crime docu-series. It has both classics and new releases, so there’s smth for everyone.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- True Crime Hub: Unlike some broader streaming services, Discovery+ features a dedicated True Crime page, making it easy to find your next crime fix.
- Familiar Favorites: Dive into classics like Unsolved Mysteries and discover newer shows like Unraveled: The Long Island Serial Killer.
- Beyond the Headlines: Many shows delve deeper, offering compelling character profiles of criminals and exploring the psychological factors behind their actions.
Pros:
- Dedicated True Crime page
- Familiar favorites and new shows
- Shows featuring an in-depth exploration of criminal minds
- Reality TV style
Cons:
- Format might not appeal to everyone
- Not a big selection
- Requires a subscription fee
Who Will Like It:
- True-Crime Fans with a Reality TV Twist: If you enjoy the engaging format of reality TV and are curious about the “why” behind crimes, you’ll find answers here.
- Fans of Classic Shows: Revisit nostalgic favorites and discover new content from the same network.
- Those Seeking In-Depth Exploration: Beyond just the crime itself, some shows offer insightful dives into the minds and motivations of criminals.
HBO Max
This app lets you enjoy top-notch true-crime documentaries with an HBO stamp of quality. It covers a curated selection of award-winning documentaries and HBO Originals. And it features everything from infamous serial killers to captivating one-off crimes.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- HBO Quality & Award Winners: Dive into documentaries recognized for their excellence and critical acclaim, offering a deeper level of production and storytelling.
- Wide Range of Content: Explore beyond notorious criminals, with shows covering diverse true crime themes like one-off murders, scams, and more.
- Offline Viewing & Customization: Download shows and movies to watch on the go, and create up to five personalized profiles.
Pros:
- Award-winning and critically-acclaimed series
- Variety of themes beyond just notorious serial killers
- Access to a vast lib of movies
- Downloadable content
Cons:
- Requires a subscription fee
- Content can be graphic and disturbing
- No free tier or ad-supported option
Who Will Like It:
- True-Crime Enthusiasts Seeking Quality: If you appreciate high-quality content and award-winning storytelling.
- HBO Max Subscribers: If you already have a subscription, it offers a valuable bonus with its true-crime selection.
YouTube
Looking for a free way to explore the world of true crime? Then this is your answer! It covers tons of vids made by passionate individuals and channels. And don’t even think the quality can not compare to pro-production series. Some of these vids are over 2 hours long, and you get detailed info on the case.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Free & Diverse Content: It provides free access to a wide range of true crime content, from independent documentaries to podcasts and expert analysis.
- Niche Exploration: Beyond mainstream cases, YouTube allows you to discover content exploring lesser-known stories and specific niches within the true crime genre.
- Community & Interaction: Many true crime channels on YouTube foster a sense of community through comments, live streams, and discussions.
Pros:
- Tons of vids
- Diverse formats
- Strong sense of community
- Great starting point for newbies
Cons:
- Content quality can vary significantly
- Requires time investment and careful content filtering
- No offline viewing
Who Will Like It:
- Budget-Conscious Viewers: As it’s completely free, YouTube is a great choice for those who don’t want to invest in a subscription service.
- True Crime Newbies & Enthusiasts: With its diverse range of content and formats, YouTube caters to both those new to the genre and seasoned true crime buffs.
- Those Who Watch True Crime Daily: There are so many channels, you can find smth new every day.
You may also check: 11 Best 4K Streaming Apps
MGM+
If you’re new to true crime and don’t want to dive into the sea of docu-series right away, that’s a solid option. It offers a sprinkling of true crime alongside other entertainment options. Plus, it offers a handful of original series and a diverse library of movies.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Ad-Free Viewing: It offers an ad-free exp, so you can enjoy your content without interruptions.
- Original True Crime Content: While limited, it boasts some original true-crime series. These delve into behind-the-scenes drama, adding a unique perspective to the genre.
- Offline Viewing: Download your favorite content to watch offline, perfect for commutes or trips.
Pros:
- Curated selection of true crime
- Tons of other movies
- Ad-free
- Offline viewing
Cons:
- Limited true crime selection
- Not all content is the latest releases
- Subscription cost
Who Will Like It:
- Newbies: It has enough true crime series to get started with the genre. Not enough to get lost, though.
- Offline Viewers: The ability to download content for offline viewing makes it convenient.
