Another good example is 'Serial'. It focuses on the case of Adnan Syed. Each episode dives deeper into the mystery of his conviction for the murder of his ex - girlfriend. It's interesting as it presents different perspectives from various people involved in the case, including Syed himself, his friends, and family members, and also those from the legal side.
They also make people feel more aware of the world around them. By watching these documentaries, viewers can learn about different aspects of the justice system, how crimes are investigated, and what can go wrong. For example, in 'Making a Murderer', it showed how flaws in the legal process can lead to controversial outcomes. This kind of knowledge makes people more vigilant and informed.
One great one is 'Making a Murderer'. It delved deep into the case of Steven Avery, a man who was wrongly convicted before facing new criminal charges. It really makes you question the justice system.
Some of the best are 'The Cove'. It reveals the dolphin - hunting industry in Taiji, Japan. The filmmakers had to use undercover techniques to expose this cruel practice. 'Bowling for Columbine' is a thought - provoking documentary about gun violence in America. It looks at the Columbine High School massacre and broader issues related to guns in the US. 'Searching for Sugar Man' is also a great one. It tells the story of a forgotten American musician, Rodriguez, and his unexpected popularity in South Africa.
They raise awareness. For example, they can expose flaws in the criminal justice system. People might see how someone was wrongly convicted in a documentary and then demand changes.
One of the great ones is 'Abducted in Plain Sight'. It tells a truly shocking true story of a young girl's multiple abductions. The documentary does a great job of presenting the facts as they were known, and it's both disturbing and eye - opening.
There are several ways. Firstly, IMDb has a rating system and user reviews. You can search for documentaries tagged as 'true story' and sort by the highest ratings. Secondly, YouTube also has some great documentaries, especially on channels dedicated to documentaries. You can use keywords like 'best true story documentaries' in the search bar. Also, subscribing to documentary - related newsletters can keep you informed about new releases and hidden gems in the world of true - story documentaries.
One of the best true crime novels is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a classic that delves into the brutal murders of a Kansas family. Another great one is 'Helter Skelter' which details the Manson Family murders. And 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson is also highly regarded as it combines the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the serial killings of H. H. Holmes.
First, consider your interests. If you're interested in serial killers, then 'Helter Skelter' or 'The Stranger Beside Me' might be for you. If you like historical settings with a true crime element, 'The Devil in the White City' is a great choice. Also, look at the writing style. Some true crime novels are written in a more journalistic style like 'In Cold Blood', while others are more narrative - driven.