Four true crime Netflix series which helped in real-life cases including one branded the 'saddest thing fans have ever watched'
Fancy watching a true crime drama that goes beyond simply being an intriguing watch, with some having actually impacted the real-life case they're centred around? UNILAD RANKED has you sorted.
Granted, a psychologist has argued it's a major red flag if you relax and unwind by watching true crime shows and some docuseries can end up proving pretty controversial.
However, some can actually end up bringing new information to light, offering a fresh look at certain cases - or even solving the cases altogether.
UNILAD RANKED brings you five series on Netflix, which have actually contributed to discoveries or progress being made in the real-life cases they're about.
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Warning: Some spoilers ahead.
The Staircase (2004-2018)
The French-produced miniseries was written and directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade (3 X Manon) and produced by Lestrade, Matthieu Belghiti (White Terror), Allyson Luchak (Enlighten Us) among others.
It focuses on the trial of Michael Peterson who was convicted of the murder of his wife Kathleen Peterson.
In December 2001, Michael - a war novelist - called 911 to report his wife having fallen down the stairs at their home in Forest Hills, North Carolina. Authorities were sceptical over Michael's report his wife fell and concluded he'd bludgeoned her to death, charging him with murder.
While it didn't definitively solve the case of Kathleen's death, the docuseries proposed a theory dubbed the 'owl theory' - that Kathleen had an altercation with an owl and as a result, fell down the stairs.
Ultimately, the series highlighted the complexities of the case, interrogating the police's stance and justice system.
Michael also ended up entering an Alford plea - a plea of no contest, allowing him to maintain his innocence while acknowledging there was enough evidence for a conviction - and his conviction was eventually overturned, seeing him released from prison in 2017.
Although, while raising awareness of the case, it could be argued the series damaged public perception of Michael as well.
One Twitter user said: "Finished The Staircase documentary on Netflix wowowow."
"Watching The Staircase on Netflix for the third time. It’s fascinating," another added.
Making a Murderer (2015)
Written and directed by Laura Ricciardi (America's Most Admired Lawbreaker) and Moira Demos (Ferry Tales), the true crime documentary series focuses on the cases involving Steven Avery from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin.
In July, 1985, a woman named Penny Beerntsen was sexually assaulted and nearly killed while jogging on a beach near Green River, Wisconsin.
A description she shared with police led to Avery being taken into custody and a line-up later saw Beernsten identify him as her attacker.
Avery was found guilty of false imprisonment, first degree rape and attempted murder. He insisted he was innocent and appealed multiple times, however, his applications were rejected.
Wisconsin Innocence Project later stepped in, petitioning to use more powerful DNA technology which led to lab results coming out in September 2003 proving Avery's innocence - Avery freed after serving 18 years of a 32-year sentence.
However, in October 2005, a woman named Theresa Halbach was murdered and Avery - who Theresa had an appointment with on the day of her death - was ultimately charged with first-degree murder.
Evidence included Theresa's car being found on Avery's property, his DNA located inside, alongside the key to the car found in his trailer. Avery's nephew also confessed to police he'd helped his uncle rape and kill Theresa.
Avery was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison - but has maintained his innocence ever since.
While the series didn't solve the case, similarly to Death on the Staircase, it interrogated the justice system and cast doubt on the legal process used within the investigation.
It also led to a petition addressed to the White House being drawn up in December 2015 asking to pardon Avery. The petition obtained over half-a-million signatures however, the White House ultimately stated 'the President cannot pardon a state criminal offense'.
Amid the series coming out, one of Avery's motions to appeal his case was also granted. Ultimately, all his appeals have since been dismissed and he remains in prison.
A viewer wrote online: "Making a Murderer is such an engrossing series. Really gives a stark and sobering look at the failures and corruptions of the system."
Next up in the list is a series which significantly impacted its real life case, even helping lead to the exoneration of two men.
Who Killed Malcolm X (2019-20)
Directed by Rachel Dretzin (Baby It's You) and Phil Bertelsen (Rock The Paint) - who also acted as series producer - the docuseries was originally produced for Fusion TV before streaming on Netflix.
It followed the work of historian and tour guide Abdur-Rahman Muhammad who spent over 30 years investigating the assassination of Malcolm X and in particular, allegations made by the convicted assassin of Malcolm X, Talmadge Hayer.
Malcolm X was fatally shot on February 21, 1965 in the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York City.
The shooting was witnessed by crowds who helped apprehend Hagan, who later confessed to the crime and received 20 years-to-life.
In two affidavits made by Hayer in 1977, he alleged the two men convicted alongside him - named Muhammad A. Aziz and Khalil Islam, who also received 20-year-to-life sentences - were innocent and four others were co-conspirators instead.
After the miniseries was released, the Manhattan district attorney revealed its office would begin a preliminary review of the investigation into Malcolm X's murder.
The investigation led to the case being reopened and Aziz and Islam's convictions were ultimately thrown out.
By the time they were released, the pair had served 20 years in prison and in November 2022, they were awarded a combined total of $26 million by New York City and another $10 million from the state.
"We find our Hero watching 'Who killed Malcolm X' A docu-series on Netflix. And this is probably the saddest thing I have ever watched," a Twitter user wrote.
And last, but never least, is a series which actually led to not just one, but two cases being solved - and the safe return of two abducted children.
Unsolved Mysteries: Abducted by a Parent (2022 and 2023)
Season three episode nine of the series - titled Abducted by a Parent - explored two abductions of children, with one of the mysteries ultimately ending up solved.
The series was written by Joshua Taylor and directed by Joie Jacoby, as well as produced by Josh S Barry, Susan Carney and others.
The case, which has led to the child being found, delved into Abdul Aziz Khan being abducted by his mom, Rabia Khalid, when he was five in 2018.
After his father, Abdul Khan, was given full custody, Aziz went missing just after Thanksgiving.
On February 23, 2025, the child was discovered, aged 12.
Later on in the series, the show explored the disappearance of nine-year-old Kayla Unbehaun in season 16 episode nine.
Less than a year after her disappearance was featured on the show, she was found aged 15 - the Netflix show credited with helping solve the case in how Unbehaun was recognized from 'published media', which led to her safe return.
UNILAD RANKED is a weekly series with a new article released every Friday.
Topics: Entertainment, Film and TV, Netflix, True crime, UNILAD RANKED, Documentaries
Poppy Bilderbeck