Crime Documentary Films Scheduled for 2025

In 2025, true crime fans have many exciting new documentaries to watch—both in theaters and on streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and Paramount+. These films and series tell shocking and emotional real-life stories, from well-known cases like the Manson murders to lesser-known stories of personal investigation and tragedy.

Some documentaries focus on controversial court cases and serial killers, while others dive deep into the lives of the people involved. Whether you’re interested in unsolved mysteries, high-profile trials, or powerful personal journeys, there’s something for every true crime fan this year.

2025 Crime Documentaries: Streaming & Theatrical Releases

Predators (2025)

• Release: World premiere Jan 25, 2025 (Sundance); theatrical release expected Fall 2025.
• Platform: Theatrical (via MTV Documentary Films/Paramount Global); then streaming on Paramount+ and Showtime.
• Synopsis: A deep dive into NBC’s To Catch a Predator series – its rise, ethical controversies, and ultimate cancellation – based on archival footage and new interviews.
• Filmmakers: Directed/produced by David Osit; producers Jamie Gonçalves, Kellen Quinn; music by Tim Hecker; presented by Sweet Relief Productions and Rosewater Pictures.

Predators (dir. David Osit) is a feature documentary about NBC’s To Catch a Predator. It debuted at Sundance (Jan 2025), and MTV Documentary Films will give it a theatrical release in Fall 2025 before it streams on Paramount+ (with Showtime).

The film “examines the complicated legacy” of the Dateline sting show, probing the ethical dilemmas at its core and chronicling the series’ downfall. Notable filmmakers include director/producer David Osit, with producers Kellen Quinn and Jamie Gonçalves (Sweet Relief/Rosewater Pictures).

Who Is Luigi Mangione? (2025)

• Release: Premieres Feb. 17, 2025 (Investigation Discovery); streaming on Max (HBO/Discovery).
• Platform: Investigation Discovery (linear cable) and Max (streaming).
• Synopsis: Investigates the killing of an insurance CEO by Luigi Mangione, tracing Mangione’s life and ideology through his online activity. Experts dissect his “digital archives” to understand the events leading to the alleged crime.
• Filmmakers: Produced by ID; features interviews with law enforcement and figures close to the case (e.g. Mayor Adams, NYPD detectives).

This Investigation Discovery one-hour documentary (premieres Feb 17, 2025) profiles Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. It debuted on ID and will stream on Max. The film “aims to unpack Mangione’s background and track his trajectory,” using his own social media posts and commentary from experts (including NYC Mayor Eric Adams) to explore his motives and mental state. In the wake of a Dec. 2023 shooting in Manhattan, the doc examines Mangione’s writings and history to shed light on the case.

The Perfect Neighbor (2025)

• Release: World premiere Jan 24, 2025 (Sundance Film Festival); Netflix release expected late 2025.
• Platform: Netflix.
• Synopsis: Explores the June 2023 Florida incident where neighbor Susan Lorincz fatally shot Ajike Owens during a petty dispute. Through bodycam video and interviews, the film interrogates Florida’s stand-your-ground laws and their real-life impact.
• Filmmakers: Directed by Geeta Gandbhir; produced by Gandbhir, Alisa Payne, Nikon Kwantu (Message Pictures/Park Pictures); executive producers include Soledad O’Brien, Rose Arce, Sam Pollard, et al.

Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir, The Perfect Neighbor is a feature documentary about a 2023 Florida murder. It examines the “stand your ground” killing of 19-year-old Ajike Owens by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz. The film uses police bodycam footage and interviews to highlight the deadly consequences of these laws.

It premiered at Sundance 2025 (won a U.S. Documentary directing award) and is slated for a Netflix release later in 2025. Gandbhir (co-directed MLK/FBI) co-produces alongside Alisa Payne and Nikon Kwantu, with Soledad O’Brien as an executive producer.

Chaos: The Manson Murders (2025)

• Release: Netflix, March 7, 2025.
• Platform: Netflix streaming.
• Synopsis: A feature documentary on Charles Manson and the Tate-LaBianca murders, directed by Errol Morris. Based on investigative reporting, it examines the infamous cult murders in-depth (details beyond that are under wraps).
• Filmmakers: Directed by Errol Morris; produced by Morris with Robert Fernandez and Steven Hathaway.

A new Netflix documentary film from legendary director Errol Morris, Chaos: The Manson Murders premieres March 7, 2025. The film delves into the 1969 Charles Manson killings (inspired by Tom O’Neill’s book CHAOS: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties). Beyond the infamous murders, it may probe lesser-known aspects of the case. Producers include Errol Morris, Robert Fernandez, and Steven Hathaway.

Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer (2025)

• Release: 2025 (Netflix); specific date TBD.
• Platform: Netflix.
• Synopsis: True-crime series on the Long Island Serial Killer case. Follows police investigations into the Gilgo Beach murders (1996–2010) of young women in the sex industry, and the developments leading up to a suspect’s 2023 arrest.
• Filmmakers: Directed by Liz Garbus; executive producers Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan, Anne Carey, Jon Bardin, and Mala Chapple.

A Netflix three-part documentary series directed by Liz Garbus (of What Happened, Miss Simone?) is set for 2025. Gone Girls investigates the Gilgo Beach/Long Island serial killer case, in which numerous sex workers vanished between 1996–2010. The series reviews the 13-year investigation and recent 2023 arrest of a suspect, featuring first-hand accounts and criminal experts. Liz Garbus serves as director and executive producer, alongside Dan Cogan, Anne Carey, Jon Bardin, and Mala Chapple (Story Syndicate).

The Murder of Joanna Yeates (2025)

• Release: April 22, 2025 (UK/Ireland, Prime Video).
• Platform: Amazon Prime Video (UK/Ireland).
• Synopsis: Revisits the Christmas Day 2010 killing of Joanna Yeates in Bristol, England. The documentary details how the case “became a media storm and a national obsession,” including the impact of sensational press on the investigation when an innocent man was initially accused.
• Filmmakers: Produced by Woodcut Media (distributed by Sphere Abacus).

This feature-length documentary (90 min) premieres April 22, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video (UK/Ireland) as part of a distribution deal with Sphere Abacus. It recounts the 2010 murder of British architect Joanna Yeates, whose high-profile case sparked a media frenzy and a wrongful arrest. The film examines the investigation and media coverage that “put media coverage in the spotlight” during the trial. Produced by Woodcut Media, it offers new perspectives on this notorious UK crime.

The Crossbow Cannibal (2025)

• Release: 2025 (Prime Video UK/Ireland).
• Platform: Amazon Prime Video (UK/Ireland).
• Synopsis: Examines the case of Stephen Griffiths, who gained notoriety for murdering women with a crossbow. The film looks at how Griffiths fashioned a serial-killer persona and the brutal nature of his crimes.
• Filmmakers: Produced by Woodcut Media.

A 90-minute true-crime doc on Prime Video (UK/Ireland), this film profiles Stephen Griffiths, infamously known as the “Crossbow Cannibal.” Griffiths murdered three women in 2009–2010 in England, mimicking his idol, serial killer Peter Sutcliffe. The documentary traces Griffith’s chilling persona and crimes, marking “one of the most gruesome cases in British criminal history”. Released in 2025 under Sphere Abacus’ Prime Video deal, it is produced by Woodcut Media.

Confessions of a Female Serial Killer (2025)

• Release: 2025 (Prime Video UK/Ireland).
• Platform: Amazon Prime Video (UK/Ireland).
• Synopsis: Chronicles the 2013 UK murder spree of Joanne Dennehy, who stabbed three known victims and two strangers within days. The documentary investigates why Dennehy committed these crimes and examines the cultural shock of a female serial killer.

Another UK true-crime feature (90 min) coming to Prime Video in 2025, this documentary tells the story of Joanne Dennehy – a British woman who killed five men over 10 days in 2013. The film explores Dennehy’s motivations and the societal reaction to a rare female serial killer. It highlights how “society finds it harder to accept that a woman can commit these heinous crimes”. Produced by Woodcut Media as part of the Sphere Abacus package.

The Facebook Honeytrap: Catching a Killer (2025)

• Release: 2025 (Prime Video UK/Ireland).
• Platform: Amazon Prime Video (UK/Ireland).
• Synopsis: Follows Christine Robinson’s niece Lehanne as she uses social media to identify and capture the man who killed her aunt in South Africa. The documentary showcases the unconventional investigation effort – Lehanne’s Facebook stakeout – that ultimately catches the killer.
• Filmmakers: Produced by Middlechild Productions (via Sphere Abacus).

This one-hour doc premieres in 2025 on Prime Video UK/Ireland. It follows the true story of British expat Christine Robinson, who was raped and murdered in South Africa, and her niece Lehanne’s pursuit of justice. Health issues prevent Lehanne from traveling, so she orchestrates a Facebook “sting” to lure the killer. The film highlights how Lehanne overcame adversity to hunt down her aunt’s murderer. Produced by Middlechild Productions for Sphere Abacus.

Conclusion

From courtroom drama to chilling criminal profiles, the 2025 crime documentaries give viewers a chance to look deeper into real events that shocked the world. With releases coming throughout the year, both online and in theaters, these gripping stories help us understand crime, justice, and human behavior in new ways. If you’re into true crime, be sure to keep an eye on these powerful new titles.