6 Hand-picked Netflix Thrillers Based on True Stories
Okay, but there’s something extra chilling about knowing a thriller isn’t just fiction—it actually happened. Real people, real crimes, real chaos. Netflix has a solid lineup of thrillers based on true stories, and if you’re anything like me, you’re going to be obsessed.
Whether it’s a scam that spiraled or a serial killer that actually lived next door, these titles remind us that the truth really can be stranger—and scarier—than fiction.
Why We’re Drawn to True Crime Thrillers on Netflix
To be honest, there is a strange sense of excitement when seeing true stories. Perhaps it’s the adrenaline, the initial shock, or the realization that we find it hard to believe that someone truly did it. We can see the sinister side of people from the comfort of our couch by watching true crime stories. How about Netflix? We now essentially use it as our go-to crime library.
Top Netflix Thrillers Based on True Stories
1. The Serpent
This show is as sleek and cold as the murderer himself, and it is based on Charles Sobhraj’s actual deeds. The Serpent, set in 1970s Asia, chronicles Sobhraj’s methods of drugging, manipulating, and killing backpackers while eluding the law.
2. Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
This series needs no introduction. It’s raw and graphic and, shockingly, true. Dahmer’s actions rocked America, and so does Netflix’s depiction of them. It’s a hard one to see in the levels, but an important one.
3. When They See Us
Technically more in the realm of drama, but the emotional weight here and the injustice in this story is some of the most haunting true stuff you’ll ever see. It’s about the Central Park Five, a group of Black teens who were wrongfully accused and convicted. It’s harrowing, beautifully performed and unforgettable.
4. The Watcher
A suburban dream turned into a nightmare. Inspired by the creepy real-life case of a mysterious stalker sending threatening letters to the new homeowners, The Watcher is the kind of unsettling thriller that makes you triple check your locks.
5. Mindhunter
Okay, yes—it’s fictionalized. But Mindhunter is rooted in reality, following the early days of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit. The serial killers they interview? All real. And those interviews? Word-for-word chilling.
6. Lost Girls
Based on the Gilgo Beach murders, Lost Girls follows a mother’s relentless search for her missing daughter—and the web of indifference she faces from law enforcement. It’s as much a critique of systemic failure as it is a gripping mystery.
Looking for More Mind-Bending Thrills?
If you liked the gritty, psychological twists in these shows, you might also be into my breakdown of Netflix’s Adolescence. It’s packed with emotional unraveling, complex characters, and an ending that will haunt you for days. Check out my full blog here: Adolescence Netflix Ending Explained
And if you’re in the mood for fiction that hits just as hard, don’t miss: Famous Thriller Novels Where the Bad Guy Wins. Trust me, it’s a ride.
But if it’s none of the above, check out some feel-good rom-coms that might help you recover, like Rom-Coms Inspired by Shakespeare and Classic Books &
5 Rom-Coms That Made Me Laugh, Cry & Scream at the Screen
Final Thoughts on Netflix Thrillers Based on True Stories: Should You Watch These Netflix Thrillers?
Absolutely. If you want a break from predictable storylines and crave something raw, real, and unforgettable, these Netflix thrillers based on true stories will deliver. Just… maybe don’t watch them alone at night.