18 Best Crime Web Series Based on True Stories
- Saloni Gupta
- July 30, 2026
- Entertainment
- Crime based Web Series, must read row posts, True Crime Series
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Looking for the best crime web series based on true stories? From serial killers and notorious criminals to major investigations and real-life tragedies, these series turn extraordinary events into gripping television. We’ve rounded up 18 crime series based on true stories, including acclaimed international shows such as Mindhunter, When They See Us and The Staircase, along with Indian series such as Delhi Crime, Trial by Fire and The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case.
Editor’s Note: We selected these series based on storytelling quality, critical reception, audience response, historical significance and how effectively each series adapts real criminal cases or events for television. IMDb ratings are provided as a reference rather than the sole basis for ranking.
Best Crime Web Series Based on True Stories
| Category | Our Pick |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Mindhunter |
| Best Indian Crime Series | Delhi Crime |
| Best Psychological Crime Series | Mindhunter |
| Best Investigation Drama | The Hunt |
| Best Emotional Series | When They See Us |
| Best True-Crime Documentary | House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths |
| Best Prison Crime Drama | Black Warrant |
| Best Crime Series About a Drug Empire | Narcos |
List of Best International True Crime Stories
Mindhunter (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: The FBI Behavioral Science Unit’s real cases
- IMDb: 8.6
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 2
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
- Why watch: If you’ve ever wondered how the term “serial killer” was coined, this is the show for you. Mindhunter dives deep into the early days of criminal profiling, featuring chilling interviews with infamous murderers.
- Real-life connection: Inspired by the memoir of John E. Douglas, a pioneer in criminal profiling.
- Expert quote: “Mindhunter is not only smart, it’s relentlessly unsettling.” — Vulture
- Trivia: The character of Ed Kemper is based on real-life serial killer Edmund Kemper, who was known for his chilling calmness and cooperation with the FBI.
Narcos (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: The rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel
- IMDb: 8.8
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 3
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Biography
- Why watch: This series blends documentary narration with drama, following the DEA’s hunt for Escobar. The show’s authenticity and attention to historical detail make it a must for crime and history buffs.
- Real-life connection: Uses actual news footage and real characters; based on extensive DEA archives.
- Critic review: “Narcos is as addictive as its subject matter.” — The Guardian
- Trivia: Wagner Moura learned Spanish specifically for his role as Pablo Escobar.
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BlackBird (Apple TV)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: The story of James Keene’s undercover prison operation
- IMDb: 8.1
- Platform: Apple TV+
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Why watch: Tense and character-driven, this miniseries features a convict who must befriend a suspected serial killer. The chemistry between Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser is unforgettable.
- Real-life connection: Adapted from the memoir “In with the Devil.”
- Critic review: “A taut, gripping thriller that never lets up.” — IndieWire
- Trivia: Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser’s performances earned widespread critical acclaim.
When They See Us (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: The Central Park Five case
- IMDb: 8.8
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Why watch: Ava DuVernay’s Emmy-winning miniseries is an emotional punch, chronicling the wrongful conviction of five teenagers.
- Real-life connection: Based on the true story of the Central Park Five, with input from the men themselves.
- Expert quote: “A powerful re-creation of a miscarriage of justice.” — Time
- Trivia: Ava DuVernay consulted with the real men portrayed in the series to ensure accuracy.
The Staircase (Max)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: The mysterious death of Kathleen Peterson and her husband’s trial
- IMDb: 7.1
- Platform: Max
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Why watch: This dramatization keeps viewers guessing with twists at every turn.
- Real-life connection: Based on the infamous North Carolina case and documentary.
- Editorial: “You’ll find yourself switching sides episode by episode.”
- Trivia: The series stars Colin Firth and Toni Collette; the original documentary is also on Netflix.
Also Read: 25 Best Action Movies of All Time: The Ultimate Guide for Thrill Seekers
The Serpent (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: Charles Sobhraj’s crimes across Asia
- IMDb: 7.6
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Why watch: A stylish, chilling account of a serial killer who preyed on backpackers.
- Real-life connection: Closely follows the investigation and is lauded for historical accuracy.
- Critic review: “A slow-burn, seductive, and unsettling tale.” — The Independent
- Trivia: Tahar Rahim’s performance as Sobhraj was praised for its complexity and terror.
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Dirty John (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: Wondery’s true crime podcast and LA Times reporting
- IMDb: 7.2
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 2
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Why watch: A suspenseful look at love, deception, and real-life consequences.
- Real-life connection: Follows the true story of John Meehan and Debra Newell.
- Editorial: “Proof that sometimes the scariest stories are true.”
- Trivia: The podcast that inspired the series had over 10 million downloads.
Unbelievable (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: Pulitzer-winning reporting on serial rape cases
- IMDb: 8.4
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Why watch: A moving, powerful drama about justice and systemic failure.
- Real-life connection: Based on the 2008–2011 Washington/Colorado cases.
- Expert quote: “Unbelievable is a master class in empathy and truth-telling.” — The Atlantic
- Trivia: Toni Collette and Merritt Wever both won Critics’ Choice awards for their performances.
Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: The crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer
- IMDb: 7.9
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Why watch: A chilling, controversial deep dive into Dahmer’s life and the failures that let him continue.
- Real-life connection: Closely follows the facts of Dahmer’s crimes, with some dramatization.
- Editorial: “Unsettling, detailed, and necessary viewing for true crime fans.”
- Trivia: Evan Peters won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Dahmer.
American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (Disney+/Hulu)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: The O.J. Simpson trial
- IMDb: 8.4
- Platform: Disney+ / Hulu
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Why watch: Emmy-winning, highly detailed, with brilliant performances and a gripping courtroom narrative.
- Real-life connection: Based on the actual court transcripts and interviews with those involved.
- Critic review: “An exceptional dramatization of a cultural moment.” — Vulture
- Trivia: Won 9 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series.
Best Indian Crime Webseries based on True Series
Delhi Crime (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: 2012 Delhi gang rape case
- IMDb: 8.5
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 2
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Why watch: The first Indian series to win an International Emmy, praised for sensitivity and realism.
- Real-life connection: Closely follows Delhi police investigations.
- Expert quote: “Delhi Crime is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian law enforcement.” — The Hindu
- Trivia: First Indian series to win an International Emmy.
The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case (SonyLIV)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: 1991 assassination of Rajiv Gandhi
- IMDb: 8.2
- Platform: SonyLIV
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Why watch: A tense, methodical drama about one of India’s most significant investigations.
- Real-life connection: Adapted from actual case files and interviews.
- Trivia: Features never-before-seen interviews with investigators.
Trial by Fire (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: The Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy
- IMDb: 7.9
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Why watch: A heartbreaking exploration of tragedy, resilience, and the fight for justice.
- Real-life connection: Adapted from the memoir by the Krishnamoorthys, whose children died in the fire.
- Trivia: The series led to renewed public discussion of fire safety in India.
House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: The Burari family deaths in Delhi
- IMDb: 7.5
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Documentary, Crime
- Why watch: Unsettling, investigative deep dive into India’s most mysterious true crime web story.
- Real-life connection: Uses interviews, police files, and media coverage.
- Trivia: The series became one of India’s most-watched true crime docs in 2021.
The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: The Sheena Bora murder case
- IMDb: 7.7
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Documentary, Crime
- Why watch: Shocking revelations and a tangled web of family secrets.
- Real-life connection: Features interviews with investigators and those closest to the case.
- Trivia: The show reveals never-before-seen evidence from the Sheena Bora case.
Black Warrant (Netflix)
Source: IMDb
- Based on: Tihar jailer Sunil Gupta’s memoir
- IMDb: 7.9
- Platform: Netflix
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Crime, Biography, Documentary
- Why watch: Rare, raw insight into India’s largest prison and its most notorious inmates.
- Real-life connection: Adapted from the acclaimed book “Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer.”
- Trivia: The show includes interviews with high-profile inmates and rare jail footage.
Two Amazing Recommendations
The Act (Hulu)
The series is based on the disturbing real-life story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and the abuse she experienced with her mother and is fascinating and full of suspense.
Under the Banner of Heaven (Hulu)
With the leading role played by Andrew Garfield, the series shows how a detective investigates a horrible double murder committed because of certain religious beliefs.
Which Web Series should you watch first?
- Best overall: Mindhunter (8.6)
- Best Indian series: Delhi Crime (8.5)
- Best investigative thriller: The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case (8.3)
- Best serial-killer series: The Serpent (7.6)
- Best documentary: House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths (8.0)
- Best emotional drama: When They See Us (8.8)
Final Thoughts!
The most compelling crime web series based on actual events shows that the truth can often be more frightening than fictional storytelling. In terms of psychological thrillers, Mindhunter; in terms of the drug war, Narcos; and in terms of Indian drama, Delhi Crime and The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case, all these series bring consistent suspense, emotional depth, and insightful content from actual investigation processes.
The three series that I would like to recommend – Mindhunter, Delhi Crime, and When They See Us – can serve as one of the best combinations of psychological crime, Indian investigative drama, and meaningful storytelling related to the subject of true crime.
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