Best true crime documentaries to watch and stream in the UK

Looking for the best true crime documentaries to watch in the UK? From shocking murder investigations and serial killer documentaries to real-life criminal cases and gripping police investigations, we've rounded up the best true crime documentaries streaming now on BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Channel 5 and more. Whether you're interested in infamous UK murders, cold cases or fascinating forensic investigations, these are the true crime documentaries worth watching right now.

If you want a spine-chilling series then read on!

Best UK crime documentaries | Murderers and serial killers | Police, forensics and investigations

Best UK true crime documentaries

From infamous murder cases and missing persons investigations to some of Britain's most talked-about criminal trials, these UK true crime documentaries explore real cases that shocked the nation.

The Search for Leah Croucher: A Parent's Nightmare

Watch on U

In February of 2019, the lives on John and Claire Croucher were flipped upside down when their 19-year-old daughter Lea disappeared on her way to work in Milton Keynes. As he case stretched from months to years, the family went through unthinkable heartbreak.

This brand-new compelling true crime documentary explores one of the countries biggest missing person cases with the filmmakers building a trusted relationship with Leah's family over four years. Expect never before seen access to their story for the first time.

Murder 24/7

Watch all seasons on BBC iPlayer

One of the best true crime formats around because it drops the dramatic reconstructions and follows investigations as they happen. Using bodycam footage, interviews and real-time access to police teams, it shows just how painstaking murder investigations really are.

Britain's Countryside Killers

Watch on TRUE CRIME, Thursdays at 10pm

Not every notorious crime happens in a major city. Britain's Countryside Killers explores the shocking cases that unfolded in seemingly quiet villages and rural communities across Britain. The latest season digs into lesser-known stories that may not have dominated the headlines but are every bit as gripping as the country's more famous murder cases. If you've already watched all the big true crime hits, this is a great place to look next.

April Jones: The Interrogation Tapes

Watch on U

This gripping documentary uses police interview recordings and investigative evidence to revisit the tragic case that stunned the UK, revealing how detectives built their case and secured a conviction.

Murder UK

Stream on WATCH FREE UK

Join renown criminologist professor David Wilson as he takes viewers deep into some of the UK's most chilling murder cases, uncovering common connecting threads and exploring the psychological and societal factors that drive people to kill. Using expert analysis and in-depth case studies, Murder UK exposes the unaltered reality of murder and what drives someone to commit the ultimate crime!

Lucy Letby: Beyond Reasonable Doubt?

Watch on ITVX

One of the most discussed criminal cases in recent British history is re-examined in this documentary, which explores the ongoing debate surrounding the conviction of former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby.

Rose West and Myra Hindley: The Untold Story

Watch on U

Two of Britain's most notorious killers are examined in this documentary exploring the lives, crimes and lasting impact of Rose West and Myra Hindley. Featuring archive material and expert analysis, it takes a closer look at the women behind some of the UK's most infamous criminal cases.

The Drowning of Paula Leeson

Stream on 5

This documentary explores heiress Paula Leeson's mysterious death on holiday in Denmark. After originally appearing accidental, close examination of her Fitbit data pointed instead to her husband... Get watching to discover all the digital breadcrumbs and deceit that unravelled the truth behind her tragic end!

Madeleine McCann: The Hunt for the Prime Suspect

Available now on ITVX

Nearly twenty years ago, 3 year old Madeleine McCann disappeared without a trace whilst on holiday with her family in a mystery that shocked the entire world. This powerful documentary revisits the case, exploring the evidence against key suspect Christian Brückner but also touching on why it’s not enough.

Best murder and serial killer documentaries

If you're fascinated by notorious murder cases and serial killers, these documentaries examine some of the world's most chilling crimes through first-hand accounts, archive footage and expert analysis.

Dahmer on Dahmer: A Serial Killer Speaks

Watch on U

Through interviews, archive footage and first-hand accounts, this documentary explores the case of Jeffrey Dahmer and examines how one of America's most notorious serial killers evaded capture for years.

Evidence of Evil

Stream now on WATCH FREE UK

Strap in for a dark and ominous ride as Evidence of Evil explores and reconstructs some of the most fascinating and shocking criminal cases from the UK, Ireland, US and Canada from the past twenty years! With modern techniques at their disposal, detectives soon find traces of the crime! 

Murder in the Outback 

Stream on Channel 4 

A deep dive into one of Australia’s most infamous cases. This re-examination of the Falconio mystery is haunting, detailed and not one you’ll forget. 

Want more from Australia? Explore our top drama picks 

Life and Death Row

Watch on BBC iPlayer

Over 5 seasons, this series tells the story of capital punishment through the eyes of young people who have been shaped by it. From interviews with those in their final days to interviews with the friends and families of victims.

Slenderman

The shocking real-life case inspired by the internet urban legend is explored in this documentary, which examines how an online fictional character became linked to a violent crime that made headlines around the world.

Murder in the Family with Maya Jama

Watch on 5

Presented by Maya Jama, this emotional series explores murders committed by family members, speaking to those closest to the cases and examining how lives were changed forever.

Murdered at First Sight 

Stream on 5 
Most killers know their victims, these ones didn’t. This unsettling series dives into cases where strangers turn deadly, told through first-hand accounts and expert insight.  

Best police, forensic and investigation documentaries

These police, forensic and investigation documentaries reveal how detectives, criminal profilers and forensic experts solve complex crimes and bring offenders to justice.

24 Hours in Police Custody

Stream on Channel 4 

This hit series follows investigations as they unfold, sometimes solving cases years in the making, yes, even after 13 years of denial. 

The Jury: Murder Trial

Watch on Channel 4

A fascinating twist on the traditional true crime format. The Jury: Murder Trial recreates real murder cases and asks two separate juries to reach a verdict, offering a rare insight into how different people interpret the same evidence. It's as much about the justice system as it is about the crimes themselves.

Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam

Watch on BBC iPlayer

Dating apps should help people find love, but what happens when someone isn't who they claim to be? This eye-opening documentary explores the devastating impact of online romance scams and the techniques fraudsters use to manipulate victims.

A Killer Makes a Call 

Stream on 5 

When the 999 call comes from the killer themselves, things get very dark, very fast. Twisty, unsettling, and impossible to switch off, with three whole series ready to binge!! 

Murder: Suspect No1

Stream on 5

Catching cold-blooded killers is NEVER easy, however in Murder Suspect No1 they do just that, piecing together all the evidence they can find as quickly as possible!

UK Forensic Breakthroughs

Watch on TRUE CRIME, Tuesdays at 10pm

 

True crime usually focuses on detectives and suspects, but UK Forensic Breakthroughs shines a spotlight on the forensic experts working behind the scenes to crack some of the UK's most complex cases. Hosted by Jo Millington, the series explores the scientific techniques that helped uncover crucial evidence, with insights from the specialists who were there at the time. If you're fascinated by the details that can make or break a case, this is a fresh take on the true crime genre.

#Dead2Me 

Stream on 5 
Online romance but with real-world consequences. This series explores relationships that took a deadly turn, with insight from loved ones, investigators and psychologists. Swipe right, if you dare.

Killers: Caught on Camera 

Stream on WATCH FREE UK 

Real footage, real crimes, real convictions. This one puts you right at the centre of the investigation with gripping video evidence from around the world. 

Medical Detectives 

Stream on WATCH FREE UK 

Get out your magnifying glass it’s time for science to meet crime-solving! Follow forensic experts as they piece together evidence using cutting-edge techniques, and crack cases others couldn’t. 

Harlan Coben's Final Twist

Watch on ITVX

A compelling documentary examining crimes packed with unexpected turns, uncovering the evidence, testimonies and revelations that changed investigations forever.

Secrets of a Murder Detective 

Stream on ITVX 

Get inside the mind of a real detective with this fab series! With 30 years of experience, Steve Keogh reveals what it really takes to solve some of the toughest cases. 

Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up

Watch on Channel 4

One of the most talked-about true crime stories in recent years continues in this documentary series following Gypsy-Rose Blanchard's life after prison. If you've already watched documentaries about the murder of Dee Dee Blanchard, this offers a new perspective on what happened next.

999: What Happened Next 

Stream on Channel 4 
Every call tells a story, but not all are what they seem. Follow investigators as they uncover the truth behind emergency calls that take unexpected turns. 

The Forensic Factor

Watch on ITVX

For true crime fans who enjoy the science behind investigations, The Forensic Factor explores the breakthroughs that helped solve real cases. From DNA evidence to emerging forensic techniques, it shows how tiny clues can make all the difference.

Hunting the Online Sex Predators

Watch on BBC iPlayer

A disturbing but important documentary examining how investigators track and identify online predators. Through real cases and expert insight, it reveals the scale of online exploitation and the work being done to stop it.

If you're still a crime mood, why not check out our crime drama recommendations!