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Anyone who’s obsessed with the true-crime genre knows that behind every crime is a backstory, and the more details that emerge, the more compelling it becomes. From cold cases being reopened due to advances in forensic science to widely publicized ones with televised hearings, Max’s true-crime documentaries feature some of the most chilling and sinister cases that’ll give your brain something to chew on from start to finish. No matter how infuriating or satisfying the final court decision, one thing’s for sure, and that’s how fascinating it is to unpack the reasons behind such unthinkable acts and what drove these people to commit them.
From the opioid crisis to murders inspired by the mythical Slenderman, these documentaries run the gamut when it comes to crime, exploring some of the most fascinating and disturbing cases out there. Some follow cases that lean towards moral ambiguity, while others are more purely horrifying, but no matter what, they’ll always leave you with plenty to think about — and they just might happen to keep you up all night researching theories. If you’re ready to experience a roller coaster of emotions, head to HBO Max to stream these 15 true-crime documentaries.
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