True crime enthusiasts have plenty to stream on Netflix this February 2026, from a chilling new premiere to powerful holdovers that continue to grip audiences worldwide. These documentaries go beyond sensationalism, offering raw insights into real human stories, flawed justice systems, and the search for truth.
1. The Investigation of Lucy Letby (Premiering February 4)
Netflix’s marquee true crime release this month examines one of modern Britain’s most disturbing medical cases. The feature-length documentary follows neonatal nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to kill seven others between 2015-2016 at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
What sets this apart are the never-before-seen arrest and interrogation footages, plus exclusive interviews with lead investigators and a victim’s anonymized mother. The film traces how colleagues first noticed unusual infant collapses, leading to a complex investigation blending medical evidence, statistical analysis, and courtroom drama. Even as Letby appeals her conviction amid ongoing scientific debate, this documentary promises to reignite conversations about guilt, proof, and hospital accountability.
2. Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart (Streaming Now from January 21)
Elizabeth Smart herself narrates this emotional revisit of her 2002 abduction from her Salt Lake City bedroom at age 14. The documentary combines her personal testimony with her younger sister Mary Katherine’s eyewitness account of the knifepoint intrusion by religious fanatic Brian David Mitchell and accomplice Wanda Barzee.
Viewers follow Smart’s nine months of captivity, the massive search effort dubbed “missing white woman syndrome,” and her dramatic rescue. Rather than dwelling on trauma, the film emphasizes Smart’s advocacy work and resilience, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in survivor stories and media’s role in high-profile cases.
3. The Menendez Brothers (Streaming Now)
The 1989 Beverly Hills murders that shocked America get fresh perspective through rare prison interviews with Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted of gunning down their wealthy parents. This documentary weaves their abuse allegations against family members, prosecutors, jurors, and original trial observers.
What emerges is a nuanced portrait of privilege, trauma, and 1990s courtroom theatrics that captivated the nation. The brothers’ first extended on-camera interviews in decades force viewers to reconsider soundbites versus complex family dynamics, especially as the case inspires modern retellings.
4. Zodiac (Leaving February 16 — Watch Now!)
David Fincher’s obsession masterpiece dramatizes the real 1960s-70s hunt for San Francisco’s taunting Zodiac Killer. Jake Gyllenhaal’s cartoonist, Robert Downey Jr.’s journalist, and Mark Ruffalo’s detective represent every frustrated investigator who chased dead-end leads and cryptic ciphers.
As one of the few major true crime titles exiting Netflix mid-month, this demands immediate attention. Its procedural authenticity captures the soul-crushing reality of unsolved cases better than almost any film.
5. Making a Murderer (Seasons 1-2, Streaming Now)
Steven Avery’s decades-spanning legal nightmare remains true crime’s gold standard. Wrongfully imprisoned 18 years for a 1985 rape, DNA exonerates him — then he’s charged with murdering a photographer on his property. This Emmy-winning series exposes rural justice through unfiltered trial footage and conflicting testimonies.
Its cultural impact reshaped innocence projects and public skepticism toward law enforcement, making every episode required viewing for understanding documentary storytelling’s power.
6. Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (Streaming Now)
When animal abuse videos go viral, ordinary internet users become accidental detectives tracking perpetrator Luka Magnotta. This three-part series follows their dangerous quest as Magnotta escalates from kittens to human murder, livestreaming the crime.
The documentary masterfully balances vigilante thrill with ethical warnings about online sleuthing, media contagion, and dark web escalation. It’s tense, horrifying, and genuinely innovative.
7. The Keepers (Streaming Now)
A murdered nun’s 1969 cold case unravels decades of Catholic school abuse cover-ups in Baltimore. Through survivors’ testimonies, the series exposes institutional corruption, police obstruction, and one determined former student’s quest for answers about Sister Cathy Cesnik.
Its empathetic approach elevates it above typical true crime — focusing on healing and systemic accountability rather than just whodunit.
Final Take
February 2026 proves Netflix prioritizes quality over quantity in true crime. The Lucy Letby premiere arrives amid fresh conviction appeals, ensuring heated post-watch debates. Holdovers like Elizabeth Smart offer hope, while Zodiac’s exit creates urgency.
These aren’t gorefests — they’re human stories wrestling with evidence, bias, institutional failure, and redemption. True crime thrives when it honors victims while challenging viewers’ assumptions. Perfect for discussion groups, book clubs, or late-night reflections.
Build your watchlist strategically: Start with Letby for current controversy, pair Smart’s resilience with Menendez complexity, then tackle the classics. Just remember — behind every case study beats real heartbreak demanding respect.
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