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10 True Crime Shows Like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

November 27, 2022
shows like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Netflix’s newest true crime release “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” has once again raised the question, what turns a person into a cold murderer? The Netflix series, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story created by Emmy Award veteran Ryan Murphy, isn’t his first venture into the crime and thriller genre, nor is it the first retelling of Dahmer’s story. The show, launched on September 21st 2022, starring Evan Peters dives into the teenage years of Dahmer to try and answer the ‘why’ on everyone’s minds. Here’s a list of 10 more true crime shows like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, that could help quench your curiosity:

List of Shows Like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story:

  1. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
  2. Worst Roommate Ever
  3. Interrogation
  4. Conversations with a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes
  5. The Ripper
  6. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
  7. Monsters Inside: The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan
  8. Making a Murderer
  9. Candy: A Death in Texas
  10. Catching Killers

1. Conversation With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes

This Netflix American Documentary series premiered on the 30th anniversary of Ted Bundy’s execution. It is a four-episode series that features several hours of archival footage as well as interviews of Bundy, including friends, family and other people who were involved with the case. This series also earned Netflix some controversial points, after people began to fixate on his supposedly charming and handsome looks over the fact that Bundy had confessed to 30 murders.

Bundy and Dahmer, both infamous for gruesome crimes, caught the attention of the viewers in an unbelievable case of sadism. Both these shows have become really popular for their transparency and the psychology behind crime, so if you love shows like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, this one might be it.

Also watch: Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

2. Worst Roommate Ever

Trouble with a roommate? Did they leave their dirty dishes for you to clean up? Or did you get exiled because they had a visitor from out of town? No matter what, we guarantee once you watch this series you are going to thank your lucky stars that your roommate only leaves dirty socks around the room.

This 2022 Netflix docuseries features four chilling stories about roommates with intensely malevolent and at times downright violent intentions that turned their once seemingly peaceful lives into an absolute nightmare. If you enjoy true stories of chilling shows like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, maybe give this a watch with that roommate of yours to drop a hint. 

3. INTERROGATION

It would seem like America has a lot to offer in terms of true crime thrillers, as Interrogation is yet another American true crime tv series. It spans the course of more than 20 years, in which a young man Bruce Lisker is charged and convicted of murdering his mother. It revolves around interrogation extracted from real police files with the goal of turning the viewer into the detective.

The episodes are not in order so it should be interesting if you’re that person looking to scratch that detective itch. Interrogation is definitely the show for you if you want to enjoy an investigational series like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.

4. Conversations With A Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes

To many, John Gacy was a lovely guy who sometimes dressed up as Pogo the Clown, or Patches the Clown and performed at children’s hospitals and charitable events. Well, you might wanna run a background check on your next birthday clown (or better yet, just call Elsa). No one saw it coming when in 1978, Gacy earned the title of the notorious “Killer Clown” who had gone on a killing spree that included 33 victims.

What’s different in this series is Berlinger’s attempt to highlight how Gacy exploited the vulnerability of young teens, especially those who had been queer and cast out of their families. Like the Ted Bundy Tapes, this one is again not the first venture with Gacy but it does stand out with how it seeks to answer the bigger questions. Lovers of true crime shows like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story will find The John Wayne Gacy Tapes just the right thrill for a late-night binge. Also watch John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise, Gacy (also known as The Crawl Space).

Also Read: Shows like Bates Motel

5. The Ripper

It is the late 1970s and a prostitute is killed. No one bats an eye. But soon one kill turns into 13 and sooner enough, he breaks his pattern. This thriller docuseries focuses on Peter Sutcliffe and his murderous exploits between 1975 and 1980. Note the difference, however, that he is called the Yorkshire Ripper, which is a name the journalists gave him due to the similarities between his murders and those by Jack the Ripper.

This series revolves around the events and investigation surrounding the 13 women he murdered. If you are a true crime buff and you are looking for shows like Dahmer set in the 70s and 80s, this series will keep you hooked.

6. The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

This is the second season of the true crime anthology series American Crime Story which premiered on 21st March 2018. The second season of American Crime Story, the series focuses on Andrew Cunanan, a spree killer whose most famous victim was the eponymous fashion designer. The way the show tackles its subject matter is one of its strongest points.

This show doesn’t tell us much about the designer himself, because this story is Andrew’s and that is where it was remarkably handled. It is interesting how Cunanan is sympathetic since he is a gay guy living in a homophobic era and society, yet the series is brutally honest about how terrible his acts were. If it is the social psyche in true crime shows like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story that caught your interest, you’re gonna love this one.

7. Monsters Inside: The 24 Faces Of Billy Milligan

When people say you’ve got to have a killer personality, this is NOT what they mean! Billy Milligan was arrested in 1977, and charged with numerous rape cases, but on being confronted he claimed he had no memory of the assaults, the reason for which doctors later determined was that he had at least 24 distinct personalities.

Was he really suffering or was he a narcissistic sociopath who was completely capable of faking multiple personalities? Is that even possible? Regardless, director Megaton confirms that Milligan was certainly not the victim of the situation and that his main purpose was to honour the victims of Milligan. The psychology behind crimes is what keeps you hooked in shows similar to Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.

8. Making A Murderer

This American true crime series tells the story of Steven Avery who is wrongfully convicted of sexual assault in 1985 and served 18 years in prison before being exonerated, only to be accused again of murder this time and being slammed back into the spotlight in 2003.

How did he get there, and is he truly guilty this time? Filmed over a period of over 10 years, this tv series documents Steven Avery and the investigation surrounding the murder of Teresa Halbach. This one is a real head-scratcher because it really makes you wonder, did those 18 years really make a murderer of him? Just like in most series like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, this one will leave you asking “What really makes a murderer?”

Also Read: Shows like The Mentalist

9. Candy

Candy, also known as Candy: A Death in Texas, is a crime drama series that narrates the real story of Candy Montgomery who was accused of the murder of her neighbour, Betty Gore after she repeatedly struck her with an axe 41 times. This 5 episode Hulu series spins a dark tale of friendship, betrayal, heartbreak and of course murder.

HBO Max is working on a similar series on Candy Montgomery starring the stunning Elizabeth Olson and Krysten Ritter as Candy and Betty respectively, (which is exciting because let’s be honest IT’S ELIZABETH OLSEN!) This stranger-than-fiction drama series similar to Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is sure to leave you hooked at the edge of your seats.

10. Catching Killers

Catching Killers is a docu-series that premiered on Netflix on the 4th of November 2021. It was received with a lot of love as it overtook Squid Game as the show with the most streams. This show follows the police and prosecutors as they try to nab some of the world’s most violent criminals.

Each episode focuses on two stories from different parts of the country and around the world. There isn’t much from the storytelling front, because the narration just lays out the facts that help the viewers get from point A to point B. However, this is a good series if you’re bored and are looking for shows like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.

Honourable Mentions 

Here are a few shows like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

1.     Ratched (Movie)

2.     The Boston Strangler (Movie)

3.     You (Series)

4.     Unbelievable (Series)

5.  The Innocent Man (Series)

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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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