Despite our reputation as an apologetic country, we’ve seen our fair share of bad eggs. From cult leaders, serial killers and their victims, the North isn’t as squeaky clean as some are led to believe. We’re not proud of them, but it’s important to remember to stay alert and to stay informed. For all of our true crime junkies, here are 8 documentaries with strong ties to Canada.
Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel
Netflix’s newest docuseries Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel had us confused, heartbroken, frustrated, and to be honest, kind of angry. Over the course of 4 episodes, the audience is taken through the short life and mysterious death of Vancouverite Elisa Lam, who was found in a water tank on the roof of the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles. How did she end up there, what happened before she got there and who, if anyone, was responsible?
Where: Netflix
Don’t F**k With Cats
We’ll be honest. This docuseries is not for the faint of heart. Told almost entirely from the point of view of the web sleuth community, the Netflix original takes a deeper dive into the bizarre and disgusting crimes of Luka Magnotta, a dangerous, delusional killer from Scarborough, Ontario.
Where: Netflix
The Pig Farm
Though you won’t find this one on any streaming service, The Pig Farm is definitely one to watch. This documentary goes deeper into the details of the lengthy, award-winning investigation of Canada’s most prolific serial killer, Robert Pickton, who was convicted for taking the lives of 6 women over 19 years (although he confessed to 49 murders).
Where: Online here
Ken and Barbie Killers
Ken and Barbie Killers, a documentary aptly named after Karla Homolka and her husband Paul Bernardo is a wild ride through the terrible crimes they committed and even recorded in the 90s. What led them to do it, how did no one suspect them and why?
Where: Online here
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The Vow
Was it a self-help group, a cult, or a prison and sex trafficking ring? Keith Raniere and Smallville’s Allison Mack, made international headlines in 2020 after members of the organization came forward with stories of racketeering, mutilation, and mind control. From Vancouver to Seattle, wellness scam NXIVM was incredibly successful in theory – but dangerous and twisted in practice.
Where: Crave
Village of the Missing
Over the span of 7 years, several immigrant men from Toronto’s LGBTQ community seemingly vanished into thin air. In this heavy, heart-wrenching documentary, journalists, friends, family, activists, and investigators recall the events leading up to and following the conviction of Bruce McArthur, a serial killer and the man who was responsible.
Where: Online here
Les Rose
How would you react upon hearing your dad, who you idolized, was actually responsible for the kidnapping and murder of a Canadian minister, which simultaneously caused a provincial crisis? In Les Rose, the son of Political leader Paul Rose tries to understand what led his father to commit a series of crimes in hopes of understanding himself and his family dynamic.
Where: Online here
Dear Zachary: A Letter to A Son About His Father
How do you explain to your best friend’s son that his mother killed his father and nearly got away with it? Well, you could show him pictures and tell him over a beer when he turns 18, or you could move to Canada and make an incredibly well-done documentary about his life. In 2001, Dr. Andrew Bagby was found murdered in Pennsylvania. He had been shot by his girlfriend, who immediately fled to Newfoundland, where she was caught, then released on bail after announcing she was pregnant with his child. During the trial and the fight for his custody, friend and filmmaker Kurt Kuenne recorded everything, all in hopes of helping Bagby’s son, Zachary understand who his dad really was. This one is hella sad, guys. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Where: Amazon Prime
Well, there you have it. 8 true crime documentaries with strong ties to Canada. How many have you seen? Which ones have you heard of? Let us know!
