If you just finished watching the gripping limited series Black Bird on Apple TV+ and are looking for your next binge-worthy psychological thriller, you’ve come to the right place. Black Bird, starring Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser, has viewers on the edge of their seats with its dark story of a high-profile murderer and the prisoner trying to get a confession out of him. This miniseries is based on the true story of James Keene, so if you’re itching for more fact-inspired entertainment, read on for 10 more fantastic options to watch next.
More True Crime Shows Like Black Bird
If you enjoyed Black Bird because it was based on a true story, check out these other true crime dramas that will have you just as captivated:
Mindhunter
This Netflix original detailing the early days of the FBI’s criminal psychology and criminal profiling units features killers straight out of history. As the agents interview notorious imprisoned serial killers to understand what drives them in order to solve open cases, the show gives chilling dramatizations of real murders committed by people like Charles Manson, David Berkowitz, and Ed Kemper.
When They See Us
Ava DuVernay created this limited series for Netflix about the true story of the Central Park Five, five teenagers who were wrongfully convicted of assault and rape in 1989. The story follows the five from that fateful night in the park through their exoneration in 2002 and highlights the institutional failures that led to their imprisonment.
American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson
Relive one of the most publicized trials of the 20th century with this dramatization of O.J. Simpson’s trial for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson. It stars Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. and chronicles the controversial case from the 1994 murders through the 1995 criminal trial verdict.
The Act
The Hulu original limited series The Act depicts the true story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was the victim of years of medical child abuse at the hands of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, before orchestrating her murder. Joey King earned an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Gypsy.
More Psychological Thrillers Like Black Bird
In addition to being based on a true story, Black Bird built suspense through its mind games as James Keene tried to extract a confession from suspected serial killer Larry Hall. If you’re looking for more cat-and-mouse psychological thrillers, consider these series:
You
This popular Netflix show focuses on the twisted inner world of stalker Joe Goldberg, who becomes obsessed with different women over the course of the series. His voiceovers reveal his unconventional thought processes as he embroils himself in his subjects’ lives.currently wrapping up its fourth season.
Hannibal
This horror series centers around the relationship between FBI profiler Will Graham, played by Hugh Dancy, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played by Mads Mikkelsen. Graham tries to get inside the minds of serial killers he’s chasing with the help of psychologist Hannibal…who unbeknownst to Graham is a killer himself. Their tense mental sparring makes this a nail-biting watch.
Mindhunter
In addition to being based on real killers, this Netflix thriller also focuses on the psychological angles as FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench create psychological profiles of serial killers in order to solve open cases. Their in-depth probing of what makes these killers tick is fascinating and shocking.
Killing Eve
Obsession takes center stage in this cat-and-mouse thriller between MI5 security officer Eve Polastri, played by Sandra Oh, and psychopathic assassin Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer. The two become mutually consumed with each other as Eve pursues Villanelle. Their twisted dynamic makes this a binge-worthy psychological game between two complex female leads.
More Dark Crime Dramas Like Black Bird
The tone of Black Bird is ominous and dark, as is common with stories centered around serial killers. If you’re looking for more crime dramas with similar shadowy vibes, add these to your watchlist:
Mindhunter
With its focus on serial killers like Ed Kemper and its setting in the early, less advanced days of criminal psychology, Mindhunter gives off distinctly eerie vibes. The tense interviews with imprisoned killers create a dark atmosphere.
Hannibal
It doesn’t get much darker than a series centered around Hannibal Lecter. The show’s cat-and-mouse games, gruesome crime scenes, and exploration of the deep psychology of a cannibalistic serial killer give this show a sinister tone throughout.
Dexter
Like Hannibal, this long-running Showtime series features a killer as its protagonist. Follow Dexter Morgan as he leads a double life working for the Miami police department while also satiating his murderous urges by killing criminals who slipped through the justice system. His inner battle with his dark tendencies drives this shadowy drama.
Ratched
This Netflix original series explores the origin story of the iconic Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Sarah Paulson stars as a younger Mildred Ratched working in a psychiatric hospital in 1947. Her character evolution into the cold, sinister nurse known from the 1975 film lends disturbing layers to the story.
Critically-Acclaimed Series Like Black Bird
With its compelling true story and outstanding performances from Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser, Black Bird was a hit with critics and viewers alike. If you’re looking for more buzzed-about, high-quality thriller series, don’t miss these award-winners:
Mindhunter
Mindhunter boasts praise from critics for its acting, directing, writing, and faithful depiction of real-life serial killers. Both seasons maintain 92% and 96% critic approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
When They See Us
This miniseries earned 16 Emmy nominations thanks to Ava DuVernay’s intelligent direction and the outstanding cast. It shone a light on a grave miscarriage of justice and earned a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Act
With incredible performances from Patricia Arquette and Joey King, The Act dramatized a shocking true crime story with nuance and empathy. Critics praised the writing and direction, earning the series a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Killing Eve
Killing Eve has blown audiences and critics away with Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer’s riveting performances. The cat-and-mouse spy games also employ a female lens rarely seen in crime dramas. No wonder it has a 93% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes!
Conclusion
Black Bird captivated viewers with its stranger-than-fiction story brought to life by an exceptional cast. If you’re interested in more true crime dramas, psychological thrillers, dark crime stories, or critically-acclaimed series, be sure to check out the options above. The gripping, edge-of-your-seat entertainment of Black Bird awaits in these binge-worthy series.
