American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
Kernel Score: 80% · 725 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Documentary
Released: 2020-09-29
Runtime: 83 minutes
Where to watch American Murder: The Family Next Door
- Stream: Netflix
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Using raw, firsthand footage, this documentary examines the disappearance of Shanann Watts and her children, and the terrible events that followed.
American Murder: The Family Next Door parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that American Murder: The Family Next Door is an R-rated true-crime documentary using real footage about the murder of a mother and her children.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — The documentary graphically recounts a real family's murder using raw home-video and bodycam footage, described by a reviewer as 'hard to watch.'
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like American Murder: The Family Next Door
If you liked American Murder: The Family Next Door, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Girl in the Picture (2022) — 79%
- The Imposter (2012) — 81%
- Capturing the Friedmans (2003) — 78%
- Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017) — 81%
- War of Likes (2021) — 85%
- Cleveland Abduction (2015) — 80%
Director
Jenny Popplewell
Cast
- Nickole Atkinson as Self
- Jim Benemann as Self
- Luke Epple as Self
- Mark Jamieson as Self
- Nichol Kessinger as Self
- Marcelo Kopcow as Self
- Karen Leigh as Self
- Theresa Marchetta as Self
- Tom Mustin as Self
- Michael Rourke as Self
American Murder: The Family Next Door FAQ
Is American Murder: The Family Next Door good?
American Murder: The Family Next Door has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 725 audience ratings.
Where can I watch American Murder: The Family Next Door?
In the US you can stream American Murder: The Family Next Door on Netflix.
Is American Murder: The Family Next Door OK for kids?
American Murder: The Family Next Door is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that American Murder: The Family Next Door is an R-rated true-crime documentary using real footage about the murder of a mother and her children.
What movies are like American Murder: The Family Next Door?
If you liked American Murder: The Family Next Door, try Girl in the Picture, The Imposter, Capturing the Friedmans and Mommy Dead and Dearest.