7 Must-See Documentaries About the Menendez Brothers After ‘Monsters’

Ryan Murphy’s latest installment of the “Monster” anthology series has sparked controversy among some fans who consider its portrayal of the sexual abuse faced by the Menendez brothers to be exploitative. “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” revisits the sensational murder case that gripped the nation in the 1990s. As the brothers continue to serve their prison sentences, new revelations about their father, a prominent music executive, have brought their allegations of sexual abuse into sharper focus.

The series dips into sensitive subjects, prompting many viewers to seek a deeper understanding of the tragic events surrounding the brothers. To further this exploration, several pertinent documentaries provide a more factual backdrop to the dramatized retelling in Murphy’s reimagining. Here are seven documentaries worth watching following “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.”

The first recommendation is “Suburban Nightmare: The Menendez Brothers.” This documentary, part of Tubi’s “Suburban Nightmare” series, shines a light on the tragic events leading up to the 1989 murders of the brothers’ parents. Released three decades after the infamous trials, this film examines the brothers’ claims of abuse and self-defense from a new perspective that considers their traumatic upbringing more closely. Viewers can stream this insightful documentary for free on Tubi.

Another compelling documentary is “Menendez Brothers: Victims or Villains.” This Fox Nation original, which debuted in March 2024, delves into buried family secrets, challenging the dominant narrative that the brothers murdered their parents solely for inheritance. This four-episode miniseries is available for streaming on Fox Nation and Roku, requiring a premium subscription.

The 2022 documentary “Menendez Brothers: Misjudged?” deserves special mention, as it highlights the emergence of the “Free Menendez Movement” predominantly driven by Generation Z. This film debates whether the emotional and physical abuse suffered by the brothers was adequately acknowledged during their trials. It runs for 85 minutes and can be streamed on Max.

In “The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All,” the younger brother Erik shares his story in an unprecedented way. This A&E original documentary from 2017 features extensive interviews with Erik, accompanied by insights from prosecutors, law enforcement officials, family members, and friends. The series consists of five episodes and is available for free viewing on Prime Video.

“Truth and Lies: The Menendez Brothers,” an ABC special, uncovers additional hidden insights regarding the murder case. It showcases home movies and photographs from the family archives, with various friends and neighbors contributing intimate details about the Menendez family, particularly focusing on Erik’s personal life. This 120-minute documentary can be found on Apple TV.

Additionally, “The Menendez Brothers: Sins Of the Children” provides a historical perspective just under ten years after the murders happened. This A&E special features retrospective accounts of the frenzy surrounding the case while depicting the brothers’ journeys. Viewers can stream this documentary on Apple TV.

Lastly, the 2023 docuseries “Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed” brings forth new evidence linking the Menendez brothers to other victims of abuse. This three-part series reveals how Roy Rosselló, a member of the Menudo boy band, was sexually abused by his manager, connecting his testimony to the brothers’ claims of mistreatment by their father, José Menendez. A high-ranking executive at RCA, Menendez’s position casts a larger shadow over the issue of abuse within the music scene. “Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed” is currently available on Peacock.

These documentaries are essential for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the complexities of the Menendez case, providing perspectives that challenge and enrich the narrative presented in the “Monsters” series.

Source: TheWrap