11 True Crime Documentaries Like “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish ”to Watch

From ‘Con Mum’ to ‘Bad Vegan,’ these 11 documentaries delve into the darkest corners of catfishing and cyberbullying. By Emily Blackwood.

Virtual reality can penetrate deep into the realms of human emotion and action, as portrayed in the Netflix documentary ‘Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.’ Released in September 2025, the film sheds light on the convoluted true crime saga of a young couple subjected to two years of cyberbullying, stalking, and harassment from an unidentified source. Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny’s ordeal at the hands of an unknown number unleashed a wave of paranoia and devastation in their small Midwestern town. The shocking revelation that Lauryn’s mother, Kendra Licari, was the perpetrator left the community reeling. Kendra’s subsequent arrest and conviction on stalking charges exemplified the harrowing realities of online manipulation and deceit. The aftermath of the ordeal continues to haunt Lauryn, who struggled to comprehend her mother’s actions, as captured in ‘Unknown Number.’

Unraveling more tales of online deception and manipulation, here are 11 documentaries akin to ‘Unknown Number’ awaiting your attention. ‘The Tinder Swindler’ unveils the exploits of Simon Leviev, alias Shimon Hayut, who masqueraded as a tycoon’s son to defraud unsuspecting women of millions via the dating app Tinder. The depths of human vulnerability are further explored in ‘Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitive.’ narrating the downfall of vegan restaurateur Sarma Melngailis entwined with greed and a bizarre quest for immortality.

The saga continues with ‘Untold: The Girlfriend Who Doesn’t Exist,’ spotlighting the fabricated life and death of Manti Te’o’s fictitious girlfriend. Meanwhile, ‘Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare’ delves into radio host Kirat Assi’s decade-long deception by an imposter named Bobby Jandu. The chilling reality of cyberstalking takes center stage in ‘Lover, Stalker, Killer,’ where a relentless pursuit culminates in tragedy.

Expanding the narrative, ‘The Man With 1000 Kids’ probes into Dutch donor Jonathan Jacob Meijer’s prolific contributions, shrouded in controversy and familial struggles. ‘Con Mum’ unravels a web of deceit surrounding Graham Hornigold’s supposed long-lost mother and her questionable legacy. Transitioning to the dark side of child influencer culture, ‘Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing’ exposes the underbelly of a media empire marred by abuse allegations.

‘Take Care of Maya’ illustrates the devastating consequences of misjudgment when a mother’s advocacy for her daughter’s rare condition leads to unfounded accusations. ‘Can I Tell You A Secret?’ chronicles the nightmare endured by victims of cyberstalker Matthew Hardy, offering insights into the impact of online harassment. Finally, ‘The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard’ delves into the tragic tale of Munchausen by proxy victim Gypsy Rose, implicated in her mother’s murder.

In a digital age where identities can be manufactured, emotions manipulated, and lives altered with a click, these documentaries shed light on the intricate web of deceit that ensnares the unsuspecting. As viewers delve into these riveting accounts of betrayal and deception, the underlying message reverberates — the virtual world can be as treacherous as the physical one.