OJ Simpson Documentaries to Watch
The OJ Simpson trial captivated the nation in the 1990s, and the story continues to fascinate audiences today. If you’re interested in learning more about the case, the players involved, and the cultural impact of this landmark trial, you should check out some of the excellent documentaries available.
The OJ Simpson Case: A Timeline of Events
Before diving into the documentaries, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the events that led to the trial.
- 1994: Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were found murdered outside Nicole’s home in Los Angeles. OJ Simpson, Nicole’s ex-husband, quickly became a suspect.
- 1995: The “Trial of the Century” began, with the prosecution claiming OJ Simpson was the murderer and the defense arguing that he was framed.
- 1995: The jury found OJ Simpson not guilty of murder.
- 2007: OJ Simpson was found guilty in a civil lawsuit brought by the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, and ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages.
- 2008: Simpson was released from prison after serving nine years for robbery and kidnapping charges.
“OJ: Made in America” (2016)
This five-part documentary series from ESPN Films is widely considered the definitive account of the OJ Simpson case. “OJ: Made in America” dives deep into the events leading up to the trial, the trial itself, and the aftermath, exploring the complex themes of race, celebrity, and justice in American society.
Highlights:
- In-depth interviews: The documentary features interviews with key players in the case, including lawyers, family members, and journalists.
- Archival footage: “OJ: Made in America” uses extensive archival footage to recreate the events of the trial and the social and political climate of the time.
- Critical acclaim: The series received critical acclaim and won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on ESPN+.
“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (2016)
This critically acclaimed FX miniseries is a dramatized retelling of the OJ Simpson trial. The series uses a fictionalized approach to explore the events of the trial, the behind-the-scenes dynamics, and the personal stories of the key players.
Highlights:
- Strong performances: “The People v. O.J. Simpson” features strong performances from a star-studded cast, including Cuba Gooding Jr. as OJ Simpson, Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark, and John Travolta as Robert Shapiro.
- Compelling narrative: The miniseries is well-paced and keeps viewers engaged throughout its 10 episodes.
- Historical accuracy: While the series is fictionalized, it aims to be historically accurate.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Hulu.
“O.J.: The Lost Confession” (2018)
This Fox documentary examines a previously unreleased interview with OJ Simpson from 2006. In the interview, Simpson allegedly confesses to committing the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, though he claims it was an accident.
Highlights:
- Controversial content: The documentary sparked controversy due to its potential impact on the OJ Simpson case and its exploration of a potential confession.
- Expert analysis: The documentary features expert analysis from legal professionals and journalists.
- Compelling footage: The documentary uses footage from the interview as well as archival footage from the trial.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
“The Case of: OJ Simpson” (2016)
This six-part documentary series from A&E takes a deep dive into the trial from the perspective of the prosecution team.
Highlights:
- Focus on the prosecution: This series offers a unique perspective on the trial by focusing on the strategies and challenges faced by the prosecution team.
- Interviews with key figures: The series includes interviews with members of the prosecution team, as well as other key figures in the case.
- Archival footage: Like many documentaries on the OJ Simpson trial, this series uses extensive archival footage from the trial.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
“The Real OJ: The Truth Behind the Trial” (2018)
This five-part documentary series from Investigation Discovery focuses on the evidence and testimony presented at the trial, examining the case from the perspective of legal experts and those involved in the investigation.
Highlights:
- In-depth analysis: This series examines the key pieces of evidence presented at the trial, including the famous “bloody glove.”
- Perspectives from those involved: The documentary includes interviews with key figures in the case, including members of the police department, the prosecution team, and the defense team.
- The media’s role: “The Real OJ” explores the media frenzy surrounding the trial and its impact on the outcome of the case.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Discovery+ and Amazon Prime Video.
“The Juice: OJ Simpson’s Crimes” (2007)
This documentary from The Biography Channel tells the story of OJ Simpson’s life, focusing on his athletic career and his alleged criminal activity.
Highlights:
- Career and Crimes: The documentary chronicles Simpson’s rise to fame as a football player and the legal challenges he faced in his later years.
- Timeline of events: The documentary uses a chronological format to trace Simpson’s life and career.
- Interviews with those who knew him: The documentary features interviews with people who knew Simpson, including friends, family members, and colleagues.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
“OJ: The Untold Story” (2007)
This ABC News documentary examines the trial from the perspective of the defense team, focusing on the strategies and tactics used to secure OJ Simpson’s acquittal.
Highlights:
- Focus on the defense: The documentary gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the defense team’s strategy.
- Interviews with key figures: The documentary features interviews with members of the defense team, including Johnnie Cochran.
- Archival footage: The documentary uses archival footage from the trial.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
The OJ Simpson Case: Cultural Impact
The OJ Simpson trial had a profound impact on American culture.
- Race and Justice: The trial sparked national conversations about race, justice, and the criminal justice system in the United States.
- Media Coverage: The trial’s unprecedented media coverage revolutionized the way crime and celebrity trials are covered by the media.
- Public Opinion: The trial divided public opinion and led to widespread debate about the verdict and the implications of the case.
OJ Simpson Documentaries: A Verdict?
The OJ Simpson case remains a topic of great interest and debate. Documentaries like the ones listed above offer various perspectives on the trial, the people involved, and the cultural impact of this landmark event. While there may never be a definitive answer to the question of OJ Simpson’s guilt or innocence, these documentaries provide a fascinating glimpse into one of the most significant criminal trials in American history.
