The Menendez brothers, whose case has captured public attention for years, are now expecting a resentence with their hearing scheduled for December 11, 2024. Evidence from shows and documentaries have played a role in this shift, making their case one of the most media-fueled in recent history. To better understand their story, here are 8 must-watch shows and films.
Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez, sons of entertainment executive José Menendez and his wife Kitty Menendez, grew up in a privileged Beverly Hills lifestyle, shaped by their father’s wealth and high expectations. On August 20, 1989, José Menendez and Kitty Menendez were found brutally murdered in their home, with evidence pointing to a shotgun attack. Initially, the brothers’ lavish spending after the murders raised suspicions, and by 1990, they were arrested. They eventually confessed, claiming years of abuse by their father drove them to kill in self-defense.
The Menendez brothers’ 1993 trial, one of the first to be nationally televised, captivated the public, leading to a 1996 conviction and life sentences. The turning point came in 2023, when the brothers sought a new hearing after former Menudo member Roy Rosselló alleged on the “Today” Show that José Menendez had drugged and assaulted him when he was 14, at the Menendez home in New Jersey. With this new evidence, the case is now under fresh scrutiny ahead of the December 11, 2024, resentence hearing.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (2024)
Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is the second season in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, following Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. This installment delves into the events, complex family dynamics, and alleged abuse that culminated in the brothers’ violent act against their parents, José Menendez and Kitty Menendez. What’s worthy to point out is that this series examines the case from different angles, exploring the brothers’ claims of abuse while also giving weight to the parents’ perspectives. José Menendez (Javier Bardem) is portrayed as a charismatic figure with hints of complexity, and Kitty Menendez (Chloë Sevigny) receives an episode inviting empathy for her struggles. On the contrary, Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez (Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez) are sometimes shown as naive and privileged, reflecting public perception and subtly questioning their claims. By the end, the show leaves conclusions open.
Erik’s response to the Netflix’s series.#NetflixMonsters #Netflix #RyanMurphy pic.twitter.com/Xz1waxA2u3
— Tammi Menendez (@TammiMenendez1) September 20, 2024
The Menendez Brothers (2024)
Half a month after the premiere of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Netflix released the documentary film, The Menendez Brothers, on October 7. In this documentary, for the first time in nearly 30 years, Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez are able to talk about their perspectives publicly through audio interviews from prison. The documentary also dives into the prosecution’s perspective, with prosecutor Pamela Bozanich reflecting on the complexities she encountered. She shares that, despite her skepticism about the brothers’ abuse claims, she struggled to find anyone beyond José Menendez’s secretary who could speak positively about him. Pamela Bozanich also comments on her concerns regarding Dr. Jerome Oziel, the therapist tied to the brothers’ confession.
Menendez Brothers: Victims or Villains (2024)
This Fox documentary examines both sides of the Menendez case, featuring interviews with legal experts, family friends, and psychologists, all while dissecting the public’s polarized views. By delving into the emotional and psychological elements at play, it invites viewers to decide for themselves what truly happened in this infamous case.
You can watch this documentary now on YouTube with a premium subscription.
Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed (2023)
Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed (2023) is a pivotal documentary that uncovers shocking allegations connecting former Menudo member Roy Rosselló and José Menendez. The documentary follows Roy Rosselló as he shares his story publicly, recounting disturbing experiences and the power dynamics that kept him silent for years. Roy Rosselló claims he was drugged and assaulted by José Menendez as a teenager, bringing new attention and evidence to the Menendez brothers’ abuse claim. By shedding light on these accusations, the documentary plays a crucial role in reevaluating the context around the Menendez brothers’ actions, impacting the trajectory of their upcoming resentence hearing.
You could watch the documentary series on Peacock.
Suburban Nightmare: The Menendez Brothers (2022)
Suburban Nightmare: The Menendez Brothers focuses on uncovering the potential motives behind Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez’s actions, diving into the alleged abuse and psychological factors that may have played a role. The documentary series examines the complexities of the brothers’ upbringing, bringing in expert perspectives to explore the family dynamics and mental health aspects that influenced their defense.
Suburban Nightmare: The Menendez Brothers is available to stream exclusively on Tubi.
Menendez: Monsters or Misjudged? (2022)
Menendez: Monsters or Misjudged?, released on August 7, 2022, revisits the Menendez brothers’ story by reconsidering how their trial played out in both court and the media. Combining true accounts, original videos, and documents from the case, the series also reenacts key moments, with Eric Philips portraying Erik Menendez, to offer a balanced look at the events that unfolded.
The film can be streamed on Disney+ and Max.
The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All (2017)
The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All offers an intimate look at the Menendez case, with Erik Menendez himself recounting his version of events and the factors that led to the infamous murders. This documentary series reexamines the case from Erik Menendez’s perspective, featuring exclusive interviews, personal reflections, and never-before-seen details.
You can watch The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All for free on AETV.
Law and Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders (2017)
Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders, a spinoff of the Law & Order franchise, centers on the intense courtroom drama of the Menendez case, spotlighting the daily legal battles and the escalating media frenzy.
Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders is available to stream on Peacock.
In the end, while each show and documentary offers unique perspectives on the Menendez case, it’s essential to remember that, at the end of the day, they are still products of the entertainment industry, meaning these portrayals can be shaped by creative choices and biases. The real story is still unfolding, with upcoming hearings and new evidence that could shed light on unresolved questions. Rather than relying solely on what’s shown on screen, we should look to the court proceedings, which bring an opportunity for transparency and a deeper understanding of the truth behind this complex case.
