Murder films grip audiences like nothing else, twisting suspense, shock, and curiosity into a thrilling spectacle. The genre defies boundaries, thriving in horror, action, drama, or mystery, and never losing its timeless appeal. Recently, few mysteries have captivated hearts, yet Adolescence shattered expectations, breaking records with its dark brilliance. Similarly, Monster, the American biographical crime anthology by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan for Netflix, enthralls viewers, blending chilling reality with gripping storytelling, proving once again that tales of murder and human darkness are irresistibly compelling.

Dark secrets, shocking twists, and gripping storytelling, Adolescence or Monster: which Netflix murder thriller will reign supreme at Emmy 2025?

The Emmy battle for Best Limited Series pits Netflix’s Adolescence against Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Adolescence shines with a 99% Rotten Tomatoes score, 9.4/10 average rating, and Metacritic score of 91/100, earning universal acclaim for its continuous-shot storytelling and standout performances. Monsters dominates in global viewership, with over 153 million hours streamed in its second week. While both are strong contenders, critics suggest Adolescence holds the edge, though Emmy night could still produce a surprise winner.

Both series deliver gripping, true-crime drama in vastly different ways. Monsters recounts the chilling story of Lyle and Erik Menendez, wealthy brothers who murdered their parents, claiming years of abuse drove their deadly actions. Adolescence follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller in a northern English town, whose arrest for a classmate’s murder exposes online bullying, extreme views, and family turmoil. Each series immerses viewers in tension, psychological complexity, and moral ambiguity, making the Emmy race a clash of intense storytelling and human darkness. Yet, the Emmy field is crowded, and several other contenders could claim early victories.

The Emmy Statuette: History, Who Designed, and What Does It Mean?

Severance and The Studio are poised to dominate Emmy weekend, racking up early wins and setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown among television’s biggest contenders this year.

Over the coming weekend, television’s elite will gather as nearly 100 Creative Arts Emmy Awards are presented, setting the stage for the Primetime ceremony on September 14. Apple TV+ dominates, with Severance, the top overall nominee with 27 nods, poised to claim up to 13 awards, while comedy frontrunner The Studio could secure 12 of its 23 nominations. Though these awards often honor behind-the-scenes craft, history shows stars emerge, records are shattered, and even songwriting duos can quietly join the illustrious EGOT ranks.

This weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys promise star-studded drama, with guest acting categories on Saturday featuring Hollywood icons from The Studio, including Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, Anthony Mackie, and Bryan Cranston, while Jamie Lee Curtis and Olivia Colman vie for guest actress honors on The Bear. Sunday spotlights music legends Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé, alongside narrators Barack Obama, Tom Hanks, and Idris Elba. Every late TV legend will be spotted in the performances this year, setting the stage for an epic showdown between Severance, The Studio, Adolescence, and Monster.

First-Time Emmy Nominees to Watch for in 2025

Who do you think will take the Emmy home: Adolescence or Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story? Let us know in the comments below.