Short answer: No, The Poughkeepsie Tapes is not a true story. It is a fictional film presented in a found-footage/mockumentary style. Details

• The film itself is a work of fiction created by John Erick Dowdle, released in 2007 (reissued later). It is framed as if it were authentic police footage and investigative materials, but the events, killer, and tapes are invented for the movie. This presentation is designed to create a sense of realism, not to recount real events. This stance is supported by multiple reputable sources noting the film’s fictional nature despite its documentary look.

• The story centers on a serial killer in upstate New York and a cache of videotapes found by investigators. While the marketing and presentation mimic true-crime reporting, there is no real-life counterpart to the killer or the footage described in the film.

• Some discussions and articles highlight that the film drew from real-world crime themes and lore but remains a fictional narrative. For example, outlets and film analysis explain that the “Water Street Butcher” and the tapes are invented for the screenplay.

• There is occasional confusion online, including videos and posts speculating about its veracity, but credible sources consistently clarify its fictional status. If you’re exploring this for research or entertainment, treat it as fiction inspired by true crime aesthetics rather than a documentary about actual events.

If you’d like, I can pull together a concise timeline of the film’s fictional events, or compare The Poughkeepsie Tapes to genuine true-crime documentaries to illustrate how it mimics reality while remaining fictional.