There’s a podcast for everything, but one of the most prevalent genres of podcasting over the past few years is true crime. There are truly so many popular true crime podcasts.
So, how do you find the best true crime podcasts on platforms like Audible? Easy. You come to Post Wanted.
We read the charts, surveyed the team, and came up with this list of 25 top-rated true crime podcasts that you need to check out. We promise you’ll be listening for days as some of our favorites have over 500 episodes each!
(P.S. — Audible is best known as an audiobook platform, but they don’t just have books. Subscribers (and non-subscribers!) can listen to Audible’s large catalog of podcasts including free true crime podcasts.)
‘Casefile’
Host: an anonymous Australian man
About the podcast: Each episode of “Casefile” centers on a different true crime story.
Who will like this: People who prefer podcasts with episodes dedicated to individual crimes (rather than a narrative series)
Our review: For better or for worse, I’m obsessed with true crime, in particular Casefile. The man who tells the story has a soothing Australian voice and tells true crime stories in a story-style format usually as if you were learning about it in real time but solving the crime in under an hour. My only con is that the content is heavy and may leave you disturbed because these are real people who could be you or me. — Emma Sutton-Williams, Post Wanted commerce writer/reporter
‘The Vanished’
Host: Marissa Jones
About the podcast: “The Vanished” is a true crime podcast that explores the stories of those who have gone missing. “The Vanished” goes beyond conventional news reports to take a deep dive into the story of a different missing person each week. Host Marissa Jones brings you exclusive interviews with family members, friends, law enforcement and experts. What will “The Vanished” uncover next?
Who will like this: Cold case junkies
Our review: This may be my favorite true crime podcast. Each episode centers around a missing person who, as the title suggests, vanishes. What I like best about it is that the host really fleshes out who the person was prior to their disappearance, so listeners feel like they know them. In fact, it’s what makes each episode so scary and tragic. It’s hard to imagine an entire person with hope, dreams and hobbies just disappearing without a trace. This, coupled with the show’s eerie music makes for a nail-biting, weekly experience. I wouldn’t recommend this show to people who need a happy ending to sleep at night. Spoiler — most of these cases are unsolved or cold. However, it’s definitely binge-worthy and always makes me want to hold my loved ones a little closer. — Holly J. Coley, Post Wanted commerce updates editor
‘S-Town’
Host: Brian Reed
About the podcast: The story follows a man named John who despises his Alabama town and decides to do something about it. He asks Brian to investigate the son of a wealthy family who’s allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder. But when someone else ends up dead, the search for the truth leads to a nasty feud, a hunt for hidden treasure, and an unearthing of the mysteries of one man’s life.
Who will like this: Listeners who love long-form storytelling
Our review: When I heard there was a potential murder mystery podcast recorded a few towns over from my own hometown, I fled to listen. As an Alabama Native, It warmed my heart to hear about how a local personality known by so many led Brian to record such a brilliantly executed story. The twists and turns continue to surprise me and I find myself revisiting the story over and over, even years later. From learning how to (unsafely) gold-plate a dime to the scavenger hunt of how gossiping can get out of hand – you will truly never know where this story will lead. Most importantly it highlights how isolating and lonely it is to exist outside of societal norms in a small southern town within the Bible Belt. — Michelle Moezam, Post Wanted Sr. Social Media Marketing Manager
‘You Must Remember This: Charles Manson’s Hollywood’
Host: Karina Longworth
About the podcast: “You Must Remember This” is a podcast that explores the secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood’s first century. The podcast is organized into series by theme; episodes 44 through 55 are the miniseries “Charles Manson’s Hollywood.”
Who will like this: Anyone obsessed with all things Hollywood
Our review: I’m not typically into true crime, but “You Must Remember This” is one of my favorite podcasts — I love anything and everything that has to do with Hollywood history — so of course I listened to the Manson family miniseries. In 12 parts, Longworth presents an incredibly detailed exploration of Charles Manson but connects his story to the larger Hollywood community. Of course, Manson and Hollywood are quite inextricable due to the Manson family’s most famous victim, Sharon Tate, but the connections run so much deeper than that. If you’re looking for a true crime podcast without the commitment of hundreds of episodes and extremely long-form storytelling, definitely check out “Charles Manson’s Hollywood” from “You Must Remember This.” — Angela Tricarico, Post Wanted commerce writer/reporter
‘Crime Junkie’
Host: Ashley Flowers, Brit Prawat
About the podcast: “If you can never get enough true crime… Congratulations, you’ve found your people.”
Who will like this: Well… crime junkies…
Listeners are saying: “Crime Junkie is an excellent true crime podcast that feels like you’re sitting down with a couple of friends and hashing out cases. I love that Crime Junkie discusses a variety of cases including murder, missing persons, and unsolved cases. Ashley and Brit treat each case with care and respect realizing that at the end of the day, these cases are of real people. These stories are not told purely to entertain. These are victims who deserve justice and the tragedy of these events are shared to educate, to bring awareness, and even provide a little hope.”
‘True Crime All The Time’
Host: Mike Ferguson, Mike Gibson
About the podcast: This is a true crime podcast that spares none of the details and delves into what makes these killers tick. Join them for a good mix of lesser-known cases as well as our take on what they call the “Big Timers.” They don’t take ourselves too seriously but they take true crime very seriously.
Who will like this: Fans of “Mindhunter”
Listeners are saying: “I found this podcast in early 2022. Right away I got hooked. I’ve listened to all the newest episodes and now I’ve gone back and started from the very beginning. The first few episodes are slower than the rest but still interesting. I love Mike & Gibby! Can’t listen to any other true crime podcast.”
‘True Crime Garage’
Host: Nic and the Captain
About the podcast: This is no ordinary garage: it’s a rabbit hole of true crime, with a generous supply of alcohol and banter to lighten the load. From international atrocities to heinous stories on (US) home turf, dive head-first into a different case each week, and enjoy a cold one whilst your there. If you consider yourself an armchair detective, you’re in the right place, and you’re amongst friends. For the mystery-seeker, True Crime Garage presents an archive of missing persons, unsolved and cold cases, plus accounts of infamous serial killers and chilling solved cases. True Crime Garage has just one rule: don’t litter. Remember to not take yourself too seriously because if you do, nobody else will.
Who will like this: Armchair detectives
Listeners are saying: “Nic and the Captain make a great and entertaining duo. The music is phenomenal and unique each show. They do an excellent job of researching and telling the story as well as exploring difference of opinions. Love the Captain’s bits of humor here and there to lighten the mood a bit. If I could only listen to one podcast, this is the one!”
‘Generation Why’
Host: Aaron and Justin
About the podcast: Two friends, Aaron & Justin, break down theories and give their opinions on unsolved murders, controversies, mysteries and conspiracies.
Who will like this: Cold case junkies and casual conspiracy theorists
‘Anatomy of a Murder’
Host: Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi, Scott Weinberger
About the podcast: A murder case has many layers: the victim, the crime, and the investigation. To truly understand it, you need to dissect each piece of a tragic puzzle. Join Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger every Tuesday for an insider’s perspective, as they reveal to you the Anatomy of Murder.
Who will like this: “Law & Order” fans
Listeners are saying: “Really liked this podcast in that it has actual experts who have done this type of thing for a living and can explain the processes and details that go on behind the scenes that many of us don’t know about. Both have great voices that are easy to listen to.”
‘Morbid’
Host: Ash Kelley, Alaina Urquhart
About the podcast: It’s a lighthearted nightmare in here, weirdos! Morbid is a true crime, creepy history and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist. Join us for a heavy dose of research with a dash of comedy thrown in for flavor.
Who will like this: Anyone who loves “spooky season” and doesn’t mind a few scares
Listeners are saying: “Excellent research by both the girls, who are super articulate. They have a way of taking the edge off of the horror of which is true crime. There is a ton of variety ranging from murder to spooky stuff, and legends from areas around the world. Both of their personalities are endearing in different ways. You almost feel like you know them in a noncreepy way… Hats off to Alaina and Ash for taking a dive into the unknown for fun and coming up with an excellent podcast.”
‘Trace Evidence’
Host: Steven Pacheco
About the podcast: Trace Evidence is a weekly true crime podcast that focuses on unsolved cases, from chilling murders to missing persons. Join host Steven Pacheco as he examines each case, diving deep into the evidence and exploring the theories that revolve around them. For each unsolved case, there are the victims and their families, who want answers and the abductors and murderers who hide the truth.
Who will like this: Cold case junkies
Listeners are saying: “My absolute favorite podcast! Factual, considerate, interesting and respectful case coverage. The thorough explanation of every aspect of the cases are not only very detailed but also delivered in a way that make them a very interesting listen… Steven is always very well-spoken too!”
‘Dateline’
Host: Keith Morrison and other “Dateline” contributors
About the podcast: Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Who will like this: Keith Morrison fans
Listeners are saying: “Like someone else mentioned, these are just previously aired on TV “Dateline” episodes, which continually air in multiple places. However, I love them even if I’ve seen most of the episodes before. Keith Morrison has the BEST voice and I wish they’d put together an actual podcast with him as the narrator. So, although this isn’t an actual podcast, and mostly nothing new, I love it anyway!”
’20/20′
Host: David Muir, Deborah Roberts
About the podcast: Unforgettable true crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports and in-depth coverage of high-profile stories.
Who will like this: “20/20” watchers on the go
‘Murder, Mystery, & Makeup’
Host: Bailey Sarian
About the podcast: Bailey Sarian, a professional makeup artist and true crime aficionado, is now bringing episodes of her YouTube series “Murder, Mystery & Makeup” to podcast! Covering anything from cannibals to cover-ups. Join us on this journey.
Who will like this: Fans of Bailey Sarian and beauty-tubers
Listeners are saying: “Bailey is a fantastic storyteller. She keeps the listener well-engaged. She’s very knowledgeable and definitely has done the research. I’ve been a huge fan of hers on YouTube and now I can listen on another platform. I highly recommend it!”
‘Small Town Murder’
Host: James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman
About the podcast: Two comedians look at a small town, what makes it tick, and a murder that took place there. In-depth research, horrible tragedy, and the hosts’ comedic spin on the whole thing.
Who will like this: Those looking for lesser-known cases
Listeners are saying: “I don’t drink beer anymore, but I feel like I should when I listen to these guys. Super easy to listen to, always interesting and they make me laugh out loud. They can be pretty crude, but it’s usually playing off the characters in the cases. Criminals have a tendency to be trashier than the average bear, so no pinkies floating above the teacups here while recounting the tales.”
‘My Favorite Murder’
Host: Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark
About the podcast: “My Favorite Murder” is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921.
Who will like this: Anyone looking for a podcast with a lot of episodes and multiple topics
Listeners are saying: “I’ve been a fan of this podcast for years. Yes, it started out being just telling stories about murder but it has become a safe place to hear other people talk about true crime, survival, historical events, mental health, and emotional trauma all while giving a comedic perspective.”
‘FBI Profilers: Criminal Archives’
Host: Jim Clemente, Kathy Canning-Mello
About the podcast: In an ordinary police department, officers might only come across the worst types of cases once or twice in their careers. So when terrible crimes happen, they might not have the experience to crack the case. That’s where the BAU comes in. Jim and Kathy worked on everything from cold cases to active serial killer investigations, marshaling all their expertise to capture violent offenders and to prevent future crimes.
In this series, Kathy and Jim revisit the cases that haunted them most over the course of their FBI careers. They bring you along every step of the way in their investigations, to reveal what they learned about some of the most infamous crimes in history and demonstrate the profiling that helped to find the offenders…and bring justice to the victims.
Who will like this: Fans of “Criminal Minds”
Listeners are saying: “The podcast features incredible stories that are told in a straightforward and direct way, making them easy to follow and deeply engaging. The vivid descriptions really bring the stories to life, but they can also be quite intense, so it’s something to be mindful of while listening. The hosts do an excellent job of presenting the narratives clearly, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Just be prepared for some powerful and detailed storytelling.”
‘Scamanda’
Host: Charlie Webster
About the podcast: “Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian. A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest. But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know. She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world. Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.”
Who will like this: Fans of con artist TV shows, like “Inventing Anna,” “The Tinder Swindler,” and “The Dropout”
Listeners are saying: “I listen to A LOT of True Crime podcasts but it’s been a long time since I found one that was so interesting, so well-produced, well-paced, and with such a messed up story. I couldn’t stop listening! Feed your True Crime addiction with this podcast. You won’t regret it.”
‘The Deck’
Host: Ashley Flowers
About the podcast: For years, some law enforcement agencies have replaced the faces of traditional playing card decks with images of missing and murdered people and distributed those cards in prisons hoping inmates would come forward with information needed to crack these cold cases wide open. Now, the audio chunk is dealing you in. Each week, we will be working with investigators and family members to bring you the details of some of the coldest cases from around the country in hopes that someone listening can finally bring these victims the justice they deserve.
Who will like this: Listeners who want a unique, justice-focused spin on true crime coverage
Listeners are saying: “I stumbled across “The Deck” after I had binged every episode of “Crime Junkie” and was in desperate need of my true crime fix. This has it all! The narrator keeps your attention and has a way of telling these extremely intimate gruesome events while being completely respectful of the victim’s memory and surviving family and friends’ privacy/feelings. Someone needs to tell these stories and she has been anointed to be that person.”
‘Death by Unknown Event’
Host: Pamela Adlon
About the podcast: For seven years, Vancouver nurse Cindy James reported more than 100 separate incidents of harassment, ranging from threatening phone calls to home invasions to ritualistic assaults, including strangulations and stabbings. Canada’s Royal Mounted Police spent over a million dollars investigating her claims and found zero evidence of foul play, leading them to suspect she was making it all up. Then, in 1989, Cindy was found dead, bound and naked, half a mile from where her car was parked in a shopping mall. What happened to Cindy James remains one of the most bizarre and perplexing true crime stories in recent memory.
Who will like this: Listeners looking for a lesser-known story
Listeners are saying: “I really enjoyed this true crime tale. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it has so many twists and turns and so wholly captured my attention that I ended up binging it all in just two days. Admittedly, the ending may seem a little ambiguous and unsatisfying for audience members used to CSI-type shows where everything is wrapped up and definitively explained in minute detail within the space of an hour, but real-life is rarely so tidy, and that’s something this show doesn’t try to hide. It’s definitely worth the listen.”
‘True Crime Obsessed’
Host: Patrick Hinds, Gillian Pensavalle
About the podcast: They recap your favorite true crime documentaries with humor, sass, and heart.
Who will like this: Fans of true crime documentaries
Listeners are saying: “This Podcast is absolutely hilarious. If you love true crime documentaries but hate how you feel after watching them… this podcast is for you. I like I’m listening to my friends review the mysteries, horror and foolishness of these documentaries, making it easier to watch and digest.”
‘True Crime with Kendall Rae’
Host: Kendall Rae
About the podcast: Kendall Rae is a true-crime content creator on YouTube who has used her platform to spread awareness for victims and their families. Now she is bringing episodes of her YouTube true-crime series to podcast format, to hopefully create even more awareness around the cases she covers. Kendall’s approach to true-crime content is empathetic and always approached with victims in mind first. Join Kendall in her journey to spread awareness and bring justice to those who need it most!
Who will like this: Those looking for empathetic, victim-first true crime coverage
Listeners are saying: “I have been watching Kendall since I saw her videos on Facebook a few years ago. She is very insightful and finds factual and relevant information for all the cases she talks about. I would highly recommend for any true crime junkie like me!”
‘West Cork’
Host: Sam Bungey, Jennifer Forde
About the podcast: This much we do know: Sophie Toscan du Plantier was murdered days before Christmas in 1996, her broken body was discovered at the edge of her property near the town of Schull in West Cork, Ireland. The rest remains a mystery.
Gripping, yet ever elusive, join the real-life hunt for answers in the year’s first not-to-be-missed, true-crime series. Investigative journalist, Sam Bungey, and documentarian, Jennifer Forde, guide listeners through the brutal, unsolved murder and the tangled web of its investigation, while introducing an intricate cast of characters, a provocative prime suspect, and a recovering community whose story begs to be heard.
Who will like this: Listeners who want to go international
Listeners are saying: “This podcast managed to draw you into not only the mystery but also the town, the people as well as the scenery (which almost became a cast member all in itself). I appreciated the unbiased way in which the facts were presented without losing its personality… or ever letting you forget that at the heart of this documentary lies a tragic, unsolved murder that has and still is affecting many lives. SUPERBLY researched, presented and narrated!”
‘Heart Starts Pounding: Horrors, Hauntings and Mysteries’
Host: Kaelyn Moore
About the podcast: Horrors, hauntings and mysteries! A collection of scary stories that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you’re a fan of all things spooky, creepy, and thrilling, this is the podcast for you.
Who will like this: Anyone who prefers ghosts and the paranormal to the grisly details or murder, etc.
Listeners are saying: “Loving “Heart Starts Pounding” and have been binging episodes since I was turned onto it a couple of weeks ago. The stories are a gripping and well-researched journey into the paranormal and mysterious, this is perfect for those who crave a thrill.”
‘O.C. Swingers’
Host: Justine Harman
About the podcast: You can’t spell lifestyle without lies. When the charges against Newport Beach orthopedic surgeon and former Bravo reality star Dr. Grant Robicheaux and his girlfriend, substitute teacher Cerissa Riley, were revealed back in September of 2018, the world gawked at the unlikely criminals. And when a search warrant resulted in a haul that included unlawful guns, drugs, cash, and a mountain of digital evidence, the two were accused of drugging and raping MANY women. Things only got weirder from there. Journalist and podcaster Justine Harman pulls back the curtain on one of the most sordid sex crimes cases in Orange County history.
Who will like this: Fans of the Bravo-verse
Listeners are saying: “I remember these headlines, but then this story kinda faded away. The podcast does a good job of balancing the horrifying assault allegations and many police reports with personal histories of the accused, the survivors, the politicians and everyone in between. WTF happened with these prosecutors?! Very into Justine’s witty descriptions of Grant’s world. I want to know more about everything.”
What is the No. 1 rated true crime podcast?
Right now, the No. 1 most listened-to true-crime podcast on Audible is “Dateline” from NBC. “Morbid,” “Crime Junkie,” “48 Hours,” and “Small Town Murder” round out the top five.
What is the best true crime on Prime Video?
Though Amazon does not produce a lot of true crime documentaries for Prime Video under the Amazon Studios banner, here are some of the best true crime to stream now:
- “Manhunt: The Murder of Emily Longley”
- “Satan Wants You”
- “Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father”
- “Unsolved Mysteries”
- “Forensic Files”
- “Making A Monster”
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