If you’re a fan of gripping stories, unsolved mysteries, and chilling confessions, then true crime podcasts are the perfect companion for your daily commute or late-night binge. With the rise in popularity of true crime content, there are now hundreds of incredible podcasts covering real-life crimes, deep investigations, and expert analysis. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top 10 true crime podcasts that will keep you hooked from the first episode.
1. Crime Junkie
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Why You’ll Love It: If you like a storytelling approach that feels like a conversation between friends, Crime Junkie is a must-listen. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, each episode dives deep into real cases, offering in-depth research and personal insights.
Topics Covered: Missing persons, murder cases, and unsolved crimes.
2. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Why You’ll Love It: Hosted by Alaina Urquhart, an autopsy technician, and Ash Kelley, this podcast balances horrifying crime stories with humor and witty commentary.
Topics Covered: Serial killers, mysterious disappearances, and chilling murders.
3. My Favorite Murder
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Why You’ll Love It: This blend of comedy and crime brings a fresh, engaging take on horrifying real-life stories. Hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark keep listeners entertained with their candid storytelling.
Topics Covered: Famous murder cases, survivor stories, and personal experiences.
4. Casefile
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Why You’ll Love It: This podcast is narrated by an anonymous Australian host who delivers meticulously researched, documentary-style storytelling with no fluff.
Topics Covered: Cold cases, solved crimes, and detailed forensic investigations.
5. The Vanished
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re fascinated by missing persons cases, The Vanished focuses entirely on people who have disappeared, sharing their stories and the impact on their families.
Topics Covered: Unsolved missing persons cases, investigative reporting, and first-hand accounts.
6. Serial
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Why You’ll Love It: Serial was one of the first true crime podcasts to gain massive popularity. Hosted by Sarah Koenig, it takes a deep dive into one case per season.
Topics Covered: Wrongful convictions, justice system flaws, and high-profile legal cases.
7. Sword and Scale
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Why You’ll Love It: This intense podcast covers the darkest aspects of true crime with unfiltered storytelling and real audio clips from trials and interrogations.
Topics Covered: Violent crimes, psychology behind criminals, and legal analysis.
8. RedHanded
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Why You’ll Love It: British hosts Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala bring a mix of dark humor and serious crime analysis to make even the grimmest stories engaging.
Topics Covered: Murders, conspiracies, and psychological insights.
9. Criminal
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Why You’ll Love It: Unlike other podcasts, Criminal tells unique, lesser-known crime stories that focus on the human side of justice.
Topics Covered: Unusual crimes, historical cases, and personal crime experiences.
10. Dateline NBC
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Why You’ll Love It: If you love true crime documentaries, Dateline NBC delivers high-quality audio versions of its investigative news reports.
Topics Covered: Investigative journalism, famous cases, and shocking interviews.
Whether you’re into detailed forensic breakdowns, chilling interviews, or psychological deep dives, these true crime podcasts offer something for everyone. With so many gripping stories waiting to be discovered, there’s no doubt that true crime continues to be one of the most popular podcast genres. Pick one (or all) of these podcasts and get ready for an unforgettable listening experience!
Featured image: Photo by Karl Edwards on Unsplash
Pictures of the podcasts collected from Spotify.
