True crime has never been more popular. It is a genre that is both captivating and disturbing. But you probably already know this because you can't get enough of An American Crime.
Although the story of Sylvia Likens' case has been told many times, it never fails to shock and horrify. It's one of the most notorious child abuse cases in history and has been the subject of books, documentaries, and even a feature film — An American Crime. When first aired, the film drew in millions of viewers and remains one of the most talked about movies today.
So, in case you're looking for more true crime content to consume, we've got you covered. These amazing crime movies, TV shows, and podcasts will keep you up at night and leave you thinking about them long after you've finished watching or listening.
If you want to READ books like An American Crime:
Severed is an American classic, a book that stands with The Devil in the White City as one of the great examples of investigative crime writing. It follows the murder of Elizabeth Short, who was found dead in a Los Angeles field in 1947. The case became known as the "Black Dahlia" murder, and it captured the
attention of the nation. The book is structured around three main storylines: the investigation into Short's murder, the life of Short herself, and the life of the suspected killer, George Hodel. True-crime author John Gilmore does an exemplary job of researching and writing this book, and his work is made all the more impressive by the fact that he was able to get access to so many primary sources. The end result is a book that is both informative and engaging, a book that is sure to please you if you are a fan of true crime and Sylvia Likens. Read here.
True Crime Storytime is a series of books that focus on forgotten murderers. This book, True Crime Storytime Volume 2: 12 Disturbing True Crime Stories to Keep You Up All Night, focuses on four different murderers in the 1930s that have been largely forgotten. The book goes into great detail about their crimes,
victims, and eventual capture or death.If you are a fan of true crime like An American Crime, you will enjoy reading this book. The stories are well researched and written in a way that is both engaging and easy to follow. Read here.
Nannie Doss was a sociopath who got away with murder for years in the 1900s. She used arsenic to poison her victims, a method that was undetectable at the time. It was only when her final victim, her fourth husband, led authorities to her that they began to piece together the chilling truth. What followed was one of the
most sensational murder trials in American history. Ryan Green's Black Widow is a must-read if you are fans of true crime and Sylvia Likens. It's a page-turning account of one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. This gripping story will stay with you long after you've finished reading it and keep you up for many nights. Read here.
David Kulczyk does an excellent job of researching and writing this book. If you are a fan of true crime, you will enjoy reading Forgotten California Murders for its fascinating stories and Kulczyk's attention to detail. Kulczyk also covers some of the most chilling murders, such as the 1969 murders of Sharon Tate and her
friends by the Manson Family. Read here.
If you are a fan of true crime, then this is a book that you will definitely enjoy. It is a story that is both shocking and disturbing, but it is also a fascinating insight into the mind of a true monster. Ryan Green narrates the story in a simple and concise way, which makes it all the more chilling. The book tells the story of how
a young boy, Carl Panzram, who was already a troubled individual, was turned into a monster by the brutality of the prison system. Carl, a simple thief, set out to rob, burn, assault, and kill as many people as he could immediately after he was released from prison. Read here.
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If you want to WATCH movies and TV shows like An American Crime:
1. Starkweather
Starkweather follows the true story of one of America's most gruesome killers, Charles Starkweather and his 14-year-old girlfriend, Caril Ann Fugate. The film is sure to send shivers down your spine as it details their killing spree, which left 11 people dead. If you're a fan of true crime, then you'll definitely enjoy watching
this movie. However, be warned that it is graphic and disturbing, so it's not for the faint of heart.
This is a must-watch for fans of true crime. The film captures the decline of a once-feared gangster, Al Capone, and is a fascinating look at the fall of one of America's most notorious criminals.Capone recalls his days as a bootlegger, racketeer, and murderer with startling clarity, and the viewer is left wondering .
how much of his current state is due to his dementia, and how much is an act.
Although it is a fictionalized account of Capone's later years, the film is based on real events and draws heavily from interviews with those who knew the gangster. Watch here.
3. 3096 Days
3096 Days is a 2013 German film directed by Sherry Hormann. The film is based on the true story of Natascha Kampusch, who was kidnapped at the age of 10 and held captive for more than 8 years. The film chronicles her ordeal, from the moment of her abduction to her eventual escape. The film is a gripping and
harrowing portrayal of a young girl's strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. If you are a fan of true crime like An American Crime, we guarantee that you will enjoy watching this movie.
The Girl Next Door is a 2007 American crime drama film directed by Gregory Wilson and starring William Atherton, Blythe Auffarth, and Blanche Baker.
The film is based on the true story of how twelve-year-old David Lyall's life was changed forever when he and his sisters were placed in the care of their
mentally unstable Aunt Ruth. The film explores the dark side of human nature and how abuse can lead to terrible acts of violence. If you are a fan of true crime, you will enjoy watching this movie. Watch here.
Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield is based on the true story of one of America's most gruesome killers, and it's sure to send shivers down your spine. Ed Gein was responsible for a string of murders in the late 1950s that left his rural Wisconsin town, and the rest of America, in shock. He was nicknamed "The
Butcher of Plainfield" for his gruesome crimes, and his story has inspired many fictional killers in popular culture, including Norman Bates in "Psycho," Buffalo Bill in "The Silence of the Lambs," and Leatherface in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Watch here.
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If you want to LISTEN to true crime podcasts like An American Crime:
This podcast follows the same investigative storytelling format as An American Crime, and if you're a fan of that show, you're sure to enjoy this one. The podcast investigates the murder case of The Angel of Vine and how a present-day journalist uncovers the audio tapes from the 1950s that finally solve the
mystery. Listen here.
Most Notorious is a historical true crime podcast, and it covers cases largely from the 1800s and early 1900s, including Sabella Nitti (1923), Depression-era gangsters, classics like Lizzie Borden, etc.The host of this podcast, Dan Zupansky, has a great voice and is very knowledgeable about the cases he
covers. He interviews authors and historians who have written about the cases, offering unique insight and detail you wouldn't necessarily get from reading about the crimes. Listen here.
3. Criminal | A Podcast About Crime
Criminal tells stories about people who have done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught in the middle of the early 1900s. Phoebe Judge does an excellent job of narrating the stories and connecting with the listeners. You'll feel like you're right there with her, experiencing everything firsthand.
If you're a fan of the 2007 film An American Crime, then you'll enjoy listening to this podcast. True Crime Historian dives deep into some of the most fascinating cases of crime and murder from America's past, using historic newspaper accounts to tell the story. From grisly murders to con artists and everything in
between, True Crime Historian covers a wide range of cases that are sure to keep you entertained. Listen here.
Dark Histories is a mix of historical information, great research, and a fabulous host. If you're a fan of true crimes, then you'll enjoy listening to the stories of history's darkest moments, deepest mysteries, and strangest happenings.
From murders to cultural oddities, this podcast rivals An American Crime's
creepy child abuse story. A great choice for true crime and mystery listeners. Listen here.
