Here are 25 of the finest true crime podcasts, rated from the most relaxed to the most chilling.

How unsettling is it? The tales are undeniably chilling, but the humor from the hosts ensures the atmosphere never gets too bleak.

Hosted by American comedians Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, My Favorite Murder and its offshoots skyrocketed to become one of the most popular true crime podcasts worldwide, exploring some of the most terrifying murder stories, from infamous cases like JonBenet Ramsey and the Black Dahlia, to lesser-known but equally disturbing ones. Its fanbase, known as 'Murderinos,' is among the most dedicated in the true crime world—though its lighthearted take on actual murder may not suit everyone, it certainly resonates with a vast number of people who live by the hosts' iconic saying: 'Stay sexy and don’t get murdered.'

How unsettling is it? The podcast addresses topics like racism and sexual assault, with a focus on the murders committed by the Manson family. However, these dark aspects aren't the main focus of the show.

A spin-off of her well-known movie history podcast, You Must Remember Manson delves into the murders through the infamous family's connections to Hollywood. While not avoiding the gruesome aspects too much, Longworth goes beyond typical Manson family discussions to examine how they did—and didn’t—fit into 1960s society, and why Manson succeeded in forming a literal cult that attracted celebrities. The show also takes a deeper look at some of the victims, portraying them as more than just their tragic deaths.

How disturbing is it? The focus is less on the murders and more on the lives and conditions of women in Victorian London who were marginalized by society.

A few years ago, I was so impressed with Hallie Rubenhold’s book The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper that I gifted several copies to friends for the holidays. Because, of course, nothing says Hanukkah like Jack the Ripper. So I was thrilled to hear that Rubenhold had launched a podcast on the same theme: looking at the infamous Victorian murders from the perspective of the victims. Since the case has been extensively documented, the podcast sheds light on the lives and struggles of the women who were among the most vulnerable in 19th-century society.

How unsettling is it? The podcast takes a journalistic approach but covers sensitive topics such as the sexual assault and murder of a child in its first season.

This award-winning investigative series by the journalists at American Public Media dives deep into a single case each season (currently spanning three seasons). The first season focuses on the nearly 30-year-old cold case of missing 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling, examining the crime and its lasting impact on the local community. A major breakthrough in the case during production shifted the direction of the show, adding significant emotional weight. The second season shifts focus to Curtis Flowers, a Black man who was tried six times over two decades for the murder of four people in a pursuit to secure a conviction.

How unsettling is it? If you’re already a bit wary about visiting the doctor, this will only heighten your fears. It’s not overly graphic, though.

Dr. Christopher Duntsch exuded charm, with a confidence that could calm anyone. However, the reality was far more sinister—this neurosurgeon disastrously botched almost every surgery he performed, causing severe harm and, in some cases, death to patients in ways that were entirely preventable (he also struggled with a drug dependency). Due to his connections and his overbearing self-assurance, it took years before his medical license was revoked, despite multiple warnings. If you have a medical procedure scheduled, you might want to skip this one for now.

How disturbing is it? It starts slowly but intensifies, featuring numerous instances of psychological manipulation and gaslighting, becoming more unsettling as it progresses.

Dirty John, which was adapted into a Bravo TV series starring Connie Britton and Eric Bana, tells the story of Debra Newell, an interior designer who meets John Meehan online. He appeared to be her perfect match, so much so that they quickly married, despite several red flags. For instance, “freelance anesthesiologist” John never seemed to have a stable job, and Debra found herself more isolated as time went on. Narrator Christopher Goffard wisely focuses on Debra’s perspective, creating a tense and absorbing narrative.

How unsettling is it? The details surrounding the murder of Hae Min Lee are undeniably disturbing, though the show’s focus isn’t on the crime itself.

Considered the pioneer of true crime podcasts, Serial’s first season delves into the murder of Hae Min Lee and the subsequent conviction of Adnan Syed. Rather than simply exposing the true identity of the killer, Sarah Koenig’s show challenges the assumption that the justice system had it right, asking whether Syed was wrongfully convicted. It became a major cultural touchstone, sparking discussions not just about the case, but also about the broader justice system. Even seven years later, the conversation continues. The later seasons (focusing on US Army soldier Bowe Berghdahl and issues within the US legal system) didn't capture as much buzz, but remained equally engaging.

How unsettling is it? While not overly graphic, the show addresses sensitive topics such as mental health struggles and suicide.

John B. McLemore, a resident of Woodstock, Alabama, reached out to radio journalist Brian Reed, urging him to investigate what he believed was a murder covered up by a wealthy family in their small town. However, the true story took a drastically different turn as the investigation unfolded, and the show’s focus shifted unexpectedly. A spin-off from Serial, S-Town stirred significant controversy both during its release and afterward, primarily due to its impact on the town and perceived exploitation of its subjects. While these critiques are valid, the show remains undeniably captivating and sparked as much debate for its controversies as it did for its storytelling.

How disturbing is it? The content is relatively mild within the genre, though it does explore themes of domestic abuse alongside the primary murder investigation.

On February 23, 2018, 25-year-old aspiring actress Adea Shabani vanished from her Hollywood apartment. Journalist Neil Strauss, originally assigned to write a single article on the disappearance, delved far deeper into Shabani's complex life and the life of the boyfriend she was last seen with. Strauss approaches the increasingly convoluted case with great empathy, while also uncovering key truths behind the tragic death through his investigative work throughout the podcast.

How disturbing is it? While not very disturbing, some of the financial crimes discussed are certainly unsettling.

While true crime often focuses on murder, Laci Mosley shines a light on another type of crime: fraud. In Scam Goddess, Mosley explores the world of swindlers, Ponzi schemes, and grifters. Each episode kicks off with a look at a recent con making headlines, followed by a deep dive into a famous historical scam. The podcast is a blend of education, humor, and intrigue—after all, learning the tactics of scammers can help protect us from becoming their next target.

How disturbing is it? While political crimes are significant and often deeply unsettling, they don't typically involve grisly details.

The crimes committed by those in power may not always be as grotesque as those committed by ordinary individuals, but their effects on society are often far-reaching. Each season of this podcast focuses on a different high-profile political scandal from the past: the first season delves into the Watergate scandal and the downfall of Richard Nixon, while subsequent seasons explore the cover-up surrounding Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky, the lead-up to the Iraq War, and the assault on Rodney King, which sparked the 1992 LA riots.

How disturbing is it? Not very.

Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle created a whole collection of true crime and crime-adjacent podcasts, starting with this one, which was their first collaboration. Instead of diving into actual real-life cases, the hosts focus on reviewing and discussing true crime documentaries—both movies and TV shows (there's plenty of Dateline featured here). The tone is lighthearted as they dissect both the true stories and the often amusing or over-the-top reenactments found in crime-based television and film.

How disturbing is it? It changes with each episode, but overall, the vibe is usually pretty light.

Hosted by the folks at Dread Central, FriGay the 13th brings a unique LGBTQ+ perspective to discussions of true crime, mysteries, movies, and monsters. While the tone is mostly fun and conversational, they don't shy away from the darker aspects of the stories they cover. The true crime genre often has a questionable history with marginalized groups, so it's refreshing to see it tackled from diverse perspectives.

How disturbing is it? It varies, but similar to other comedy-driven culture podcasts, it remains relatively lighthearted.

Much like the previous podcast, Last Podcast on the Left dives into everything dark and disturbing, from real-life horror like Jeffrey Dahmer to fantastical creatures like cryptids. It's a one-stop shop for all things spooky, and it's become a massive hit with a dedicated fanbase, live shows, and a ton of merchandise. Currently exclusive to Spotify, it won’t be long before it’s available elsewhere in 2022.

How disturbing is it? It varies with each episode. The show generally steers clear of overly graphic details, but it covers serious topics like murder, rape, and cannibalism.

What sets Bruh Issa Murder apart is its focus on cases involving people of color and marginalized communities, which is often overlooked in traditional true crime narratives. With a diverse team of creators, the show dives into underreported murders and examines the lives of killers, including deep dives into cases such as Black serial killers.

How disturbing is it? It’s not too disturbing. While the topics can be dark, they’re approached with a blend of humor and compassion.

Frank and Alvin, two lifelong friends, bring a unique Black, millennial perspective to true crime stories, blending comedy and seriousness in a way that’s rare in the genre. Their “equal opportunity” approach to true crime and humor offers both depth and lightheartedness. Though their episodes often run long, the natural rapport between the hosts makes it easy to stay engaged.

How disturbing is it? The subject matter is troubling, but it avoids graphic details.

While other podcasts have addressed the issue of wrongful convictions, few delve as deeply as this one, using defense files and interviews with individuals who’ve often spent years behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit. Recently, Wrongful Convictions has also explored the topic of false confessions—how they occur and the devastating consequences they bring. It serves as a poignant reminder that those who suffer from a broken justice system are just as much victims as those harmed by crime.

How disturbing is it? The show includes candid conversations about rape and sexual assault.

Known for his investigative reporting on sexual abuse and misconduct allegations involving public figures such as Woody Allen, Bill Cosby, and Harvey Weinstein, Ronan Farrow has earned a reputation for holding the powerful accountable. In his one-season podcast (so far), Farrow provides a detailed look into the journalism that helped send Weinstein to prison, featuring recordings of key interviews that were central to his reporting.

How disturbing is it? Features candid discussions on rape and sexual assault.

This NPR podcast takes a deep dive into Louisville, Kentucky, focusing on how rape cases are investigated—or more often, how they are not. As you might expect, the reality is grim. With several other podcasts sharing similar names, be sure to look for the one produced by Louisville Public Media if you want to hear this particular story.

How disturbing is it? The level of intensity changes from episode to episode, but the hosts generally maintain a balance, avoiding anything too grim.

What if true crime... but with a British twist? This is one of the unique appeals of this podcast, especially given that many crime podcasts tend to focus on the United States. The show is hosted by the charming and insightful Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala, who guide listeners through engaging discussions. With over 200 episodes available, it has become quite a popular choice among true crime fans.

How disturbing is it? A deep look into the psyche of a killer (whose crimes had a disturbing sexual component). It's captivating, though definitely not for those with a weak stomach.

In 1978, Rodney Alcala took a brief break from his cross-country murder spree to appear on an episode of The Dating Game—and he actually won a date. Later convicted of seven murders, it’s suspected that he was responsible for many more, possibly more than 100. This chilling story is everything that makes true crime so compelling, especially considering Alcala's relative obscurity.

How disturbing is it? Generally light and cozy.

I’m convinced there’s a major overlap between true crime enthusiasts and those who can’t stop poring over property listings. Both are fueled by a curiosity about what lies behind closed doors. Dark House is a perfect blend: a breezy exploration of once-beautiful homes with dark, twisted histories, hosted by Alyssa Fiorentino and Hadley Mendelsohn from House Beautiful magazine. Each episode dives into the real-life ghostly stories tied to famously haunted houses—plus a bit of interior design chatter.

How disturbing is it? The stories, often shared by family members, can be deeply emotional and moving.

This anthology podcast gives a voice to the surviving relatives of murder victims, focusing on the personal impacts of true-crime cases. By offering these intimate conversations, it reminds listeners that behind every tragic case are real people—making this show a much-needed perspective in a genre often criticized for being exploitative.

How disturbing is it? The show discusses several murders, but it focuses primarily on the investigative process and procedural details.

Bear Brook investigates a chilling cold case involving four bodies found in Bear Brook State Park, New Hampshire. What sets this podcast apart is that the identity of the killer was revealed during the podcast’s production, leading to a satisfying resolution. Additionally, the show delves into the use of genetic genealogy in solving the case—a groundbreaking method that analyzes large online genealogy databases. While this technique has raised significant privacy concerns, it has also led to the resolution of several cold cases.