If you're a fan of true crime and gripping storytelling, you'll love 'America's Most Wanted (2021).' This revival of the iconic series continues to captivate audiences with its real-life crime investigations and dramatic reenactments. In this article, we’ll explore 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping suspense, investigative depth, and emotional impact. Whether you're looking for more true crime documentaries or fictional crime dramas, this list has something for every fan of the genre.

Cops (1989)
Description: Similar to America's Most Wanted (2021), Cops is a reality TV show that follows law enforcement officers as they patrol the streets and respond to calls. Both shows focus on real-life crime and the efforts of police to catch criminals. They share a gritty, documentary-style approach that aims to provide an unfiltered look at crime and justice.
Fact: Cops was one of the first reality TV shows to gain widespread popularity. The show's iconic theme song, 'Bad Boys,' is performed by Inner Circle. Cops has been criticized for its portrayal of policing and its potential to sensationalize crime.


20/20 (1978)
Description: 20/20 is similar to America's Most Wanted (2021) in its investigative journalism approach to crime stories. Both shows often feature in-depth reporting on high-profile cases, interviews with law enforcement, and sometimes even help bring attention to unsolved crimes. They share a commitment to uncovering the truth behind criminal activities.
Fact: 20/20 has been hosted by several notable journalists, including Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs. The show has won numerous awards for its investigative reporting. It often covers a wide range of topics beyond crime, including human interest stories and celebrity interviews.


Cold Case Files (1999)
Description: Cold Case Files is similar to America's Most Wanted (2021) in its focus on unsolved crimes and the efforts to bring justice to victims. Both shows often feature reenactments, interviews with law enforcement, and detailed accounts of the investigative process. They share a commitment to solving long-standing mysteries.
Fact: Cold Case Files was one of the first shows to focus exclusively on cold cases. The show has been credited with helping to solve several cold cases. It was revived in 2017 after a hiatus.


See No Evil (2014)
Description: See No Evil is similar to America's Most Wanted (2021) in its use of surveillance footage to solve crimes. Both shows highlight the role of technology in modern law enforcement and often feature dramatic reenactments to fill in the gaps. They share a focus on the meticulous process of piecing together evidence.
Fact: See No Evil is produced by the same team behind Forensic Files. The show has been credited with helping to solve several crimes. It often features cases where surveillance footage played a key role in the investigation.


Evil Lives Here (2016)
Description: Evil Lives Here is similar to America's Most Wanted (2021) in its focus on the personal stories of those affected by crime, particularly the families of criminals. Both shows delve into the psychological aspects of crime and the impact it has on loved ones. They share a dramatic, emotional tone that aims to humanize the stories behind the headlines.
Fact: Evil Lives Here often features interviews with family members of criminals. The show has been praised for its sensitive handling of difficult subjects. It explores the idea that evil can live in the most unexpected places.


Forensic Files (1996)
Description: Forensic Files shares with America's Most Wanted (2021) a focus on solving crimes through forensic science. Both shows delve into the details of criminal investigations, often showcasing how technology and science are used to catch perpetrators. They both aim to educate the public about the intricacies of crime-solving.
Fact: Forensic Files was originally titled 'Medical Detectives.' The show has been used as a teaching tool in forensic science courses. The narrator, Peter Thomas, became iconic for his distinctive voice.


48 Hours (1988)
Description: 48 Hours is similar to America's Most Wanted (2021) in its focus on real-life crime stories and investigations. Both shows use a documentary-style format to explore criminal cases, often featuring interviews with those involved and reenactments of key events. They both aim to provide a comprehensive look at the justice system.
Fact: 48 Hours was one of the first true crime documentary series on television. The show has covered some of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent history. It has been praised for its thorough and unbiased reporting.


The New Detectives (1996)
Description: The New Detectives is similar to America's Most Wanted (2021) in its focus on the work of forensic scientists and detectives in solving crimes. Both shows use reenactments and interviews to provide a detailed look at the investigative process. They share a commitment to showcasing the science behind crime-solving.
Fact: The New Detectives was one of the first shows to focus on forensic science. The show often featured cases that were solved using cutting-edge technology. It was praised for its educational value.


The First 48 (2004)
Description: The First 48 is similar to America's Most Wanted (2021) in that it focuses on the critical first 48 hours of a criminal investigation, a time when solving the case is most likely. Both shows highlight the work of law enforcement in tracking down suspects and solving crimes, often featuring interviews with detectives and dramatic reenactments.
Fact: The First 48 has been on the air for over 20 seasons. The show has been credited with helping solve real-life crimes by bringing attention to unsolved cases. Some episodes have been criticized for their graphic content.


Deadly Women (2005)
Description: Deadly Women is similar to America's Most Wanted (2021) in its focus on criminal cases, though it specifically highlights female perpetrators. Both shows use reenactments and interviews to explore the motives and methods behind crimes. They share a dramatic, suspenseful tone that aims to captivate audiences.
Fact: Deadly Women is hosted by criminologist Candice DeLong. The show explores the psychological and sociological factors that lead women to commit crimes. It has been praised for its unique perspective on crime.
