10 Movies & Shows Similar to Crime After Crime (2011)

Description: Errol Morris's groundbreaking documentary shares with 'Crime After Crime' a focus on wrongful conviction and the fight for justice. Both films use interviews, reenactments, and meticulous research to challenge official narratives. 'The Thin Blue Line' is credited with helping to overturn the conviction of Randall Dale Adams, much like 'Crime After Crime' advocates for Debbie Peagler.

Fact: The film's innovative use of reenactments influenced the true crime genre. It was one of the first documentaries to have a direct impact on a legal case. The title refers to the prosecutor's argument that the police are the 'thin blue line' between society and chaos.

Description: Like 'Crime After Crime,' 'Paradise Lost' is a powerful documentary that examines a miscarriage of justice, focusing on the wrongful conviction of the West Memphis Three. Both films highlight the flaws in the legal system and the emotional toll on the accused and their families. The raw and unfiltered portrayal of the case in 'Paradise Lost' mirrors the emotional intensity and advocacy found in 'Crime After Crime.'

Fact: The documentary led to a widespread campaign to free the West Memphis Three, who were eventually released in 201The film is part of a trilogy, with two sequels following the case over the years. Metallica allowed their music to be used in the film for free, as the band members were moved by the case.

Description: Similar to 'Crime After Crime,' this documentary focuses on a wrongful conviction and the fight to prove innocence. Both films highlight the importance of dedicated legal teams and the flaws in the justice system. 'Murder on a Sunday Morning' is particularly compelling in its courtroom drama, much like the legal battles depicted in 'Crime After Crime.'

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 200It follows the defense attorney's relentless efforts to uncover the truth. The case involved a 15-year-old wrongfully accused of murder, highlighting issues of juvenile justice.

Description: This documentary, like 'Crime After Crime,' deals with the wrongful conviction of the West Memphis Three and the efforts to prove their innocence. Both films highlight the power of advocacy and the media in bringing attention to miscarriages of justice. The emotional depth and detailed investigation in 'West of Memphis' resonate with the storytelling in 'Crime After Crime.'

Fact: Produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, the film features new evidence not covered in the 'Paradise Lost' trilogy. It includes interviews with celebrities like Eddie Vedder and Johnny Depp, who supported the West Memphis Three. The film was part of the campaign that led to the release of the West Memphis Three.

Description: This documentary, like 'Crime After Crime,' explores the themes of wrongful conviction and racial injustice. Both films shed light on how systemic biases can lead to tragic miscarriages of justice. 'The Central Park Five' provides a detailed account of the case, similar to the in-depth examination of Debbie Peagler's story in 'Crime After Crime,' emphasizing the long-term consequences of wrongful imprisonment.

Fact: Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, the film was later adapted into a Netflix series titled 'When They See Us.' The five men exonerated in the case received a settlement from New York City in 201The case sparked national debates about race, justice, and media sensationalism.

Description: This documentary, like 'Crime After Crime,' examines a brutal crime and its impact on the victims' families and the community. Both films address issues of justice, punishment, and the death penalty. 'The Cheshire Murders' provides a sobering look at the complexities of the criminal justice system, similar to the themes explored in 'Crime After Crime.'

Fact: The film is based on the 2007 home invasion in Cheshire, Connecticut, which resulted in the deaths of a mother and her two daughters. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the death penalty. The documentary includes interviews with law enforcement, family members, and legal experts.

Description: Similar to 'Crime After Crime' (2011), 'The Jinx' is a gripping true crime documentary that delves into the complexities of the justice system and the impact of crime on individuals and society. Both films explore the themes of wrongful accusations and the pursuit of justice, with 'The Jinx' focusing on the enigmatic figure of Robert Durst and his alleged crimes. The storytelling style is investigative and suspenseful, keeping viewers engaged as new revelations unfold.

Fact: The documentary series features an infamous moment where Robert Durst, unaware his microphone is still on, seemingly confesses to the murders. The series played a significant role in Durst's eventual arrest. Director Andrew Jarecki also directed 'Capturing the Friedmans,' another acclaimed documentary about crime and family secrets.

Description: This documentary parallels 'Crime After Crime' in its exploration of a wrongful conviction and the tireless efforts of a family member to seek justice. Both films emphasize the emotional and legal struggles faced by those fighting to overturn wrongful convictions. 'Dream/Killer' provides a personal and intimate look at the impact of such cases on families.

Fact: The film focuses on the case of Ryan Ferguson, who was wrongfully convicted of murder. Ryan's father, Bill Ferguson, played a key role in proving his son's innocence. The documentary highlights the use of social media and public campaigns in modern advocacy for justice.

Description: Like 'Crime After Crime,' 'After Innocence' examines the lives of individuals after they are exonerated for crimes they did not commit. Both films address the challenges of reintegration into society and the ongoing fight for compensation and recognition. The documentaries share a compassionate and humanizing approach to their subjects.

Fact: The film won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It features the work of the Innocence Project, an organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals. The documentary highlights the psychological and social struggles faced by exonerees.

Description: This documentary, similar to 'Crime After Crime,' delves into a high-profile crime case and its aftermath, focusing on the victim's family's quest for truth and justice. Both films explore themes of media sensationalism, public perception, and the personal toll of crime. 'The Witness' is notable for its intimate and personal storytelling, much like 'Crime After Crime.'

Fact: The film follows Bill Genovese as he investigates the murder of his sister, Kitty Genovese, whose case became infamous for the 'bystander effect.' It challenges the widely accepted narrative of the case. The documentary combines personal reflection with investigative journalism.