If you're a fan of gripping crime documentaries like *The First 48: Missing Persons (2011)*, you'll love this list of 10 similar shows and movies that dive deep into real-life investigations, suspenseful mysteries, and the race against time to solve cases. Whether you're drawn to the intensity of missing persons cases or the meticulous work of law enforcement, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The FBI Files (1998)
Description: Provides an inside look at FBI investigations, showcasing the meticulous process of solving crimes, akin to the procedural nature of missing persons cases.
Fact: The show uses reenactments and real FBI case files to tell its stories. It often features interviews with actual FBI agents involved in the cases.


Cold Case Files (1999)
Description: Focuses on unsolved criminal cases that are reopened and solved using modern forensic techniques, similar to the investigative approach in missing persons cases.
Fact: The show was one of the first to popularize the term 'cold case' in mainstream media. It often features interviews with law enforcement and forensic experts.


See No Evil (2014)
Description: Uses surveillance footage to solve crimes, emphasizing the role of technology in modern investigations, similar to the reliance on video evidence in missing persons cases.
Fact: The show was one of the first to extensively use real surveillance footage to tell its stories. It often highlights how everyday technology can be crucial in solving crimes.


Evil Lives Here (2016)
Description: Tells the stories of people who lived with killers, focusing on the psychological and emotional toll, akin to the personal and emotional narratives in missing persons cases.
Fact: The show is unique for its first-person accounts from family members or friends of the perpetrators. It often explores the warning signs that were missed before the crimes occurred.


Forensic Files (1996)
Description: Delves into the scientific methods used to solve crimes, emphasizing forensic evidence and its role in investigations, much like the detailed forensic work in missing persons cases.
Fact: Originally titled 'Medical Detectives,' the show has been praised for its educational value regarding forensic science. It has been used in classrooms to teach forensic techniques.


48 Hours (1988)
Description: A long-running documentary series that covers real-life crime stories, often focusing on the immediate aftermath and investigation, similar to the urgency in missing persons cases.
Fact: The show's name refers to the critical first 48 hours of a criminal investigation. It has won multiple Emmy Awards for its in-depth reporting.


The New Detectives (1996)
Description: Focuses on the work of forensic scientists and detectives in solving crimes, highlighting the importance of evidence and technology, similar to the investigative techniques used in missing persons cases.
Fact: The show was known for its detailed explanations of forensic techniques. It often featured cases that were solved using cutting-edge technology at the time.


City Confidential (1998)
Description: Examines crimes within the context of the communities where they occurred, providing a deeper understanding of the social and cultural factors, similar to the community-focused approach in missing persons cases.
Fact: The show was unique for its focus on how crimes affected the towns and cities where they happened. It often featured lesser-known cases that had a big impact on small communities.


Nightmare Next Door (2011)
Description: Focuses on crimes committed by people who were trusted members of the community, highlighting the shock and betrayal felt by victims, similar to the emotional impact in missing persons cases.
Fact: The show often featured cases where the perpetrator was someone the victim knew well. It was known for its dramatic reenactments and suspenseful storytelling.


American Justice (1992)
Description: Explores high-profile criminal cases and the justice system's role in solving them, mirroring the legal and investigative aspects of missing persons cases.
Fact: Hosted by Bill Kurtis, the show was known for its narrative style and in-depth analysis of cases. It often covered cases that had significant media attention.
