11 of the Best Movies Based on Actual Crimes
True crime has been an obsession with viewers long before podcasts and shows about Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez Brothers captured our collective attention. In fact, stories of real-life serial killings, kidnappings, and wrongful convictions have inspired many cinematic works. If you're done binging another Ryan Murphy series and are looking for your next fix, here are 11 movies to get you on the case.
In Cold Blood (1967)Based on Truman Capote's non-fiction masterpiece, director Richard Brooks wanted the film-which depicts a quadruple murder in the Holcomb, Kansas, home of the Clutter family-to be as realistic as possible, sohe filmed nearly everythingin the same locations where the homicide occurred in a documentary-like style. The result is a tense, authentic drama that captures the senselessness of Perry SmithandRichard Hickock's crimes as well as their eventual execution.
Where to stream:Digital rental
Zodiac (2007)David Fincher's masterpiece isn't really about the series of killings that took place in San Francisco in the late '60s and '70s, though it does depict them in theSevendirector's typically stylish fashion. It's a character study about the time-consuming and ultimately futile search for the murderer who dubbed himself the Zodiac and the toll it took on the men who investigated him. Do yourself a favor and seek out the director's cut of the film, which restores an additional five minutes to the nearly three-hour saga, giving the investigation a little more depth.
Where to stream:Paramount+ with Showtime, Digital rental
Bernie (2012)When the nicest guy in the small East Texas town of Carthage pleads guilty to killing the meanest woman in the city, its residents can't believe he is capable of such a heinous crime. What's even more incredible is that they don't want him to go to jail for the deed. Richard Linklater, the director ofDazed and ConfusedandSchool of Rock, may not seem like one to tackle a true crime-story. But he handles the topic deftly-as the story begins to seem outlandish, the indie auteur inserts interviews with those who knew the titular killer and his victim in real life, showing that this dark comedy is (almost) free from embellishment.
Where to stream:Prime Video, Peacock, The Criterion Channel, Tubi, Kanopy, Hoopla, Pluto TV, Plex, digital rental
Chicago (2002)This award-winning musical is fictionalized, for sure, but it has its roots in the real-life murder trials ofBeulah AnnanandBelva Gaertner, which were sensationalized by the Windy City press. They inspired the characters of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who became tabloid celebrities thanks to the fictional lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), telling reporters that the women were driven to kill by the combination of "jazz and liquor."
Where to stream:Paramount+ with Showtime, digital rental
Conviction (2010)Kenneth Waters served nearly two decades in prison for a grisly murder he didn't commit.He was releaseddue in large part to his sister Betty Anne, who spent that time putting herself through law school and working with the Innocence Project, an organization dedicated to using DNA evidence to reverse wrongful convictions, to exonerate him. Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell put in powerful performances as the siblings, elevating this film above what could be seen as a typical "movie of the week."
Where to stream:Max, digital rental
Boys Don't Cry (1999)Starring Swank in her breakthrough award-winning role, this film revolves around the murder of Brandon Teena in a small Nebraska town and is shot in a similar documentary-like style toIn Cold Blood. Though it deals with several themes that are still relevant today, including issues revolving around sexual identity and transgender rights, at its heart is a tragic star-crossed love story-though several people involved with the case dispute the depiction of the relationship at the heart of the film.
Where to stream:digital purchase
Foxcatcher (2014)For this Oscar-nominated film,The Office's Steve Carell transforms into the world's worst boss for his portrayal of John du Pont, a multimillionaire who was found responsible for the murder of his employee, Olympian and wrestling coach Dave Schultz. However, the real standout in this film is Channing Tatum, who excels as Schultz's brother Mark, who the film subtly portrays as the object of du Pont's affection, though it should be noted that Mark has disputed this portrayal on several occasions.
Where to stream:Paramount+ with Showtime, digital rental
Monster (2003)Aileen Wuornos has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, TV movies, and even an opera. However, Charlize Theron's Oscar-winning turn as the infamous serial killer likely brought Wuornos to the attention of true-crime obsessives. The actress plays the mentally unstable Wuornos so convincingly that it seems like she's the victim and not the seven men that she brutally murdered.
Where to stream:Pluto TV, Plex, digital rental
Changeling (2008)Speaking of great acting performances, Angelina Jolie shines as mother Christine Collins in this period piece directed by Clint Eastwood. The film follows the search for her nine-year-old son and battling the police to find him. However, the case takes a turn when detectives claim to have found her son, but Collins insists it's not him. The authorities then claim she is an unfit mother and institutionalize her. This film is easily one of Eastwood's most suspenseful films, casting a spell on the viewer as soon as the opening credits begin rolling.
Where to stream:digital rental
Badlands (1973)Though Terence Malick's directorial debut is a work of fiction, its plot is loosely inspired by the series of killings perpetrated by the coupleCharles Starkweatherand teenagerCaril Ann Fugate. If the film bears any resemblance to the true-crime classicBonnie and Clyde, that's probably not entirely a coincidence, as Malick was a protege of Arthur Penn, who directed the 1967 film. However,Badlandsis very much its own beast, with stunning visuals and no easy explanation for the violence the couple left in their wake.
Where to stream:digital rental
Memories of Murder (2003)Before he explored the perils of Korean class structure inParasite,Bong Joon-Ho directed this tense thriller inspired by the first serial murders confirmed in South Korea in the 1980s. While it resembles a '90s American thriller, the film reflects and satirizes the oppressive, conservative culture of the country where the events take place. It's become a cult classic in the 20 years since the movie's initial release.
Where to stream:Tubi, digital rental