Crime has been a constant source of inspiration and terror for all cinema lovers. True crime movies capture real-life incidents and add a dash of fiction to make it more intriguing. Here are some of the best true crime movies ever made that you can watch:
All Good Things
This is a crime thriller that is sensational and has all the ingredients of a racy crime story. It follows the son of a New York real estate tycoon who becomes the prime suspect behind a series of murders including that of his wife. The film showcases his journey ahead with all the world’s focus on him. This is a film that is flashy, edgy and has intriguing plot points to keep your interest intact. It is complemented by great performances and good cinematography.
The Bling Ring
Ace director Sophia Coppola tells the story of a teenaged crime ring that got vapidly famous for breaking into and robbing multiple celebrities’ homes in the late 2000s. It is a flashy tale told in style. The performance of Emma Watson as a twisted teenager will have you hooked to your seat. The story is tight, relatable, and woven with elements of curiosity and truth that will surprise you as you get more and more involved.
In Cold Blood
This is the chilling story of two criminals in action. It follows the true story of the 1959 murder of the Clutter family in Kansas. It packs suspense and the intricate workings of criminal minds in a narrative that is extremely engaging. It is a film that will show you another side of the human mind that is sure to make you think deeply about crime as a tendency to deviate and its nuances.
American Hustle
This is a film that is way deeper than its flashy scenes and gorgeous female leads. It is the story of the FBI’s 1970s ABSCAM sting operation. The film is filled with many twists and double-crossings that are quintessential to a narrative of scam and betrayal. It has its elements on point and the cast delivers an absolutely committed effort to keep the plot together. The film did receive a lot of attention when it was out, but It still did not really reach out as one of the best true crime films in the way it deserved to be received.
Catch Me If You Can
This is a phenomenal, cult true crime film by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of Frank Abagnale’s rise as a conman. Leonardo DiCaprio is enjoyably charming as the conman who pulls off the most complicated heists and also keeps the agent tracing him on his feet. The film is now a cult classic with a huge fan following. It is one of the most sensational, widely watched films of all time. The narrative is fun, thrilling, and also very critical of the concept of crime and punishment itself.
Memories of Murder
This is a Korean film based on Korea’s first serial murders. It is a mysterious crime thriller that tracks the true events leading to the first documented cases of serial killings in the country. The narrative is chilling and very eerie because of the fact that everything depicted in it is true. It is a one-of-a-kind experience to watch something that seems so fictional but is in fact, the sad, cold, truth.
Casino
This is a gem of a hugely underrated film by Martin Scorsese. It tells the story of a low-level gangster making his way up the casino racket. The film is based on Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal and his wife and friend who threatens to tear his empire down. The film is extremely well-made and told with a sense of wit and thrill. It is one of those hidden gems that will catch you by surprise when you finally watch it. The performances are amazing and they bring out the layers of the characters absolutely brilliantly.
Bully
This is yet another true crime film that is slightly hard to the palette. It is the story of a few South Florida high schoolers who murder a sadistic friend who had abused them in the past. The film is told with the no-nonsense approach it deserves and it is filmed with an edge. The narrative is very nuanced as it questions the nature of crime and tries to delve into revenge as a valid response towards abuse. The lines are thin when the crime is as grave as murder, and the film gets these layers right.
All the President’s Men
This is a true-crime story of the most sensational Watergate burglary scandal that cost President Richard Nixon his political credibility. It is a novel take on the relevance of good journalism and also a very thrilling depiction of corruption and scam that happens at the political level. The film is very well made and executed with absolute objectivity to the storyline. It is also a reference of a historic scandal that can be viewed with an intention to know what went down back then.
Zodiac
This is a clincher from none other than director David Fincher. It tells the story of California’s Zodiac killer who went on a murder spree. The film is narrated with a suspenseful precision and it snowballs into something larger and deeper with each scene. It has all the characteristic elements of a David Fincher crime thriller. What makes it even more intense is its reference to the actual happenings that led to the making of this film.
