If you love watching movies, you must like shocking movies based on real crimes. From Dangerous American gangsters to Inhuman serial killers, we covered the top 10 shocking movies based on real crimes.
Movies are the primary source of entertainment. Thriller movies are always the most exciting genre to watch. This article is going to be as enjoyable as these top 10 shocking movies.
10. Snowtown (2011)
Director: Justin Kurzel
This chilling thriller occurs in a town where crime and corruption run rampant. A charismatic predator named Daniel Henshall takes a young teenage son under his wing and turns him into an accomplice in a murder spree. But the danger is not just local: the town is under siege by a deadly virus.
Snowtown is a disturbing, violent film based on actual events. While some scenes are graphic and depict violence, the film aims to create a detachment that lets the audience feel the pain and agony of the victims. However, despite the violence, this film remains a compelling watch.
The gang behind the heinous murders has left an indelible scar on the town. Their victims were often tortured before dying. The perpetrators have no remorse. The gang’s crimes have left Snowtown forever scarred, and their plight still haunts the town today.
The Snowtown murders became Australia’s most notorious serial killer case. Many suspects have been arrested. Among them were Mark Haydon, Robert Wagner, and John Bunting.
9. In Cold Blood (1967)
Director: Richard Brooks
In Cold Blood is based on a seminal true-crime novel by Truman Capote. The story follows a group of criminals, Perry Smith and Richard “Dick” Hickock, who plan to rob a wealthy family in Kansas. When they accidentally kill the entire Clutter family, they face the terrible reality of their crimes and the impermanence of earthly existence.
The movie was directed by Richard Brooks, who wrote the screenplay. The director has a long list of notable films under his belt, including “Key Largo,” “Elmer Gantry,” “Sweet Bird of Youth,” and “Lord Jim.” In Cold Blood was shot in black-and-white, which adds authenticity to the film.
The movie is based on a 1967 Truman Capote novel. The story revolves around a farmer in Kansas who murders his wife and two teenage children. The killers are two mindless ex-convict drifters, Perry Smith (Robert Blake) and Dick Hickock (Scott Wilson). The film follows the killers for over a year, and they are finally caught and sentenced to death.
In Cold Blood is a classic from a bygone era, and the black and white cinematography is stunning. The cinematographer, Conrad Hall (of “American Beauty” and “Road to Perdition”), did a fantastic job with the movie. Indeed, many of the stills in the film could be sold as fine art photography.
8. Savage Grace (2007)
Director: Tom Kalin
Savage Grace is the story of Barbara Baekeland, a social climber married to the wealthy plastics heir Brooks Baekeland. She adores her young son Antony and attempts to cure him of his homosexuality. Still, her little tendencies and manipulative nature end up killing him.
While Master of Disguise is a classic work of 80s speed metal, Savage Grace’s new album After the Fall from Grace is a very different beast. Its pacing and message differ from its predecessor, but it works just as well in its world. The script is full of savage lines, and Moore has a touch of old-fashioned elegance on the screen.
This film is a chilling investigation into bad behavior. It is based on a real story of a real couple. The Baekelands are married to two rich and famous people who had a ‘good life in France. However, their marriage becomes strained when their son, Antony, is born. He was a troubled boy and became very protective of his mother.
The director Michael Kalin has been making films for 16 years. The director’s most recent, “Savage Grace,” explores the fine line between desire and death. But despite the passion, the film never seems to sample the ecstasy of passionate love. Despite the tense moments, Kalin’s wry storytelling style never becomes overbearing. Still, it remains a welcome break from the glitzy world of feature films.
7. The Iceman (2012)
Director: Ariel Vromen
After a rough upbringing, Richard Kuklinski became a hitman for a crime family and was known as the Iceman. His trademark was freezing the victims’ bodies, making it impossible to tell when they died. After his arrest in 1988, he was the subject of multiple documentaries. Kuklinski was born in Jersey City on April 11, 1935. Stanley’s father was an alcoholic, and his sister, Florian, died from beatings.
DNA analysis of the Iceman’s intestines revealed that he ate red meat and wheat. This is consistent with the theory that his adversaries pursued him before he became extinct. However, the researchers also noted that he had arthritis and had broken several ribs. Furthermore, the Iceman had several cuts and fractures, and the scalp hairs revealed evidence of haircutting. Additionally, pollen from pine and deciduous trees was found on his intestines. These clues point to a violent confrontation.
The Iceman had several tools which were essential for survival. He carried a small copper-bladed axe and fourteen arrows. He also took a birch bark container containing ibex meat and a dagger with a flint blade. Another essential tool was an ash-handled longbow made of yew wood. Besides that, the Iceman also carried an arrow repair kit and a piece of antler used for arrows. He also held a pouch made of leather for his food.
6. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Director: Arthur Hiller Penn
Bonnie and Clyde bring the private world of movies to the public stage. In the early scenes, Bonnie Parker senses a certain glamour and escape in Clyde; in the early scenes, she sees Clyde as a hero. The two actors make this role very believable and realistic. Warren Beatty is terrific as a naive young man. His portrayal of the sharecropper is compelling.
The press glamorized Bonnie and Clyde’s gangster lifestyle, and they have become the subject of multiple movies. The most famous is “Bonnie and Clyde,” which starred Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. It has become a popular subject of popular culture studies. Both Bonnie and Clyde are buried in Dallas, Texas.
Bonnie Parker, formerly Bonnie Parker, and Clyde Barrow met in January 1930 at a friend’s home in West Dallas. While Clyde was in prison, they visited him often. Clyde eventually escaped from jail using Bonnie’s gun. However, he was recaptured in February 1932. In the meantime, Bonnie and Clyde wrote letters to each other. Although the physical letters have not been recovered, transcriptions of their letters have been published.
Also, Read >> Top 10 Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time
5. Public Enemies (2009)
Director: Michael Mann
Public Enemies is directed by Michael Mann, the master of testosterone-driven projects, based on the novel by Bryan Burrough. It tells the story of the last years of bank robber John Dillinger. The film stars Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. The story follows the infamous criminal, who is pursued by FBI agent Melvin Purvis, played by Christian Bale. The film focuses on the FBI’s involvement in the Dillinger case, which intrigues today’s media.
Public Enemies follows the story of bank robber John Dillinger, a thorn in the side of J. Edgar Hoover, the fledgling FBI, who makes him his Public Enemy Number One. The FBI sends Melvin Purvis, played by Christian Bale, to hunt down Dillinger.
The cast and the film’s sets and locations are fantastic. However, it does have its shortcomings. Some of the chase and shooting scenes are repetitive, and the film feels flat. The film’s love story was unnecessary, and while it added to the report, it also felt out of place.
4. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Director: Martin Scorsese
In 1987, Jordan Belfort got an entry-level job at a Wall Street brokerage firm. By the early 1990s, he founds his firm, Stratton Oakmont. He makes a fortune by defrauding wealthy investors. He lives a hedonistic lifestyle, but the SEC is closing in.
Although it takes liberties with the real story, “The Wolf of Wall Street” is one of Scorsese’s greatest movies. The movie is based on the real story of Jordan Belfort, a former stockbroker who cheated the system. Jonah Hill’s Donnie Azoff character is a stand-in for multiple real-life friends, and the film conveys the underlying truths of Belfort’s memoir. The movie’s runtime is 3 hours, but a few exciting subplots were cut.
Jordan Belfort is a cocky risk-taker. He has an attitude that screams “drug-fueled,” but this bold attitude doesn’t stop him from accumulating wealth. He eventually attracts the attention of the FBI. In addition, he cheats on his wife.
The movie’s characters are complex. Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, violates hundreds of securities laws. He also recruits working-class kids from Long Island who are “indoctrinated” into a “cult” that teaches them to worship money and trick clients into buying worthless stock. While his actions may be wrong, he enjoys making money.
3. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Director: Sidney Lumet
The 1975 biographical crime drama Dog Day Afternoon was produced by Martin Bregman and Martin Elfand and directed by Sidney Lumet. Starring Al Pacino, the film is based on a real-life story of a bank robbery and hostage situation.
The film has strong language and some threats, but it is also a compelling drama highlighting social issues of the time. The main character, Sonny, is gay, and his views on capitalism and labor unions are central to the storyline. The film’s sexual content is not explicit but contains homophobic and misogynistic language.
The Movie is based on a real-life bank robbery in Brooklyn in 1972. The village voice writer Arthur Bell knew the man who led the robbery, Littlejohn Basso. He talked to the criminal over the phone during the theft and eventually got him escorted to the crime scene.
2. Memories of Murder (2003)
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Korean crime drama, Memories of Murder is set in the 1980s. It follows the story of two detectives searching for the killer responsible for a string of murders in the Hwaseong area. The case limits Seo (Kim Sang-Kyung) and Park (Song Kang-ho).
Bong Joon-ho, a pioneer of the Korean New Wave, directs the film. His films, such as Snowpiercer, Okja, and The Host, have received international recognition. His 2003 procedural murder thriller, Memories of Murder is considered one of his best films. In addition, many critics consider it one of the finest Korean films ever.
Lee Choon-Jae is a former prisoner who confessed to a string of murders. His crime spree began when he was in jail. In 1994, Lee was sentenced to life in prison. His sentence was reduced to death in 2004. In the meantime, Lee Choon-Jae had become an elusive serial killer targeting more women. As the serial killer is killing more women, investigators must come together and work to solve the case. However, their methods sometimes fail, and they often come up short. Some revelations are jarring and expose a systemic failure.
1. City of God (2002)
Director: Kátia Lund, Fernando Meirelles
As a work of art, City of God was a huge hit and a benchmark for future filmmakers. However, fans may have been left feeling a sense of loss after the movie ended. As a result, they may have sought to find similar experiences in other films. Luckily, City of God’s cast and crew have provided insight into what makes a great film.
While the City of God is not exactly a picture-perfect representation of Rio de Janeiro, it is nevertheless a film that shows the diversity and life of a gangster community. While we are sometimes treated to glimpses of the sea and mountains, we are kept amid a favela. Because of this, Meirelles can avoid displaying the beauty of the outside world but instead pulls us back into the favela.
The film’s bleak subject matter is often tempered by moments of humor. Meirelles, who began his career directing television commercials, works with cinematographer Cesar Charlone to use quick cuts to create a busy film. The film’s pace is reminiscent of a hand-held video camera but feels more frantic.
Hope you enjoyed reading the article and learned about the Top 10 shocking movies based on real crimes. What is your favorite crime movie? Comment down below.
NOTE: The above list is subject to change in the future. We will update it accordingly.
