Do you love true crime movies?
But fans are certainly not complaining.
Some of the most compelling retellings of true crime stories come to us through the big screen.
And the resulting movies beautifully showcase talented efforts coming together to bring awareness tohorrific crimes.
1.Zodiac
By far one of the most notorious serial killer cases is that of the Zodiac.
And the case continues to baffle investigators, and true crime enthusiasts to this day.
And a cartoonist by the name of Robert Graysmith fervently tried to unmask the killer.
After leaving his career as a cartoonist, Graysmith took up writing true crime books on the Zodiac.
Which leads us to the 2007 release ofZodiac, a film based on Graysmiths life and work.
2.Scream
One of thegreatest contributions to horror,Scream, is actually inspired by true events.
BeforeScreamcame to fruition, a killer stalked the small town of Gainesville, Florida.
And he ultimately took the lives of eight co-eds.
However, the impact it made on society is undeniable.
And you’re able to look forward to even more from theScreamfranchise with the 2023 instalment.
With a cast featuring Kate Winslet, and Melanie Lynskey, viewers experience a young friendship turn deadly.
Back in 1954, Pauloine Parker and Juliet Hulme met after Juliet moved to Christchurch, New Zealand.
As they grow closer, their relationship turns sinister.
With it ultimately leading to the murder of Paulines own mother.
All in all,Heavenly Creaturesis one of the best true crime movies and deserves your viewership.
All of which is to take place at his private wrestling training facility called Foxcatcher Farm.
However, once John starts working with Mark and David, their lives become chaotic.
With drugs, violence, and jealousy driving John to take Davids life.
Foxcatcherhighlights the beginning and end of Johns relationship with the brothers.
5.Party Monster
Take a trip back to the heyday of club culture withPartyMonster.
For Michael Alig, city life acts as an escape and building block to a better life.
He goes from small town nobody to a big city club promoter almost overnight.
And of course, none of this would have been possible without the author ofPartyMonster, James St. James.
Well, sex, drugs, and a desperate desire to stay on top.
6.My Friend Dahmer
This frustration is felt while watchingMy Friend Dahmer.
Focusing on Jeffrey Dahmers formative years, viewers can witness the many signs of deviant behavior.
From obsessing over dead animals, anti-social behavior, and sexual deviancy.
Truly, a unique angle among true crime movies.
If you desire to learn more about the personal life of a serial killer, check outMy Friend Dahmer.
7.The Big Short
Just because no onegoes to jaildoesnt mean crimes havent been committed.
Instead, criminal negligence, and bank fraud are to blame for the 2008 recession.
AndThe Big Shortgoes to clever lengths to explain the atomic level bust of the housing market.
With an impressive cast of Hollywood elite,The Big Shortis a fun journey back to a dreadful time.
But the comedy laden movie fails to emphasize just how much these banks are responsible for the recession.
Which ultimately sank the US economy.
And left many without homes, or jobs.
Regardless of the legal outcome, errors at that level are criminal.
But Hollywood does a fantastic job of making an economic crisis one of the best true crime movies.
Charlize Theron is unrecognizable as Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute that murders her clients.
But Aileens case will cause you a certain level of mental anguish.
And not just because of her crimes.
Instead, the movie introduces you to Aileens turbulent life.
What the movie focuses on is Aileens romantic relationship with Christina Riccis character, Selby Wall.
Who is loosely based on Aileens real-life partner, Tyria Moore.
And the sexual assault that drove Aileen to murder.
Truly tragic no matter what way you look at the case.
And especially not a group of Hollywood elite teenagers.
So, what is the driving force behind these crimes?
And the perpetrators expect to get away with it.
But their cockiness got the best of them.
The crew even had plans to burglarize more homes.
Looking for some other quirky heist films?
Check outour list of Wes Anderson movies.
But not because of the sports.
And although their talents are impressive, no one is watching for their skills anymore.
Because a once professional rivalry turns violent.
ForI, Tonya, Margo Robbie delivers a stellar performance as Tonya Harding.
Which is honestly reason enough to watch the film.
Ultimately sparking a fire inside him.
Originally, he poses as an extremist white man on the phone.
But soon he has to employ the help of his friend so you can meet the chapter in person.
As Stallworth continues his investigation and exposure of the KKK members, it literally blows up in their faces.
BlacKkKlansmanis an award winning theatrical account of Stallworths experiences.
Of course, as with many true crime movies, Hollywood has taken some creative freedoms.
What Are True Crime Movies?
What differentiates true crime movies from documentaries isnt a lack of factual inspiration.
But instead, the way the facts, or stories, are presented to viewers.
Meaning, the movie version might change names, or peripheral events for market the film to their liking.
And the resulting movies are often comical, or romanticized.
When the reality is anything but.
Because true crime can be depressing, true crime movies often spice up the plot.
Maybe they add romance, or dramatize events.
Having a movie version gives viewers a break from the reality of the situations at hand.
And for true crime, that can be necessary at times.
Plus, your brain might need that disconnect.
So, if you want more information and less fluff, then check out some true crime documentaries instead.
Just remember to come up for air!
Because its easy to get lost in the true crime genre.
Obsessed With True Crime Movies?
And now that you have a list of true crime movies,your next movie nightwill be a scream.
So, what are you planning on watching next?
Leave us a comment below.
And dont forget to pass the popcorn.