Looking for films that blur the line between reality and nightmare? The 10 best true crime movies deliver exactly that – stories so twisted you’ll question if they’re actually real. These aren’t your typical Hollywood thrillers; they’re based on cases that shook America to its core.
After binge-watching true crime documentaries for years and sitting through countless courtroom dramas, I’ve curated this list of movies that nail the perfect balance between entertainment and bone-chilling reality. Trust me, you’ll be googling these cases at 2 AM.
However, before gearing up, check your internet connection, especially if it is a movie night with friends on a rainy or stormy day. You can for instance call up the internet provider to check whether you have the right plan to stream, get video on demand, or have the internet Mbs left to watch a movie or download it. For example, you can dial up the Mediacom customer service phone number if you are a Mediacom internet user, as it is one of the best services in the US among many others, and inquire about your remaining data or any potential speed upgrades available. Good luck and do not get lost in true crime, it may not be real on-screen but is based on true events, so not for the light-hearted.
10 Best true crime movies
1. My Friend Dahmer (2017)
This isn’t your typical serial killer movie – it’s a haunting look at Jeffrey Dahmer’s teenage years. Based on a graphic novel by Dahmer’s actual high school classmate, it shows how monsters are made, not born. The film’s restraint makes it even more disturbing.
2. Molly’s Game (2017)
Jessica Chastain brings Molly Bloom’s high-stakes poker empire to life. Russian mobsters, Hollywood actors, and athletes all sat at her table – until the FBI shut it down. Aaron Sorkin’s script crackles with the same energy as the games themselves.
3. Hustlers (2019)
J-Lo, Cardi B, and Constance Wu star in this Wall Street revenge story. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, these strippers decided to flip the script on their wealthy clients. It’s Robin Hood with better choreography and designer heels.
4. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile (2019)
Zac Efron as Ted Bundy? Controversial casting choice that actually works. Told from his girlfriend’s perspective, it shows how Bundy’s charm masked pure evil. The film forces you to understand how he fooled everyone – including the people who loved him.
5. Unbelievable (2019)
Though technically a limited series, this Netflix production deserves mention. Three rape survivors team up to catch their attacker when police fail them. Toni Collette and Merritt Wever anchor this devastating but necessary watch.
6. Lost Girls (2020)
Amy Ryan delivers a powerhouse performance as a mother investigating her daughter’s disappearance. This Netflix film exposes the Long Island Serial Killer case and law enforcement’s failures. It’s a mother’s love story wrapped in a true crime nightmare.
7. Black Mass (2015)
Johnny Depp disappears into the role of James “Whitey” Bulger, Boston’s most notorious mobster. What makes this special? Bulger used the FBI while they thought they were using him. The corruption runs so deep you’ll need a shower afterward.
8. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Before Netflix made scammer stories trendy, Spielberg gave us Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale. This cat-and-mouse tale between a charming con artist and the FBI agent hunting him proves that truth really is stranger than fiction. Streaming platforms made this accessible to a whole new generation.
9. Memories of Murder (2003)
Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece follows South Korea’s first serial killer case. Dark comedy meets police incompetence in a film that’ll make you question everything about justice systems. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you long after credits roll.
10. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015)
While technically a documentary series, this HBO masterpiece deserves recognition. Following real estate heir Robert Durst through decades of suspicious deaths, it culminates in one of the most shocking confessions ever caught on camera.
Personal experience: I watched Dahmer expecting another procedural and ended up researching the real case until 4 AM. These films don’t just entertain – they make you question everything about human nature.
Wrapping Up
Crime movies give you just the right thrill and horror and true crime goes one-step ahead. So buckle up.
Read more: Is it safe to watch movies in theatres during corona?
