Buzz
The fascination with true crime predates the popularity of podcasts and series about figures like Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez Brothers. Tales of actual serial murders, abductions, and miscarriages of justice have long served as the foundation for numerous films. If you've just finished a Ryan Murphy series and are eager for more, here are 11 movies to satisfy your true crime cravings.
In Cold Blood (1967)
Adapted from Truman Capote's groundbreaking non-fiction work, director Richard Brooks aimed for utmost realism in this film, which portrays the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas. To achieve this, he shot most scenes at the actual locations of the crime, employing a documentary-style approach. The outcome is a gripping, authentic portrayal of the heinous acts committed by Perry Smith and Richard Hickock, as well as their eventual fate.
Available for streaming: Digital rental
Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher's acclaimed film delves less into the series of murders that haunted San Francisco in the late '60s and '70s, though it portrays them with the director's signature flair, reminiscent of his work in Seven. Instead, it focuses on the obsessive and ultimately fruitless pursuit of the self-proclaimed Zodiac killer, exploring the psychological toll on the investigators. For a richer experience, watch the director's cut, which adds five minutes to the nearly three-hour epic, offering deeper insights into the case.
Available for streaming: Paramount+ with Showtime, Digital rental
Bernie (2012)
In the quaint East Texas town of Carthage, the community is stunned when the kindest man admits to murdering the town's most despised woman. Even more astonishing, the locals rally to keep him out of prison. Richard Linklater, known for Dazed and Confused and School of Rock, might seem an unlikely choice for a true crime narrative, but he masterfully navigates the tale. As the story grows increasingly bizarre, Linklater incorporates real-life interviews with those who knew the killer and victim, proving this dark comedy is grounded in reality.
Available for streaming: Prime Video, Peacock, The Criterion Channel, Tubi, Kanopy, Hoopla, Pluto TV, Plex, digital rental
Chicago (2002)
While this acclaimed musical is fictional, it draws inspiration from the real-life murder trials of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, which captivated Chicago's media. These cases inspired the characters Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who gain notoriety through their lawyer, Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), who blames their crimes on the intoxicating mix of 'jazz and liquor.'
Available for streaming: Paramount+ with Showtime, digital rental
Conviction (2010)
Kenneth Waters spent nearly 20 years behind bars for a brutal murder he didn't commit. His freedom was secured largely by his sister Betty Anne, who dedicated years to earning a law degree and collaborating with the Innocence Project, a group focused on overturning wrongful convictions using DNA evidence. Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell deliver compelling performances as the siblings, transforming what could have been a routine TV movie into a gripping drama.
Available for streaming: Max, digital rental
Boys Don't Cry (1999)
Featuring Hilary Swank in her Oscar-winning breakthrough role, this film chronicles the tragic murder of Brandon Teena in a Nebraska town, employing a documentary-style approach reminiscent of In Cold Blood. While it tackles enduring themes like sexual identity and transgender rights, its core is a heartbreaking love story. However, some individuals connected to the case have contested the film's portrayal of the central relationship.
Available for streaming: digital purchase
Foxcatcher (2014)
In this Oscar-nominated film, Steve Carell, known for The Office, delivers a chilling performance as John du Pont, a wealthy heir convicted of murdering Olympic wrestler and coach Dave Schultz. Channing Tatum shines as Schultz's brother Mark, who the film subtly suggests was the focus of du Pont's obsession, though Mark has repeatedly denied this interpretation.
Available for streaming: Paramount+ with Showtime, digital rental
Monster (2003)
Aileen Wuornos has inspired countless books, documentaries, TV movies, and even an opera. Yet, it was Charlize Theron's Oscar-winning portrayal of the notorious serial killer that truly captivated true-crime enthusiasts. Theron's depiction of the mentally troubled Wuornos is so compelling that it almost shifts sympathy from her seven victims to her.
Available for streaming: Pluto TV, Plex, digital rental
Changeling (2008)
Angelina Jolie delivers a standout performance as Christine Collins in this Clint Eastwood-directed period drama. The story revolves around her relentless search for her missing nine-year-old son and her struggle against a dismissive police force. When authorities claim to have found her son, Collins insists it's not him, leading to her being labeled an unfit mother and institutionalized. This gripping film is one of Eastwood's most suspenseful, captivating viewers from the very start.
Available for streaming: digital rental
Badlands (1973)
Terence Malick's first film, though fictional, draws loose inspiration from the real-life killing spree by Charles Starkweather and his teenage accomplice Caril Ann Fugate. While it shares some similarities with the iconic Bonnie and Clyde, this is no accident, as Malick was mentored by Arthur Penn, the director of the 1967 classic. However, Badlands stands apart with its breathtaking visuals and a refusal to simplify the motivations behind the couple's violent rampage.
Available for streaming: digital rental
Memories of Murder (2003)
Before gaining global acclaim with Parasite, Bong Joon-Ho crafted this gripping thriller based on South Korea's first confirmed serial murders in the 1980s. While it echoes the style of '90s American thrillers, the film critiques the repressive, conservative society of its setting. Over the past two decades, it has earned a devoted following as a cult classic.
Available for streaming: Tubi, digital rental
