You have to admit, it makes crime stories ever so slightly better when they’re based on something true. Being told that what you’re watching is a true story adds and extra layer of interest, fascination and intrigue. With the rise of web series there’s even more opportunities to explore the genre. Here are a few of what we believe to be some of the very best crime movies – not least because they are based on true stories.
To kick us off, you might have heard the phrase “Maybe the dingo ate your baby!”. The phrase comes from the famous case of the Chamberlain family in Australia, whose baby disappeared whilst on a camping trip. In his 1988 film A Cry in the Dark, Fred Schepisi portrays how the child’s parents, Lindy and Michael (Meryl Streep and Sam Neill) were wrongfully convicted of the crime. The film focusses how the media can ruin people’s lives in these cases.

best crime stories

best crime stories


Another excellent true crime film is Let Him Have It (1991) in which a fresh faces Christopher Eccleston plays Derek Bentley, the last man in Britain to face the death penalty. Bentley, who had quite severe learning difficulties, was convicted of the murder of a police officer in 1953, despite it being his friend who was responsible for shooting the gun and killing him. The film sheds light on a corrupt legal system and brought attention to the case, which may have contributed to the overturning of Bentley’s conviction in 1998.
If you’re a fan of gangster films, then definitely check out the 2008 French film Mesrine, which is based on the life of the French gangster Jacques Mesrine. The film is one of many excellent foreign language films to appear over the last decade, and portrays a harsh and gritty insight into the French underworld. Not to be missed.
best crime stories

best crime stories


Another great true-life gangster film is Ridley Scott’s American Gangster. This film has to be on of Scott’s strongest, as it follows the case of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) an infamous heroin smuggler in the US, who was eventually brought down by the Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe).
The only drawback with true crime films is that they make your aware of how many dangerous criminals there are in the world. Many of us are concerned about online safety, especially those of us who spend a lot online, for example, by playing online gambling. If you’re concerned, PayPal casinos is the safest way to play, you can try it here. Keep an eye on our blog for the latest film news. .