This article discusses real-life crimes and criminals.

Movies based on or loosely inspired by real criminals are captivating for their gritty realism and the exploration of the dark sides of society. They offer audiences a glimpse into the lives of notorious criminals, showcasing their chaotic rise to power and eventual downfall. These movies' appeal lies in the fascinating true stories of the world's most infamous criminals.

Goodfellas is a quintessential example of a gangster film that mesmerizes audiences with its vivid depiction of the Mafia underworld. Based on the true story of the mobster-turned-informant Henry Hill, the Martin Scorsese film offers an intimate look at the inner workings of organized crime in New York City. However, there are plenty of other crime movies that grip audiences with their compelling and almost unbelievable narratives.

10 Public Enemies Tells the Story of John Dillinger

Public Enemies presents John Dillinger in a compelling and nuanced portrayal. Played with charisma and intensity by Johnny Depp, Dillinger emerges as a complex figure whose daring robberies captivated the American public during the Great Depression. While he is undeniably ruthless and cunning in his pursuit of wealth, Dillinger is also depicted as a charismatic and even somewhat romantic figure.

Dillinger's Robin Hood-like persona adds layers to his character and invites audiences to empathize with him, despite his criminal activities. This is based on the actual public perception of Dillinger back in his heyday -- his looks and confidence elevated his public image from wanted gangster to nationwide celebrity. He's a multi-faceted figure in the movie, who continues to intrigue people much like he does in fiction. Johnny Depp is the right casting choice to bring a larger-than-life presence to the already-known story.

9 American Gangster Tells the Story of Frank Lucas

American Gangster is a Ridley Scott movie starring Denzel Washington that dramatizes the story of drug lord Frank Lucas. Lucas emerges as a prominent figure in the criminal underworld of 1970s Harlem, known for his ambition and intelligence. American Gangster chronicles Lucas's rise to power, from his humble beginnings as a driver for a local crime boss to one of the most notorious drug traffickers in American history.

Something that sets American Gangster apart from other gangster movies is its blurred lines between hero and villain. Through Washington's strong performance, Lucas becomes a figure of both admiration and apprehension. Lucas is seemingly a man of principle who values loyalty and family. He's proud of his self-made wealth, even though his money comes from criminal activities. But the well-written plot leads the character into situations that make the audience question: how far can someone go into crime before there's no turning back?

8 Blow Tells the Story of George Jung

Blow tells the story of drug smuggler George Jung, played by Johnny Depp. Jung emerges as a charismatic and ambitious figure whose journey from small-time pot dealer to major cocaine trafficker embodies the highs and lows of the 1970s and '80s drug trade. The film delves into Jung's tumultuous life with a mix of tragedy and thriller, chronicling his rise to fortune followed by complete loss of control and subsequent fall from power.

Jung is portrayed as a product of his environment, shaped by societal pressures and personal circumstances. He has a complicated but close relationship with his father, played with poignant vulnerability by Ray Liotta. The themes of addiction and the American Dream are also explored in Blow, bringing depth to the story of crime and showing different sides to the tragic anti-hero.

7 Casino Tells the Story of “Ace” Rosenthal

Casino is one of the great gangster movies directed by Martin Scorsese. It stars Robert De Niro as Sam "Ace" Rosenthal, a fictitious version of the real-life gangster Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal. Set in 1970s Las Vegas, the film follows Rosenthal's rise to power as a respected sports handicapper and casino executive. It also explores his tumultuous relationship with his wife Geri McGee, played by Sharon Stone.

Rosenthal is a complex and enigmatic figure. While he is undeniably a master manipulator and a key player in the mob's criminal operations, he's also depicted as a man with a genuine passion for the world of gambling and someone with a deep understanding of the industry. His meticulous attention to detail and relentless pursuit of perfection make him a formidable force in the Vegas scene, earning him both admiration and fear from those around him until Rosenthal becomes a tragic figure who's consumed by his own ambition. The movie makes the point that Rosenthal was something of a genius, but he unfortunately chose to misuse his talent.

6 Legend Tells the Story of Reggie and Ronnie Kray

Legend is a movie about the British gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray, both played by Tom Hardy. Set in 1960s London, the film follows their reign of terror as they dominate the city's criminal underworld. It highlights the complex dynamics between the Kray twins, as well as their interactions with rival gangs and law enforcement.

What makes Legend stand out is its exploration of the twins as distinct yet intertwined characters. While they share a deep bond as brothers and partners in crime, Reggie and Ronnie possess contrasting personalities and approaches to their criminal enterprise. Reggie is portrayed as the suave and calculated mastermind, while Ronnie is depicted as the volatile and unpredictable enforcer.

5 Bonnie and Clyde Tells the Story of the Gangster Couple

Bonnie and Clyde tells the real-life story of the most famous American gangster couple. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow traveled around the United States with their gang on a crime spree during the Great Depression. The 1967 movie directed by Arthur Penn is one of the most beloved gangster movies of all time, with its daring portrayal of a chaotic road trip filled with romance and violence.

Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty are mesmerizing as Bonnie and Clyde, and they share palpable chemistry on screen. Despite numerous close calls with law enforcement, their audacity keeps them on the run and creates a gripping cat-and-mouse game. The partnership between Bonnie and Clyde as a romantic couple and criminal partners was unusual at the time of the movie's release, but it doesn't make their relationship any less captivating. Their dynamic broke away from the traditional image of solitary male criminals or male gang leaders in movies.

4 Goodfellas Tells the Story of Henry Hil

Goodfellas is another Scorsese gangster masterpiece. Starring Ray Liotta as Henry Hill, it tells the real story of a young member of the Mafia who earned a quick rise within his gang before becoming a police informant. The well-written character development is elevated by Liotta's charming portrayal of the ambitious man.

Henry Hill is an interesting character, especially because he uses his charm to manipulate people and situations. From the pressure he gets from the police to the conflicts within the mob, Hill always finds a way to adapt to whatever arises, partially due to his intelligence and luck. Another interesting aspect of his character is how much fun he has being a criminal, something that "requires no effort, just balls" according to the protagonist. He's forced out of the gangster life, but can't forget the freedom and thrill he once felt while in it.