True stories of macabre crimes turned into movies never disappoint! If you are a follower of documentaries or films that keep you glued to the screen until the mystery is solved, we suggest seven incredible films based on true stories.
7 great movies based on true crime stories:
1. THE BOSTON STRANGLER (1968)
Content : This film tells the chilling story of Albert DeSalvo, who confessed to being the "Boston Strangler", a man responsible for murdering 13 women in the early 1960s. The film examines the investigation and the psychological depths of DeSalvo's actions, focusing in his pursuit by the police and acceptance of the charges.
Why it's great: The film combines true events with the mystery of the police investigation, bringing the frightening story with a sense of tension.
2. My Friend Dahmer (2017)
Content : This psychological drama focuses on the teenage years of Jeffrey Dahmer, later known as the "Milwaukee Cannibal" for his gruesome murders. The film focuses on Dahmer's troubled upbringing and his friendships before his violent tendencies took shape.
Why it's great : A chilling portrayal of Dahmer's early years, the film offers an intimate look into his life, showing how his dark path unfolded, which is both disturbing and 'thought-provoking'.
3. Dear Mr. Gacy (2010)
Content : Based on the true story of Jason Moss, a college student who corresponded with John Wayne Gacy, one of the most notorious serial killers in US history. Moss develops a complex relationship with Gacy, trying to learn more about his psyche.
Why it's great: The film explores the psychology of Gacy and Moss, portraying how dangerous obsession can become. It's a chilling exploration of manipulation on both sides.
4. To Catch a Killer (1992)
Contents: A fictionalized version of the true investigation of John Wayne Gacy. The film follows a young FBI agent, played by Brian Dennehy, as he works with a forensic psychologist to track down the killer who was responsible for the deaths of 33 young boys.
Why it's great: The film focuses on the investigation and how Gacy's disturbing nature was revealed through his interactions with the police, offering a tense and gripping portrayal of law enforcement work.
5. Zodiac (2007)
Synopsis : Directed by David Fincher, this thriller follows a reporter and two detectives as they become obsessed with tracking down the Zodiac Killer, a serial killer who terrorized the Bay Area in the 1960s and 70s. The film examines the riddles the killer left behind and the mystery unsolved case.
Why it's great: Fincher's careful direction and the film's focus on the haunting and often unsuccessful pursuit of justice make this a sharp and atmospheric true crime story, masterfully combining historical facts with a sense of eerie suspense.
6. The Alphabet Killer (2008)
Synopsis : This film is based on the unsolved case of the "Alphabet Killer", who committed a series of murders of children in 1970s New York. The story follows a detective, played by Albanian Eliza Dushku, as she investigates the disturbing connection between the victims' names and the alphabet.
Why it's great: The film offers a gritty take on a true, unsolved case, fusing the traditional detective genre with real-life tragedy and mystery.
7. The Hillside Strangler (2004)
Content : This film is based on the true story of the Hillside Strangler, who, along with his partner in crime, was responsible for the murder of ten women in Los Angeles in the 1970s. The film shows the investigation and partnership between the two criminals.
Why it's great: It effectively portrays the brutal nature of the murders, exploring the psychology of the two men involved, capturing the complex and strange nature of the case.
These films cover a wide range of real serial killers, focusing on different aspects of the investigations, from personal stories to forensic analysis, making them both interesting and terrifying. They offer a combination of mystery, psychological depth and the strange feeling of being involved in true crime stories.
