Gangster Biopics: A Collection of True Crime Stories

Description: Although not strictly a biopic, this film is loosely inspired by the life of Al Capone, focusing on the rise of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who becomes a drug lord in Miami.

Fact: The film was controversial for its violence and language, leading to an initial X rating. Al Pacino improvised many of his lines, adding to the character's raw intensity.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic crime saga loosely based on the life of Jewish-American gangster Meyer Lansky, spanning from the Prohibition era to the 1960s.

Fact: The film was originally over five hours long but was cut down significantly for its theatrical release. It was restored to its full length in later years.

Description: This classic film tells the story of Eliot Ness and his team of incorruptible agents as they take on Al Capone's criminal empire during Prohibition. It's a tale of good versus evil in the heart of Chicago.

Fact: The film's iconic train station scene was inspired by the real-life Union Station Massacre. Sean Connery won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role.

Description: Based on the book "Wiseguy," this film provides an insider's look at the life of Henry Hill, a member of the Lucchese crime family, offering a gritty portrayal of the mob life.

Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The famous "Copacabana" tracking shot took three days to film.

Description: The life of George Jung, a key figure in the cocaine trade between the U.S. and Colombia, is depicted in this film, highlighting his rise and fall in the drug world.

Fact: Johnny Depp, who plays Jung, actually met with the real George Jung to prepare for the role. The film was based on Bruce Porter's book "Blow: How a Small-Town Boy Made $100 Million with the Medellin Cocaine Cartel and Lost It All."

Description: Follow the rise of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug kingpin, who built his empire by smuggling heroin directly from Southeast Asia. This film showcases the gritty reality of the drug trade in the 1970s.

Fact: Denzel Washington's character was based on the real-life Frank Lucas, who served as a consultant for the film. The movie was nominated for two Academy Awards.

Description: This film chronicles the life of notorious bank robber John Dillinger, capturing his cat-and-mouse game with the FBI during the Great Depression. It's a stylish portrayal of one of America's most famous outlaws.

Fact: Johnny Depp underwent extensive training to master Dillinger's mannerisms. The film was shot on location in many of the places where Dillinger's crimes took place.

Description: This French film follows the notorious criminal Jacques Mesrine, detailing his life from his early days to becoming one of France's most wanted men.

Fact: The film was shot in two parts, with "Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1" being the sequel. Vincent Cassel won a César Award for his portrayal of Mesrine.

Description: This British film explores the lives of the Kray twins, notorious London gangsters in the 1960s, detailing their criminal activities and the bond between them.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use real-life footage of the Krays in its opening credits. The twins were played by real-life brothers, Gary and Martin Kemp.

Description: Martin Scorsese's latest venture into the gangster genre, this film explores the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman involved in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa.

Fact: The film used groundbreaking de-aging technology to portray the characters over several decades. It was released on Netflix after a limited theatrical run.