Top 10 Real Crime Films You Can’t Miss

Description: This film delves into the true story of Jeffrey Wigand, a tobacco executive who turned whistleblower, and his battle with CBS's "60 Minutes" to expose the tobacco industry's secrets. It's a gripping tale of ethics, media, and corporate power.

Fact: The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Also, Al Pacino, who plays Lowell Bergman, did not meet the real Bergman until after the film was completed.

Description: Inspired by the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery in London, this film mixes heist thrills with political intrigue, showing how a seemingly simple bank job can have far-reaching consequences.

Fact: The film was based on a book that claimed the robbery was connected to a scandal involving the British royal family. Also, the actual robbers were never caught, adding to the film's mystique.

Description: The story of George Jung, one of the biggest cocaine smugglers in the U.S., is told with a mix of glamour and tragedy. It's a cautionary tale about the American Dream, the drug trade, and the personal costs of chasing wealth.

Fact: Johnny Depp, who plays Jung, met with him several times to prepare for the role. Also, the film was originally titled "Blow: The True Story of George Jung."

Description: Based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., this film follows his escapades as a con artist who impersonated a pilot, doctor, and lawyer, all before turning 21. It's a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with the FBI, showcasing the audacity of youth and the allure of deception.

Fact: The real Frank Abagnale Jr. served as a consultant on the film and even had a cameo. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio, who played Abagnale, learned to fly a plane for his role.

Description: David Fincher's meticulous recounting of the Zodiac Killer case in San Francisco is both chilling and captivating. It explores the obsession of those trying to solve the case, offering a deep dive into one of America's most infamous unsolved mysteries.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual locations where the Zodiac Killer's crimes took place. Also, Robert Graysmith, the cartoonist who became obsessed with the case, served as a consultant and appears in a cameo.

Description: This film dives into the life of Frank Lucas, a real-life drug lord who rose to power in Harlem in the 1970s. It's a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the American Dream gone awry, showcasing the gritty reality of the drug trade.

Fact: Denzel Washington, who plays Lucas, did not meet the real Frank Lucas until after the film was completed. Also, the film's budget was over $100 million, making it one of the most expensive crime dramas ever made.

Description: This film chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engaged in corruption and fraud on Wall Street. It's a wild ride through excess, greed, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Fact: The film was initially rated NC-17 due to its explicit content, but after some edits, it received an R rating. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's raw energy.

Description: This dark comedy follows Mark Whitacre, an executive who turns informant for the FBI to expose price-fixing at his company, only for his own life to unravel in unexpected ways. It's a quirky take on corporate espionage and personal downfall.

Fact: The film's title uses an exclamation mark to reflect the tone of the book on which it's based. Also, Matt Damon, who plays Whitacre, gained 30 pounds for the role.

Description: Based on the life of Richard Kuklinski, a notorious contract killer, this film explores his dual life as a family man and a cold-blooded assassin. It's a chilling look at the duality of human nature.

Fact: Michael Shannon, who plays Kuklinski, gained 30 pounds for the role to match the real-life killer's physique. Also, Kuklinski's family was involved in the production, providing insights into his life.

Description: This film explains the complex world of finance and the 2008 financial crisis through the eyes of several investors who bet against the housing market. It's both educational and entertaining, making the intricacies of finance accessible.

Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain financial jargon, making it more digestible for the audience. Also, it was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Adapted Screenplay.