Top 10 True Crime Films Based on Real Criminals

Description: This iconic film follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a small-time crook who becomes part of the Lucchese crime family. Based on the real-life story of Henry Hill, it's a gritty portrayal of the mafia world.

Fact: Martin Scorsese's mother played the role of Tommy's mother in the film, and the famous "Funny how?" scene was improvised by Joe Pesci.

Description: Johnny Depp portrays George Jung, a key player in the cocaine trade of the 1970s and 80s. The film traces his journey from a small-time marijuana dealer to a major drug smuggler.

Fact: George Jung himself served as a consultant for the film, and his daughter, Christina, played a small role.

Description: Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Frank Abagnale Jr., a con artist who successfully impersonated a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all before turning 21. This film captures his audacious schemes and the relentless pursuit by FBI agent Carl Hanratty.

Fact: The real Frank Abagnale Jr. served as a consultant on the film and even had a cameo as a French police officer.

Description: This film focuses on Truman Capote's research into the brutal murder of the Clutter family for his book "In Cold Blood." It's a deep dive into Capote's relationship with one of the killers, Perry Smith.

Fact: Philip Seymour Hoffman won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Truman Capote.

Description: David Fincher's film explores the hunt for the Zodiac Killer, a serial murderer who terrorized San Francisco in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It's a meticulous examination of the investigation and the impact on those involved.

Fact: The film uses real newspaper clippings and police reports from the time to maintain historical accuracy.

Description: Denzel Washington plays Frank Lucas, a real-life drug kingpin who smuggled heroin into the United States on American servicemen's coffins during the Vietnam War. This film explores his rise to power and his eventual downfall.

Fact: The film was originally set to be directed by Antoine Fuqua, but Ridley Scott took over after Fuqua's departure.

Description: Based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort, this film chronicles his life as a stockbroker who engaged in rampant corruption and fraud on Wall Street. It's a wild ride through excess, greed, and the American Dream gone awry.

Fact: The film holds the record for the most uses of the F-word in a mainstream film, with over 500 instances.

Description: Matt Damon plays Mark Whitacre, an executive who turns whistleblower in one of the largest price-fixing cases in U.S. history. The film blends comedy with the serious undertones of corporate espionage.

Fact: The film's title is a play on the fact that Whitacre was both an informant and a fraudster.

Description: Michael Shannon stars as Richard Kuklinski, a notorious contract killer who claimed to have killed over 100 people. The film delves into his dual life as a family man and a ruthless assassin.

Fact: Kuklinski's nickname "The Iceman" came from his practice of freezing his victims to obscure the time of death.

Description: This British TV film recounts the infamous 1963 train robbery in England, where a gang stole £2.6 million from a Royal Mail train. It's a detailed look at the planning, execution, and aftermath of the heist.

Fact: The film was released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the robbery.