Netflix has quite the collection of crime movies, and now the streaming service presents another thrilling crime drama series, The Serpent. The series follows the real-life story of a con-man and serial killer, Charles Sobhraj, and his girlfriend, Marie-Andrée Leclerc, posing as gem dealers while murdering tourists traveling on the Hippie Trail during the mid-70s. However, one of their murders catches the attention of a Dutch diplomat. The crime drama is exhilarating to watch, especially the jaw-dropping performances by Tahar Rahim and Jenna Coleman as the couple.
Crime dramas are always exhilarating, given their mysterious nature and shocking revelations about criminals and killers. Furthermore, crime medium based on true stories is chilling to watch. The Serpent may only be an eight-episode miniseries, but several fantastic movies cover similar elements of the story, many of which happen to be award-winning films.
Catch Me If You Can (2002) - Available On Peacock Premium
How can a person become a doctor, lawyer, and pilot by their early 20s? By becoming a con man and forger, that's how. Frank Abagnale used his skills as a forger to fake checks and deceived people around him, becoming one of the youngest criminal masterminds in history. His actions soon catch the attention of an FBI agent who seeks to apprehend Frank for his crime.
Catch Me If You Can is an entertaining cat-and-match game with a sense of humor, inspired by the true story of the real Frank Abagnale Jr., portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio perfectly embodies the role, highlighting his cunning yet charismatic nature.
Bonnie And Clyde (1967) - Available On Netflix & HBO Max
Starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, Bonnie and Clyde follows the real-life story of America's most notorious couple. They venture onto their crime spree of robbing banks and stealing cars, which soon grabs national attention.
Considering it was released in the 1960s, the film was pretty bold for its time, given its extreme violence and romantic depiction of the couple's relationship. It is one of the best crime movies and is considered a classic. The film received nine Oscar nominations and won two awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Estelle Parsons.
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) - Available On FuboTV & Showtime Now
Based on the novel by Thomas Harris, The Silence of the Lambs follows a young FBI trainee who hopes to find a serial killer infamous for skinning female victims. However, she seeks help from an imprisoned and manipulative psychologist and cannibal, Hannibal Lecter, who also plays his games.
This thriller uncovers the psychological mind behind a serial killer in terms of their motives and desires. The film is haunting yet captivating, with masterful performances by Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, who both won an Oscar for their roles. The movie also won three additional Oscar awards, including Best Picture.
Natural Born Killers (1994) - Available On Starz
In Natural Born Killers, two young lovers and serial killers are glorified for their crimes by the mass media. The film takes a stylistic and unconventional approach with its mixture of colored and monochromatic visuals.
The film is one of the few cases where the critics disliked the movie, but the audiences loved it. The movie is also controversial due to its tone and level of violence.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) - Available On Cinemax Go
Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, The Talented Mr. Ripley follows a peculiar Tom Ripley, who travels to Italy to convince the charming bachelor Dickie Greenleaf to return home to the states. As they develop a friendship, it soon turns into something dark and deceiving.
Starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow, this psychological thriller displays an unsettling yet captivating story with innumerable suspense. Damon as Tom Ripley is perhaps one of his best roles to date, exhibiting the twisted yet clever nature of the character.
Heathers (1989) - Available On Prime Video & Hulu
Heathers is a coming-of-age black comedy that follows this popular clique who rules the school. They are all called Heather. However, the pariah of the group, Veronica, interacts with a new student and plans on a vengeful and dark pursuit.
As a teen comedy, the tone of Heathers is different from the usual light-hearted style of most coming-of-age dramas, with something more dark and cynical, yet fun and entertaining. Although it was a box office flop in its time, it has since become a cult classic, leading to a musical and a TV show.
Zodiac (2007) - Available On Prime Video & Paramount+
Based on the book by Robert Graysmith, Zodiac follows the unsolved case of America's most notorious serial killer, the Zodiac Killer, who goes on a killing spree in San Francisco and leaves behind mysterious and coded letters. However, the story soon becomes an obsession for local news reporters, who dedicate their lives to finding the killer.
This mystery crime drama showcases the mysterious and unsettling nature of this historical story. Although not action-driven, the dialogue and pacing of the story work to uncover bits and pieces of the evidence and details, adding to the suspense and shocking nature of this unsolved case. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo, the movie is streaming on Prime Video and Paramount+.
Badlands (1973) - Available On HBO Max
Inspired by the real story of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate, Badlands is a fictionalized tale of two lovers when a turning point in their life causes them to flee throughout the Midwest while going on a killing spree.
Starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek, the film is described as one of the best movies of all time. The movie is unusually poetic given the movie's premise, yet it works thanks to the chemistry and brilliant performances by the cast.
Monster (2003) - Available On FuboTV & Plex
Directed by Patty Jenkins, Monster follows the life of a former sex worker turned serial killer, Aileen Wuornos, who forms a relationship with Shelby Wall.
Charlize Theron perfectly manifested the role of Aileen Wuornos, depicting her intense and unstable nature. Even her performance goes as far as replicating the physique of the real-life serial killer, earning Theron a Best Actress win at the Oscars.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019) - Available On FuboTV & Starz
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood follows a fictional actor, Rick Dalton, whose stardom in Hollywood is slowly fading due to the transition to New Hollywood and so spends his time with his stunt double, Cliff Booth. However, he happens to live next door to Sharon Tate, a rising star whose life becomes affected by the Manson Family.
The comedy-drama presents itself as a homage to Golden Age Hollywood. Although inspired by the real-life events of the Tate-LaBianca murders, the movie changes the course of its history with an altered narrative that surprisingly sticks the landing in the final moments. The chemistry between Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt is exceptionally brilliant, with the latter winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. The film received ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.