Top 10 Crime Biopics: Real Stories of Crime and Punishment

Description: This iconic film delves into the life of Vito Corleone, a powerful and respected figure in the mafia, and his son Michael, who reluctantly takes over the family business. It's a must-watch for its portrayal of the inner workings of the mafia.

Fact: The film was initially given an X rating due to its violence, which was later changed to R after some cuts. Marlon Brando improvised the famous line "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."

Description: Based on the true story of Henry Hill, this film chronicles his life from a small-time hoodlum to a major player in the Lucchese crime family, offering an unflinching look at the allure and the downfall of the gangster lifestyle.

Fact: The real Henry Hill was on set during filming and was paid $550,000 for the rights to his story. The film's famous "Copacabana" tracking shot was done in one take.

Description: Based on the true story of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, who infiltrated the Bonanno crime family in New York City during the 1970s, this film explores the moral dilemmas of undercover work.

Fact: The real Donnie Brasco, Joseph Pistone, was a technical consultant on the film. Al Pacino's character, Lefty Ruggiero, was based on a real mobster.

Description: This film follows the life of George Jung, who became one of the largest cocaine smugglers in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, showing the rise and fall of his empire.

Fact: Johnny Depp met with George Jung to prepare for his role. The film's title refers to the slang term for cocaine.

Description: Based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., who before his 19th birthday successfully performed cons worth millions of dollars by posing as a Pan American World Airways pilot, a Georgia doctor, and a Louisiana parish prosecutor.

Fact: The real Frank Abagnale Jr. served as a consultant on the film. Leonardo DiCaprio met with Abagnale to learn about his cons and impersonations.

Description: This film tells the story of Frank Lucas, a real-life drug kingpin who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes from Vietnam, highlighting the corruption and crime in 1970s New York.

Fact: Denzel Washington met with the real Frank Lucas to prepare for his role. The film's budget was initially set at $80 million but ballooned to over $100 million.

Description: This biographical black comedy follows the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engaged in corruption and fraud on Wall Street, offering a wild ride through the excesses of the 1990s financial scene.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards. Leonardo DiCaprio gained weight for the role to match Belfort's physical appearance during his peak.

Description: This film recounts the last years of notorious bank robber John Dillinger, focusing on his cat-and-mouse game with FBI agent Melvin Purvis, providing a thrilling look at the Depression-era crime wave.

Fact: The film was shot on location in many of the places where Dillinger's crimes took place. Johnny Depp met with Dillinger's relatives to understand his character better.

Description: This film focuses on the last years of Al Capone, the notorious gangster, as he battles dementia and his past crimes catch up with him, providing a unique perspective on one of America's most infamous criminals.

Fact: Tom Hardy underwent a physical transformation to portray Capone in his later years. The film was shot in New Orleans, which doubled for Chicago.

Description: Directed by Martin Scorsese, this epic saga explores the life of Frank Sheeran, a truck driver who becomes a hitman involved with the Bufalino crime family and the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, offering a reflective look at loyalty and betrayal.

Fact: The film used digital de-aging technology to portray younger versions of the characters. It was one of the most expensive films ever made for Netflix.