15 Movie Characters Based on Real Criminals

Crime stories have always gripped audiences, pulling us into the dark and complex world of those who break the law. Movies based on real criminals add an extra layer of intrigue, blending fact with cinematic drama to create unforgettable characters.

From mob bosses to serial killers, these films bring to life the chilling tales of people who left their mark on history through their crimes. I’ve rounded up 15 iconic movie characters inspired by real-life lawbreakers, exploring their stories and the performances that made them memorable.

Henry Hill in ‘Goodfellas’ (1990)

Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta in ‘Goodfellas’, is a small-time crook who rises through the ranks of the Lucchese crime family. The film follows his life of crime, betrayal, and eventual turn as an FBI informant, capturing the gritty allure of the mob world.

Based on the real Henry Hill, the movie draws from his experiences as detailed in Nicholas Pileggi’s book Wiseguy. Liotta’s magnetic performance, paired with Martin Scorsese’s sharp direction, makes Hill a flawed, fascinating figure who embodies the highs and lows of a gangster’s life.

Frank Abagnale Jr. in ‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2002)

Leonardo DiCaprio shines as Frank Abagnale Jr. in ‘Catch Me If You Can’, a charming con artist who forges checks and impersonates professionals like a pilot and doctor. The film tracks his cat-and-mouse game with FBI agent Carl Hanratty, played by Tom Hanks.

The real Frank Abagnale pulled off these scams in the 1960s, evading capture with his quick wit. Spielberg’s lighthearted yet thrilling take, paired with DiCaprio’s charisma, turns Abagnale’s criminal escapades into a captivating adventure.

Aileen Wuornos in ‘Monster’ (2003)

In ‘Monster’, Charlize Theron transforms into Aileen Wuornos, a former prostitute turned serial killer who murders men in Florida. The film dives into her troubled life and psyche, showing her descent into violence and her relationship with Selby Wall.

The real Wuornos was convicted of killing seven men between 1989 and 1990. Theron’s raw, Oscar-winning performance captures Wuornos’s pain and rage, making the character both terrifying and tragically human.

Frank Lucas in ‘American Gangster’ (2007)

Denzel Washington portrays Frank Lucas in ‘American Gangster’, a 1970s Harlem drug lord who builds an empire smuggling heroin. The film pits him against detective Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, in a tense crime drama.

The real Lucas revolutionized the drug trade by cutting out middlemen, amassing wealth and power. Washington’s commanding performance brings Lucas’s ambition and ruthlessness to life, showing both his criminal genius and moral cost.

Al Capone in ‘The Untouchables’ (1987)

Robert De Niro plays the infamous Al Capone in ‘The Untouchables’, a Chicago mob boss ruling the city’s underworld during Prohibition. The film focuses on Eliot Ness and his team’s efforts to bring him down through tax evasion charges.

The real Capone was a larger-than-life figure whose criminal empire defined 1920s Chicago. De Niro’s intense, larger-than-life portrayal steals scenes, embodying Capone’s charisma and brutal authority with chilling precision.

Tonya Harding in ‘I, Tonya’ (2017)

Margot Robbie stars as Tonya Harding in ‘I, Tonya’, a figure skater whose career is overshadowed by her involvement in an attack on rival Nancy Kerrigan. The mockumentary-style film explores her tough upbringing and the scandal that rocked the sports world.

The real Harding pleaded guilty to hindering the investigation of the 1994 assault. Robbie’s dynamic performance blends humor and heartbreak, painting Harding as a complex figure caught in a web of ambition and desperation.

Jimmy Hoffa in ‘The Irishman’ (2019)

Al Pacino takes on Jimmy Hoffa in ‘The Irishman’, a powerful union leader tied to organized crime. The film follows his rise, fall, and mysterious disappearance through the eyes of hitman Frank Sheeran, played by Robert De Niro.

The real Hoffa vanished in 1975, with his fate still unsolved. Pacino’s fiery portrayal captures Hoffa’s larger-than-life personality, making his story a gripping mix of power, betrayal, and tragedy.

John du Pont in ‘Foxcatcher’ (2014)

Steve Carell plays John du Pont in ‘Foxcatcher’, a wealthy wrestling enthusiast who becomes dangerously obsessed with Olympic wrestler brothers Mark and Dave Schultz. The film builds to his shocking murder of Dave.

The real du Pont killed Dave Schultz in 1996, driven by paranoia and mental instability. Carell’s unsettling, transformative performance reveals du Pont’s creepy control and unraveling mind, making the character hauntingly memorable.

Bonnie Parker in ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ (1967)

Faye Dunaway portrays Bonnie Parker in ‘Bonnie and Clyde’, a thrill-seeking outlaw who teams up with Clyde Barrow for a crime spree during the Great Depression. Their romance and rebellion captivate audiences in this iconic film.

The real Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow robbed banks and killed across the 1930s. Dunaway’s electric performance brings Bonnie’s charm and defiance to life, cementing her as a pop culture legend.

James ‘Whitey’ Bulger in ‘Black Mass’ (2015)

Johnny Depp stars as James ‘Whitey’ Bulger in ‘Black Mass’, a ruthless Boston crime boss who doubles as an FBI informant. The film explores his violent reign and uneasy alliance with law enforcement.

The real Bulger led the Winter Hill Gang, evading capture for years until 2011. Depp’s chilling, almost unrecognizable portrayal captures Bulger’s menace and cunning, making him a standout cinematic criminal.

Ted Bundy in ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’ (2019)

Zac Efron plays Ted Bundy in ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’, a charismatic serial killer who murdered dozens of women in the 1970s. The film focuses on his relationship with girlfriend Liz Kendall and his manipulative charm.

The real Bundy’s crimes shocked the nation due to his outward normalcy. Efron’s unsettling performance highlights Bundy’s ability to blend in, making his dark side all the more terrifying.

David Berkowitz in ‘Summer of Sam’ (1999)

John Leguizamo leads ‘Summer of Sam’, a film set during the 1977 Son of Sam killings by David Berkowitz, who terrorized New York City. The story explores the fear and paranoia gripping a Bronx neighborhood.

The real Berkowitz killed six people, claiming demonic voices drove him. Spike Lee’s tense direction and Leguizamo’s raw performance capture the chaos and dread of a city under siege. We don’t get to see a lot of Berkowitz in the movie though.

Lefty Ruggiero in ‘Donnie Brasco’ (1997)

Al Pacino plays Lefty Ruggiero in ‘Donnie Brasco’, a loyal but unlucky mobster who unknowingly befriends undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone. The film shows his struggles within the Bonanno crime family.

The real Ruggiero was betrayed by Pistone’s infiltration in the 1970s. Pacino’s heartfelt performance gives Lefty depth, portraying him as a tragic figure caught in a brutal world.

Keyser Söze in ‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

Kevin Spacey’s Keyser Söze in ‘The Usual Suspects’ is a shadowy criminal mastermind orchestrating a complex web of crime. The film’s twist-filled narrative keeps his true identity a mystery until the end.

Söze is loosely based on real-life killer John List, who murdered his family in 1971. Spacey’s chilling, understated performance makes Söze a legendary figure of deception and ruthlessness.

Norman Bates in ‘Psycho’ (1960)

Anthony Perkins plays Norman Bates in ‘Psycho’, a disturbed motel owner with a dark secret tied to his domineering mother. Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller redefined horror with its shocking twists.

Inspired by murderer Ed Gein, whose gruesome crimes in the 1950s included body snatching, Bates is a complex mix of vulnerability and menace. Perkins’s eerie performance makes him an enduring icon of psychological horror.

Which of these criminal-inspired characters left the biggest impression on you, or did I miss a standout? Drop your thoughts in the comments!