Some completely missed the mark
Movies often draw inspiration from real-life events, but sometimes the opposite can happen with disastrous consequences. This gallery shows a collection of real-life crimes that have been influenced by movies. From individuals attempting to recreate specific scenes to those who find inspiration in fictional characters, these cases demonstrate the alarming impact of films on people's actions.
Click through the gallery to discover the movies that influenced real-life crimes.
'Natural Born Killers' revolves around a pair of fugitive serial killers on the run who are committing crimes, having fun, and revelling in the media attention.
Several copycat crimes followed the release of the movie. One involved Sarah Edmondson and Ben Darras from Oklahoma, a couple who embarked on their own criminal rampage, that resulted in two people being shot.
'Scream' changed the slasher-horror genre, but sadly, it also sparked numerous copycat homicides.
Thierry Jaradin committed one of these murders. He wore the complete costume and stabbed Alisson Cambier, a 15-year-old girl, 30 times after she declined his sexual advances.
This popular vampire film captivated teenagers globally, leading some to mistakenly believe in the existence of vampires.
A 13-year-old boy from Iowa, US, was expelled from school and sent to a juvenile detention center for biting 11 classmates.
This renowned film by Martin Scorsese revolves around Travis Bickle, a socially isolated vigilante who tries to murder a politician. Bickle then attempts to rescue Iris, a teenage prostitute played by Jodie Foster.
John Hinckley Jr. made an attempt to assassinate President Ronald Reagan after watching the film 'Taxi Driver.' He confessed that it was an attempt to show his love for Jodie Foster.
In 1982, John Rambo made his debut on the silver screen. Apparently, many young men were inspired by his character and attempted to replicate his daring exploits in Canada.
One young man in army uniform fatally shot and killed an officer. He was later gunned down. Numerous men wearing face paint and military clothing were later discovered in the Canadian wilderness.
The film features Brad Pitt and Edward Norton and centers on an underground fight club that transforms into "Project Mayhem." The group aims to dismantle modern society and uses acts of terrorism to achieve their aims.
On Memorial Day 2009, multiple homemade bombs were placed in different locations around New York City, with one detonating inside a Starbucks. Kyle Shaw, a 19-year-old, was accused of carrying out the attack at Starbucks. His involvement in additional incidents is also suspected. He had established a personal fight club and "Project Mayhem."
Patrick Bateman's life in 'American Psycho' can be summarized as a New York City professional by day and a brutal murderer by night.
Michael Hernandez fatally stabbed his classmate, Jaime Gough to death. The prosecutors claimed that he had been influenced by movies such as 'American Psycho,' which fueled his desire to pursue the path of a serial killer.
A gruesome, real-life crime was influenced by the movie 'Interview with the Vampire.'
After watching the movie, Daniel Sterling told his girlfriend he would kill her and drink her blood. He stabbed her seven times, later confessing that he was influenced by the movie, although he didn't blame it for his actions.
Yes, another vampire movie. It's surprising how these fanged beings have inspired so many crimes. However, this one is particularly horrific.
Allan Manzies killed his best friend, drank his blood, and consumed some parts of his head. He claimed that a character from the movie instructed him to commit the crime. Manzies was later found dead in his prison cell.
Set in New York City, this movie centers on a train heist and a complicated love triangle.
A young man attempted to imitate a scene from a movie, where a thief steals a subway token booth and sets it ablaze while the clerk is inside. Several copycat crimes were committed afterwards.
A real-life crime was inspired by the 1980s classic slasher film starring Freddy Krueger.
In 2004, Daniel Gonzalez, a copycat serial killer, used kitchen knives to kill four people. Gonzalez, who suffered from mental illness, did not receive any treatment and eventually took his own life while incarcerated.
The film narrates the tale of a team of firefighters from Chicago who attempt to apprehend an arsonist.
In an effort to emulate movie heroes, a young man deliberately set fire to a chair in his girlfriend's house while everyone was sleeping. Before extinguishing the fire, the family woke up to the smoke and promptly called the authorities. He was arrested for arson.
Jigsaw is a sadistic serial killer who plays torture games with his victims.
Two boys were discovered planning murders similar to those depicted in the movie 'Saw'. Their plotting was extensive and detailed. Fortunately, one of the boy's mothers alerted the police, ultimately preventing them from committing the crimes.
A number of crimes were also influenced by the second part of Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight Trilogy'.
One man was taken into custody for breaking into his cousin's house and attacking him, while impersonating the villain from the movie. In another bizarre incident, a young girl wearing Joker face paint assaulted a high school teacher with a razor blade.
See also: The best movies about scientists
These movies inspired real-life crimes
Sometimes, life imitates art
MOVIES Crime
Movies often draw inspiration from real-life events, but sometimes the opposite can happen with disastrous consequences. This gallery shows a collection of real-life crimes that have been influenced by movies. From individuals attempting to recreate specific scenes to those who find inspiration in fictional characters, these cases demonstrate the alarming impact of films on people's actions.
Click through the gallery to discover the movies that influenced real-life crimes.