If you enjoyed “Manjummel Boys” and are interested in thriller movies inspired by real events, here are some notable films from various countries that may be you are interested in. These are mostly based on real crime events, let’s get into the business. These movies are available to watch on OTT.
1. “Last Breath” (2025) – United Kingdom
This adventure thriller recounts the harrowing 2012 North Sea diving accident near Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom. It follows diver Chris, who becomes stranded underwater after a sudden storm causes his support vessel to drift, leaving him with limited air supply. The film captures the intense and frantic rescue operation that ensues. The movie featured stars including Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu and Finn Cole.
2. “Boston Strangler” (2023) – United States
Set in the 1960s, this true crime thriller centers on reporter Loretta McLaughlin, who becomes the first journalist to connect a series of murders and break the story of the Boston Strangler. It is a name given to the person who murdered 13 women in the greater Boston. When Loretta and her colleague Jean Cole, American columnist lived in Boston investigate, they face sexism and skepticism but remain determined to uncover the truth. The movie cast including Keira Knightley, Carrie Coon, Alessandro Nivola, Chris Cooper.
3. “The Clovehitch Killer” (2018) – United States
A spine chilling story of United States. In a seemingly idyllic Kentucky town, teenager Tyler discovers unsettling evidence suggesting his father might be the infamous Clovehitch Killer, responsible for a series of unsolved murders. As Tyler delves deeper, he grapples with the horrifying possibility that the monster he’s hunting could be his own father. Cast including Dylan McDermott, Charlie Plummer, Samantha Mathis, Madisen Beaty.
4. “Murderous Trance” (2018) – Denmark/Finland/Croatia
Murderous Trance is based on true events from the 1950s, the film follows criminal investigator Anders Olsen as he probes a bank robbery where the suspect claims to have been hypnotized into committing the crime. The investigation uncovers a complex web of psychological manipulation and challenges the boundaries of free will. Notable cast including Pilou Asbæk, Josh Lucas, Rade Šerbedžija, Cyron Melville, Sara Soulié.
5. “Durj” (2019) – Pakistan
Durj is a mystery thriller delves into the dark world of cannibalism in Pakistan. It follows a journalist investigating a series of missing persons cases, leading her to a man with a gruesome past. The film is inspired by true events involving cannibalistic incidents in the country. Cast: Shamoon Abbasi, Sherry Shah, Maira Khan, Nouman Javaid, Dodi Khan.
6. “Janowar” (2021) – Bangladesh
Janowar is directed by Raihan Rafi, renowned for his debut film, Poramon 2. Janowar inspired by a tragic incident in Gazipur, the film portrays a family’s harrowing experience during a home invasion. The story sheds light on societal issues and the brutal realities faced by victims of such crimes. The real life suspect, Parvez, a 17-year-old boy, had murdered a woman and her three children, after raping two of her daughters, aged 16 and 11 on April 23, 2020. Stellar performance by Taskeen Rahman, Elina Shammi, Rashed Mamun Apu, Moonmoon Ahmed, Ariya Arittra.
7. “The Last Witness” (2018) – United Kingdom/Poland
The movie tells the story of how 22,000 Polish officers were systematically slaughtered by the Soviets. it set in post-World War II England, journalist Stephen Underwood uncovers a conspiracy by the British government to cover up the Katyn massacre, where thousands of Polish officers were executed by the Soviet secret police. His pursuit of the truth puts his career and life at risk. The film is directed by Piotr Szkopiak featured Alex Pettyfer, Robert Więckiewicz, Talulah Riley, Michael Gambon.
8. “Hijack ’93” (2024) – Nigeria
The Hijack 93 is a Nollywood thriller recounts the true story of the 1993 hijacking of a Nigerian Airways flight by four young men aiming to overthrow the military regime. The hijack happened on October 25, 1993. The film delves into the motivations behind the hijacking and the tense standoff that ensued. Stellar performance by Nancy Isime, Adam Garba, and Allison Emmanuel.
9. “Woman of the Hour” (2024) – United States
Woman of the Hour directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, the film explores the chilling true story of Rodney Alcala (Texas’s born and brought up) serial killer who appeared on a dating show in the 1970s. The narrative focuses on the unsuspecting bachelorette and the eerie events surrounding the show. The movie cast including Anna Kendrick, Daniel Zovatto, and Tony Hale. When the former Los Angeles Police Officer Chris Camacho reached the location and knocked on the door what he saw was a body in the kitchen blood all over the floor. He killed five California women, changed many names and was walking a free man.
10. “The Order” (2024) – United States
The order set in the 1980s, the film follows FBI agent Terry Husk as he attempts to infiltrate and dismantle a violent white supremacist group led by Bob Mathews. The story is inspired by true events and examines the rise of domestic terrorism during that era. Stellar cast including Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, and Alison Oliver.
These films offer gripping narratives rooted in real-life events, providing a thrilling cinematic experience across different cultures and historical contexts.
