13 Real Crimes That Inspired Pop Culture Moments
These 13 infamous real-life crimes and disturbing events left a permanent mark on pop culture, inspiring some of the most memorable books, films, and TV shows in history.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
True crime has long been a source of inspiration for storytellers, turning real horrors into unforgettable fictional and documentary portrayals. From unsolved murders like the Black Dahlia to cultural phenomena like the O.J. Simpson trial, each case reflects society’s fascination with crime and justice. These stories reveal how reality can be more chilling than fiction, yet endlessly compelling to audiences.
1. The Murder of Elizabeth Short (The Black Dahlia)
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In 1947, the brutal and still-unsolved murder of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short in Los Angeles became one of the most infamous cases in American history. Her body was found mutilated and bisected, sparking sensationalized press coverage. The case inspired countless books, films, and TV shows, including James Ellroy’s novel The Black Dahlia and its 2006 film adaptation.
2. The Tate-LaBianca Murders
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In 1969, actress Sharon Tate and six others were murdered by followers of Charles Manson in Los Angeles. The case shocked the world and came to symbolize the dark end of the 1960s counterculture. It has been depicted in numerous works, from Helter Skelter to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
3. The Leopold and Loeb Case
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In 1924, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two wealthy University of Chicago students, murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks to commit what they called the “perfect crime.” Their arrest and trial captivated the nation, especially with famed attorney Clarence Darrow’s defense. The case inspired works such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope and the play Compulsion.
4. The Kitty Genovese Murder
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In 1964, 28-year-old Kitty Genovese was stabbed to death outside her apartment in Queens, New York. Initial reports claimed that dozens of neighbors witnessed the attack but failed to help, a narrative that sparked debates about urban apathy and the “bystander effect.” Her story influenced films like The Boondock Saints and countless crime dramas.
5. The John Wayne Gacy Murders
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Between 1972 and 1978, John Wayne Gacy murdered at least 33 young men and boys in Illinois, burying many in his crawl space. Gacy’s double life as a respected community member and a killer who performed as “Pogo the Clown” fascinated and horrified the public. His crimes inspired pop culture figures such as Pennywise in Stephen King’s It and multiple TV crime portrayals.
6. The Son of Sam Shootings
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From 1976 to 1977, David Berkowitz terrorized New York City by killing six people and wounding several others, claiming he was commanded by a demon-possessed dog. The case sparked a media frenzy and a massive police hunt. His crimes influenced Spike Lee’s Summer of Sam and numerous references in music and television.
7. The Pamela Smart Case
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In 1990, Pamela Smart was convicted of conspiring with her teenage lover and his friends to murder her husband in New Hampshire. The sensational trial was broadcast on national TV and sparked debates on media influence in justice. It became the loose inspiration for the film To Die For starring Nicole Kidman.
8. The Hinterkaifeck Murders
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In 1922, six members of a German family were found brutally murdered on their remote farmstead, with the killer living in their home for days afterward. The case remains unsolved, with eerie details suggesting stalking before the killings. It has inspired films like The Dark Red and served as a reference point for horror writers.
9. The Amityville Murders
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In 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family in their Long Island home. A year later, the Lutz family moved in and claimed to experience terrifying paranormal events. The case became the basis for The Amityville Horror book and its many film adaptations.
10. The Zodiac Killer Case
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Operating in Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Zodiac Killer murdered at least five people and taunted police with cryptic letters. His identity remains unknown, adding to the mystery. Films like David Fincher’s Zodiac and countless TV crime shows have drawn heavily from the case.
11. The Murder of Dee Dee Blanchard
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In 2015, Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her boyfriend murdered her mother, Dee Dee, after years of enduring Munchausen syndrome by proxy abuse. The shocking story revealed years of medical fraud and psychological control. It inspired the Hulu series The Act and various documentaries.
12. The O.J. Simpson Trial
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In 1994, former football star O.J. Simpson was tried for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The televised trial became a cultural phenomenon, blending celebrity, race, and media spectacle. It later inspired The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
13. The Stanford Prison Experiment
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Although not a crime in the conventional sense, this 1971 psychological experiment at Stanford University became infamous for its ethical violations and abusive behavior by participants acting as guards. The study was cut short after just six days. It inspired films like The Stanford Prison Experiment and influenced countless fictional depictions of power abuse.