Chicago has long been one of Hollywood’s favorite backdrops, and for good reason. With its Prohibition-era past, infamous gangsters, and unmistakable cityscape, Chicago has inspired some of the most iconic crime films ever made. From Al Capone’s rise to power to the dramatic takedown of notorious outlaws, these stories have been retold on screen for decades. One of the reasons that makes Chicago so unique is that these are more than movie sets; they’re real places with real history, many of which you can still visit today.
Why Chicago Is Featured in So Many Movies
Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States of America. The city boasts a unique skyline, nearly 200 years of culture along an idyllic coastline to the largest freshwater lake in the US (Lake Michigan). The Midwest is known for its hospitable, friendly people and cultural diversity. The diversity in Chicago is what makes it so special. For almost 200 years, Chicago has been growing, evolving, and modernizing in every way.
One of the most famous eras of Chicago was Prohibition. When the 18th Amendment was ratified by the state of Illinois in 1919, no one, especially not Andrew J Volstead, could have foreseen its impact on Chicago. This Prohibition-era history created a compelling backdrop for storytelling that inspired many Chicago gangster movies. More than the stories, the architecture of Chicago also inspires movies filmed there. These Chicago crime movies utilize the distinct architecture and diverse neighborhoods to make the city visually cinematic. Many of the Prohibition-era buildings hold strong ties to real-life figures like Al Capone and John Dillinger. Today, there are many films and television shows that highlight and dramatize some of the famous gangsters and stories.
The State of Illinois also has some great benefits to use Chicago filming locations. According to the Chicago Film Office, the State of Illinois offers a 30-35% transferable tax credit for qualified productions. With so much inspiration and motivational factors, it’s easy to see why so many great historically fictional films have been inspired by real Chicago gangsters and filmed in Chicago.
Famous Chicago Gangster Movies & Real Stories
🎥 The Untouchables (1987)
- What it’s about: Robert Deniro plays Chicago gangster Al Capone opposite Kevin Costner as G-man Elliott Ness. Deniro embodies a vicious gangster with violent tendencies, while Costner takes on the role of the clean officer who can’t be paid off. This stunning drama is set in the heart of Chicago, where gangster is met with the long arm of the law.
- Hollywood vs Reality: Two of the most unrealistic scenes include the dramatic courtroom climax and a Canadian raid at the border to the US.
- Filming locations you can visit:
- Union Station (staircase scene)
- The Crystal Ballroom at the Blackstone Hotel
🎥 Public Enemies (2009)
- What it’s about: Johnny Depp takes on the role of bank robber John Dillinger opposite Christian Bale as Melvin Purvis. Edgar J Hoover, the founding father of the FBI, made the hunt for John Dillinger his personal mission and tasked Melvin Purvis as the man on the ground. The film follows the chase and final days of John Dillinger as the law finally catches up to him.
- Hollywood vs Reality: A couple of embellishments include a long romance with the lead love interest and Dillinger’s last words, which are unknown to this day.
- Filming locations you can visit:
- Biograph Theater
- Union Station (Great Hall scene)
🎥 Road to Perdition (2002)
- What it’s about: Tom Hanks plays Mike Sullivan, an enforcer for Depression-era mob boss named John Rooney played by Paul Newman. Jealousy, revenge and murder direct the plot down the road of this Chicago gangster movie.
- Hollywood vs Reality: The town called Perdition is fictional. There isn’t an actual city called Perdition. Also, the “Lexington Hotel” appears on the outside to depict the Wrigley Building at the Chicago River and Michigan Ave, however the inside depicts the grand staircase inside of the Hilton Chicago hotel located at 720 S Michigan Ave.
- Filming locations you can visit:
📺 Chicago PD (2014-Current)
- What it’s about: This long-running show stars Jason Beghe as Sargent Hank Voight as the leader of Chicago P.D.’s Intelligence Unit. This weekly show follows members of an elite unit through small- and large-scale offenses, including organized crime and even a fictional connection to the current Chicago organized crime “Outfit” which is known to descend from Al Capone’s gang.
- Hollywood vs Reality: Chicago PD is all fictional stories, depicting connections to both politicians and gangsters, while even looking the other way to allow some crimes to go unsolved. The show had special guests Ram Emmanual, former mayor of Chicago, during his term. The exterior of the old Maxwell Street Police Station is depicted as the headquarters for the team, while the interior is filmed at a soundstage studio in the Pilsen neighborhood.
- Filming locations you can visit:
- UIC Police Headquarters (21st District exterior)
- Chicago Riverwalk
Experience Chicago’s Gangster Movies in Real Life
Movies and real life combine for a unique experience on Chicago gangster tours. Learn about the stories that has and continues to inspire the film and television industries. Hear live expert storytelling and visit the true-crime scenes to see events that happened throughout the city on the Chicago Crime Tour or Night Crimes Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most popular Chicago gangster movie?
- One of the most popular Chicago gangster movies is The Untouchables (1987), which tells the story of Eliot Ness’s pursuit of Al Capone during Prohibition. Other well-known films include Public Enemies (2009), based on the life of John Dillinger, and Road to Perdition (2002), inspired by Depression-era mob activity.
- Can you visit filming locations from Chicago gangster movies?
- Yes, many filming locations from Chicago gangster movies are real places you can visit today. Landmarks like Union Station, the Biograph Theater, and historic neighborhoods have been featured in multiple films and remain accessible to the public.
- Are there tours that visit Chicago crime movie locations?
- While most tours focus on gangster history, many visit locations that have also appeared in famous movies. The Chicago Crime Tour and Night Crime Tours include stops on and off the bus at the Biograph Theater and other historic sites connected to both real events and their Hollywood portrayals.
- Are the events in Chicago crime movies based on real stories?
- Many Chicago crime movies are inspired by real events, especially those set during Prohibition. Films like The Untouchables and Public Enemies are based on true stories, though they often dramatize details for storytelling purposes. Shows like Chicago PD are purely fictional.
Hollywood has brought Chicago’s gangster era to life for audiences around the world. The real true crime stories behind these films are even more compelling. Visiting the actual locations, from historic theaters to infamous crime scenes, offers a deeper connection to the city’s past that no movie or television show can fully capture. Whether you’re a film buff, a history lover, or just looking for a unique way to experience the city, exploring Chicago’s crime history in person reveals a side of Chicago that’s as fascinating as it is unforgettable.
