90 years after Bonnie and Clyde: the best films inspired by the duo

90 years of Bonnie and Clyde as cultural icons

90 years of Bonnie and Clyde as cultural icons

Exactly 90 years ago, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow's crime spree that captivated America came to a violent end. Their romance, rebellious spirit, and beauty during the Great Depression turned them into cultural icons. While bloody, their reckless story of love and going against the system created a new archetype in cinema. So let's explore the top 10 films inspired by this notorious duo.

'Bonnie and Clyde' (1967)

This classic film, starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, is a stylish and romanticized portrayal of the couple’s crime spree, revolutionizing the gangster genre and ushering in the New Hollywood era.

'Natural Born Killers' (1994)

Oliver Stone’s satirical crime film, though not a direct retelling, is heavily influenced by Bonnie and Clyde’s chaotic love story, following Mickey and Mallory Knox on a violent rampage. The film critiques media sensationalism of crime, much like the real-life coverage of Bonnie and Clyde. Shall we say this, like other movies on the list, falls into the rom-crime genre?

Image: Natural Born Killers / Warner Bros. Pictures

'Badlands' (1973)

Directed by Terrence Malick, this film tells the story of a young couple on a killing spree, echoing Bonnie and Clyde’s rebellion and romance against the backdrop of 1950s America. Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen deliver haunting performances that mirror the enigmatic allure of the infamous outlaws.

'Thelma & Louise' (1991)

This iconic film, starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, follows two women on the run, embracing themes of freedom and defiance reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde’s outlaw spirit. Their journey of liberation becomes a powerful statement of friendship and resistance.

'True Romance' (1993)

Written by Quentin Tarantino, this film follows a young couple on the run after stealing drugs. Their passionate and violent journey is heavily inspired by the Bonnie and Clyde archetype, blending romance with a gritty crime narrative.

'Heathers' (1988)

This dark comedy features a high school couple whose rebellion and violence against the social order draw clear parallels to the notorious duo’s legacy. The film’s satirical take on teenage angst and social hierarchy mirrors the anarchic spirit of Bonnie and Clyde.

'Gun Crazy' (1950)

A precursor to the 1960s 'Bonnie and Clyde,' this noir film tells the tale of a husband and wife team whose love of guns leads them into a crime spree and iconic criminals. Sound familiar?

'Easy Rider' (1969)

This counterculture classic follows two bikers, played by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, as they journey across America in search of freedom. Much like Bonnie and Clyde, their quest challenges societal norms and explores themes of rebellion and liberation. If the 1967 film 'Bonnie and Clyde' ushered in New Hollywood, this road flick solidified it.

'Love and a .45' (1994)

A modern take on the Bonnie and Clyde archetype, this film starring Rene Zellweger follows a couple on the run after a botched robbery. Its blend of crime, romance, and action in a contemporary setting reflects the enduring allure of outlaw love stories.

Love and a .45 (1994) Trailer, OM Trailers / Youtube

'The Highwaymen' (2019)

This Netflix film (cast shown) flips the narrative, focusing on the Texas Rangers, played by Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson, who hunted down Bonnie and Clyde. It offers a gritty and more realistic portrayal of their demise.