Films have been blamed for influencing crime for many years. As far back as Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation, films have been said to instigate acts of violence and murder. But can a film really influence someone or some people to carry out an atrocious, criminal act? Daniel Stephens looks at ten films that is claimed influenced men, women and even children to commit murder.

Sam Peckinpah’s notorious Straw Dogs was banned in the UK for many years. Finally released uncut in 2002 audiences could make up there own mind about the film’s hard-hitting and shocking violence that includes a protracted double rape of a young woman. Whatever way you perceive the film it is undoubtedly a thought-provoking and intense piece of work. Daniel Stephens attempts to pick apart the film’s underlying message.