Crime cinema is a genre that has the ability to charm audiences worldwide with its intricate plots, complex characters, and heart-pumping action. With its versatility, crime films can take on many different styles and tones, from dark and gritty to light-hearted and comedic. Here, we’ll count down the top 10 most thrilling crime movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
At number 10, we have “M” (1931), a landmark film within the German Expressionist movement that set the groundwork for what a great procedural thriller could look like. Directed by Fritz Lang, this haunting film tells the story of an odd alliance between various crime families and cop units to track down a malicious serial killer. With its intense focus on the threat to innocent young lives and its questioning of the nature of justice, “M” is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Moving on to number 9, we have “The Maltese Falcon” (1941), a classic mystery thriller directed by John Huston. Starring Humphrey Bogart as the iconic private detective Sam Spade, this film is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue. With its intricate plot and clever twists, “The Maltese Falcon” is a film that will keep you guessing until the very end.
At number 8, we have “The Killing” (1956), a neo-noir thriller directed by Stanley Kubrick. This groundbreaking film tells the story of a heist gone wrong and the tension that builds as the story unfolds. With its unique structure and clever editing, “The Killing” is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Number 7 on our list is “Mean Streets” (1973), a gritty drama directed by Martin Scorsese. Starring Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel, this film is a raw and intense portrayal of life in New York City’s Little Italy. With its kinetic energy and exploration of the complexities of morality, “Mean Streets” is a film that will leave you breathless.
Killing Them Softly (2012) (Image via Getty)
In at number 6, we have “Serpico” (1973), a biographical crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet. Starring Al Pacino as a principled police officer trying to expose corruption within the department, this film is a gripping and intense portrayal of the battle for justice. With its realistic portrayal of police brutality and corruption, “Serpico” is a film that remains relevant today.
Coming in at number 5, we have “House of Games” (1987), a crime thriller directed by David Mamet. This dark and complex film tells the story of a small-time con artist trying to make a big score, but finds himself caught up in a world of deceit and betrayal. With its focus on the anxiety of pretending to be someone else, “House of Games” is a film that will leave you questioning the nature of reality.
At number 4, we have “The Untouchables” (1987), a crime drama directed by Brian De Palma. Starring Kevin Costner and Robert De Niro, this film tells the story of Eliot Ness and his team taking on Al Capone in 1920s Chicago. With its intense action sequences and dramatic set pieces, “The Untouchables” is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Number 3 on our list is “Sexy Beast” (2000), a crime thriller directed by Jonathan Glazer. This unique and haunting film tells the story of a career criminal forced to come out of retirement to appease a ruthless gangster. With its focus on the complexities of morality and its use of off-putting visuals, “Sexy Beast” is a film that will leave you unsettled.
In at number 2, we have “Killing Them Softly” (2012), a crime thriller directed by Andrew Dominik. This gripping and intense film tells the story of two hitmen targeting a mob-connected car game organizer who has had his game stolen. With its focus on the complex morality of its characters and its use of vivid violence, “Killing Them Softly” is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
And finally, at number 1, we have “Good Time” (2017), a crime thriller directed by the Safdie brothers. This intense and unsettling film tells the story of a careless robber trying to break his brother out of prison, and the chaos that ensues. With its focus on addiction, desperation, and the complexities of morality, “Good Time” is a film that will leave you breathless and questioning the nature of reality.
These are just a few of the many thrilling crime movies out there, but they are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re a fan of classic noir or modern gritty realism, there’s something for everyone in crime cinema.
