Movies About Crime

From Stars: T.K. Carter, Khandi Alexander, Sean Nelson, Clarke Peters, starring
Rated TV-MA

The Corner is a 2000 made-for-television drama film directed by Charles S. Dutton, based on the non-fiction book The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood by David Simon and Edward Burns. The film follows the struggles of a West Baltimore family and their corner grocery store as they try to survive in a poverty-stricken and drug infested neighborhood. The story focuses on the lives of 15-year-old DeAndre McCullough (Sean Nelson), his mother Fran (Khandi Alexander) and his drug-addicted father Gary (T.K. Carter). As DeAndre falls deeper into a life of drug dealing, he is forced to make an important decision between his drug-dealing friends and his family. The film also features Clarke Peters as the store owner Mr. Marshall, who acts as a father figure to DeAndre. The Corner captures the harsh reality of inner-city life and the devastating effects of poverty, drugs and violence.

From Stars: Remo Girone, Patricia Millardet, Michele Placido, François Périer, starring
Rated TV-14

La Piovra is a 1984 Italian crime drama directed by Damiano Damiani. The film stars Remo Girone, Patricia Millardet, Michele Placido, and François Périer. The film tells the story of a Sicilian police inspector, Corrado Cattani (Girone), who fights to bring down the Mafia crime syndicate known as “La Piovra”. Despite facing threats and opposition, Cattani is determined to expose the sinister criminal organisation and bring the criminals to justice. As his investigation continues, he discovers that the Mafia is far more powerful and influential than he had ever imagined. The film follows Cattani’s struggles against the Mafia and his attempts to build a case against them. The film also follows the human cost of his battle, as he faces not only the dangers of confronting the Mafia but also the strain it puts on his relationships with his family and loved ones.

From Stars: Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni, Percy Daggs III, starring
Rated TV-14

Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) is a smart, resourceful and determined high school student in the fictional town of Neptune, California. After her best friend Lilly Kane is murdered, Veronica finds herself involved in the investigation, and soon discovers her town is filled with corruption and secrets. With the help of her father Keith Mars (Enrico Colantoni), her private investigator friend Wallace Fennel (Percy Daggs III), and her friends Mac (Tina Majorino) and Logan (Jason Dohring), Veronica embarks on a quest to uncover the truth and find her friend’s killer. Along the way, she must face a dangerous crime syndicate, a powerful family, and a mysterious stranger who holds the key to unlocking the truth.

From Stars: Helen Mirren, Stephen Tompkinson, Laura Greenwood, Eve Best, starring

Prime Suspect 7: The Final Act is a 2006 British crime drama and the seventh and final installment of the Prime Suspect series. The film stars Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison and Stephen Tompkinson as DCI Frank Burkin. Tennison and Burkin are assigned to investigate the murder of a prostitute and her brutalized corpse found in an alleyway in East London. As they work to solve the case, they uncover a web of secrets and lies, and uncover a human trafficking ring. The investigation leads them to a powerful and influential businessman who has been manipulating and exploiting vulnerable women, and it is up to Tennison and Burkin to bring justice to the victims. The film also stars Laura Greenwood and Eve Best as Jane's colleagues and friends, who she relies on to help her uncover the truth.

From Stars: Helen Mirren, John Benfield, Richard Hawley, Jack Ellis, starring
Rated TV-14

Prime Suspect is a 1991 British television crime drama directed by Christopher Menaul and starring Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Jane Tennison. The series follows Tennison's investigations into a series of murders in London. As the series progresses, Tennison finds herself dealing with a variety of personal issues and conflicts within the police force. Tennison is determined to solve the cases and prove her worth to her colleagues, who are initially skeptical of her abilities. The series features a cast of John Benfield, Richard Hawley, and Jack Ellis as supporting characters. The series was well-received, earning Helen Mirren a BAFTA for Best Actress in 1993.

From Stars: Bob Peck, Joe Don Baker, Charles Kay, Ian McNeice, starring

Edge of Darkness is a 1985 British-American political thriller film directed by Martin Campbell and starring Bob Peck, Joe Don Baker, Charles Kay, and Ian McNeice. The film follows a British detective, Ronald Craven (Peck) investigating the mysterious death of his daughter (Joanne Whalley) and uncovering a complex web of government conspiracy. Craven discovers that his daughter was involved in a secret nuclear research project and was killed when she stumbled upon the truth. With the help of a local environmentalist, Craven races against time to unravel the truth and take on the powerful forces behind the cover-up. The film was praised upon release for its suspenseful and gripping atmosphere, as well as Peck's strong performance.

From Stars: Helen Mirren, Liam Cunningham, Oleg Menshikov, Ben Miles, starring

Prime Suspect 6: The Last Witness is a 2003 British crime drama directed by David Drury and starring Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison. The film follows Tennison as she investigates the brutal murder of a Russian asylum seeker in London. As the investigation progresses, Tennison discovers that the murder may be linked to a dangerous Russian criminal organization and a confidential informant. With the help of her team, Tennison unravels a complex web of conspiracy, corruption, and deceit in order to uncover the truth. Along the way, she must face her own prejudices and make difficult moral choices as the case threatens to endanger her career and her life.

From Stars: Molly Windsor, Ria Zmitrowicz, Liv Hill, Paul Kaye, starring
Rated TV-14

Three Girls is a British drama film directed by Philippa Lowthorpe and written by Nicole Taylor. The story follows the lives of three teenage girls in Rochdale, England, who are groomed and sexually abused by a group of older men. The film is based on real events and follows the girls and the police investigation into the case. The film stars Molly Windsor, Ria Zmitrowicz, Liv Hill, and Paul Kaye, and explores themes of trauma, injustice, and resilience. The film follows the girls as they struggle to have their stories taken seriously and to get justice for what they have endured. It sheds light on the systemic failures that allowed the grooming and abuse to continue and the emotional toll it takes on them.

From Stars: Helen Mirren, Colin Salmon, John Benfield, Jack Ellis, starring

Prime Suspect 2 is a 1992 crime-drama starring Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison. Set in London, the film follows Tennison as she is assigned to investigate the murder of a young girl. As Tennison delves deeper into the case, she finds herself drawn into a web of corruption and deceit that goes all the way to the top. With her superiors trying to thwart her investigation, Tennison must face off against the powerful forces that are determined to keep her from uncovering the truth. With a superb performance by Mirren, Prime Suspect 2 is an intense and gripping mystery that keeps the audience guessing until its thrilling conclusion.

From Stars: Helen Mirren, Tom Bell, Karen Tomlin, David Thewlis, starring

Prime Suspect 3 is a 1993 British television crime drama directed by David Drury and starring Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison. The story follows Tennison as she investigates the unsolved murder of a teenage girl in London. After the initial suspects turn out to be innocent, the investigation turns to a corrupt businessman. With the help of her colleagues, Tennison must sift through the evidence to determine who was responsible for the girl's death. The film also stars Tom Bell, Karen Tomlin, and David Thewlis.

From Stars: Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, Chris Messina, Eliza Scanlen, starring
Rated TV-MA

Sharp Objects is a 2018 psychological thriller directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and starring Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, and Chris Messina. The story follows a troubled journalist, Camille Preaker (Adams), as she returns to her hometown to investigate the murder of two young girls. As she digs deeper into the case, she is forced to confront her own troubled past and the eerie secrets of her family's past. With the help of her editor (Clarkson) and detective (Messina), Camille must face her inner demons to try and solve the case. Eliza Scanlen also stars as Camille's half-sister, Amma.

From Stars: Jonathan Tucker, Tom Guiry, Olivia Wilde, Billy Lush, starring
Rated TV-14

The Black Donnellys is a 2007 drama series from director Paul Haggis. It follows the lives of four Irish-American brothers from Hell's Kitchen, New York. Tommy (Jonathan Tucker), Jimmy (Tom Guiry), Kevin (Billy Lush) and Sean (Keith Nobbs) Donnelly are local hoods who find themselves caught up in a world of organized crime. Meanwhile, their childhood friend Jenny Reilly (Olivia Wilde) is pulled into the same dangerous world. As the four brothers battle with rival gangs and tackle their own inner demons, they must also contend with their disapproving parents, and the ongoing struggle to stay loyal to each other and their dreams in the face of difficult obstacles.

From Stars: Deanna Thompson, John Green, Claudette Hamlin, Antonio Paradiso, starring
Rated TV-MA

Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer is a 2019 documentary film about Canadian killer, Luka Magnotta. It follows a group of internet sleuths as they try to track down Magnotta, who had posted a video of himself killing two kittens online. The group eventually discovers his identity and alerts the authorities. The documentary then follows the police investigation and Magnotta’s eventual trial and conviction. The film features interviews with the internet sleuths, as well as Magnotta’s friends and family, and includes footage of Magnotta himself. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the power and potential danger of the internet.

From Stars: Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Debicki, Olivia Colman, starring
Rated TV-14

The Night Manager is a 2016 British miniseries directed by Susanne Bier and starring Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Debicki, and Olivia Colman. The series follows Jonathan Pine (Hiddleston), a former British soldier who is recruited by an intelligence operative to infiltrate the inner circle of an arms dealer, Richard Roper (Laurie). Pine must use his skills to bring down Roper and his organization. As Pine gets closer to Roper, he discovers a world of corrupt politics, power and violence. Meanwhile, Roper's girlfriend Jed (Debicki) and his associate Corkoran (Colman) add to the complicated web of deceit and danger. The Night Manager is a thrilling and complex story of power and morality that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

From Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Christopher Eccleston, Kierston Wareing, Richard Lintern, starring

The Shadow Line is a British mystery drama film directed by Hugo Blick and written by Blick and Abi Morgan. It stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Christopher Eccleston, Kierston Wareing, and Richard Lintern. The story follows Detective Inspector Jonah Gabriel (Ejiofor) as he investigates a drug-related murder and discovers a complex web of deceit and deception. Forced to confront his own personal demons, Jonah must use all of his resources to uncover the truth and discover the real killer. Along the way, he is also forced to confront his own mortality, as his investigations lead him ever closer to the mysterious "shadow line" that divides the living and the dead.

From Stars: Logan Marshall-Green, Jodi Balfour, Damon Herriman, Edoardo Ballerini, starring
Rated TV-MA

Quarry is a 2016 psychological thriller directed by stars Logan Marshall-Green, Jodi Balfour, Damon Herriman, and Edoardo Ballerini. The film follows Mac Conway (Marshall-Green), a Marine who returns home from Vietnam only to find himself being recruited by a mysterious crime syndicate that puts him to work as a hitman. As Mac delves deeper into the shadowy underworld, he begins to question his loyalties and morality. Along the way, he must also deal with the fallout from his past, including a strained relationship with his wife, Joni (Balfour). The film is an exploration of the psychological trauma of war and of how it affects the people who experience it.

From Stars: William Shatner, Howard Da Silva, Lonny Chapman, Jessica Walter, starring

For the People is a 1965 courtroom drama directed by Stars and starring William Shatner, Howard Da Silva, Lonny Chapman, and Jessica Walter. The film follows a dedicated public defender, played by Shatner, as he tries to help a young, homeless man accused of murder. With the help of his assistant, played by Da Silva, the lawyer tries to uncover the truth behind the crime and to save his client from a death sentence. Along the way, the public defender also has to grapple with his own feelings of guilt for not being able to help his client and the personal toll his work takes on him. As the film progresses, the audience is presented with a complex and moral dilemma that challenges the viewer’s sense of justice and morality.

From Stars: Jason Watkins, Shaun Parkes, Ben Caplan, Nathalie Armin, starring

The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies is a 2014 British television film directed by Roger Michell. It stars Jason Watkins, Shaun Parkes, Ben Caplan, and Nathalie Armin. The film tells the story of Christopher Jefferies, a retired schoolteacher who was wrongfully arrested for the murder of Jo Yeates in Bristol in 2010. Jefferies is portrayed as a vulnerable, kind-hearted man who is subjected to intense media scrutiny and public vilification. The film follows Jefferies’ ordeal as he attempts to clear his name amidst the media circus, while also protecting his friends and family from the onslaught. Ultimately, Jefferies is exonerated, but his costly legal battle takes an emotional toll. The film conveys a powerful message about the dangers of false accusations and the need for the media to consider the consequences of their actions.

From Stars: Trevor Eve, Susannah Harker, Michael Byrne, Julian Rhind-Tutt, starring

Heat of the Sun is a British drama set in colonial Kenya in 1934. The story follows the lives of three generations of British settlers. Robert Howells (Trevor Eve) is a former police officer who has been sent to Kenya to investigate a murder. He soon finds himself caught up in the simmering tensions between the Europeans and the locals. Robert's daughter, Sarah (Susannah Harker), is a young, attractive woman who has fallen in love with a local man, Mafuta (Julian Rhind-Tutt). Meanwhile, Sarah's grandfather, Sir Aubrey (Michael Byrne), is determined to maintain the status quo of the British Empire and he is determined to prevent any interracial relationships. As tensions rise, Robert must decide whether to uphold British law or to follow his heart. The film explores the clash of cultures, the power of love and the value of family.

From Stars: Benicio Del Toro, Patricia Arquette, Paul Dano, Bonnie Hunt, starring
Rated TV-MA

Escape at Dannemora is a crime drama miniseries based on the real-life story of the escape of convicted murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York, in 2015. The story follows prison tailor shop employee Joyce "Tilly" Mitchell (Patricia Arquette) who, in a desperate bid to escape the monotony of her marriage, embarks on an affair with Matt (Benicio Del Toro). As their relationship deepens, the two begin to devise an elaborate plan to break Sweat (Paul Dano) and Matt out of prison, enlisting Tilly's unwitting help. Along the way, they must grapple with the consequences of their actions. Bonnie Hunt stars as Lyle Mitchell, Tilly’s husband and the prison guard who unwittingly aids in the prisoners' escape.

From Stars: Patricia Arquette, Joey King, AnnaSophia Robb, Chloë Sevigny, starring
Rated TV-MA

The Act is a 2019 American true crime anthology television series developed by Nick Antosca and Michelle Dean, and starring Patricia Arquette, Joey King, AnnaSophia Robb and Chloë Sevigny. It is based on the 2015 case of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Dee Dee. The series follows Dee Dee and Gypsy's complicated and strained relationship over the years, as Gypsy's health and mental state deteriorate due to Dee Dee's lies and manipulation. Gypsy attempts to escape her restrictive life, which eventually leads to tragedy. The series explores the bond between mother and daughter, as well as the consequences of psychological abuse.

From Stars: Karl Malden, Eva Marie Saint, Barry Newman, Gary Cole, starring
Rated TV-14

Fatal Vision is a 1984 television docudrama directed by David Greene and starring Karl Malden, Eva Marie Saint, Barry Newman, and Gary Cole. Based on the true story of Jeffery MacDonald, the film follows the events surrounding the brutal murders of the MacDonald family in the early morning hours of February 17, 1970. After being found guilty in a court of law, MacDonald was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences in prison. The film follows his trial and eventual conviction as well as the testimony and testimonies of those involved. Fatal Vision is a dramatized version of the events of the case, giving viewers an insight into the life of Jeffery MacDonald and the horrific events that changed his life forever.

From Stars: Helen Mirren, John Brobbey, Julia Lane, David O'Hara, starring

Prime Suspect 5: Errors of Judgement is a 1996 crime drama directed by John Strickland and starring Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison. The film follows Tennison's investigation into a series of murders in a small town where she begins to uncover a complex web of corruption and lies. As she gets closer to the truth, Tennison is met with opposition from her superiors who are more concerned with protecting their reputations than with getting justice for the victims. Ultimately, Tennison must put her career on the line in order to uncover the truth, no matter the cost. Along the way, she must also contend with her own personal demons, including a failing marriage and the death of her father.

From Stars: Hugh Grant, Ben Whishaw, Alex Jennings, Patricia Hodge, starring
Rated TV-14

A Very English Scandal is a 2018 British television miniseries directed by Stephen Frears. It stars Hugh Grant as Jeremy Thorpe, a British politician in the 1960s and 70s, and Ben Whishaw as Norman Scott, a stableman with whom Thorpe had an affair. The series follows Thorpe's attempts to cover up their relationship and his subsequent trial for conspiracy and incitement to murder Scott in 1979. The series also stars Alex Jennings and Patricia Hodge, and is based on the book of the same name by John Preston. It portrays the events leading up to and through Thorpe's trial, as well as the long-lasting effects on those involved.

From Stars: Cindy Pickett, John Ashton, Corin Nemec, Luke Edwards, starring
Rated Not Rated

I Know My First Name Is Steven is a 1989 film directed by Larry Elikann that tells the true story of Steven Stayner, a young boy who was abducted in 1972 at the age of seven by Kenneth Parnell. After enduring seven years of captivity and sexual abuse, Steven eventually escaped and was reunited with his family. The film stars Cindy Pickett as Steven's mother Kay, John Ashton as his father Del, Corin Nemec as Steven, and Luke Edwards as Kenneth Parnell. It follows Steven's story from his abduction to his eventual escape and reunion with his family, as well as his struggles to reintegrate into society after his ordeal. The film offers an unflinching look at the issues surrounding child abduction and sexual abuse, as well as the resilience of the human spirit.