Top Crime Movies

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker who is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank Prison. Despite the bleakness of his circumstances, Andy remains hopeful and is determined to make the best of his situation. With the help of his friend and fellow inmate, Red (Morgan Freeman), Andy forms unlikely relationships with his fellow prisoners, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency. As the years pass, Andy’s quiet strength and resilience offer a glimmer of hope to those around him. In the end, Andy’s resilience and unwavering hope lead to his freedom, and a chance at a new life outside the prison walls.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a 1972 crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo. The film follows the Corleone crime family, led by Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). Vito's youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) reluctantly enters the family business and eventually rises to become the head of the family. As the family business expands, the Corleones become embroiled in the violent underworld of organized crime. They must contend with rival gangs and the increasing scrutiny of the authorities, all while trying to protect their own family. With an acclaimed cast and an Oscar-winning score, The Godfather is a classic example of the gangster genre and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 American crime epic directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and produced by Albert S. Ruddy. It is a sequel to the 1972 film The Godfather. Part II chronicles the life of the Corleone crime family following the death of Vito Corleone in 1955. Michael Corleone, now the Don of the Corleone family, attempts to expand their business into Las Vegas and Havana, while trying to hold the family together amidst a series of personal tragedies. Meanwhile, Vito's younger son, the conflicted Fredo, is seduced by Hyman Roth, a powerful Jewish mobster. The film features Robert De Niro as the young Vito Corleone, as well as performances from Al Pacino, John Cazale, Lee Strasberg, Diane Keaton, and Robert Duvall. The Godfather Part II was the first sequel to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Rated R

Pulp Fiction is an iconic 1994 crime film directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and Bruce Willis. The film consists of three interweaving stories about gangsters, crime, and redemption. In the first story, two hitmen, Jules and Vincent, work for a crime boss and are tasked with retrieving a valuable briefcase from a restaurant. In the second story, Vincent takes Mia, the boss' wife, out for a night on the town, only for her to overdose on drugs. The third story follows the lives of a boxer and a pair of thieves trying to make a living in the criminal underworld. Throughout the film, the characters experience redemption, justice and an exploration of the human condition. Pulp Fiction is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time, and its groundbreaking style of storytelling has since become a staple of modern filmmaking.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is a 1990 crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. The film follows the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, as he climbs through the ranks of the criminal underworld. The movie also stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino. The story follows Henry as he works his way up in the mob, taking part in a number of criminal activities, including robbery and drug dealing. As he moves up in the organization, he begins to earn more money and eventually becomes a respected member of the gang. However, his involvement in criminal activities eventually catches up to him and he is arrested and sentenced to jail. Despite his efforts to stay loyal to the mob, he is eventually forced to cooperate with the FBI to avoid further incarceration. In the end, Henry is able to get out of jail and start a new life with his wife and family. However, his time in the mob has taken its toll on him and he is unable to escape the feeling of guilt that comes with his involvement in criminal activities.

From Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund, starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
Rated R

City of God is a 2002 Brazilian crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. Set in the Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro, the film tells the story of two boys growing up in extreme poverty amidst a war between rival drug gangs in the 1960s and 70s. The film follows the life of Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), a poor kid growing up in a slum who aspires to be a photographer, as well as Li'l Ze (Leandro Firmino da Hora), a ruthless drug lord. Through a series of vignettes, the film explores themes of loyalty, friendship, family, crime, and poverty as each character struggles to survive in a world of violence and corruption. The film is considered a defining work of the Cinema Novo movement, and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Frank Darabont, starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt
Rated R

The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy drama film directed by Frank Darabont and adapted from Stephen King's 1996 novel of the same name. The film stars Tom Hanks as a death row corrections officer tasked with overseeing the arrival of a supernatural inmate, played by Michael Clarke Duncan. The film follows the life of the prisoner, John Coffey, who has been charged with the murder of two young girls. Despite his seemingly supernatural powers, he is ultimately unable to prove his innocence and is set to be executed. The film takes place during the 1930s, and deals with themes of justice, mercy, and the inherent goodness of humans. It features an ensemble cast including David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, James Cromwell, Doug Hutchinson and Michael Jeter. The film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing $286 million worldwide against a budget of $60 million.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. The film follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Foster) as she attempts to apprehend serial killer Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine), who skins his victims and is searching for his next one. In order to gain insight into the killer's mind, she is instructed to seek the help of the renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins). The two form an uneasy alliance as Clarice must draw on Lecter's knowledge of the criminal mind in order to stop the killer and save his latest victim.

From Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

American History X is a 1998 crime drama film directed by Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. The film tells the story of two brothers, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) and Danny (Edward Furlong), who get caught up in the neo-Nazi movement of Southern California. Derek is a former skinhead, a former neo-Nazi, and a convicted felon, who has served three years in prison for a hate crime. Upon his release, Derek decides to turn his life around and to prevent his younger brother from going down the same path. The film follows the brothers as they struggle to break away from the neo-Nazi movement and their own personal demons. Through a series of flashbacks, the audience is made to understand what caused Derek's transformation from a white supremacist to an advocate for racial tolerance. In the end, Derek helps his brother to realize the consequences of following in his footsteps, and ultimately manages to redeem himself.

From Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello
Rated R

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 action-thriller directed by Luc Besson and starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, and Natalie Portman. The film follows the story of a professional hitman, Léon (Reno), who takes in a twelve-year-old girl, Mathilda (Portman), as his protege after her family is murdered by an evil drug lord, Stansfield (Oldman). In order to avenge her family’s death, Mathilda trains with Léon to become a professional assassin and take down Stansfield and his corrupt team of DEA agents. As their relationship grows, Léon must make a difficult choice between completing his mission and protecting Mathilda from the harsh realities of the world.

From Billy Wilder, starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester
Rated Approved

Witness for the Prosecution is a courtroom drama directed by Billy Wilder and released in 1957. The film tells the story of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), a young man accused of murdering a wealthy widow, Emily French (Marlene Dietrich). When a surprise witness, Romaine Vole (Charles Laughton), Leonard's wife, is called to testify against him, his fate appears sealed. However, ace attorney Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton) takes on the case and discovers that Romaine is not the only witness against Leonard - and that the evidence is not all it seems. As Wilfrid uncovers the truth and defends Leonard in court, the jury must decide if Leonard is guilty or innocent of the crime.

From Sergio Leone, starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams
Rated R

Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 epic crime drama directed by Sergio Leone. The film follows a group of childhood friends from the Jewish slums of New York City in the 1920s, who grow up to become ruthless gangsters involved in organized crime in the 1930s and 1940s. The movie chronicles the life of David "Noodles" Aaronson and his complicated relationship with his friends, Max and Deborah, as well as his troubled past. Through a series of flashbacks, the movie explores the events of Noodles' life from his youth to his later years, including his connections to organized crime and his ultimate redemption. The film is widely acclaimed for its performances, visual style, and score, and is considered one of the best films of the 1980s.

From Billy Wilder, starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, Byron Barr
Rated Passed

Double Indemnity is a classic film noir directed by Billy Wilder. It tells the story of insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) and femme fatale Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck) who concoct a plan to kill Phyllis' husband and make it look like an accident so they can collect the double indemnity. However, their plan eventually unravels when Walter's boss, Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson), discovers the truth. In the end, Walter takes full responsibility for his actions and pays the ultimate price. The film is widely considered one of the greatest of all time, thanks to its thrilling plot, sharp dialogue, and iconic performances.

From Robert Mulligan, starring Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy
Rated Approved

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic drama directed by Robert Mulligan, based on Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. Set in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s, it tells the story of Atticus Finch, a lawyer, and his two children, Jem and Scout, as they go through the trials and tribulations of life in the Jim Crow South. Atticus is appointed to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, accused of raping a white woman, and to do so in a place where racism is rampant. Atticus and his family are subjected to bigotry and prejudice from the town's folk, and Atticus must protect his children from the dangers of the prejudiced town. Through the story of Atticus, his children, and Tom Robinson, the movie conveys a powerful moral lesson about standing up to injustice and doing the right thing, no matter the cost.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore
Rated PG

Vertigo is a 1958 American psychological thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It stars Jimmy Stewart as Scottie Ferguson, a retired San Francisco police detective who is hired to follow and observe the strange behavior of an old college acquaintance's wife, Madeleine (Kim Novak). Scottie finds himself drawn to Madeleine, and becomes obsessed with her. He eventually discovers that Madeleine is in fact a woman named Judy Barton, with whom he had a brief affair. In his attempt to restore Madeleine to her former self, Scottie instead creates a situation that leads to tragedy. The film is widely considered a classic of the suspense genre, and is noted for its use of cinematic devices to create a sense of vertigo and for its thematic exploration of the human psyche.

From Michael Mann, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight
Rated R

Heat is a 1995 crime drama directed by Michael Mann that follows the complex lives of a professional thief and an LAPD detective who are opposites on either side of the law. The thief, Neil McCauley, assembles a crew for a major heist, while Lt. Vincent Hanna, the cop, leads a team of officers in pursuit of the robbers. The two men have a fateful encounter that leads to a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse, as well as a deep respect for one another. With a stellar cast and beautiful cinematography, Heat is a mesmerizing exploration of morality, loyalty, and the power of the criminal underworld.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a dystopian crime film adapted from Anthony Burgess's 1962 novel of the same name. The film follows the exploits of Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a charismatic, psychopathic delinquent whose pleasures are classical music, rape, and "ultra-violence". He leads a small gang of thugs, whom he calls his droogs. The story takes place in a dystopian near-future Britain, where Alex's journey of crime and brutality leads him to being arrested and later subjected to an experimental behavior modification technique, intended to reform him against his will. The film focuses on the moral and ethical implications of government-mandated behavioral modification and touches on the issues of free will, morality and the mental conditioning of criminals.

From Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger
Rated R

L.A. Confidential is a 1997 neo-noir crime film based on James Ellroy's 1990 novel of the same name. Directed by Curtis Hanson and co-written by Hanson and Brian Helgeland, the film follows the intersecting story arcs of three Los Angeles police officers. Set in 1953, the film focuses on the sadistic actions of a rogue police officer, Ed Exley, and the organized crime syndicate–controlled city politics that allowed him to flourish. The story is driven by a complex and interlocking web of corruption and revenge. The film stars Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito and James Cromwell. It is one of the most acclaimed films of the 1990s and was named by the American Film Institute as one of the greatest films of all time. It won numerous awards, including nine Academy Award nominations, two Oscars and the Grand Prix at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival.

From Roman Polanski, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez
Rated R

Chinatown is a 1974 neo-noir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. The film stars Jack Nicholson as a private investigator hired by a powerful water baron to investigate the murder of his mistress. As he delves deeper into the case, he unravels a web of corruption and deceit involving the city's water supply, a wealthy family, and an illicit love affair. Through his investigation, he discovers a conspiracy far bigger and darker than he ever imagined. In the end, he is forced to choose between the truth and his own safety.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 action thriller directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film stars Uma Thurman as “The Bride”, a former assassin who seeks revenge against her former boss, Bill, and the members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad who yet again try to kill her and her unborn baby. With the help of a former training master, she sets out on a deadly mission, battling her way through enemies old and new until she finally faces off against Bill in an explosive showdown. Along the way, she discovers the truth about her past and her ties to Bill and the gang, and the motivations behind their deadly vendetta.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings, John Williams
Rated PG

Dial M for Murder is a 1954 thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings. The film is based on the play by Frederick Knott. The film follows Tony Wendice (Ray Milland), a former tennis pro, who devises a plan to kill his wife Margot (Grace Kelly) with the help of his college acquaintance, Captain Lesgate (Robert Cummings). After the plan fails and Margot survives, Tony must cover his tracks with the help of a slow-witted police inspector (John Williams). In the end, Margot catches on and turns the tables on her husband as he is about to kill her. The film is noted for its suspenseful plot, Hitchcock’s direction, and its use of the 3D technology to create a sense of depth and realism.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Sterling Hayden, Coleen Gray, Vince Edwards, Jay C. Flippen
Rated Approved

The Killing is a classic film noir directed by Stanley Kubrick. It follows a group of criminals who plan and execute a daring racetrack heist. Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden) assembles a team of seasoned criminals to execute the heist, each of whom has a specific role to play in the robbery. After the robbery is complete, the gang attempts to escape with the money, but their plan begins to unravel as one of them is killed and the money is stolen from them. As the police close in, the gang must scramble to cover up their tracks and avoid being caught. The film is notable for its non-linear structure, which builds suspense as it jumps back and forth between the events of the heist and its aftermath. Ultimately, the film is a gripping and suspenseful tale of crime and its consequences.

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre
Rated Passed

The Maltese Falcon is a 1941 American film directed by John Huston and based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The film follows private detective Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) in San Francisco, who is drawn into a convoluted plot involving three eccentric criminals, a beautiful female accomplice (Mary Astor), and a priceless statuette of a black falcon encrusted from head to foot in rare jewels. Sam is pitted against the criminals as he unravels the mystery of the Maltese Falcon, finding himself in increasing danger as he gets closer to the truth. In the end, Sam's loyalty to his partner is put to the test, and his ingenuity and ingenuity is rewarded. The film was a commercial and critical success, and is widely credited as a classic of American cinema.

From Orson Welles, starring Charlton Heston, Orson Welles, Janet Leigh, Joseph Calleia
Rated PG-13

Touch of Evil is a 1958 film noir directed by Orson Welles and starring Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh. The film follows policeman Mike Vargas (Heston), who is on vacation with his new wife, Susie (Leigh), when they become embroiled in a drug smuggling case. Vargas clashes with corrupt police officer Hank Quinlan (Welles), who is determined to see the suspects convicted without proper evidence. With the help of a local hoodlum, Vargas attempts to uncover the truth and expose Quinlan's corruption. As the investigation progresses, Vargas and Quinlan become involved in an escalating conflict that puts both of their lives in danger. In the end, Vargas manages to uncover the truth behind the drug smuggling and successfully takes down Quinlan's criminal enterprise. Touch of Evil is considered a classic of the film noir genre and is widely praised for its innovative cinematography and complex narrative.

From Otto Preminger, starring James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O'Connell
Rated Not Rated

Anatomy of a Murder is a 1959 courtroom drama directed by Otto Preminger and based on the novel of the same name by Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker. The film stars James Stewart as a small-town lawyer in rural Michigan who is hired to defend a man accused of murdering a tavern-owner who had allegedly raped his wife. The film follows the trial, with Stewart's lawyer uncovering evidence that leads to an unexpected outcome. The film also stars Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, George C. Scott, Arthur O'Connell, and Eve Arden. The theme of the film is a complex exploration of the legal system and its ability to convict someone without solid proof of guilt. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever made.