Looking for the best crime movies of all time? Crime cinema has delivered some of the most gripping, suspenseful, and unforgettable films in history. From gritty gangster dramas to thrilling heist films, these movies keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
The best crime movies of all time showcase masterful storytelling, iconic performances, and shocking twists. Classics like The Godfather, Goodfellas, and Pulp Fiction define the genre, while modern hits such as The Dark Knight and No Country for Old Men continue to captivate viewers. Whether you’re into intense psychological thrillers or action-packed crime sagas, this genre has something for everyone.
Many of the best crime movies of all time are inspired by real events, making them even more compelling. True crime adaptations like Zodiac and The Irishman bring history to life with chilling accuracy. Meanwhile, neo-noir masterpieces like Se7en and L.A. Confidential redefine crime storytelling with dark, atmospheric tones.
If you’re a fan of detective mysteries, mob dramas, or high-stakes heists, our list of the best crime movies of all time will guide you to must-watch films that stand the test of time. Get ready for intense action, shocking betrayals, and unforgettable moments in the world of crime cinema.
Den of Thieves (2018)
Den of Thieves dives deep into the tense cat-and-mouse dynamic between a hardened police unit and a skilled group of bank robbers in Los Angeles. The film showcases the gritty lengths both sides will go to in order to outsmart the other, highlighting the moral gray areas that arise when the lines between good and bad are blurred. The narrative offers a meticulous look at meticulous heist planning, emphasizing how each party’s specialized tactics lead to a high-stakes showdown. With robust action sequences and personal dramas affecting both the cops and criminals, Den of Thieves explores loyalty, betrayal, and ambition in an underworld where honor among thieves might be the only code left.
Zodiac (2007)
Zodiac is a riveting crime thriller that chronicles the infamous Zodiac Killer’s series of unsolved murders in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film follows the obsessive efforts of detectives, journalists, and cartoonist Robert Graysmith, all driven to crack the killer’s cryptic codes and shocking taunts. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s social upheaval, the story unfolds over several years, stressing how the relentless pursuit of an elusive murderer impacts the personal lives of those involved. Through haunting cinematography and a painstakingly detailed investigation, Zodiac captures the mounting tension, paranoia, and frustration that accompany a case with few answers. It’s a study of how the thirst for truth can consume even the most rational minds.
Nightcrawler (2014)
Nightcrawler takes a penetrating look into the underbelly of L.A.’s freelance crime journalism scene, following Louis Bloom, a cunning outsider who discovers a knack for capturing exclusive footage of grisly incidents. Equipped with a camera and a relentless drive, Bloom prowls the nighttime streets searching for sensational stories to sell to local news outlets. As his tactics become increasingly manipulative, the line between observing crime and orchestrating it starts to blur. This suspenseful narrative explores the ethics of news media, shedding light on how desperate cameras and ethically ambiguous editors compete for higher ratings. Packed with chilling tension, Nightcrawler deftly examines the moral sacrifice and personal cost behind exploitative storytelling.
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Killers of the Flower Moon shifts its focus to a chilling chapter in American history, detailing a spate of murders targeting members of the Osage Nation who had become wealthy from oil. Though set in the 1920s, this film—released in the last two decades—stands out for its modern approach to investigative drama. Filled with tension, it peels away layers of conspiracy, corruption, and racial prejudice behind the crimes. The narrative also explores the early days of the FBI’s involvement, illustrating how the federal agency grappled with establishing its legitimacy. With its blend of historical context and hair-raising suspense, the movie highlights how greed and power can breed devastating consequences for marginalized communities.
Knives Out (2019)
Knives Out merges the traditional whodunit formula with a clever modern twist, delivering a sharp and witty crime tale. Centering on the sudden death of a wealthy patriarch, the story gathers a dysfunctional family under one roof, each harboring secrets and motives. Enter a quirky private detective intent on peeling back everyone’s layers until he uncovers the truth. The plot is laden with red herrings, exaggerated personality clashes, and unexpected alliances that propel the narrative into surprising territory. Balancing comedic elements with genuine suspense, Knives Out engages audiences with its twisty plot and playful interrogation of classic murder mystery tropes, all while painting a sly portrait of family greed and hidden resentments.
Legend (2015)
Legend dives into the turbulent world of the infamous Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, who ruled London’s East End underworld during the 1960s. Though set in an earlier era, the film’s release falls within the last two decades. It details the twins’ meteoric rise from local tough guys to powerful gangsters wielding considerable influence over nightclubs and protection rackets. Power struggles within the family and conflicts with rival gangs add layers of suspense, while tensions in their private lives reveal vulnerabilities beneath their fearsome reputations. By examining both the chaos of their criminal exploits and the emotional toll on those close to them, Legend provides a riveting look at ambition, brotherhood, and the destructive nature of violence.
Public Enemies (2009)
Public Enemies brings the story of notorious bank robber John Dillinger to vivid life, tracing his clashes with law enforcement during the Great Depression. Although the setting is historically distant, the film was released well within the last twenty years, offering a modern depiction of a classic American outlaw tale. Audiences follow Dillinger’s audacious string of robberies, as well as the escalating manhunt led by Melvin Purvis of the FBI. The period-accurate attention to style and detail underscores the tension between old-school gangster bravado and the more sophisticated investigative methods of the new federal agency. With shootouts and close escapes, Public Enemies dramatizes the allure of criminal celebrity, as well as the relentless pursuit to bring down an iconic lawbreaker.
Widows (2018)
Widows flips the script on the usual heist narrative, centering on four women who inherit the fallout from their deceased husbands’ criminal activities. Navigating personal grief and heavy financial burdens, they forge an alliance to complete a high-stakes robbery the men left unfinished. Each character carries her own emotional scars, while external pressures from local politics and rival criminals add a suffocating layer of tension. At its core, Widows examines systemic corruption and how ordinary individuals can be cornered into drastic actions. The movie’s robust ensemble cast creates an immersive atmosphere of desperation, resilience, and solidarity. It’s a fierce and deeply personal crime story that highlights the complexities of loyalty and empowerment.
The Departed (2006)
The Departed unfolds in a claustrophobic battle of wits between the Boston police force and the Irish-American mob. The plot centers on two undercover moles: a rising mobster in the police department and a cop who infiltrates the underworld. Their parallel double lives intensify the film’s tension, as each tries to outmaneuver the other while keeping their true identities hidden. The story delves into issues of loyalty, identity, and trust, showcasing how quickly alliances can crumble under pressure. Its blend of raw dialogue and gritty cityscapes heightens the sense of danger lurking around every corner. Award-winning performances anchor The Departed, reflecting the moral ambiguity and psychological toll that come from living on both sides of the law.
Gone Girl (2014)
Gone Girl masterfully weaves psychological thriller elements with a crime narrative, launching its story around a husband suspected of foul play when his wife mysteriously disappears. Initially, the media frenzy and police investigation focus on the husband’s odd behavior, but the film later unravels layers of lies, manipulation, and hidden motives. Shifting perspectives add constant intrigue, and the suspense grows as viewers question who is truly guilty. The portrayal of marital discord and modern media exploitation underscores how easily public perception can be manipulated. With its unexpected twists and morally complex characters, Gone Girl provides an unsettling examination of the lengths people might go to protect their image—or to exact revenge.
American Gangster (2007)
American Gangster captures the meteoric rise of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug lord who builds an empire by smuggling heroin directly from Southeast Asia. Parallel to his story is that of Richie Roberts, an upright detective determined to dismantle the narcotics trade. Their opposing worlds collide in a cat-and-mouse chase that reveals police corruption and shifting power structures within the criminal underworld. The film’s exploration of Lucas’s carefully cultivated reputation, alongside Roberts’s unwavering moral code, underscores the notion that ambition can thrive on both sides of the law. By focusing on real events and characters who rose to prominence in 1970s New York, American Gangster remains a gritty portrait of the complex interplay between crime and justice.
Wind River (2017)
Wind River is a slow-burning thriller set on a remote Native American reservation in Wyoming, where the discovery of a young woman’s body prompts a federal investigation. A local tracker with personal ties to the case joins forces with an inexperienced FBI agent to navigate the harsh conditions and a community often overlooked by the outside world. Their pursuit of the truth unearths deep-seated issues of isolation and a legacy of violence facing Indigenous women. With its stark winter landscapes and atmospheric tension, Wind River draws viewers into a haunting mystery that highlights systemic neglect. The film’s emphasis on empathy and moral responsibility underscores its message: behind every crime statistic lies a story that deserves acknowledgment.
No_Country_for_Old_Men (2007)
No Country for Old Men portrays a treacherous chase in the Texas desert after a man stumbles upon drug money and decides to keep it. His decision triggers the relentless pursuit by a merciless killer who leaves a chilling trail of violence behind him. Simultaneously, a weary sheriff tries to make sense of the chaos unfolding in his once-quiet jurisdiction. The film strips away music in pivotal scenes, intensifying the raw tension, while its dialogue reveals a bleak world where morality seems outmoded. As fate and chance collide, No Country for Old Men depicts the haunting reality of how violence can erupt from seemingly minor choices, echoing the fear that the rules and traditions of the past may no longer hold sway.
Triple 9 (2016)
Triple 9 plunges into a corrupt world where criminals and dirty cops collaborate to pull off high-stakes heists under the control of an unforgiving mob boss. The plot hinges on a sinister plan: orchestrate a “999” call—police code for officer down—to divert law enforcement while the real heist unfolds elsewhere. Tensions rise as the chosen scapegoat, a rookie officer, senses something amiss. High energy shootouts and gritty cinematography showcase the danger seeping through every layer of the city. Trust quickly evaporates among the conspirators, highlighting how alliances made out of convenience can break down at the slightest pressure. Triple 9’s relentless pace amplifies its central question: How far will people go when desperation overrides integrity?
The Town (2010)
The Town centers on a group of lifelong friends from Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood who specialize in expertly orchestrated bank robberies. Their system seems foolproof until one heist takes a personal turn, leaving the group’s leader torn between his criminal loyalty and a chance at a more honest life. This moral conflict drives the tension as the FBI closes in, forcing decisions that may irrevocably shape everyone’s futures. Detailed heist sequences keep the stakes high, while complex relationships between crew members illuminate the emotional toll of a lifetime steeped in crime. By blending gripping action with empathetic character studies, The Town portrays a community grappling with legacy, redemption, and the power of personal choice.
Brooklyn’s Finest (2009)
Brooklyn’s Finest interweaves the stories of three New York City police officers, each facing moral quandaries on a collision course. One nears retirement but feels unfulfilled, another is deep undercover and losing himself in the role, while a third wrestles with personal financial strains. The film’s overlapping subplots reveal the fragile balance between professionalism and temptation as they navigate a borough rife with drugs, violence, and corruption. Tensions escalate, culminating in a dangerous intersection of their separate paths during a raid that tests their loyalties and personal codes. With a focus on the gray areas of law enforcement, Brooklyn’s Finest underscores how each officer’s choices can lead down a path that even a badge can’t protect.
Black Mass (2015)
Black Mass depicts the real-life story of James “Whitey” Bulger, a notorious crime boss in South Boston who leveraged his status as an FBI informant to expand his underworld empire virtually unchecked. The film explores how Bulger cultivated fear and loyalty among his associates, as well as the moral compromises made by certain federal agents complicit in his reign. While Bulger’s personal ties and strategic manipulation of law enforcement let him operate with impunity, his unpredictable brutality keeps those around him on a knife’s edge. Through meticulous period detail and intense performances, Black Mass illustrates the alarming consequences of blurred lines between corruption and duty, raising questions about the cost of collusion in a world built on precarious alliances.
Elite Squad (2007)
Elite Squad delivers a relentless dive into the complex reality of Rio de Janeiro’s Special Police Operations Battalion (BOPE). Focused on both the gritty street-level conflicts with heavily armed gangs and the moral toll on the officers, it offers an unflinching portrayal of systemic violence in the favelas. The narrative follows Captain Nascimento, a veteran who seeks a replacement amidst a chaotic environment fueled by corruption, poverty, and crime. Alternating between raw action and moral introspection, the film forces viewers to question how far authorities should go to restore order. From intense gunfights to heart-pounding raids, Elite Squad illustrates the mounting pressure on those who serve on the front lines of an endless war on drugs and corruption.
The Gentlemen (2019)
The Gentlemen spins a slick yarn around Mickey Pearson, an American expatriate who’s built a formidable marijuana empire in London. When word spreads that he’s looking to cash out, an assortment of opportunists—from tabloid journalists to small-time hoods—scheme to either buy in or tear him down. Boasting snappy dialogue and an intricate plot, the movie weaves together betrayals, blackmail, and comedic mishaps. Each character’s agenda is revealed in unexpected ways, highlighting the ever-shifting pecking order of the British criminal scene. While the story brims with playful irreverence, it never loses sight of the underlying tension that builds as everyone angles for a piece of Pearson’s empire. Ultimately, The Gentlemen showcases cunning, wit, and the fine art of one-upmanship.
Drive (2011)
Drive is an atmospheric neo-noir that follows an unnamed stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals in Los Angeles. Known for his icy demeanor and meticulous professionalism, he keeps his personal life guarded, until he forms a fragile bond with a neighbor and her young son. Pressured into helping her husband pull off a heist, the driver becomes entangled in a violent scheme that threatens everything he values. The film employs vivid visuals and a pulsating synth score, underscoring the tension as betrayals escalate and bloody retributions unfold. With its understated dialogue, Drive offers a haunting study of loyalty, morality, and the severe toll of straddling the line between risk and normalcy.
City of Tiny Lights (2016)
City of Tiny Lights situates viewers in the multicultural sprawl of contemporary London, weaving a private detective story around Tommy Akhtar, who’s hired to investigate a missing person. This routine job soon draws him into a labyrinth of political corruption, religious tension, and personal demons. The layered narrative uses neon-lit streetscapes and hidden enclaves to reflect the city’s diverse undercurrents. As Tommy digs deeper, he uncovers secrets that intersect with his own past, forcing him to confront unresolved guilt. The film balances social commentary on modern urban life with the bleak intrigue of a classic noir. City of Tiny Lights is, at heart, a story about identity, underscoring how personal and communal histories can collide with dangerous consequences.
Live by Night (2016)
Live by Night unfolds during the Prohibition era but was released in the past two decades, offering a fresh lens on gangster drama. The film centers on Joe Coughlin, a WWI veteran who rejects his strict upbringing to become an outlaw. From Boston to Tampa, Joe navigates the complexities of bootlegging, encountering rival gangs, crooked lawmen, and precarious alliances. His rise through the ranks is fraught with violence, but emotional vulnerabilities loom beneath his tough exterior. The storyline blends explosive shootouts with insights into loyalty and redemption, exploring how love and ambition can both strengthen and derail an individual. Live by Night captures the allure of the American Dream while illustrating the destructive potential of criminal enterprise.
Prisoners (2013)
Prisoners is a gripping tale of desperation and moral ambiguity set in suburban Pennsylvania. When two young girls vanish on Thanksgiving, one father, convinced law enforcement isn’t doing enough, takes matters into his own hands. The film meticulously details the unfolding investigation, with every clue and misdirection building tension. Dark secrets surface as the lead detective races against time, while the increasingly frantic father chooses horrifying methods in his search for answers. The resulting moral quandary resonates throughout the story: How far should someone go when the law appears insufficient to protect the innocent? Prisoners excels as a harrowing reflection on justice, guilt, and the perilous line separating righteous determination from irreparable wrongdoing.
Sicario (2015)
Sicario thrusts viewers into the murky world of the U.S.–Mexico border war against drugs, guided by an idealistic FBI agent suddenly thrown into a covert task force. She soon realizes that standard protocols and ethics have little place in the shadowy operations headed by a mysterious consultant. With sequences filmed in harsh desert landscapes and claustrophobic Mexican streets, the movie generates palpable tension and moral conflict. It masterfully underscores the ambiguous boundaries of “good” and “evil,” revealing the grim reality that justice can be leveraged, bent, and betrayed. Sicario stands out as a taut crime drama that questions the moral costs governments and individuals are willing to endure for the sake of security.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight, while undeniably a superhero film, operates heavily in the crime genre by dissecting the criminal underworld of Gotham City. The arrival of an anarchic figure known as the Joker triggers chaos, exposing cracks in the city’s legal and moral foundations. Though Batman stands as a vigilante hero, his methods intersect with law enforcement’s desperation to stop a criminal mastermind unbound by rational motivation. Mob bosses, corrupt officials, and opportunistic criminals converge under the Joker’s manipulative strategies, forcing alliances and betrayals that blur the line between heroism and vigilantism. By combining gritty realism, high-stakes action, and philosophical questions about justice, The Dark Knight offers a crime saga that transcends typical comic book adaptations.
