Crime is a tried-and-tested film genre that invites viewers into grimy worlds with seedy, criminal underbellies and morally questionable characters.
Crime is a tried-and-tested film genre that invites viewers into grimy worlds with seedy, criminal underbellies and morally questionable characters. The best crime movies ever made are often riveting and disturbing, telling thrilling stories that give audiences a glimpse of the gloomy side of humanity.
For viewers looking for the top crime movies, IMDb users have made it basic for fans to discover the best that the genre has to offer. The highest-rated crime movies on the platform for film buffs include numerous award-winning classics like The Godfather and international hits like City of God. These genre-defining titles that have made it into the top 10 crime movies of all time on IMDb should be considered necessary viewing for fans of crime movies.
20
‘Scarface’ (1983)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Al Pacino brilliantly portrays one of his most iconic characters, the murderous drug lord Tony Montana, in director Brian De Palma‘s award-winning classic, Scarface. Set in Miami, the film depicts Tony’s perilous journey toward dominating the drug trade in the area, no matter the cost. His drug empire inevitably leads to a threatening position of power, where Tony expects opposition and violence from all sides.
Aside from Al Pacino’s stunning performance that breathed life into the power-hungry character, the film is remembered for its horrible yet exhilarating depiction of the gloomy underbelly of the drug trade. Through its gritty portrayal of Miami’s drug scene and the rise and fall of its protagonist, Scarface offers viewers a glimpse into the frail and fleetingly successful life of crime that few individuals live.
19
‘Heat’ (1995)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
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Directed by Michael Mann, Heat is a seminal crime film that features some incredible performances, especially its two central characters – the master criminal Neil McCauley (flawlessly performed by Robert De Niro) and the dedicated detective Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). McCauley is the leader of a notorious group of criminals, who is preparing for one last lucrative job before bidding farewell to crime. Lieutenant Hanna is in charge of bringing them to justice, but struggles with personal issues along the way.
A intricate game of cat and mouse, Heat focuses on the ingenious ways both sides outwit each other, and the unlikely respect that begins to form between them because of this. When paired with intense action sequences and impressively realistic heists, it’s basic to see why the 1995 masterpiece has held up incredibly well.
18
‘Witness for the Prosecution’ (1957)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
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Witness for the Prosecution is a genre-defining courtroom drama that revolves around the mind-boggling case of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), who is accused of murdering a wealthy woman. Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton) soon agrees to take on Leonard’s case and is determined to prove his innocence, but is shocked when the protagonist’s wife, Christine (Marlene Dietrich), testifies against him, jeopardizing his defense.
Director Billy Wilder‘s twisty film is full of jaw-dropping revelations and unexpected turns. Witness for the Prosecution is a masterclass of crafting intricate character backgrounds and relationships, which are all laid on the table as the movie explores the lengths people will go to protect their own interests.
17
‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has withdrawn from public life while Gotham enjoys a period of relative peace. That stability collapses when the masked mercenary Bane (Tom Hardy) arrives. He plans to seize control of the city. Bruce once again becomes Batman, eventually crossing paths with the thief Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) and police officer John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).
Director Christopher Nolan closes his Batman trilogy with a sprawling crime epic built around corruption. The movie’s massive scale sometimes makes it feel closer to a war film than a conventional crime thriller. The Dark Knight Rises still does revolve around organized violence and a city pushed to the brink of collapse. Bane’s methodical takeover of Gotham cements him as an iconic movie villain, while Bruce’s ultimate struggle provides the trilogy with an appropriately dramatic ending.
16
‘American History X’ (1998)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Audiences searching for good crime movies don’t need to look further than director Tony Kaye‘s American History X. The powerful film revolves around the former neo-Nazi and ex-convict Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), who struggles to lend a hand his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) steer clear of his past beliefs and associates.
The film is not for the subdued of heart, as it doesn’t shy away from graphic violence and disturbing depictions of racial hatred to get its message across. It’s worth noting that Norton’s award-winning performance elevates the entire movie. American History X manages to tackle stern issues of racism and bigotry, while also offering insight and a unique perspective on the people who fall victim to such ideologies.
15
‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Director Bryan Singer‘s The Usual Suspects is widely regarded as one of the best crime films ever made (with one of the most iconic plot twists everyone knows). The film is centered on a group of career criminals who get together for a disastrous heist, which is soon linked by authorities to a larger conspiracy. The entire movie is mostly hinged on the interrogation of the heist’s only survivor, Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey), who recounts the wild story that wouldn’t be possible without the enigmatic criminal mastermind, Keyser Söze.
Aside from its legendary twist, The Usual Suspects has left a mark on cinematic history with its memorable lineup scene, as well as a number of entertaining lines. The complexity of its plot and genuinely heart-pounding and thrilling moments leading up to its substantial reveal make it a gripping film from start to finish.
14
‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Natalie Portman, Jean Reno, and Gary Oldman star in the French crime-action-thriller Léon: The Professional. The film follows the story of a professional hitman, Léon (Reno), who hesitantly cares for a adolescent girl, Matilda (Portman), after a group of corrupt DEA agents led by Norman Stansfield (Oldman) murders her entire family. An odd duo, Léon and Matilda bond over the adolescent girl’s desire for revenge, and the hitman teacher her everything she needs to know.
With stellar performances from the cast (especially Portman’s career-defining role as Matilda), action-packed sequences, and a wholly original and unconventional animated between its lead characters, it’s not surprising that the crime film enjoys the reputation it still has today. Léon: The Professional is a classic in the genre and is remembered for pushing the boundaries of character relationship complexities.
13
‘The Departed’ (2006)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
The Departed focuses on the messy connection between two men, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), who find themselves on opposing sides in the same crime syndicate. Set in the bustling streets of Boston, Martin Scorsese’s crime thriller movie depicts Billy’s experiences as an undercover cop infiltrating the gang, while Colin attempts to infiltrate the police department. To make things even more complicated, an investigation to expose the mole in the police department raises the pressure.
As the two individuals navigate the complexities of their respective targets in one of the best investigation movies ever, it soon becomes clear that achieving their respective goals won’t be basic. The enthralling film will keep viewers glued to their screens as the protagonists’ journeys build up to an explosive conclusion, and it doesn’t end well for anyone.
12
‘City of God’ (2002)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
City of God is a critically acclaimed epic crime movie that revolves around Rio de Janeiro’s eponymous slum. Co-directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film depicts criminal activity, destitute living conditions, and constant violence in that area. A adolescent and ambitious photographer who grew up there makes it his goal to document significant events and show the world what shouldn’t be ignored.
The terrifying and often jarring way the movie portrays the titular location will leave viewers shocked by the reality within the ‘City of God’ really is. Its frantic pace doesn’t allow for any breaks that are too drawn out, as there’s always some recent form of crime or brutality around the corner.
11
‘The Green Mile’ (1999)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
The renowned classic from director Frank Darabont, The Green Mile follows Warden Supervisor Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) and a recent inmate on death row, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan). John has been accused of a heinous crime that led to the death of two adolescent girls, but his supernatural gifts soon make Paul question whether he’s really guilty.
Those who have seen it know that The Green Mile is a heartbreaking movie that’s too painful to watch again. It’s impossible not to root for the kindhearted and innocent John, who develops a genuine friendship with Paul. John changes everyone around him, and audiences are no exception. The crime element is woven into fantasy and drama, making it a truly absorbing film.
