Crime backdrop

Crime movies

A deep dive into the underworld of gangsters, detectives, and heists where the line between right and wrong blurs.

Subgenres include: Organized Crime, Heist, Con Artist Crime.

Bullets Over Broadway

1571. Bullets Over Broadway

Comedy Crime
7.4

19941h 38min

United States

Director: Woody Allen

After young playwright, David Shayne obtains funding for his play from gangster Nick Valenti, Nick's girlfriend Olive miraculously lands the role of a psychiatrist—but not only is she a bimbo who could never pass for a psychiatrist—she's a dreadful actress. David puts up with the leading man who is a compulsive eater, the grand dame who wants her part jazzed up, and Olive's interfering hitman/bodyguard—but, eventually he must decide whether art or life is more important.


The Shawshank Redemption

1572. The Shawshank Redemption

Drama Crime Psychological Drama Prison Crime
9.3

19942h 22min

United States

Director: Frank Darabont

Imprisoned in the 1940s for the double murder of his wife and her lover, upstanding banker Andy Dufresne begins a new life at the Shawshank prison, where he puts his accounting skills to work for an amoral warden. During his long stretch in prison, Dufresne comes to be admired by the other inmates -- including an older prisoner named Red -- for his integrity and unquenchable sense of hope.

Themes

Hope under confinement, Institutional corruption, Money laundering scheme, Inmate loyalty and friendship, Abuse of authority, Parole and reintegration

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Peacock Premium
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Léon: The Professional

1573. Léon: The Professional

Crime Drama Action Organized Crime Tragic Drama
8.5

19941h 51min

France

Director: Luc Besson

Professional hitman Leon grows close to his young neighbor Mathilda after, without intending to, he saves her from death when corrupt police officers brutally murder her family. Left an orphan, Mathilda wants Leon to teach her how to kill so she can avenge her younger brother’s death.

Themes

Loneliness and found family, Urban corruption and violence, Mentorship through danger, Power dynamics and coercion, Revenge as survival, Immigrant vulnerability in crime

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Pulp Fiction

1574. Pulp Fiction

Thriller Crime Comedy
8.8

19942h 34min

United States

Director: Quentin Tarantino

A burger-loving hit man, his philosophical partner, a drug-addled gangster's moll and a washed-up boxer converge in this sprawling, comedic crime caper. Their adventures unfurl in three stories that ingeniously trip back and forth in time.


Swimming with Sharks

1575. Swimming with Sharks

Crime Comedy
7.0

19941h 33min

United States

Director: George Huang

Guy is a young film executive who's willing to do whatever it takes to make it in Hollywood. He begins working for famed producer Buddy Ackerman, a domineering, manipulative, coldhearted boss. When Guy also finds out that his cynical girlfriend, Dawn, has been using sex as a career move, he reaches his limit. Guy decides to exact revenge on Buddy by kidnapping him and subjecting him to cruel and unusual punishment.


Natural Born Killers

1576. Natural Born Killers

Crime Thriller Drama
7.2

19941h 59min

United States

Director: Oliver Stone

Two victims of traumatized childhoods become lovers and serial murderers irresponsibly glorified by the mass media.


Amateur

1577. Amateur

Crime Comedy Drama
6.8

19941h 45min

France, United Kingdom

Director: Hal Hartley

A man wakes up in an alley, bleeding and with no memory of who he is. He stumbles into a coffee shop and is befriended by a charitable ex-nun who is failing in her attempts to write marketable pornography.


Airheads

1578. Airheads

Comedy Crime Music
6.2

19941h 32min

United States

Director: Michael Lehmann

The Lone Rangers have heavy-metal dreams and a single demo tape they can't get anyone to play. The solution: Hijack an FM rock radio station and hold the deejays hostage until they agree to broadcast the band's tape.


Rebels of the Neon God

1579. Rebels of the Neon God

Drama Crime
7.5

19941h 46min

Taiwan

Director: Tsai Ming-liang

Within the urban gloom of Taipei, four youths face alienation, loneliness, and moments of existential crisis amidst a series of minor crimes.


The Mask

1580. The Mask

Romance Comedy Crime Fantasy Parody
7.0

19941h 41min

United States

Director: Chuck Russell

Stanley, a meek bank employee, turns into an eccentric and maniacal green-skinned superhero who can bend reality, after wearing a wooden mask that was created by Loki, the Norse god of mischief.

Themes

Urban spectacle and deception, Social ridicule through transformation, Power through disguise, Identity expressed via disguise, Surreal humor under pressure, Betrayal under pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.