noir-style backdrop

Movies with noir-style vibe

Changeling

1. Changeling

Crime Drama Mystery Narcotics Crime Psychological Drama
7.7
20082h 21min

Overview

Los Angeles, 1928. When single mother Christine Collins leaves for work, her son vanishes without a trace. Five months later, the police reunite mother and son. But when Christine suspects that the boy returned to her isn't her child, her quest for truth exposes a world of corruption.

Themes

Police corruption, Gendered stigma and confinement, Media influence on justice, Institutional power and reform, Child vulnerability and parental resolve, Deception and impersonation

Available on

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

RocknRolla

2. RocknRolla

Action Crime Thriller Organized Crime
7.2
20081h 54min

Overview

When a Russian mobster sets up a real estate scam that generates millions of pounds, various members of London's criminal underworld pursue their share of the fortune. Various shady characters, including Mr One-Two, Stella the accountant, and Johnny Quid, a druggie rock-star, try to claim their slice.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Greed and betrayal, Deception and double-crossing, Urban corruption, Crime economy, Real estate scams

Available on

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

The Dark Knight

3. The Dark Knight

Drama Action Crime Thriller Superhero Action
9.1
20082h 32min

Overview

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as the Joker.

Themes

Moral authority vs vigilantism, Public perception of hero, Corruption and reform tension, Chaos as tactic, Dual identity and performance, Law vs extra-legal action

Available on

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

Street Kings

4. Street Kings

Action Crime Drama Thriller Police Procedural
6.8
20081h 49min

Overview

Tom Ludlow is a disillusioned L.A. Police Officer, rarely playing by the rules and haunted by the death of his wife. When evidence implicates him in the execution of a fellow officer, he is forced to go up against the cop culture he's been a part of his entire career, ultimately leading him to question the loyalties of everyone around him.

Themes

Police corruption, Cop culture pressure, Loyalties under strain, Evidence manipulation, Ill-gotten money, Power and deception

Available on

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

21

5. 21

Drama Crime Organized Crime
6.8
20082h 3min

Overview

Ben Campbell is a young, highly intelligent student at M.I.T. who strives to succeed. Wanting a scholarship to transfer to Harvard School of Medicine to become a doctor, Ben learns that he cannot afford the $300,000 tuition as he comes from a poor, working-class background. But one evening, Ben is introduced by his unorthodox math professor to a small but secretive club of five students, Jill, Choi, Kianna, and Fisher, who are being trained by Professor Rosa to count cards at blackjack.

Themes

Deception and loyalty, Economic class pressure, Risk versus reward, Peer rivalry and mentorship, Ethics of expertise, Temptation and consequence

Available on

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

The Chaser

6. The Chaser

Crime Thriller Action Serial Killer Crime Investigation Suspense
7.8
20082h 5min

Overview

A dirty ex-detective turned pimp just wants his missing girls back on the streets, BUT when he realizes they all vanished after meeting the same quiet client, his hunt explodes into a desperate all-night chase to stop a hammer-wielding killer before another woman disappears for good.

Themes

Violence and coercion, Financial desperation, Sexual exploitation, Human trafficking, Institutional pressure, Justice under strain

Available on

Google Play Movies
YouTube
AMC Plus Apple TV Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Crows Zero

7. Crows Zero

Action Comedy Crime Martial Arts Action Organized Crime
7.0
20072h 10min

Overview

The students of Suzuran High compete for the King of School title. An ex-graduate yakuza is sent to kill the son of a criminal group, but he can't make himself do it as he reminds him of his youth.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Loyalty under pressure, Violence as social currency, Rival factions at school, Ambition and ascent, Group formation and recruitment

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Bbox VOD
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Mr. Brooks

8. Mr. Brooks

Crime Thriller Serial Killer Crime Mind Game Thriller
7.2
20072h

Overview

A psychological thriller about a man who is sometimes controlled by his murder-and-mayhem-loving alter ego.

Themes

Deception and concealment, Dual life pressure, Investigation vs secrecy, Control vs compulsion, Family loyalty under threat, Moral cost of protection

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
blue TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

A Dirty Carnival

9. A Dirty Carnival

Crime Drama Action Organized Crime Family Drama
7.3
20062h 21min

Overview

A small-time thug who collects debts for the local triad is torn between his criminal aspirations and his devotion to family.

Themes

Friendship under pressure, Loyalty and betrayal, Violence and consequence, Family versus crime, Authenticity versus performance, Organization hierarchy

Available on

Apple TV
CHILI
CG TV STREAMING
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Crank

10. Crank

Action Thriller Crime One-Person Army Narcotics Crime
6.9
20061h 28min

Overview

Chev Chelios, a hit man wanting to go straight, lets his latest target slip away. Then he awakes the next morning to a phone call that informs him he has been poisoned and has only an hour to live unless he keeps adrenaline coursing through his body while he searches for an antidote.

Themes

Betrayal and loyalty, Survival through risk, Pursuit and retaliation, Adrenaline under pressure, Organized crime dynamics, Surveillance and deception

Available on

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