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.

Insomnia

1251. Insomnia

Thriller Crime Mystery
7.2

19971h 36min

Norway

Director: Erik Skjoldbjærg

Detectives Jonas and Erik are called to the midnight sun country of northern Norway to investigate a recent homicide, but their plan to arrest the killer goes awry, and Jonas mistakenly shoots Erik. The suspect escapes, and a frightened Jonas pins Erik's death on the fugitive. Jonas continues to pursue the killer as he seeks to protect himself; however, his mounting guilt and the omnipresent sun plague him with an insomnia that affects his sanity.


The Devil's Own

1252. The Devil's Own

Crime Thriller Drama
6.2

19971h 47min

United States

Director: Alan J. Pakula

Frankie McGuire, one of the IRA's deadliest assassins, draws an American family into the crossfire of terrorism. But when he is sent to the U.S. to buy weapons, Frankie is housed with the family of Tom O'Meara, a New York cop who knows nothing about Frankie's real identity. Their surprising friendship, and Tom's growing suspicions, forces Frankie to choose between the promise of peace or a lifetime of murder.


Hard Eight

1253. Hard Eight

Drama Crime
7.1

19971h 42min

United States

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

A stranger mentors a young Reno gambler who weds a hooker and befriends a vulgar casino regular.


Donnie Brasco

1254. Donnie Brasco

Crime Drama Thriller Undercover Sting Crime Investigation Suspense
7.7

19972h 7min

United States

Director: Mike Newell

An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and identifies more with the mafia life at the expense of his regular one.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Undercover deception, Family strain under crime, Trust versus obligation, Illicit networks and control, Risk and retaliation

Available on

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

Retroactive

1255. Retroactive

Science Fiction Thriller Action Crime Drama
6.2

19971h 31min

United States

Director: Louis Morneau

A psychiatrist makes multiple trips through time to save a woman that was murdered by her brutal husband.


Knockin' on Heaven's Door

1256. Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Comedy Crime Action Drama
7.8

19971h 29min

Germany

Director: Thomas Jahn

Two young men, Martin and Rudi, both suffering from terminal cancer, get to know each other in a hospital room. They drown their desperation in tequila and decide to take one last trip to the sea. Drunk and still in pajamas they steal the first fancy car they find, a 60's Mercedes convertible. The car happens to belong to a bunch of gangsters, which immediately start to chase it, since it contains more than the pistol Martin finds in the glove box.


Absolute Power

1257. Absolute Power

Crime Drama Action
6.7

19972h 1min

United States

Director: Clint Eastwood

A master thief coincidentally is robbing a house where a murder—in which the President of the United States is involved—occurs in front of his eyes. He is forced to run, while holding evidence that could convict the President.


Gridlock'd

1258. Gridlock'd

Comedy Crime Drama
6.9

19971h 31min

United States

Director: Vondie Curtis-Hall

After a friend overdoses, Spoon and Stretch decide to kick their drug habits and attempt to enroll in a government detox program. Their efforts are hampered by seemingly endless red tape, as they are shuffled from one office to another while being chased by drug dealers and the police.


Albino Alligator

1259. Albino Alligator

Crime Drama Thriller
6.1

19971h 37min

United States, France

Director: Kevin Spacey

While escaping from a foiled robbery attempt, three thieves find themselves surrounded by police at a New Orleans bar--only they're not the people the police are searching for.


Scream

1260. Scream

Crime Horror Mystery Slasher Horror Whodunit
7.4

19961h 52min

United States

Director: Wes Craven

A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Trauma and resilience, Trust and betrayal, Small town paranoia, Media sensationalism, Survival game dynamics

Available on

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