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.

Piranhas

361. Piranhas

Drama Crime Organized Crime Coming-of-Age Drama
6.5

20191h 51min

Italy

Director: Claudio Giovannesi

Overview

A gang of teenage boys stalk the streets of Naples armed with hand guns and AK-47s to do their mob bosses' bidding – until they decide to be the bosses themselves.

Themes

Juvenile crime networks, Pursuit of power and money, Moral ambiguity in youth, Street violence and intimidation, Peer influence and rebellion, Loyalty versus impulse

Available on

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

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection

362. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection

Animation Science Fiction Crime Mystery War
7.3

20191h 52min

Director: Goro Taniguchi

Overview

The story takes place several years after Lelouch's "Zero Requiem" plan. He gave up his life to save the world and protect the ones he loved. The day Lelouch vi Brittannia fell was the day this war-torn world found peace. Now, as his friends work to keep the peace, a terrorist attack could risk everything. Can the brilliant tactician outwit death and save them all? Or will Lelouch’s legacy fall here?


Cold Pursuit

363. Cold Pursuit

Crime Action Narcotics Crime One-Person Army
6.2

20191h 59min

France, Norway

Director: Hans Petter Moland

Overview

The quiet family life of Nels Coxman, a snowplow driver, is upended after his son's murder. Nels begins a vengeful hunt for Viking, the drug lord he holds responsible for the killing, eliminating Viking's associates one by one. As Nels draws closer to Viking, his actions bring even more unexpected and violent consequences, as he proves that revenge is all in the execution.

Themes

Deception as leverage, Justice under pressure, Loyalty and betrayal dynamics, Family disruption by crime, Revenge through violence, Escalation of gang conflict

Available on

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

Polar

364. Polar

Action Crime Drama One-Person Army Organized Crime
6.3

20191h 58min

Germany, United States

Director: Jonas Åkerlund

Overview

When a retiring assassin realizes that he is the target of a hit, he winds up back in the game going head to head with a gang of younger, ruthless killers.

Themes

Loyalty and betrayal, Organized crime networks, Isolation and distrust, Violence as currency, Forced retirement pressure, Retirement benefits motive

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Extreme Job

365. Extreme Job

Action Comedy Crime Workplace Comedy Undercover Sting Crime
7.1

20191h 51min

South Korea

Director: Lee Byeong-heon

Overview

A drug squad attempts to take down a criminal organization and they must go undercover to do so, so they begin working at a chicken restaurant, that becomes famous for its delicious chicken. Due to the unexpected popularity, the detectives find themselves in a situation they never expected.

Themes

Undercover operation risk, Inter squad cooperation, Unintended restaurant fame, Duty versus survival tension, Culinary improvisation under pressure, Bureaucratic career stakes

Available on

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

Rust Creek

366. Rust Creek

Thriller Drama Action Crime Survival Thriller
5.9

20191h 48min

United States

Director: Jen McGowan

Overview

When an overachieving college senior makes a wrong turn, her road trip becomes a life-changing fight for survival in rural Kentucky.

Themes

"movie: rust creek. genres: thriller, Drama, Action, Crime, Thriller, Drama, Action, Crime main themes: sheriff, Kentucky, Woods, Sheriff, Kentucky, Woods full keywords list: sheriff, Kentucky, Woods, Survival, Murder, Meth lab, Woman director, Corrupt police, Rural america, Criminal enterprise. concept analysis: the film explores the themes of survival against overwhelming odds and the moral complexities of human nature when faced with desperation. it highlights the struggle for autonomy and the fight against both physical and societal threats in a hostile environment."

Available on

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

Destroyer

367. Destroyer

Thriller Crime Drama Action Mind Game Thriller
6.2

20182h 1min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Karyn Kusama

Overview

When Erin Bell was a young cop, she was given an undercover assignment that ended badly and destroyed her life. Years later, she must face her demons in order to make peace with her past.

Themes

Undercover ethics conflict, Parental guilt with teenage daughter, Policewoman guilt and deception, Gang conflict consequences, Downward spiral coping, Memory trauma accountability

Available on

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

The Emperor of Paris

368. The Emperor of Paris

Drama Crime Thriller Historical Drama Organized Crime
6.3

20182h 1min

Belgium, France

Director: Jean-François Richet

Overview

Paris, France, early 19th century. The legendary convict François Vidocq lives in disguise trying to escape from a tragic past that torments him. When, after an unfortunate event, he crosses paths with the police chief, he makes a bold decision that will turn the ruthless mastermind of the Parisian underworld against him.

Themes

Deception and loyalty, Haunted past, Law versus underworld, Reinvention under pressure, Public service identity, Craft and reputation

Available on

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

The Mule

369. The Mule

Crime Drama Narcotics Crime
7.0

20181h 56min

Canada, United States

Director: Clint Eastwood

Overview

Earl Stone, a man in his eighties, is broke, alone, and facing foreclosure of his business when he is offered a job that simply requires him to drive. Easy enough, but, unbeknownst to Earl, he's just signed on as a drug courier for a Mexican cartel. He does so well that his cargo increases exponentially, and Earl hit the radar of hard-charging DEA agent Colin Bates.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Family obligations under stress, Economic desperation drives crime, Power dynamics within illicit networks, Aging and risk in illicit work, Old man, Drug cartel

Available on

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

Unstoppable

370. Unstoppable

Crime Action Thriller Comedy
6.6

20181h 56min

Director: Kim Min-ho

Overview

Dong-chul and Ji-soo are a happily married couple. One day, Dong-chul comes home to find his house in disarray and his wife missing.