Top 15 Most Iconic and Exceptional Crime Movies of All Time

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris. The standout character is Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins. In the film, Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee, seeks Lecter's advice to catch a notorious serial killer known as 'Buffalo Bill.' Clarice is tasked with interviewing Hannibal Lecter, a cannibalistic murderer with extraordinary psychological insight, to uncover the whereabouts of Buffalo Bill, a killer who has been abducting and skinning women. Can a rookie like Clarice succeed in her mission? What will happen to the elusive Bill? The chilling scenes in The Silence of the Lambs leave viewers with a haunting sense of terror. Yet, the film's innovative approach garnered critical acclaim, earning it prestigious awards that few horror films can match.

Many viewers fail to see the connection between the title and the plot. Dr. Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist, analyzes criminal behavior to help Clarice track down the dangerous psychopath, Jame Gump (Buffalo Bill), who kidnaps women and kills them in brutal ways. Lecter agrees to help Clarice on the condition that she shares her most haunting past trauma. Clarice opens up about her childhood when she was orphaned at 10 and sent to live on a ranch in Montana. One night, she woke up to hear the terrifying screams of lambs being slaughtered. She tried to save a lamb, hiding it until morning, but was found and sent to an orphanage. Dr. Lecter helps her solve the case, capturing Buffalo Bill and allowing Clarice to confront the haunting screams of the lambs that had plagued her for so many years.

The Silence of the Lambs won all five major Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Pulp Fiction tells seemingly random stories about two hitmen carrying out orders from their boss, a boxer who must flee after committing murder, and other seemingly unrelated events. However, when pieced together, the film forms a cohesive whole that embodies the distinctive style of director Quentin Tarantino—filled with violence, bloodshed, and drugs. Tarantino also brings his signature gritty style to the film, using outdated visuals instead of sleek, modern cinematography.

Pulp Fiction, a 1994 American crime drama, was directed by Quentin Tarantino and starred John Travolta, Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film was a major success in Tarantino's career, becoming the first independent film to gross over $200 million. It won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay (with six other nominations), a Golden Globe, a Palme d'Or, and numerous other awards. Pulp Fiction is rated R for its violent content, drug use, profanity, and explicit sexual scenes.

The film is made up of disconnected, quirky stories that ultimately come together, breaking many cinematic norms, especially in its portrayal of the American crime world. There are no clear protagonists, and much of the dialogue is composed of tangents and offbeat conversations. Tarantino cast Travolta in Pulp Fiction after Michael Madsen, who had been his first choice, turned it down to star in Wyatt Earp instead. Travolta accepted a modest salary of around $100,000-$140,000, but the film's success and an Oscar nomination revitalized his career. The American Film Institute ranks Pulp Fiction as the 7th greatest gangster film of all time.

Goodfellas is based on Nicholas Pileggi's book *Wiseguy*, and tells the real-life story of notorious gangster Henry Hill. After his life in the underworld, Hill turned informant and entered the U.S. government's Witness Protection Program, assuming a new identity. However, after the release of the film, Hill revealed his true identity to the press, and the government immediately removed him from the program. Hill passed away in 2012. The film chronicles the rise and fall of Henry Hill and his two criminal associates: Tommy DeSimone (renamed Tommy DeVito for the film) and Jimmy Burke (Jimmy Conway in the film). Based on Pileggi’s book, it paints a gritty, realistic picture of the lives of mobsters in New York. Director Martin Scorsese, who had sworn off making another heist movie, found inspiration in a review of *Wiseguy* while working on *Color of Money* in 1986. After reading the book, Scorsese was immediately hooked by the true-to-life depiction of the gangster lifestyle. He reached out to Pileggi, telling him he had been waiting his entire life to adapt the book into a film. The title *Wiseguy* had already been used in a TV movie and a comedy, so they renamed the project *Goodfellas*. Scorsese collaborated with Pileggi on the screenplay, going through twelve drafts before arriving at the perfect version. Scorsese decided to tell the story non-linearly, avoiding the traditional ABC structure of most films. He drew inspiration from the French New Wave and the film *Jules and Jim* (1962). *Goodfellas* captivates viewers with sharp, crude dialogue, much of which was improvised by the actors during rehearsals. Some scenes and lines were kept secret from the cast to get genuine reactions. After the film’s release, Henry Hill himself took pride in how his story was portrayed on screen.

The film was showcased at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival before being widely released and achieving significant success. The Usual Suspects, a 1995 crime thriller directed by Bryan Singer, tells the story of Roger 'Verbal' Kint (played by Kevin Spacey), one of the two survivors of a violent shootout at the Los Angeles harbor. Verbal recounts a complex tale of how he and four notorious criminals were brought together by the mysterious figure 'Keyser Söze'. Through flashbacks, he details how they were coerced into working for Söze. Only after receiving positive audience reactions did The Usual Suspects get a wide release. Screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and Kevin Spacey took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. The Writers Guild of America ranked it 35th on their list of the greatest screenplays of all time. The film’s suspense is not just in its intricate plot, but also in the performances, particularly a memorable moment where the cast improvised a scene during a police lineup that became iconic. It wasn’t part of the script but was the result of a fortunate accident during filming. 20 years later, Kevin Pollak, one of the actors, revealed the true story behind the scene. The film won two Oscars: Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Kevin Spacey).

The Godfather, adapted from Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, tells the story of Vito Corleone, the most powerful crime boss in America at the time. However, his youngest son, Michael, returns home from World War II determined to stay away from the family's criminal activities. But during Vito's daughter's wedding, a brutal battle erupts in the criminal underworld, and Michael witnesses an assassination attempt on his father by rival mafia forces. Miraculously, Vito survives, but Michael, after thwarting another assassination attempt, embarks on a dangerous path of vengeance. This marks the beginning of Michael's journey into a world of violence and treachery. How far will he go? With its twisting plot and intense shootouts, the film immerses the audience in a brutal, deceptive mafia world through the story of an Italian-American crime family in New York.

The Godfather won three Academy Awards and is consistently ranked as one of the greatest films of all time. The star-studded cast includes Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and James Caan, making it one of the most iconic ensembles in American cinema history. All four lead actors—Brando, Pacino, Duvall, and Keaton—have won Oscars for their performances. The film is often ranked among the greatest in film history, holding the second spot on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest films and also ranking second on IMDb's list of the top 250 films. It also topped rankings from Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes. The Godfather was followed by two sequels: The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990).

The main character of Point Break 2015 is Johnny Utah (played by Luke Bracey), a famous extreme sports athlete who suddenly quits his career after his close friend dies during a dangerous stunt they attempted together. Utah decides to return to school and train to become an FBI agent. One day, Utah and his fellow agents receive reports of a series of robberies committed by a clever and mysterious gang. The most bizarre part is that after stealing diamonds and money, the gang distributes their loot to the poor, keeping nothing for themselves.

Using his extreme sports knowledge, Utah soon realizes the robbers share traits with professional athletes. Disguising himself, Utah infiltrates the gang led by the charismatic Bohdi (Edgar Ramirez) to uncover the reasons behind these strange heists. As he gets closer to the group, Utah uncovers a dangerous plot masterminded by Bohdi, all while developing feelings for a female member of the gang, Samsara (Teresa Palmer). Utah now faces a difficult choice—fulfill his FBI mission or join Bohdi's gang in committing a horrific crime.

Point Break is the second feature film directed by Ericson Core. His directorial debut was the 2006 biographical sports film Invincible, about an American football player starring Mark Wahlberg. Prior to his directing career, Core worked as the cinematographer on the first installment of the Fast & Furious franchise in 2001. The film features numerous thrilling action sequences set in snow-covered mountains, deep ravines, and towering ocean waves. Luke Bracey and Edgar Ramirez replace Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze in this new version.

Reservoir Dogs is Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut, filmed in 1992. It's hailed as one of the greatest independent films ever made. The movie opens with eight men having breakfast at a diner in Los Angeles before they embark on a diamond heist. Six of them go by aliases: Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen), Mr. Blue (Eddie Bunker), Mr. Brown (Quentin Tarantino), Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), and Mr. White (Harvey Keitel). The other two are crime boss Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney), who orchestrated the heist, and his son, “Nice Guy Eddie” (Chris Penn).

After leaving the diner, the film cuts to a high-speed car chase where Mr. White tries to comfort Mr. Orange, who has been shot in the stomach. They reach an abandoned warehouse, where they meet up with Mr. Pink. Mr. Pink is suspicious that one of them may be an undercover cop. Mr. White reveals that Mr. Brown has been killed, and they discuss Mr. Blonde’s violent behavior during the heist, which led to civilian deaths. Mr. White is furious, feeling Joe should never have used someone so reckless. Meanwhile, Mr. Pink explains how he escaped the police and hid the stolen diamonds. They continue debating whether to take Mr. Orange to the hospital, while Mr. White reveals he’s already told Mr. Orange his real name and background.

This film is widely regarded as a standout in the crime genre and a key moment in Tarantino's career. It received critical acclaim and earned a place among the most influential films of the independent cinema movement. However, it also faced significant criticism for its violent scenes and profanity, especially the notorious moment when Mr. Blonde cuts off a cop’s ear.

Heat is a 1995 American crime film directed by Michael Mann, starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Val Kilmer. Released on December 15, 1995, in the United States, the film centers on Neil McCauley (De Niro), a professional thief, and Vincent Hanna (Pacino), a seasoned LAPD detective pursuing him. The story is inspired by a real-life case in 1960 involving Chicago police officer Chuck Adamson and a criminal named McCauley, after whom De Niro's character is named. Heat was both a critical and commercial success, grossing $67 million in the U.S. and $187 million worldwide (equivalent to $290 million in 2015), against a budget of $60 million. Rotten Tomatoes rates the film at 86%, praising its compelling performances and Mann's mastery of the genre.

The plot follows a daring armored car heist in Los Angeles, where three security guards are killed, and the thieves make off with a load of bonds worth $1.6 million. The stolen money is left behind. Detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) is tasked with tracking down the criminals and confronting their leader, Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), in a tense, relentless battle. Michael Mann wrote and directed this iconic film, which is considered a classic in the crime genre. Mann's other films, such as Public Enemies and L.A. Takedown, explore similar themes.

Den of Thieves is a 2018 American heist film written, produced, and directed by Christian Gudegast. Starring Gerard Butler, 50 Cent, Pablo Schreiber, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Evan Jones, Dawn Olivieri, Mo McRae, and Max Holloway, the movie follows a group of Los Angeles Police Department detectives as they attempt to thwart a gang planning a robbery of the Federal Reserve Bank in Los Angeles. The film premiered in the U.S. on January 19, 2018, and in Vietnam on February 2, 2018, earning $46.8 million worldwide.

The plot kicks off with a daring armored car heist in Los Angeles, carried out by Ray Merrimen's (Pablo Schreiber) crew. Detective Nick O'Brien (Gerard Butler) of the Major Crimes Unit is soon assigned to investigate. Through his investigation, he uncovers that the suspects are all seasoned veterans with military backgrounds. Nick reaches out to driver Donnie (O'Shea Jackson Jr.) to probe for information on the next big job. Meanwhile, Merrimen uses Donnie to deceive the detective. A high-stakes psychological battle ensues between the cops and the criminals, each trying to outwit the other. Every conversation, every encounter, is layered with hidden intentions and mind games. The tension builds as each side uses their clever tactics to stay one step ahead.

Den of Thieves is like a game of chess filled with twists and turns, where every move is laden with suspense. The stakes are high, and viewers are gripped by the nail-biting tension. The film also delivers explosive and intense shootouts that rival those of any action blockbuster, with gunfire, shattering glass, and chaos that makes it feel like a real battlefield. The heist plot itself, with Merrimen’s crew targeting one of America’s most secure financial institutions, mirrors a real-life Mission Impossible scenario. Their plan seems nearly impossible to execute, given the layers of security and rigorous procedures at every turn. But as the film unfolds, unexpected details come together, revealing how the seasoned criminals orchestrate a flawless heist.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an adaptation of the first novel in the Millennium trilogy by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. The protagonist, Lisbeth Salander, is often compared to Sherlock Holmes due to her brilliant investigative skills. A 24-year-old punk hacker with piercings and tattoos, Lisbeth is a genius who can infiltrate police systems to uncover deadly secrets and the history of a wealthy family in the world of finance. The 2009 Swedish film version was widely praised, earning a BAFTA award for Best Film Not in the English Language, and Noomi Rapace was nominated for Best Actress.

The film begins with Mikael Blomkvist, a financial journalist and co-founder of Millennium Magazine, facing charges related to false accusations about business magnate Wennerstrom. In another part of the story, Lisbeth Salander, a rebellious hacker, walks into the Vanger Corporation office to deliver a report she has compiled on Mikael Blomkvist. Blomkvist is hired by Henrik Vanger, the elderly head of the Vanger family, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his niece, Harriet, many years ago. Blomkvist's task is to write a biography of the Vanger family, but Henrik offers him crucial information about Wennerstrom in exchange. Blomkvist moves into the Vanger estate and begins his investigation by tracing the complex family tree of the Vangers, knocking on doors, and uncovering secrets along the way.

Scarface draws inspiration from the iconic 1932 film of the same name, originally directed by the legendary Howard Hawks. However, while the 1932 version focused on the infamous American gangster Al Capone, the 1983 remake tells the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who arrives in Florida and climbs to power within the drug-fueled criminal underworld of the 1980s. The film tells a raw, brutal, and highly fictionalized story of Tony’s rise from a small-time thug to the top of the Miami mafia, driven by overwhelming ambition and a thirst for power. As his empire grows, so does his downfall, culminating in a tragic ending worthy of a Greek tragedy.

Initially, the film was supposed to take place in Chicago, but due to budget constraints, the setting was changed. Sidney Lumet was the first choice for director but withdrew, allowing Universal to adopt the idea of making the central characters Cuban. Oliver Stone, inspired by the original Scarface and the real-life Mariel Boatlift of 1980, which saw 125,000 Cuban refugees enter Florida, wrote the screenplay while recovering from his own drug addiction. He chose to retain the title Scarface as a tribute to Howard Hawks and screenwriter Ben Hecht, while giving the infamous “scarred” character the name Tony Montana, after his favorite football player, Joe Montana.

Director and co-writer Christopher Nolan revolutionized the superhero genre with his darker, more psychological take on the tale of Batman. This is not just a simple story of good vs. evil. It explores the delicate balance between heroism and villainy, showing how individuals who are meant to uphold justice can be transformed into ruthless agents of chaos.

The story is set in Gotham City, a place plagued by criminal gangs and rampant corruption. Enter Batman – portrayed by Christian Bale – a vigilante in a dark costume and cape, instilling fear in the hearts of criminals. Unlike other superheroes like Superman or The Flash, Batman has no superpowers, making him one of the most relatable and intriguing heroes. Gotham has started to experience a decline in criminal activity, thanks to Batman’s intervention. But just when things seem to calm down, a new, more dangerous evil emerges in the form of the Joker (played by Heath Ledger), the greatest villain in cinematic history. A series of terrorist attacks shakes the city, orchestrated by the Joker, who pushes Batman to his limits by forcing him to make a harrowing choice between revealing his identity or saving the lives of thousands of innocent people. What will Batman do? Watch the movie to find out.

When it comes to The Dark Knight, it’s impossible not to talk about Heath Ledger’s unforgettable portrayal of the Joker, with his disturbing lines full of dark philosophy. Ledger’s commitment to the role was intense – he rented a room and locked himself away for a month to prepare for the part. His Joker was a schizophrenic, anarchistic clown with a twisted sense of humor and a desire to disrupt the social order. His conflict with Batman is not just personal – it's ideological. He wants to prove that anyone can be corrupted, even the most virtuous hero.

Se7en is a 1995 crime thriller directed by David Fincher, written by Andrew Kevin Walker, and featuring a star-studded cast including Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey. Detectives David Mills (Brad Pitt) and William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) team up to investigate a string of gruesome murders, each tied to one of the Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Lust, and Pride.

Filmed in California and Pennsylvania, Se7en premiered in the United States on September 22, 1995. It grossed $327 million worldwide, making it both a commercial success and a critical darling. Se7en – Seven Deadly Sins stands out as one of the most thrilling and intense crime dramas ever made. The title alone hints at its deep exploration of religious themes and its chilling portrayal of a serial killer's twisted logic. The film's success can be attributed to two main factors: the incredible cast and the visionary direction. Brad Pitt is at his prime, delivering a stellar performance alongside the ever-iconic Morgan Freeman and the sinister Kevin Spacey. Of course, David Fincher's directorial brilliance cannot be overstated, as his films are known for their dark, atmospheric tone, seen in works like Fight Club, Gone Girl, The Game, and Panic Room.

With all these elements, Se7en remains a classic in the crime-thriller genre. It’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys gripping detective stories. The film has earned an IMDb rating of 8.5, which is a testament to its lasting impact.