My Favourite Crime Movies of All-Time

Few film genres have stood the test of time like crime. Since the 1970’s, the genre has made strong movies. Whether it’s great gangsters, serial killers or corrupt police-officers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest crime movies ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Godfather

Gangsters are grand figures that have always inspired my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that loved gangsters causing damage. I remember a grandfather that was fascinated with the dark lifestyles of gangsters that put lives in grave danger. An offer that he simply couldn’t refuse, my grandfather always loved spending time with violent gangsters shaping his worldviews. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture the lives of gangsters putting lives in grave danger as powerfully as “The Godfather”. Ever since its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest crime movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Coppola did an extraordinary job of adapting a beloved book about gangsters facing despair. Coppola has always excelled using low-key lighting to capture the lives of criminals in movies, and his strengths are evident in “The Godfather”. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone commits his first murder transforming into a gangster after killing enemies in a restaurant is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Marlon Brando, who embodies a commemorated don engaging in a life of crime causing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” the greatest crime movie ever made is its message. Unlike most movies in the commemorated genre, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about the power of family which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about gangsters given offers that they can’t refuse, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a legendary genre that has produced timeless movies that have earned rave reviews deserving to make news.

2. Goodfellas

Martin Scorsese is a legendary filmmaker that my cousin has always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed a bond with a cousin that loved a filmmaker he considered a hero. A huge fan of Martin Scorsese, he often spoke fondly about a filmmaker shaping his identity. My cousin adored all of Scorsese’s movies but his favourite film has always been “Goodfellas”. Ever since its release in 1990, Martin Scorsese’s movie has stood the test of time as a crime classic. With the greatest film of his career, Martin Scorsese captured the true story of a real-life gangster. As a child that witnessed gang violence growing up in Little Italy during the 1940’s, Scorsese has always been drawn towards crime movies. Scorsese has an aptitude for conveying emotions through long takes, and his strengths as a director are evident in “Goodfellas”. For instance, the iconic scene in which Henry Hill leads Karen into the Copacabana club is one of the best moments of the crime genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ray Liotta, who embodies a real-life gangster. Ultimately, what makes “Goodfellas” a mobster masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about value of community which would resonate with everyone. It manages to turn gangsters with crimes into humane people audiences can relate to. As strong as Henry Hill’s desire to become a gangster, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies audiences treasure.

3. The Silence of the Lambs

Serial killers are frightening figures that always terrified me. At an early age, I developed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower, my housekeeper faced psychotic murder. Left devastated, my family never recovered from murder that wasn’t investigated. As someone haunted by a murder that stunned my family into silence, I loved “The Silence of the Lambs”. Released in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie captured frightening serial killers. With the most terrifying film of his career, Demme captured serial killers evoking fear. Demme has always thrived at building suspense in movies through silence, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased his strengths. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter remains one of the greatest moments of the crime genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Anthony Hopkins, who created one of the greatest serial killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” a crime classic is its message. The film delivers a powerful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. As unforgettable as murders that Hannibal Lecter has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre filled with memorable movies that audiences always appreciated.

4. Se7en

Detectives are dazzling figures that have always fascinated by father. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father that was fascinated with detectives investigating grim crimes causing damage. He would always appreciate seeing the grim crimes that world-famous detectives sought to investigate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that loved detectives conducting an investigation, I appreciated “Se7en”. Released in 1995, David Fincher’s movie captured determined detectives seeking to investigate serial killers causing tragedy. Fincher has always excelled at capturing lives of characters engaging in criminal behaviours, and “Se7en” showcased his strengths as a director. One of the most common techniques Fincher uses in his movies is plot twists. For instance, the ending scene in which Detective Mills and Somerset discover the scary contents of the box remains one of the best moments of the crime genre. Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” a crime classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about serial killers which would resonate with everyone. As strong as murders that detective Somerset seeks to investigate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has never lost its abilities to captivate.

5. Pulp Fiction

Quentin Tarantino is a fantastic filmmaker that inspired my teacher years ago. I remember forming a strong bond with a teacher that was a huge fan of the famous filmmaker. He would always speak fondly about the powerful pulp movies made by a filmmaker that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that loved Tarantino’s movies with affection, I adored “Pulp Fiction”. Released in 1994, Tarantino’s movie is a crime classic that audiences adore. Told in events that are out of order, the film followed a bold structure that changed the crime genre forever. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Samuel L. Jackson, who created an iconic gangster. For instance, the Ezekiel 25:17 speech in which Jules recites a passage from the Bible before committing gruesome murder is one of the greatest moments of the crime genre. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” a crime classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about redemption which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the gold watch Butch seeks to find, it’s a riveting reminder of a one-of-a-kind genre that left a lasting legacy behind.

6. The Departed

One of the most common criticisms levelled against crime movies is that they lack surprises. The crime genre has always followed a predictable formula tracing rise-and-fall stories of criminals. This has often left little room for surprises. In a genre that has followed predictable plots where events are expected, it’s worth praising “The Departed”. Released in 2006, Martin Scorsese’s movie captured conflicted cops that are rarely trusted. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Departed” stand out is its surprising plot twists. Scorsese showcased his strength for capturing lives of criminals through ingenious plot twists. A powerful portrait of conflicted cops whose souls are departed, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that thrives when telling stories that are unexpected that audiences have always appreciated.

7. Knives Out

Murder mysteries have often made for compelling movies. Since the 1930’s, murder mysteries have elevated movies. Audiences have always enjoyed searching for a clue in a genre that offers entertainment-value. In 2019, Rian Johnson captured the enduring appeal of murder mysteries that deserve to be talked about in his film “Knives Out”. Unlike most movies in the commemorated genre, what makes “Knives Out” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Johnson uses sharp comedy to create a murder mystery with complexity. Assisted by Daniel Craig who is extraordinary in the lead role, Johnson captures the enduring appeal of a genre with soul. A magnificent murder mystery about servants that are accused with knives out, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which deserve to be talked about.

8. Prisoners

Child abduction is a painful process putting parents under stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous.  Fearful that he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her affected. As someone that has seen the dangers of child abduction, I adored “Prisoners”. Released in 2013, Denis Villeneuve’s crime thriller offered a realistic depiction of child abduction. Unlike other films, what makes “Prisoners” stand out is its strong atmosphere. Villeneuve creates a gloomy atmosphere capturing parents whose children disappear. Assisted by Hugh Jackman who is excellent, Villeneuve captured child abduction. A powerful portrait of child abduction causing lives of parents to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre audiences appreciate.

9. Training Day

Realism is a rare quality that is seldom seen in crime movies. If there’s a problematic aspect to the crime genre, it has rarely told stories which are realistic. Offering a strong sense of escapism, the crime genre has rarely stories with realism. In a genre that has rarely told stories in a realistic way, it’s worth recognizing “Training Day”. Released in 2001, Antoine Fuqua’s movie captured corrupt cops. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Training Day” stand out is its realism. Fuqua staged breathtaking action sequences rooted in reality. Assisted by Denzel Washington who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fuqua captured realistic cops with conviction. A captivating portrait of corrupt cops seeking to train, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has managed to gain a massive following by making movies that entertain.

10. The Usual Suspects

Few films ever made about mysterious murder suspects are as beloved as “The Usual Suspects”. Since its release in 1995, Bryan Singer’s movie has become a crime classic. I may be in the minority but I wasn’t a huge fan of the movie. On a technical level, there’s no denying that the film is extremely well-made. Singer introduced the concept of plot twists which have become a tradition of the crime genre. However, the film’s focus on style leaves little room for storytelling. We’re barely given reasons to care about the suspects. Nevertheless, the film is still an incredibly influential addition to the crime genre. As powerful as Keyser Soze, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to blow audiences away that I will forever treasure for pulling off the greatest trick of inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking today.