The best crime TV shows and movies of all time
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Since the dawn of movies, crime is a genre that has proven to captivate audiences with its twists, turns, and suspenseful storytelling. From gangster movies to gritty detective series, crime TV and movies never failed to grab our attention.
If you’re in the mood for a binge-worthy crime series or looking to rewatch a crime classic, here are some of the best TV shows and movies that have stood the test of time.
21 (2008)
21 is a thrilling crime drama based on the true story of a group of MIT students who use their mathematical skills to count cards in Las Vegas. The movie offers views twists that will keep them on the edge of the seat, while also offering a fascinating look at the psychology behind gaming strategies.
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Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Breaking Bad follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned meth cook following his cancer diagnosis. The show captures the transformation of Walter as he turns into a ruthless criminal mastermind, and his addict partner in crime, Jesse.
Not only is Breaking Bad considered one of the best crime TV shows ever made, it currently sits at the top of IMDB’s top 250 shows list, making it one of the best shows ever made.
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather is the quintessential crime movie, blending drama, action, and tragedy in the tale of the powerful Corleone crime family. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, The Godfather dives into the criminal underworld and the moral dilemmas faced by the family.
With its themes of loyalty, power, and betrayal, The Godfather is one of the most iconic crime movies to have ever been released.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Although The Shawshank Redemption is more of a prison drama, it’s filled with criminal elements, that help make it a crime classic for the ages. The movie follows Andy Dufresne, a man wrongfully convicted of murder and his journey of survival and redemption within the confines of Shawshank prison.
Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman deliver outstanding performances, making this film an emotional and thought-provoking masterpiece.
Heat (1995)
Heat is another result of a collaboration between director Michael Mann and actor Al Pacino, joined by Robert De Niro. The movie is essentially a game of cat-and-mouse between a world-class thief and a dedicated detective.
The film’s famous bank heist scene and the tense face-off between Pacino and De Niro are some of the most gripping moments in crime cinema.
Narcos (2015-2017)
Narcos is one of the most famous crime shows of recent years and follows the rise and fall of the notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Narcos takes viewers deep into the violent and corrupt world of drug cartels, law enforcement, and politics.
With strong performances by Wagner Moura as Escobar and Pedro Pascal as a DEA agent, Narcos offers an entertaining look into the global drug trade, as well as the chaos it leaves in its wake.
Scarface (1983)
Scarface is one of the most intense and unforgettable crime epics to have ever been released. It follows Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who rises to power in the Miami drug trade. Directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino, Scarface is filled with iconic moments, such as the line “say hello to my little friend”.
Tony’s journey from a low-level criminal to a feared drug lord is filled with over-the-top violence and intense drama. Scarface is an essential crime movie that has become ingrained in pop culture.
Seven (1995)
With Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman leading the cast, Seven is known for its chilling atmosphere, and twists so shocking, they’ll leave you screaming “what’s in the box, what’s in the box”.
The film explores the depths of human depravity and the philosophical battle between justice and corruption. Its dark and grim tone makes it one of the most unforgettable crime movies ever made.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Looking for a movie to pair with your Chianti? The Silence of the Lambs is a chilling psychological crime drama that introduces one of the most iconic characters in film history: Hannibal Lecter.
Hannibal is a brilliant but terrifying psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, who is approached by FBI agent Clarice Starling, as she needs help tracking down another serial killer. The Silence of the Lambs is one of the most suspenseful, eerie, and at times outright disturbing. The movie hangs in the balance somewhere between a crime thriller, and all-out horror.
Cape Fear (1991)
Cape Fear is a psychological crime thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, that centers around a convicted rapist played by Robert De Niro, who is hellbent on getting revenge on the lawyer that put him behind bars.
De Niro’s chilling performance as the unrelenting Max Cady makes Cape Fear, both a terrifying and thrilling entry into the crime genre. With Cape Fear dishing out suspense, wrapped in a tensley atmospheric setting, it’s no wonder it’s considered one of the most iconic crime movies of all time.
The editorial unit
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