38 Years Later, the “Iconic” 80s Crime Thriller That “Reinvented the Genre” Is Still a Hit With Fans on Streaming

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If you love 1980s crime thrillers, you’ll remember some truly great movies. Films like *Thief*, *The Dead Pool*, and *Witness* stand out, and so does a 1987 film directed by Brian De Palma. Inspired by a true story and featuring a stellar cast, it won Sean Connery – sadly now deceased – his only Academy Award. Even 38 years after it first came out, people are still enjoying this now-classic film, thanks to streaming services.

This movie, released in 1987, is a crime thriller set in Chicago during the Prohibition era of the 1930s. Critics have praised it as groundbreaking, even noting it ‘reinvented the genre,’ despite taking some creative freedoms with the historical facts. It was a financial success, earning over $106 million on a $25 million budget, and currently holds an 83% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Al Capone (played by De Niro), a notorious gangster, built a criminal empire through illegal alcohol sales and effectively controlled Chicago. Despite the efforts of Prohibition agent Eliot Ness (Costner), bringing Capone to justice proved nearly impossible due to extensive corruption within the Chicago police. Determined to succeed, Ness assembled a dedicated team of incorruptible law enforcement officers, including Irish-American cop Jimmy Malone (Connery), to finally take down Capone.

‘The Untouchables’ Still Holds Up Today


Paramount Pictures

Despite some outdated elements like traditional gender roles and familiar plot devices, *The Untouchables* remains a compelling film. Brian De Palma’s skillful direction and the strong performances by the cast elevate it as a stylish and exciting crime thriller, instantly recognizable by his use of techniques like split screens and slow motion.

Beyond its compelling story, *The Untouchables* is filled with memorable scenes – like the baseball bat confrontation, the thrilling shootout at Union Station with a baby carriage tumbling down the stairs, and the famous line, “He pulls a knife, you pull a gun, that’s the Chicago Way.” These moments, and countless others, continue to make the film a beloved classic. Currently, *The Untouchables* is available for streaming on Paramount+ outside of the US. US viewers can rent or buy it on demand, a small inconvenience to experience this cinematic masterpiece.

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2025-10-17 23:47