These Deep Cut Crime Movies Are Absolute Must-Watches

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Many great crime movies, from classics like White Heat to more recent hidden gems like Smokin Aces, don’t receive the recognition they deserve. Despite what critics say, these films are essential viewing for any true fan of the genre – we think they’re all perfect 10/10 movies.

Crime has been a popular subject in movies since the very beginning of filmmaking. In fact, early Westerns, like The Great Train Robbery, can also be seen as a type of crime film.

We’re not going to delve into ancient history, but we’ll begin with a classic crime story that people are starting to forget.

“White Heat”

Starring James Cagney; Released In 1949; 94% On Rotten Tomateos

If you love classic crime movies, you’ve probably already seen White Heat. However, many modern viewers might find it feels a bit dated. Like a lot of older films, it requires an open mind to truly appreciate. James Cagney’s energetic and dramatic portrayal of gangster Cody Jarrett is definitely worth watching.

Every crime movie made since White Heat owes it a debt. While some parts might seem a little old-fashioned to modern audiences, the film still feels fresh and could easily work in a story made today. From the exciting train heist at the beginning to the explosive final shootout, you’ll likely find yourself completely engrossed in White Heat.

“Kiss Me Deadly”

Starring Ralph Meeker & Albert Dekker; Released In 1955; 98% On Rotten Tomateos

“Kiss Me Deadly” is a highly acclaimed film, boasting a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, which proves audiences consistently love it. But with so many choices available today, it’s worth knowing what makes this 1950s noir worth seeking out.

Simply put, Kiss Me Deadly really defined the modern thriller. It’s packed with surprising twists and turns as a simple act of violence quickly escalates into a much larger conspiracy. The film is filled with striking visuals, unforgettable lines, and characters you’ll genuinely care about. If you’re looking for a classic noir crime film to watch this year, this should be it.

“A Fish Called Wanda”

Starring Jamie Lee Curtis & Kevin Kline; Released In 1988; 96% On Rotten Tomatoes

Creating a truly great crime movie is challenging, but a funny crime movie is even harder to pull off. Even successful films like A Fish Called Wanda are often overlooked when people talk about the best crime movies of all time. However, this film, which is almost 40 years old, really deserves more praise.

This movie is a classic heist comedy, where a diamond robbery quickly spirals into increasingly wild and unbelievable events, complete with backstabbing and surprisingly dark humor. It fully embraces the spirit of 1980s comedies, balancing a playful, rebellious attitude with the serious nature of the crime, creating a hilariously chaotic experience.

“The Player”

Starring Tim Robbins; Released In 1992; 97% On Rotten Tomatoes

Robert Altman’s The Player is widely considered a modern classic. The film is a darkly comedic story about a Hollywood executive caught up in a web of threats, murder, cover-ups, blackmail, and affairs. It’s been compared to both Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart and the recent series The Studio, which clearly takes inspiration from The Player’s satirical and self-aware humor about the movie industry.

The less you know about The Player before watching it, the better. It’s a surprisingly unpredictable movie that will keep you guessing until the very end. It’s both a clever satire of the film industry and a gripping crime story, and it blends these two elements in a way that’s completely unique.

“The Negotiator”

Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey, & More; Released In 1998; 75% On Rotten Tomatoes

We’re now discussing some lesser-known gems. The Negotiator is a fantastic performance by Samuel L. Jackson, but it’s often overlooked because he’s been in so many films. He works consistently, and his more famous roles tend to overshadow this movie, which is probably one of his best leading performances that doesn’t get enough credit.

While not flawless, The Negotiator is a fantastic showcase for Samuel L. Jackson’s acting talents – and some actual weaponry! He plays a hostage negotiator wrongly accused of corruption who ends up becoming a hostage himself. It’s not a perfect film, but The Negotiator is definitely highly entertaining.

“A Simple Plan”

Starring Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, & Bridget Fonda Released In 1998; 91% On Rotten Tomatoes

Sam Raimi’s film, A Simple Plan, is a standout example of a movie showing the dangers of criminal activity. The story begins when a group of men stumble upon a plane crash in the woods, discovering a dead body and a bag containing over four million dollars. This sets up a compelling question: what would you do in that situation?

The main characters’ choices lead to increasingly serious trouble. Their poor decisions quickly escalate, culminating in a deeply upsetting ending. A Simple Plan is a subtle, suspenseful movie that prioritizes character development over flashy action, making it a character-focused crime drama.

“Basic”

Starring Sam Jackson, John Travolta, & More; Released In 2003; 21% On Rotten Tomatoes

This is the first film on the list where you can safely disregard the Rotten Tomatoes score. While it’s flawed, it’s surprisingly enjoyable and worth watching again. The negative reactions likely stem from viewers expecting something different than what the movie delivers, rather than inherent problems with the film itself.

The film Basic brought Sam Jackson and John Travolta back together almost ten years after their iconic work in Pulp Fiction. Directed by John McTiernan, known for Die Hard, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of those classic films. However, if you go in without knowing anything about the plot, you’ll likely be captivated by its complex, *Rashomonstyle story told through the perspectives of several untrustworthy characters.

“The Three Burials Of Melquiades Estrada”

Directed By & Starring Tommy Lee Jones; Released In 2005; 85% On Rotten Tomatoes

Tommy Lee Jones’ first time directing, the film The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, is an unusual mix of true events and fictional storytelling. This modern western takes cues from William Faulkner’s classic novel As I Lay Dying, but is also based on a real-life murder case. The movie is a deeply moving story that powerfully illustrates the serious consequences of crime.

Many crime movies treat death and murder lightly, but Three Burials begins with a serious act: the unlawful killing of Mequiades, a Mexican ranch worker, by a Border Patrol officer. The film is particularly relevant today, as it attempts to address and resolve the racial and national conflicts in the border region while also considering American values.

“Lucky Number Slevin”

Starring Bruce Willis, Josh Hartnett, & Many More; Released In 2006; 52% On Rotten Tomatoes

Viewers have very different opinions about Lucky Number Slevin, as reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes score. Whether you’ll enjoy it is a matter of personal taste, but it’s definitely a crime movie worth checking out. It cleverly combines elements of classic film noir with action and comedy, and although its unique style isn’t for everyone, it has a dedicated following.

The movie Lucky Number Slevin has a surprising twist that some viewers might find unbelievable. However, most people will enjoy its fantastic cast, even if the actors didn’t fully realize how over-the-top the film was. If you haven’t seen this hidden gem from the 2000s, Slevin, you really should.

“Smokin’ Aces”

Starring Ryan Reynolds, Jeremy Piven, & Many More; Released In 2007; 31% On Rotten Tomatoes

Despite not holding up perfectly over time, Smokin’ Aces was a big hit in theaters and later gained a dedicated fanbase on DVD and streaming. Like the classic film White Heat, it really captures the feel of its time. While it has some weaknesses, the movie is memorable for bringing together a great cast and for trying to do a lot with its story.

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Smokin’ Aces is a wild, fast-paced action movie where a simple mistake turns into a massive shootout. A group of professional killers all converge on a casino in Lake Tahoe, each trying to eliminate the same target. While the story isn’t perfect, the over-the-top action and violent style make it a lot of fun to watch.

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2026-02-07 15:34