114 Crime Films from the 1980s
112 titles
- 101
Off LimitsMovie · 1988 · 102m · Action, Crime, DramaIn Saigon during a turbulent time, undercover U.S. military policemen McGriff and Albaby face a difficult assignment: investigating a series of violent murders of local prostitutes. The investigation points to a high-ranking U.S. Army officer, forcing McGriff and Albaby to risk everything. As they dig deeper, they face increasing danger, jeopardizing their careers and lives while trying to deliver justice in a volatile environment. The film explores duty, loyalty, and personal beliefs as these officers fight for order amidst overwhelming odds.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.6 - 102
Code of HonorMovie · 1987 · 89mIn Hong Kong, aging mob boss Ho Chen-tung maintains peace between rival gangs, guided by a strict code of honor. Estranged from his son Hui, who lives in Australia, Tung has developed a paternal bond with Han, a Vietnamese refugee who shares his ethical principles. Just as Hui attempts to reconnect, the Hong Kong police close in on Tung and his associates after years of investigation. Tung anticipates his followers will uphold his code, but faces unexpected challenges during his trial. It may fall to Han to restore order.IMDb 5.6TMDB 8.0 - 103
AngstMovie · 1983 · 75m · Thriller, Crime, HorrorThis suspenseful psychological thriller follows an ordinary family who unknowingly become targets of a recently released murderer. Isolated in a remote house, a single mother and her two children are terrorized by this lethal intruder.
As the family's home becomes a pressure cooker, their relationships are strained as they fight to survive. The mother, resourceful and determined, must confront the danger and find a way to escape.
The film explores survival, resilience, and family loyalty under duress, maintaining a tense atmosphere throughout. Combining drama, horror, and mystery, it’s a gripping story about protecting loved ones, leaving a lasting impact.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 104
Day of the CobraMovie · 1980 · 95m · Drama, Action, CrimeLarry Stanziani, a former narcotics agent now working as a down-on-his-luck private detective, is hired by his old department head to investigate the brutal murder of an American colleague in Italy. Larry initially seeks revenge on an enemy from his past, but the investigation reveals a powerful and dangerous organization.
As the case deepens, Larry confronts his past and questions what justice truly means. He becomes increasingly caught in a web of lies and violence, testing his abilities and his own morality. The story explores the criminal underworld and the conflict between revenge and finding redemption.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.0 - 105
Chained HeatMovie · 1983 · 99m · Action, Crime, DramaThis drama follows Carol, played by Linda Blair, as she navigates the brutal realities of prison life. After being convicted of DUI resulting in a fatal accident, Carol begins an 18-month sentence in a women's prison rife with corruption and exploitation. The inmates are cruel, and the prison staff – from guards to the warden – are equally corrupt, fostering a hostile environment where kindness is rare. The film offers a stark look at the harshness of incarceration, where hope feels distant and daily survival is the only focus.IMDb 5.0TMDB 5.0 - 106
Deadly ForceMovie · 1983 · 95mStoney Cooper, a former Los Angeles police officer struggling to make ends meet as a freelance investigator in New York, is at rock bottom. Recently dismissed from the force for his rebellious nature, his life is upended when the daughter of a close friend is murdered by a serial killer plaguing L.A. Despite facing hostility from many in his hometown, Cooper vows to catch the killer and prevent further deaths.IMDb 5.0TMDB 4.9 - 107
Divine EmanuelleMovie · 1981 · 99m · Crime, Horror, ThrillerIn a quiet suburban town, the daughter of a powerful US Senator visits "The Children of Light," a commune promising a utopian life of love and shared living. She's drawn to the charismatic boyfriend of the commune's Asian leader.
But as she spends more time there, the community's idyllic facade begins to crumble. The commune hides a darker reality, with hidden agendas and manipulative leaders. The senator's daughter struggles to escape the web of deception, where love and control become dangerously intertwined. The story explores human desires, power, and the lengths people will go to maintain control.IMDb 3.8TMDB 4.1 - 108
Miracles: The Canton GodfatherMovie · 1989 · 126m · Crime, Action, ComedyA naive country boy unexpectedly becomes the leader of a powerful criminal organization after meeting an elderly woman and a mysterious bouquet of roses. He navigates the dangerous world of organized crime and discovers a nightclub featuring a captivating singer. Inspired by the old woman’s story, the protagonist and the singer collaborate on an act of kindness to bring her joy during a visit to the city. The story explores themes of loyalty, love, and human connection against a backdrop of danger, revealing that even those involved in darkness can be motivated by compassion and a desire to do good.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.1 - 109
The Execution of Raymond GrahamMovie · 1985 · 96mA young man, wrongly convicted of a clerk's murder, has spent five years on death row. As his execution date looms, his family fights desperately for a chance at a reprieve.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.4 - 110
Tragic HeroMovie · 1987 · 97mUpon his release from prison, Tang Kat-Yung seeks retribution against Lee Ah Chai.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0 - 111
Fear CityMovie · 1984 · 95m · Drama, Crime, MysteryIn Manhattan, a ruthless killer targets female strippers, creating fear and grief. Two people resolve to find justice for the victims.
Detective Sullivan, a tough cop dedicated to the law, partners with Mike, a former boxer now working as a private investigator and burdened by his past. They investigate the city's nightlife, searching for clues to catch the killer.
As the number of victims increases, Sullivan and Mike face a complicated investigation filled with secrets and personal struggles. They realize the stalker is highly intelligent and manipulative, challenging their understanding of crime.
Amidst the danger, the two unlikely allies develop a strong bond as they race to identify the killer and prevent further loss.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.3 - 112
Johnny HandsomeMovie · 1989 · 94m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThis drama tells the story of a man whose life has been shaped by hardship from the start. Born with facial disfigurement, he found direction in a life of crime under the guidance of a mentor who became a father figure. When his mentor is murdered and he's wrongly convicted, he embarks on a path of vengeance and seeking redemption.
Released from prison after a doctor performs life-changing surgery to alter his appearance, he seems to be starting over. But beneath the new face, he harbors intense anger and plans revenge on those who ruined his past and took away his purpose.
The film explores themes of identity, forgiveness, and justice as it unfolds a complex story of deceit and personal conflict, forcing us to consider the blurred lines between right and wrong.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.3
