76 Essential Twenty-First Century Noir Films
76 titles
- 1
Where the Truth LiesMovie · 2005 · 107m · Drama, Mystery, ThrillerA driven journalist investigates the cause of a 1950s comedy duo's unexpected breakup.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.1 - 2
CollateralMovie · 2004 · 120m · Drama, Crime, ThrillerTaxi driver Max agrees to a fare for $600, but the deal turns sour when he discovers his passenger is an assassin.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 3
Mulholland DriveMovie · 2001 · 147m · Thriller, Drama, MysteryNewly arrived in Hollywood and chasing stardom, blonde Betty Elms encounters a mysterious brunette suffering from amnesia. As Betty and the woman try to uncover her past, filmmaker Adam Kesher faces unsettling problems while casting his new film.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 4
Trouble Is My BusinessMovie · 2018 · 116mIn 1940s Los Angeles, private investigator Roland Drake navigates dangerous cases and alluring women while a corrupt police detective controls the city. This is a classic film noir story. Drake is struggling; he's lost his office and reputation after a failed missing persons investigation. Facing ruin from both the public and the police, it seems like his career is over. Then Katherine Montemar arrives – a captivating woman with a proposition. She needs his help, and their connection is instant. Her concern for her missing family draws Drake into the case, and into a passionate affair.IMDb 4.3TMDB 4.6 - 5
The Perfect SleepMovie · 2009 · 99mA man who vanished from a city of assassins ten years ago is drawn back into their dangerous world. Known then as "The Mad Monk" for his reckless bravery and fierce dedication to Porphyria, he is haunted by her. Porphyria is the woman he grew up with, the only love he's ever known, and the one person he can never possess.IMDb 4.4TMDB 4.0 - 6
Brighton RockMovie · 2010 · 111m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeThis film follows Pinkie, a troubled teenager who uses a knife and harbors a deep-seated desire for death. It depicts his rapid descent into darkness.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.7 - 7
Original SinMovie · 2001 · 116m · Thriller, Drama, MysteryA young man becomes entangled in a world of lies and deception while trying to win over a captivating woman who remains elusive.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.1 - 8
RitualMovie · 2002 · 111m · HorrorAn American doctor travels to Jamaica to treat a wealthy man's brother and finds herself drawn into the world of a voodoo cult.IMDb 4.8TMDB 4.7 - 9
The Man Who Wasn't ThereMovie · 2001 · 116m · Crime, DramaIn the summer of 1949, Ed Crane, a barber in a quiet California town, feels trapped. His dissatisfaction intensifies with his wife Doris' affair and the arrival of a strange opportunity that promises a way out. The story unfolds as a narrative of murder, crime, and the consequences that follow.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5 - 10
The Man from LondonMovie · 2008 · 139m · Mystery, Crime, DramaAt a coastal railway, a switchman inadvertently witnesses a murder. He doesn't report the crime, however, after discovering a suitcase filled with money at the location.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.1 - 11
The Killer Inside MeMovie · 2010 · 109m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerDeputy Sheriff Lou Ford is a respected and seemingly mild-mannered figure in his quiet West Texas town. While some find him a bit slow or dull, few have any real criticism. However, Lou harbors a dark secret: he suffers from what he calls a "sickness." In reality, he is a brilliant but deeply disturbed sociopath with sadistic tendencies.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.8 - 12
DerailedMovie · 2005 · 108m · Drama, ThrillerA married couple of successful businesspeople are having an affair when a violent criminal blackmails them. To protect their families, they must fight back against him.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4 - 13
The SquareMovie · 2008 · 105m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerRay, dissatisfied with his marriage, begins an affair with his neighbor, Carla. Carla's husband, Greg, is a mobster who hides a large amount of drug money in their house. Carla devises a plan: she and Ray will steal the money, then burn down her house to make it look like the money was lost in the fire. They intend to convince Greg of this and then escape together. However, Carla's scheme unexpectedly falls apart.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.1 - 14
Three WayMovie · 2004 · 88mLew, a man haunted by his past and hiding a significant secret, overhears a couple plotting a kidnapping. Seeing an opportunity, he resolves to intercept the intended victim and then blackmail the actual kidnappers. However, his carefully laid plan quickly unravels.IMDb 4.6TMDB 4.0 - 15
SuddenlyMovie · 2013 · 90m · ThrillerA team of four assassins, led by Baron, impersonate Secret Service agents to take over the home of war widow Ellen. Her house offers an ideal vantage point for their plan to assassinate the President during a visit to the town of Suddenly. The assassins deceive the local police, except for Todd, a former war hero and deputy now struggling with alcoholism. Todd served with Ellen’s late husband and has long harbored feelings for her, though she has rejected him. He becomes suspicious of Baron upon visiting the house, but his concerns are dismissed. After discovering the assassins' true intentions, Todd manages to kill one of Baron’s men but is captured. Now, Todd and Ellen must work together to stop Baron and his team from killing the President.IMDb 3.6TMDB 4.2 - 16
Dark BlueMovie · 2002 · 118m · Crime, ThrillerAgainst the backdrop of the 1992 Rodney King riots, a robbery and homicide investigation sets off a chain of events that forces a corrupt LAPD officer to reconsider his methods.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 17
Poison Ivy: The Secret SocietyMovie · 2008 · 95m · Drama, ThrillerA young college student dies unexpectedly late one night at an elite New England university...IMDb 4.2TMDB 4.6 - 18
Beyond a Reasonable DoubtMovie · 2009 · 105m · ThrillerA remake of the 1956 Fritz Lang film. A novelist's investigation into a corrupt district attorney results in a frame-up during a courtroom trial.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.7 - 19
BrickMovie · 2006 · 110m · Drama, MysteryA solitary teenager infiltrates a high school criminal organization to uncover the truth behind his ex-girlfriend's vanishing.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 20
Femme FataleMovie · 2002 · 114m · Mystery, Crime, ThrillerLaure Ash pulled off a $10 million diamond heist, assuming a new identity and marrying a diplomat to start over. But when a paparazzi photo surfaces in Paris, Laure's carefully constructed life unravels. People from her past, connected to the original crime, now know her location and are after her – and the diamond. They want either their cut of the fortune, or revenge.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2 - 21
InsomniaMovie · 2002 · 118m · Thriller, Crime, DramaIn a town where daylight never fades, two Los Angeles homicide detectives travel to investigate the calculated killing of a young local.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 22
No Country for Old MenMovie · 2007 · 122m · Crime, Thriller, WesternIn the Texas desert, Llewelyn Moss finds a shocking scene: dead bodies, two million dollars, and a large quantity of heroin. This attracts the attention of Anton Chigurh, a relentless and methodical killer who wants the money back. Meanwhile, local Sheriff Ed Tom Bell begins investigating. The pursuit of the money and the pursuit of justice intertwine, creating a dangerous game where the lines between hunter and hunted become increasingly unclear.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.0 - 23
Under SuspicionMovie · 2000 · 110m · Thriller, Crime, DramaA lawyer visits the police station to clarify details in his statement about a murder. He's told it will be quick – just ten minutes. But as he answers questions, he finds himself dealing with one issue after another, and the brief visit keeps stretching on.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.1 - 24
Out of TimeMovie · 2003 · 105m · Thriller, Crime, DramaIn the quiet Florida Keys town of Banyan Key, Police Chief Matt Lee faces a daunting challenge: solving a brutal double murder while fighting to clear his own name. As the investigation unfolds, Matt must navigate suspicion from within his department and among those he trusts, all in the pursuit of uncovering the truth.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 25
MementoMovie · 2000 · 113m · Mystery, ThrillerLeonard Shelby is hunting the man who murdered his wife. His search is complicated by a rare medical condition: he has severe short-term memory loss. He remembers his life before the accident, but not even moments ago – he can't recall where he is going or why he's doing it.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.2 - 26
HeistMovie · 2001 · 107m · Action, Crime, DramaJoe Moore is a skilled thief who enjoys his work. His life takes a turn when he's captured on security footage. His contact, Bergman, refuses to pay him what he's promised, and Moore suspects his wife is having an affair with Bergman's assistant. Now broke, betrayed, and facing blackmail, Moore and his partners, Bobby Blane and Pinky Pincus, are pressured into one final, high-stakes heist.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 27
Key Lime PieMovie · 2007 · 4mThis animated film takes a noir story and gives it a quirky twist. A man becomes consumed by his love for key lime pie, pushing him to the edge. His obsession leads to an unexpected meeting with the Grim Reaper.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 28
The Burnt Orange HeresyMovie · 2020 · 99m · Mystery, Thriller, CrimeAn ambitious art dealer is hired to steal a rare painting by a reclusive artist. As the heist unfolds, his desire for wealth and his personal doubts begin to overwhelm him, leading to a loss of control over the entire operation.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.7 - 29
The SpiritMovie · 2008 · 103m · Crime, Thriller, FantasyDenny Colt, a new police officer, comes back from the dead as The Spirit, a hero dedicated to battling the city's hidden dangers. But The Octopus, a villain who kills anyone who looks at him, intends to destroy Central City completely.IMDb 4.8TMDB 4.8 - 30
The Cry of the OwlMovie · 2009 · 101m · Drama, Mystery, ThrillerRobert Forrester, an artist escaping a failed marriage and personal struggles, relocates to a quiet Pennsylvania town. He becomes captivated by his attractive neighbor's everyday life, observing her from afar. When she invites him in, he develops a relationship with her, just as her boyfriend disappears. Robert finds himself implicated in the disappearance and suspects he's caught in something much bigger than a simple missing person case.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.7 - 31
RampartMovie · 2011 · 108m · Crime, DramaDave Brown is a seasoned police officer, one of the few who still operates outside the rules. He's trying to balance his demanding job with raising his family, all while battling to stay alive himself.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.4 - 32
GaslightMovie · 2019 · 16mWhile waiting at a bus terminal one night, a bar waitress meets a strange and threatening stranger.TMDB 2.0 - 33
The Deep EndMovie · 2001 · 101m · Mystery, Thriller, CrimeMargaret Hall largely raises her children alone, as her husband Jack is often away for work. Her teenage son is exploring adulthood, and one morning she discovers the body of his gay lover on the beach near their lakeside home. Faced with this crisis, Margaret must grapple with difficult questions: What is the right course of action? How does she protect her child? And where does she draw the line?IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2 - 34
Reindeer GamesMovie · 2000 · 104m · Thriller, Action, CrimeTo be with his girlfriend, a recently released convict assumes the identity of his deceased cellmate. He's unexpectedly drawn into a casino heist as a reluctant player.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.7 - 35
The ScoreMovie · 2001 · 124m · Action, Crime, ThrillerA seasoned thief dreams of a peaceful retirement funded by past crimes, but a young person persuades him to pull one final job.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7 - 36
Blade Runner 2049Movie · 2017 · 164m · Science Fiction, DramaThirty years after the first film, Officer K, a new Blade Runner for the LAPD, discovers a long-hidden secret that could destabilize society. His investigation leads him to search for Rick Deckard, a former Blade Runner who disappeared thirty years ago.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6 - 37
Murder by NumbersMovie · 2002 · 120m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerDetective Cassie Mayweather, a determined homicide investigator, and her new partner are investigating a murder. They're trying to understand two young men who are exceptionally intelligent but deeply cruel – killers whose hidden pasts may hold the key to their crimes.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2 - 38
Kiss Kiss Bang BangMovie · 2005 · 102m · Comedy, Crime, MysteryA small-time thief pretending to be an actor travels to Los Angeles for a surprising audition. He unexpectedly becomes involved in a murder investigation, joining forces with his high school crush and a detective who has been preparing him for the role.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 39
The Hitch HikerMovie · 2004 · 28mThis film visually adapts Orson Welles' acclaimed Mercury Theatre radio play. It follows Ronald Adams, a man whose journey across the country gradually unravels his sanity.IMDb 7.5 - 40
She's No AngelMovie · 2002 · 90mThis drama and thriller follows a young woman who escaped severe abuse as a child. After a car accident, she unexpectedly discovers a new life by assuming a false identity. She convinces a grieving couple that she is their deceased son's wife. But her newfound happiness is fragile; her past threatens to resurface, forcing her to maintain the charade to protect the family who has embraced her.IMDb 5.2TMDB 4.3 - 41
The Manchurian CandidateMovie · 2004 · 129m · Drama, Thriller, MysteryMajor Ben Marco is haunted by nightmares years after his unit was ambushed in the Gulf War. He starts to question the heroic image of his former squadmate, Sergeant Raymond Shaw, who is now running for Vice President. As Marco's suspicions grow, Shaw's political influence increases. When Marco discovers a strange implant on his back, fragmented memories of the ambush begin to surface.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 42
The Good ThiefMovie · 2003 · 108m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerA seasoned gambler, down on his luck, plans a casino heist in Monte Carlo. However, authorities are already aware of his intentions, anticipating his move before he even begins.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.1 - 43
Hotel NoirMovie · 2012 · 97m · Crime, DramaIn 1958 Los Angeles, a detective waits in his downtown hotel room for his attackers. Over the course of a single night, he encounters the hotel's diverse guests, and the circumstances that led him to this point are revealed.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.7 - 44
Double TakeMovie · 2001 · 88m · Adventure, Drama, ActionFleeing from his past, a man steals another's passport. He quickly discovers he's now trapped living as a street hustler.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.5 - 45
Film NoirMovie · 2007 · 97m · Mystery, Animation, CrimeWhen private detective Sam Ruben develops amnesia, his carefully laid plans unravel. Suddenly, everyone seems to be after him, and he has no memory of why. This classic film noir story is reimagined as a new animated feature.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 46
KeyholeMovie · 2011 · 94m · Crime, Drama, HorrorUlysses Pick, a gangster and struggling father, undertakes an unexpected exploration of his own house.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.2 - 47
OldboyMovie · 2003 · 120m · Drama, Thriller, MysteryA man awakens after fifteen years of captivity, having been imprisoned, drugged, and tortured, with no memory of how he arrived there. Driven by desperation, he now seeks revenge against those who held him.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.2 - 48
Nine QueensMovie · 2000 · 114m · Crime, Thriller, DramaTwo con artists attempt to defraud a stamp collector by selling him a sheet of fake, highly sought-after rare stamps known as the "nine queens."IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 49
DriveMovie · 2011 · 100m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeDriver is a Hollywood stuntman who secretly works as a getaway driver for criminals. He keeps people at arm's length until he meets his attractive neighbor, Irene, and her son, Benicio. When Irene’s husband is released from prison, he asks Driver to help with a million-dollar robbery. The heist goes wrong, forcing Driver to protect Irene and Benicio from the dangerous people who want revenge.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 50
I'll Sleep When I'm DeadMovie · 2003 · 97m · Drama, Action, ThrillerWill Graham, a former crime boss, lives as a recluse in the forest, trying to escape his past. Haunted by the people he killed, he wants no connection to his old life. But when his brother dies by suicide after being assaulted by a dangerous car dealer, Will returns to London. He seeks to uncover the truth behind his brother's death and bring those responsible to justice.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.4 - 51
Sin CityMovie · 2005 · 124m · Crime, ThrillerSin City is a place for those on the edge: the tough, the corrupt, the lost. Some say it's dark, others say it's hard-boiled. For some, it's home – a world of crooked cops, alluring women, and desperate people fighting back. Driven by revenge, seeking redemption, or both, these unlikely heroes struggle to do what's right in a city that doesn't care.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5 - 52
CachéMovie · 2005 · 118m · Mystery, Drama, ThrillerGeorge, a television host who discusses literature, begins receiving secretly filmed videos of his family, accompanied by unsettling drawings. He doesn't know who is sending them. The videos gradually become more personal, suggesting the sender has a history with George.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 53
Sin City: A Dame to Kill ForMovie · 2014 · 102m · Action, Crime, ThrillerIn the dark world of Sin City, tough individuals from all walks of life collide with some of the city's most dangerous characters.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 54
DeepwaterMovie · 2005 · 93mA wanderer arrives in Deepwater and is drawn into a dangerous world of lies and violence.IMDb 5.3TMDB 4.9 - 55
Butterfly on a WheelMovie · 2007 · 95m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerA cold-blooded kidnapper systematically torments a distraught couple, relentlessly pushing them to the edge of their sanity.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4 - 56
The WalkerMovie · 2007 · 108m · Crime, Mystery, DramaCarter Page III is a gay man in Washington, D.C. who works as a "walker," escorting women to social events. He escorts Lynn Lockner, the wife of a U.S. senator, who is having an affair with a lobbyist. When the lobbyist is murdered, Lynn draws Carter into an investigation that reaches the highest levels of the U.S. government.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.2 - 57
The Spiral StaircaseMovie · 2000 · 88mA group of strangers takes shelter in a mansion during a violent storm, only to find themselves trapped inside with a murderer.IMDb 5.0TMDB 5.1 - 58
Dangerous CurvesMovie · 2000 · 85mA handsome lawyer searches for an old flame and becomes entangled in a dangerous world of lies and violence.IMDb 4.4TMDB 1.5 - 59
Ripley's GameMovie · 2002 · 110m · Crime, ThrillerTom Ripley, a sophisticated and wealthy man with a dark secret, lives in Italy with his girlfriend, Luisa. He's approached by a former acquaintance who wants him to murder a competitor. Ripley, fascinated by people, decides to manipulate an unassuming local picture framer, Jonathan Trevanny, into becoming the killer. Jonathan, who is terminally ill and wants to provide for his family, has little to lose. As Ripley pulls Jonathan deeper into the scheme, he struggles to maintain control of the situation. Will one murder be enough? And what happens if Ripley begins to question his actions?IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4 - 60
UnfaithfulMovie · 2002 · 124m · Thriller, Drama, RomanceConnie, a wife and mother, finds the passion in her 11-year marriage to Edward missing. She begins a passionate affair with Paul, a charming book collector she meets unexpectedly. However, Edward grows suspicious and resolves to confront Paul.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 61
The Black DahliaMovie · 2006 · 121m · Crime, Thriller, DramaIt's 1940s Los Angeles. Two former boxers now working as police officers face a world of corruption, self-centeredness, scandalous movies, and dysfunctional families while hunting for the person who murdered a promising young actress.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.6 - 62
Kill Me, DeadlyMovie · 2015 · 100mIn 1947, cynical private investigator Charlie Nickels' client is killed, and a valuable diamond disappears. The case compels him to break his own rule and rely on a woman for help.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.2 - 63
The LodgerMovie · 2009 · 95m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerA veteran detective hunts a brutal killer preying on prostitutes along West Hollywood's Sunset Strip. The murders bear a chilling resemblance to those of Jack the Ripper, the infamous 19th-century serial killer who was never apprehended. Adding to the complexity, the detective discovers links between the current crimes and the work of a serial murderer already serving a prison sentence. Could an innocent man be wrongly convicted?IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.7 - 64
InterstateMovie · 2007 · 80mA Montreal DJ follows his girlfriend to Los Angeles and becomes entangled in a dangerous relationship with two female hitchhikers.IMDb 3.8TMDB 2.9 - 65
The SignalMovie · 2007 · 95mIn the final days of Eva Perón's life, two minor detectives become involved in a corruption investigation linked to the Mafia.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.7 - 66
Ripley Under GroundMovie · 2005 · 101m · Drama, ThrillerFollowing the death of his friend, a promising young artist, an American man in London takes steps to conceal the crime. He intends to preserve the artist's reputation, hoping to profit significantly from his posthumous fame.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.5 - 67
Get CarterMovie · 2000 · 102m · Action, Drama, ThrillerIn Las Vegas, Jack Carter works as a hired hand for the mob. He returns to Seattle for his brother's funeral and discovers the death wasn't an accident – it was murder. Driven by this revelation, Carter begins a violent quest for revenge against those he holds responsible.IMDb 5.2TMDB 5.2 - 68
No Good DeedMovie · 2002 · 97m · Action, Crime, DramaA police detective helping a friend find a missing teenager unexpectedly discovers a strange group of criminals preparing to rob a bank.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.4 - 69
Lonely HeartsMovie · 2006 · 108m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeDuring the late 1940s, a couple dubbed "The Lonely Hearts Killers" commits nearly twelve murders. Two detectives pursue the pair, who use newspaper personal ads to find their victims.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0 - 70
Dead on ArrivalMovie · 2017 · 97mA pharmaceutical sales representative travels to a Louisiana town for work. He unexpectedly becomes entangled in a dangerous underworld of crime and murder, with only 24 hours to survive. He must evade both law enforcement, organized crime, and a determined sheriff who wants him eliminated.IMDb 4.9TMDB 4.4 - 71
Tough LuckMovie · 2004 · 88mArchie, a con man always on the move, gets caught in a dangerous game when a carnival owner hires him to kill his wife. The situation quickly becomes a complex plot of lies and double-crosses.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.8 - 72
ConfidenceMovie · 2003 · 97m · Action, Comedy, ThrillerJake Vig, a skilled con artist, recently cheated Lionel Dolby out of a large sum of money with his team. They soon discover that Dolby wasn't an ordinary victim; he worked for Winston King, a powerful crime boss. Now, Jake and his crew must evade both dangerous criminals and the police to resolve their situation.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 73
The CoolerMovie · 2003 · 101m · Romance, DramaBernie works at a Las Vegas casino, subtly influencing events to cause gamblers to lose money. His boss, Shelly Kaplow, approves of his methods. However, Bernie experiences unexpected joy when he starts dating Natalie Belisario, an attractive waitress.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 74
Gangster SquadMovie · 2013 · 113m · Crime, Drama, ActionLos Angeles, 1949. Mickey Cohen, a ruthless mob boss from Brooklyn, controls the city's underworld, profiting from drugs, weapons, prostitution, and gambling. He maintains power through a network of corrupt police and politicians, intimidating even seasoned officers. But a small, secret team of LAPD outsiders, led by Sgt. John O’Mara and Jerry Wooters, unites to challenge Cohen's dominance.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 75
Max PayneMovie · 2008 · 100m · Crime, Action, DramaHaunted by the murder of his family in a conspiracy, a DEA agent teams up with an assassin seeking revenge for her sister. Together, they investigate a string of killings across New York City.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.4 - 76
The Big BangMovie · 2011 · 101m · Action, Mystery, ThrillerA private detective takes on a case to find a missing stripper, but the investigation quickly becomes deadly when everyone he questions starts dying. From the streets of Los Angeles to the New Mexico desert, Cruz faces dangerous people: a brutal Russian boxer, three LAPD detectives, an aging billionaire searching for a scientific breakthrough, and the billionaire's beautiful wife. Solving the mystery will require ten lives and will yield $30 million, potentially revealing a shocking truth about everything.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.3
