Here’s our list of Crime Drama Favourites worth a second look – Films excel at portraying the lives of criminals and their tenacious pursuers.

From Bonnie and Clyde to Goodfellas, the twentieth century featured many great crime dramas. But what about the twenty-first century? 

In the last twenty years, many stand-out crime dramas have graced the silver screen. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best crime films of the twenty-first century and explore what makes them great. 

Crime Drama Favourites Worth A Second Look

Gone Girl (2014)

David Fincher’s Gone Girl is an adaptation of the hit crime novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn. Like all the best crime thrillers, Gone Girl makes sure the audience never knows what’s about to come round the corner. 

The stars of the film Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck deliver career-best performances in a film that is fraught with tension, suspense and danger. The story has so many twists and turns that you’ll be constantly second-guessing yourself right to the end.

An Inspector Calls (2015)

This adaptation of the classic play by J. B. Priestley stars David Thewlis as the titular Inspector Goole. Many will have seen An Inspector Calls performed in theatres around Britain, including Blackpool’s very own Grand Theatre. This most recent stage to screen crossover from the BBC was one of the most popular crime dramas on TV in recent years. 

When it aired the movie was watched by nearly six-million viewers and it was celebrated by many critics. It is a dramatic and compelling film that explores ideas of moral responsibility and cruelty. 

Good Time (2017)

The non-stop crime thriller Good Time, directed by the Safdie Brothers and starring Robert Pattinson is, in fact, not a good time for many of the characters involved. After two brothers rob a bank in New York City all hell breaks loose as one of the brothers is arrested and the other has to go look for a way to bail him out. 

As with their more recent film Uncut Gems, the Safdie Brothers excelling at creating a claustrophobic and hectic atmosphere with characters that are endlessly frustrating and entertaining to watch. Good Time is a modern crime drama featuring magnificent performances from Robert Pattison, Benny Safdie and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Memories of Murder (2003)

Director Bong Joon Ho may have won all the awards for his most recent film Parasite but it is his earlier film, Memories of Murder, that stands out as one of the best crime dramas of the 21st century. 

Memories of Murder follows a group of detectives as they attempt to uncover the mystery surrounding a spate of killings in a rural South Korean town. Based on a true story, the film deftly wields themes of conflict, brutality, and prejudice around a plot that is both intriguing and terrifying. It is a must-watch for any crime drama fans!

Eastern Promises (2007)

Eastern Promises is a crime drama starring Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts that focuses on the operations of a London-based Russian mob. Directed by David Cronenberg, the film is unflinchingly brutal and truly immerses the audience in the dark underbelly of London. 

The film is murky, exciting and definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you’re looking for a drama that explores London’s criminal underworld in a way that is unique and engaging, Eastern Promises is the perfect film. 

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Layer Cake (2004)

Before he was Bond, Daniel Craig was an unnamed cocaine dealer in Matthew Vaughn’s thrilling crime drama, Layer Cake. The film is an adaptation of J.J Connolly’s crime novel. Alongside Daniel Craig, the film features Tom Hardy, Sienna Miller and Colm Meaney. 

Like Eastern Promises, Layer Cake explores the British underworld with all its fascinating characters, terrifying gangs and gritty scenarios. It is a low-budget film that is able to pack a punch and tell an engaging story of crime and misfortune. 

Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

This latest adaptation of Agatha Christie’s best-selling detective fiction follows Hercule Poirot played by Kenneth Branagh as he attempts to solve a murder mystery. Since Christie’s book was first published in 1934 this story has been adapted many times for the small screen, the big screen and the stage. 

This version of the classic story is packed full of stars including The film stars Branagh as Hercule Poirot, with Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer, and Daisy Ridley in supporting roles. If you like your period crime dramas to be excessively moustachioed and well dressed then this most recent adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express might be the one for you. 

Crime Drama Favourites Worth A Second Look

All of these films provide fantastic entertainment and are great examples of what crime dramas can be at their best. If you are interested in crime dramas and want to learn more about how they work, check out our Crime Drama Infographic.

For the highest quality Plays and Drama look no further than Blackpool Grand Theatre.