10 Action-Packed Crime Movies

by

The examination of crime, criminal activities, and the law enforcement dedicated to solving them has consistently captivated audiences in cinema since its beginnings, leading to some of the most remarkable films ever made. Notable films such as “Mystic River” and “Zodiac”, for instance, demonstrate exceptional storytelling from an investigative angle, concentrating on character analysis and generating tension. In contrast, timeless masterpieces like “The Godfather” and “Eastern Promises” delve deeper into the criminal world, utilizing ambiance, dialogue, and intermittent bursts of extreme violence to tell their stories.

Instead of the previous films, some people might be in search of a thrilling, pulse-racing, high-octane movie experience. The crime movies listed below are brimming with intense gunfights, fast-paced car chases, brutal hand-to-hand battles, and relentless explosions that keep the adrenaline flowing.

Here are 10 crime movies that are action-packed from start to finish.

10
‘Den of Thieves’ (2015)

In the bustling city of L.A., the action-packed movie “Den of Thieves” presents a cat-and-mouse game between a group of county sheriff’s deputies and a band of ex-Marines, who are plotting to pull off an audacious heist at the Federal Reserve in Los Angeles.

‘Den of Thieves’ Avoids Clichés and Was a Hit With Critics

Although not entirely unique in its concept, this film truly shines with its abundance of action and captivating characters. Gerard Butler brilliantly portrays the rugged, unforeseeable cop. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and O’Shea Jackson Jr., too, deliver strong performances as they constantly outmaneuver the law, resorting to force when necessary to extricate themselves from dangerous situations.

9
‘The Raid: Redemption’ (2012)

The astonishing Indonesian action movie based on martial arts, “The Raid,” was an unexpected blockbuster that led to a sequel and an impending American adaptation. This thrilling film narrates the tale of Rama, a resourceful rookie in an elite unit assigned to penetrate a towering building controlled by a merciless drug kingpin within Jakarta’s slums. A non-stop, high-octane display of violence, “The Raid” showcases some of the most impressive martial arts scenes ever filmed and orchestrated.

‘The Raid’ Is Brutally Intense

Employing a handheld Steadicam in a creative manner lends the film a nearly authentic documentary vibe, drawing viewers deep into the chaos. This edge-of-the-seat action adventure was widely acclaimed by both critics and viewers, claiming the Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award for Midnight Madness. It also amassed a multitude of other accolades and recognition from various local and global organizations.

8
‘Smokin’ Aces’ (2007)

In the year 2006, the thrilling crime comedy titled Smokin’ Aces was introduced. The story revolves around Buddy “Aces” Israel, who used to be a mob informant but now practices magic as his profession. However, when a citywide contract is issued on his life, the announcement of the reward quickly echoes, attracting an unruly swarm of assassins, FBI agents, crooks, and bounty hunters from their hiding places, all vying to capture ‘Aces.’

Despite Its Impressive Cast and Non-Stop Action, the Movie Wasn’t a Huge “Hit”

The movie boasts an impressive ensemble of actors like Ryan Reynolds, Ray Liotta, Ben Kingsley, Morgan Freeman, Chris Pine, Alicia Keys, and Ben Affleck, each playing characters with distinct objectives chasing after Israel. While it boasted a talented cast and intriguing concept, the film received a variety of opinions from critics, often pointing out its complex narrative and insufficient character development as weaknesses, suggesting that it focused more on style rather than substance. In the end, it didn’t achieve the box office success that many anticipated.

7
‘The Town’ (2010)

In a straightforward and engaging manner: The gripping crime thriller titled “The Town” skillfully balances high-octane action with intricate character growth and immersive atmosphere, ensuring no aspect is neglected. Centering around a group of bank robbers plotting their next major heist, the narrative takes an intriguing turn when one of the robbers finds himself harboring feelings for a past hostage from their operations.

‘The Town’ Confirmed Ben Affleck’s Talent Behind the Camera

Ben Affleck first showcased his directorial skills in 2007 with the film “Gone Baby Gone“, which was a refreshing change after some disappointing acting performances. Not only did he demonstrate that it wasn’t a one-time success, but he outdid himself with his next project, “The Town“. This trend continued with the Academy Award-winning film “Argo“, all three of which displayed Affleck’s exceptional ability to portray the roughness and authenticity of Boston in his direction. Similar to “Gone Baby Gone“, Ben Affleck’s direction in “The Town” skillfully captures the essence of Boston, combining intense storytelling with a profound, firsthand knowledge of the city’s streets, culture, and criminal underworld.

6
‘Bad Boys’ (1995)

Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, portrayed by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, first gained public recognition in 1995 following the debut of the action-comedy film “Bad Boys,” directed by Michael Bay. These unlikely friends, who are Miami detectives, find themselves pursuing a stolen cache of heroin during their investigations.

The genre of action-comedies skillfully mixes elements from both action and humor, but it’s quite challenging to effortlessly merge them in a way that appears natural. However, movies like Bad Boys stand out by cleverly infusing humor into intense action scenes, a feat made possible by the undeniable camaraderie between the leading actors on screen.

‘Bad Boys’ Shot Its Two Leads to Superstardom

The film significantly boosted Smith’s reputation from a well-known sitcom actor and Lawrence’s from a popular stand-up comedian, solidifying them as established Hollywood superstars. Now recognized as one of the most successful buddy cop series in history, the initial “Bad Boys” movie led to three subsequent films.

(Or)

The movie catapulted Smith from being a sitcom star and Lawrence from a stand-up comedian into certified Hollywood heavyweights. Among the top-tier buddy cop franchises, the original “Bad Boys” film gave birth to three sequels.

5
‘RoboCop’ (1987)

In this reimagined action movie, directed by Paul Verhoeven, we delve into the narrative of a police officer severely injured, who undergoes transformation into a cybernetic law enforcement entity. After Detroit city succumbs to vicious criminals and systemic decay, he’s resurrected to confront crime squarely. The film was highly acclaimed and is now esteemed as a classic in the action movie genre.

‘RoboCop’ Is Gleefully Violent and Over-the-Top

Regardless of dealing with some weighty themes, the film RoboCop maintains a playful tone. The violence is excessive and the action is incessant. It delights in extravagant bloodshed, underpinned by a darkly comical undertone. This stylishly exaggerated blend of action and brutality was instrumental in establishing its reputation as a cult favorite among action enthusiasts. To this very day, RoboCop stands as an emblematic representation of the epitome of ’80s action cinema.

4
‘Sicario’ (2015)

The film “Sicario” delivers a gripping, startling, and potent narrative, centering around an FBI agent assigned to dismantle a ruthless Mexican drug syndicate. What might have simply been another ordinary crime thriller unexpectedly transforms into an exceptional piece of cinema.

‘Sicario’ Is Intense and Unpredictable

The movie skillfully portrays a gripping and persistent atmosphere of tension, thanks in part to its ethically complex narrative. Actors like Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin brilliantly breathe life into the story. It’s intense, harsh, and shockingly unforeseeable.

3
‘Baby Driver’ (2017)

Baby Driver is a thrilling, high-speed action crime movie featuring Ansel Elgort as a shy yet talented car driver who’s compelled to take part in one final job after a heist goes wrong, leaving him with no choice but to navigate a dangerous journey to attain his liberty and destiny. Directed by Edgar Wright, Baby Driver showcases a powerful ensemble cast, a pulsating soundtrack, and some of the most breathtaking car chases and stunts ever recorded on film.

An Action Movie Ballet

The movie Baby Driver gracefully made its debut on the big screen, combining action and music in a captivating dance reminiscent of a high-speed ballet. This blend earned it an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and amassed over $226 million at the global box office. Critics were particularly impressed by Ansel Elgort’s compelling performance, the film’s visually appealing direction, and its unique approach to music.

2
‘Polar’ (2019)

Hailing from the neo-noir genre, Polar is an extravagant, gun-heavy performance brimming with excessive violence. Adapted from the graphic novel Polar: Came From the Cold, it shares a likeness in tone, aesthetic, and plot with John Wick, but amplified. Mads Mikkelsen takes on the lead role as a retired assassin who embarks on a rampage when he uncovers his employer’s intention to terminate him permanently.

‘Polar’ Was Criticized for Prioritizing Action and Violence Over Plot and Character Development

Generally speaking, reviews for the movie “Polar” were quite negative, as it was criticized for prioritizing style over content. However, Mikkelsen’s acting received high praise. Unfortunately, many other characters lacked depth and were found to be rather irritating. The graphic violence may prove difficult for some viewers, but if you enjoy action-packed films that don’t require heavy intellectual engagement, this movie could be just what you’re looking for.

1
‘Hard Boiled’ (1992)

Under the guidance of director John Woo, the film titled “Hard Boiled” unfolds a story about a daring police inspector. This officer finds himself in a perilous situation when he delves too deep into Hong Kong’s criminal underworld while working undercover to apprehend a ruthless Triad chief.

‘Hard Boiled’ Was John Woo’s Last Hong Kong Film Before His Transition to Hollywood

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been captivated by the cinematic brilliance of John Woo throughout the ’80s and early ’90s. Hailing from Hong Kong, he made a name for himself as one of the most exhilarating directors, with a series of high-adrenaline masterpieces under his belt. Among these, Hard Boiled stands out as the epitome of that era’s brilliance. After achieving such success, he ventured into Hollywood, working on movies like Broken Arrow, Face/Off, and Mission: Impossible 2}. However, none of these managed to recreate the raw intensity and explosive action that marked Hard Boiled for me.

Read More

2025-02-23 19:06