10 Must-See Crime Movies After Watching ‘Adolescence’

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As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must say that Netflix’s latest offering, “Adolescence,” has truly revolutionized television yet again since its debut in March 2025. This gripping four-part British crime drama has sparked countless conversations due to its thought-provoking narrative. The masterminds behind this series are Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, who have crafted a heart-wrenching tale revolving around Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering his classmate, Katie Leonard.

What sets “Adolescence” apart is its innovative approach, with each episode being shot in a single, uninterrupted take. This technique provides a raw and authentic glimpse into the tumultuous life that Jamie leads. It’s a must-watch for anyone seeking an immersive experience into the complexities of adolescence.

In the story of “Adolescence“, there’s a strong emphasis on topics such as bullying, the harmful impact of social media, and its role in shaping the perspectives of young people today. The captivating Owen Cooper portrays Jamie, while Graham takes on the character of Jamie’s father, Eddie. Notably, Ashley Walters and Faye Marsay deliver impressive performances as the investigators working on the case, and Erin Doherty skillfully plays Briony, Jamie’s psychologist, demonstrating grace throughout her role.

The straightforward style of “Adolescence” resonates strongly with both critics and audiences, earning it a near-flawless Rotten Tomatoes score. It shares similarities with films that delve into juvenile lawlessness and teenage violence, leading many to make comparisons. This list of top 10 crime movies focusing on child criminals aligns with the theme of “Adolescence”.

10
‘The Bling Ring’ (2013)

Under the guidance of director Sofia Coppola, the film titled “The Bling Ring” is loosely based on true events and narrates the tale of youths infatuated with fame who burglarize homes of celebrities residing in the Hollywood Hills. Rebecca (portrayed by Katie Chang) and her partner Marc (played by Israel Broussard), along with their group, keep tabs on the whereabouts of celebrities such as Paris Hilton through social media. They take immense risks to enjoy a life of luxury built on stolen goods, but ultimately face their comeuppance.

Hypnotic Depiction of Morally Lost Youth

Coppola’s astute perspective offers a profound critique of our society’s celebrity-driven culture and its impact on the unguided aspirations of teenagers. The film’s skillfully crafted visuals and appealing style reflect the group’s preoccupation with image, privilege, and entitlement, providing a deep dive into the intricate psyches of these young characters portrayed by Emma Watson, Taissa Farmiga, and others, who are based on real individuals.

9
‘We Need To Talk About Kevin’ (2011)

The movie “We Need to Talk About Kevin” is a gripping psychological thriller adapted from Lionel Shriver’s 2003 novel. It centers around Eva Khatchadourian, a mother struggling with the aftermath of her son Kevin’s horrific actions. We journey through Kevin’s life from his early years to his teenage phase, exploring his disturbing manipulative tendencies as they unfold in a series of flashbacks.

The Devastating Potential of a Young Mind

Experiencing the birth of a child is a delightful and uplifting moment, but for Eva, the arrival of her son transforms into a harrowing journey into a nightmare. This is due to Kevin, whose cold-hearted, malicious actions make him one of the most intricate young villains portrayed in cinema. The film delves into the age-old debate between nature and nurture, and forcefully confronts the unsettling reality that not every child enters the world as innocent. Tilda Swinton’s gripping portrayal of Eva and Ezra Miller’s chilling portrayal of Kevin effectively convey the raw emotion of trauma and fear on screen.

8
‘Sleepers’ (1996)

Barry Levinson’s film “Sleepers” is certainly not a boring movie; instead, it’s about a group of troublemakers who were given harsher sentences than usual – more than nine months. The story unfolds in the grimy streets of 1960s Hell’s Kitchen, focusing on four friends who find themselves in a juvenile detention center following an ill-fated prank involving a stolen hot dog cart and a near-fatal incident. In this institution, they are subjected to unspeakable cruelty at the hands of guards. Years later, they seek retribution for their past traumas.

Seeking Justice After Childhood Trauma

As a movie enthusiast, I found the storyline of “Sleepers” deeply rooted in the lasting impact of childhood traumas, particularly violence and deceit, on young souls for the rest of their lives. The talented young cast (Joe Perrino, Brad Renfro, Geoffrey Wigdor, and Jonathan Tucker) portraying our friends in their youth give heart-wrenching performances that solidify Levinson’s masterful direction. As they mature, they grapple with the complex themes of revenge and redemption against Kevin Bacon’s detestable character, resorting to criminal acts once more as the only way forward.

7
‘Alpha Dog’ (2006)

Drawing inspiration from real-life occurrences, Alpha Dog presents a chilling crime narrative where a circle of wealthy adolescents are ensnared in the treacherous realm of petty offenses and narcotics trade. At the heart of this tale is Johnny Truelove, a relentless young drug lord who instigates Zach Mazursky’s abduction due to Jake’s outstanding debt. However, complications arise when Zach finds himself captivated by the liberation and debauchery that their lifestyle offers.

The Dangers of Toxic Masculinity

Under the guidance of Nick Cassavetes, this film offers a striking juxtaposition between the reckless teenagers’ pursuit of a carefree, party-filled lifestyle and the harsh repercussions that ensue from their choices. Compelling yet profoundly disquieting, the gritty narrative and powerhouse performances by an illustrious ensemble – Emile Hirsch, Anton Yelchin, Ben Foster, Justin Timberlake, Sharon Stone, and Bruce Willis – portray how the destructive nature of masculine toxicity can lead to the demise of young lives.

6
‘Juice’ (1992)

Under the guidance of debut director Ernest R. Dickerson, the film Juice unfolds as a raw, inner-city crime narrative, taking place on the bustling streets of Harlem. The quartet of characters, Q (Omar Epps), Bishop (Tupac Shakur), Raheem (Khalil Kain), and Steel (Jermaine Hopkins) initially conspire to pull off a convenience store heist. However, their plan takes an ominous turn, leading to a spiral of violence that ultimately strains the bonds of friendship among them.

Friendship Shattered by Gang Life

Tupac Shakur’s mesmerizing portrayal of Bishop dominates the screen, showcasing a character gripped by power and suspicion. The intricate backdrop reveals the boys’ battles for self-discovery, acceptance, and survival amidst limited opportunities, serving as a warning tale. Roger Ebert awarded Juice three stars out of four, likening it to a haunting dream where immature young men compete in displays of bravado, leading them into a dangerous predicament.

5
‘River’s Edge’ (1986)

One of the most controversial films focusing on young adults from the 1980s, “River’s Edge,” starts off with a high school student named Samson carrying out an appalling act of violence against his girlfriend. He reveals this crime to his friends and insists they keep it secret. Rather than reporting the incident to the authorities, teenagers Matt and Clarissa grapple with denial, fear, and their own involvement in the cover-up.

Thought-Provoking Piece of Work

In a decaying small-town setting, where hopelessness hangs heavy in the air like an oppressive fog, Tim Hunter’s haunting drama unfolds. The characters here are teenagers, their hearts mirroring the desolation of their surroundings. Their reactions, their indifference, and the disturbing lack of empathy serve as a chilling reminder of the complex psychology that lies within this age group, a testament to the loss of innocence. Crispin Glover’s manic portrayal of Layne and Keanu Reeves’ subdued performance as Matt provide the perfect anchor for this tragic tale. This movie is a poignant exploration of teenage life, one that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

4
‘Fun’ (1994)

Bonnie (Alicia Witt) and Hillary (Renée Humphrey) are two teenagers who meet at a bus stop and quickly form a connection, finding common ground in their disdain for the world around them. Later on in the day, they come across an elderly woman in their neighborhood whom they end up brutally killing. After being apprehended, they openly confess during interrogation that they committed the murder purely for amusement.

Nihilistic Teens and Their Idea of “Fun”

Under the guidance of director Rafal Zielinski, the movie titled “Fun” is inspired by the real-life murder committed by 14-year-old Shirley Wolf and 15-year-old Cindy Collier in 1983. The title derives from Shirley’s journal, where she penned, “Today, Cindy and I ran away and killed an old lady. It was fun.” Witt and Humphrey deliver chilling performances that portray the ominous aspect of adolescent defiance, while also highlighting the intricate blend of innocence and malice that defines the girls’ personas.

3
‘Adulthood’ (2008)

In the adult phase of life, we find Adulthood, the second part of the Hood Trilogy. This movie, both written and acted by Noel Clarke as Sam, follows his story as he steps out of prison after serving a six-year term for a teenage homicide. Eager to make amends, Sam finds himself plunged back into the dangerous environment he once called home when a fresh group of criminals seek revenge for the boy he had killed.

Redemption and Revenge

Delving further into the emotional upheavals from the initial film “Kidulthood“, the sequel delves deeper into the protagonist’s struggle to navigate through a relentless world. Director Clark lends an authentic feel to the narrative, and the movie presents a candid depiction of juvenile crime. The intense struggles portrayed on screen and the acting were highly commended by critics, yet some pointed out that the plot’s predictability as a potential drawback.

2
‘Heavenly Creatures’ (1994)

Peter Jackson’s movie titled “Heavenly Creatures” starts by introducing 13-year-old Juliet Hulme who moves to Christchurch, New Zealand, and makes friends with a 14-year-old girl named Pauline Parker at her new school. Their friendship deepens into an unbreakable and fervent one, leading them to construct a fictional realm as a haven. As their bond becomes somewhat obsessive, their families attempt to separate them, but Pauline and Juliet devise a strategy to kill Pauline’s mother instead.

Dangers of Unchecked Obsession

The film, drawing inspiration from the infamous Parker-Hulme murder case of 1954, masterfully blends fantasy with reality. Portrayed as two troubled adolescents yearning for freedom beyond their everyday lives, Pauline and Juliet display an innocence and enthusiasm that conceal a sinister depth, driving them towards a shocking climax. Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey deliver captivating performances that breathe life into these characters, while the film’s visual flair earns it critical acclaim.

1
‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971)

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but express my admiration for Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking masterpiece, “A Clockwork Orange.” This film offers a chilling glimpse into a future unlike any other. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of Alex DeLarge, a ruthless teenager and the head of a vicious gang known as the “droogs.” In a city plagued by crime, they revel in acts of brutality, theft, assault, and cold-blooded murder. However, the tale takes an unexpected twist when Alex encounters a controversial form of rehabilitation at the hands of the authorities – aversion therapy designed to curb his criminal instincts.

A Study in Juvenile Violence

There’s no need to point out that the film is an aesthetically breathtaking and intricately designed work of art. It also delves into complex themes, blending dark humor with social commentary while exploring topics like free will and the ethics of rehabilitation. Malcolm McDowell brilliantly portrays Alex, capturing his actions and experiences with chilling precision. Adapted from Anthony Burgess’ novel, A Clockwork Orange remains a cult favorite, known for its ongoing controversy and acclaim as a crime film masterpiece.

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2025-04-07 05:05