If you loved the gritty crime drama 'Ida Red' (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that share its intense action, family-driven stakes, and dark underworld themes. Whether you're drawn to heists, complex characters, or high-stakes tension, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A neo-western crime thriller with a relentless antagonist, exploring themes of fate, violence, and the changing nature of crime in America.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is based on Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name.


The Town (2010)
Description: A heist drama centered around a group of bank robbers, blending action with deep character development and a strong sense of place.
Fact: Ben Affleck both directed and starred in the film. Many scenes were shot on location in Boston, adding authenticity.


Out of the Furnace (2013)
Description: A gritty drama about crime, family loyalty, and revenge, set in a decaying industrial town with a strong sense of realism.
Fact: The film was originally titled 'The Low Dweller.' It features a haunting score by Dickon Hinchliffe.


The Drop (2014)
Description: A slow-burning crime thriller about a bartender caught in the underworld of organized crime, featuring a quiet but intense narrative.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Dennis Lehane. It was James Gandolfini's final film role.


Killing Them Softly (2012)
Description: A darkly comedic crime film with a sharp critique of capitalism, featuring brutal violence and a cynical view of the criminal underworld.
Fact: The film is set during the 2008 financial crisis, using it as a backdrop. It was adapted from George V. Higgins' novel 'Cogan's Trade.'


Hell or High Water (2016)
Description: A gripping crime thriller set in rural America, focusing on bank robberies and the law enforcement pursuit, blending action with deep character studies and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was inspired by the economic struggles of small-town America.


A Most Violent Year (2014)
Description: A tense, character-driven crime drama set in the early 1980s, focusing on the moral dilemmas of a businessman navigating a violent industry.
Fact: The film is loosely inspired by real events in New York City's history. It was shot on 35mm film to capture the period's aesthetic.


Sicario (2015)
Description: A dark, intense thriller about the brutal realities of the drug war, featuring morally complex characters and high-stakes action sequences.
Fact: The title 'Sicario' means 'hitman' in Spanish. The film's cinematography by Roger Deakins is highly praised for its visual tension.


Shot Caller (2017)
Description: A hard-hitting prison and crime drama exploring the transformation of a man into a ruthless criminal, with intense action and moral complexity.
Fact: The film's script was written in just 10 days. It features a realistic portrayal of prison life and gang dynamics.


Wind River (2017)
Description: A tense, atmospheric crime drama set in a harsh, snowy landscape, dealing with murder investigations and the struggles of law enforcement in remote areas.
Fact: The film is based on real-life cases of missing Native American women. It marks the directorial debut of Taylor Sheridan, known for his gritty storytelling.
