Top 10 Cold Case Action Films

Description: While not strictly a cold case film, Johnny Smith's psychic abilities lead him to solve crimes, including a chilling cold case involving a potential serial killer.

Fact: The film was adapted from Stephen King's novel, and Christopher Walken's performance was praised for its intensity.

Description: A Dutch thriller where a man's search for his missing girlfriend leads him into a psychological maze, with the cold case at its core driving the narrative.

Fact: The film was remade in Hollywood in 1993 with Kiefer Sutherland and Jeff Bridges, but the original is often considered superior.

Description: A quadriplegic detective and a rookie cop work together to solve a series of murders linked to a cold case, providing a thrilling chase against time and a killer.

Fact: The film was based on Jeffery Deaver's novel of the same name. Denzel Washington learned to operate a computer using only his voice for his role.

Description: A retiring detective, haunted by a promise to a murdered child's mother, takes on a cold case, leading to a dark and suspenseful investigation.

Fact: This was Sean Penn's second directorial effort, and Jack Nicholson's performance was critically acclaimed.

Description: Two private investigators delve into the cold case of a missing child, revealing layers of corruption and moral ambiguity. This film showcases how a cold case can lead to intense action and ethical dilemmas.

Fact: This was Ben Affleck's directorial debut, and it was critically acclaimed, earning him a nomination for Best Director at the Golden Globes.

Description: A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister stumbles upon a cold case that could change history, blending political intrigue with action.

Fact: Roman Polanski directed this film, which was his first English-language film in 14 years. It was also nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes.

Description: This film adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel involves a journalist and a hacker solving a 40-year-old disappearance, uncovering a web of secrets and murder. It's a perfect example of how a cold case can drive an action-packed narrative.

Fact: The film's opening credits were designed by Tim Miller, who later directed "Deadpool." The movie was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Rooney Mara.

Description: Based on the true story of serial killer Robert Hansen, this film follows a detective and a sex worker as they attempt to solve a series of cold cases, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse game.

Fact: Nicolas Cage and John Cusack both took pay cuts to ensure the film could be made, showing their commitment to the project.

Description: When a Wall Street banker's family is kidnapped during a vacation in Spain, he uncovers a CIA conspiracy and a cold case involving his father. This film blends espionage with the urgency of solving a long-forgotten crime.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, making use of its picturesque locations to enhance the thriller atmosphere. Bruce Willis was initially set to play the lead role but ended up in a supporting role due to scheduling conflicts.

Description: A defense attorney takes on a high-profile case that leads him to uncover a cold case, mixing legal drama with action and suspense.

Fact: Matthew McConaughey did much of his own driving for the film, which features him working out of his Lincoln Town Car.