23 Best Crime Thrillers of Recent Years

Description: A remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," this Scorsese classic pits an undercover cop against a mole in the police force, both trying to outsmart each other. Its ensemble cast and intense narrative make it a modern classic.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film.

Description: Based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer, this film follows the investigation by two reporters and a cartoonist as they try to unmask the elusive murderer. Its meticulous attention to detail and chilling atmosphere make it a must-watch.

Fact: The film uses real letters from the Zodiac Killer, adding an eerie authenticity to the narrative.

Description: While not strictly a crime thriller, Christopher Nolan's second Batman film delves deep into themes of chaos, justice, and morality, with Heath Ledger's iconic portrayal of the Joker. Its narrative complexity and character depth make it a genre-defining film.

Fact: Heath Ledger posthumously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Joker.

Description: Joel and Ethan Coen's adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel tells the story of a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong, leading to a deadly cat-and-mouse game with a relentless killer. Its minimalist style and moral complexity are unforgettable.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: Ben Affleck directs and stars in this tale of a group of bank robbers from Charlestown, Boston, whose lives are upended when one of them falls for a bank manager they've taken hostage. Its heist sequences and character depth are particularly memorable.

Fact: The film's opening heist scene was shot in one continuous take, showcasing Affleck's directorial prowess.

Description: When his daughter and her friend go missing, Keller Dover takes matters into his own hands, leading to a tense, morally ambiguous hunt for the truth. The film's exploration of justice and vengeance is both gripping and thought-provoking.

Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the natural progression of the characters' emotions.

Description: David Fincher's adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate a decades-old disappearance. Its dark atmosphere and complex characters make it a compelling watch.

Fact: The film's opening credits sequence, featuring a cover of "Immigrant Song" by Trent Reznor and Karen O, won the Best Title Sequence at the 2012 Key Art Awards.

Description: This film, based on Gillian Flynn's novel, delves into the disappearance of Amy Dunne, leading to a media frenzy and a twisted game of cat and mouse between her husband Nick and the public. Its clever plot twists and psychological depth make it a standout in the genre.

Fact: The film's ending was kept secret from most of the cast and crew to maintain the surprise. The book's author, Gillian Flynn, wrote the screenplay.

Description: Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Lou Bloom, a freelance crime scene videographer whose ambition leads him down a dark path. Its portrayal of media ethics and the American Dream gone awry is both chilling and captivating.

Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal lost 30 pounds for the role to embody the character's gaunt, desperate look.

Description: An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by a government task force to bring down a drug cartel, leading her into a shadowy world where the lines between right and wrong blur. Its intense action and moral ambiguity make it a standout thriller.

Fact: The film was shot in real locations in Mexico, adding to its gritty authenticity.