Top 10 Crime Films of the 90s

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, "Goodfellas," chronicles the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a small-time crook who becomes part of the mob. It's a vivid portrayal of the allure and the eventual downfall of the gangster lifestyle.

Fact: The famous "Copacabana" tracking shot took 15 takes to get right. Ray Liotta's mother was cast as his on-screen mother.

Description: This film marks Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut, setting the stage for his unique storytelling style. It's a tale of a diamond heist gone wrong, focusing on the aftermath and the paranoia among the surviving criminals.

Fact: The film was shot in just 33 days. Tarantino wrote the script while working at a video store, inspired by "City on Fire," a Hong Kong film.

Description: Written by Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott, this film follows a couple on the run after stealing a stash of drugs, encountering various colorful characters along the way.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be directed by Tarantino himself. The script was sold to fund the production of "Reservoir Dogs."

Description: Luc Besson's film about a hitman who takes in a young girl after her family is killed, teaching her the ways of his trade. It's a blend of action, drama, and a coming-of-age story.

Fact: Natalie Portman's debut film. The role of Mathilda was initially offered to Liv Tyler.

Description: Tarantino's non-linear narrative weaves together stories of hitmen, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a small-time crook, all intersecting in a tapestry of violence, redemption, and pop culture.

Fact: John Travolta's dance scene with Uma Thurman was inspired by a dance sequence in Jean-Luc Godard's "Bande à part." The film revitalized Travolta's career.

Description: Another Scorsese gem, "Casino" delves into the life of Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a gambling expert who runs a casino for the mob in Las Vegas, exploring themes of greed, betrayal, and the American Dream.

Fact: The film was based on the real-life story of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal. The casino scenes were filmed in real casinos, with extras playing as gamblers.

Description: Michael Mann's epic crime drama pits Al Pacino's detective against Robert De Niro's master thief in a cat-and-mouse game that explores the thin line between the law and the lawless.

Fact: This was the first time Pacino and De Niro shared the screen in a significant way. The bank heist scene was filmed in real-time, adding to the film's realism.

Description: A labyrinthine plot about a group of criminals who are brought together for a heist, only to find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal, with the mysterious Keyser Söze at its center.

Fact: The film's ending twist has become legendary, and the character of Keyser Söze was inspired by a real-life criminal.

Description: The Coen Brothers' dark comedy about a car salesman who hires two criminals to kidnap his wife, leading to a series of comedic yet tragic events in the snowy landscapes of Minnesota.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence, which is unusual for film production. The woodchipper scene was filmed in one take.

Description: Two Irish brothers in Boston take it upon themselves to rid the city of its criminal elements, leading to a vigilante justice spree that captures the public's imagination.

Fact: The film gained a cult following largely through word of mouth and home video sales. It was initially a box office bomb.