10 Must-Watch Crime Films in Megacities

Description: This film, set in New York City, follows two narcotics detectives on the trail of a massive heroin shipment. The famous car chase scene under the elevated train tracks is a highlight of urban crime cinema.

Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and the car chase was shot without permits, adding to its raw, gritty feel.

Description: Martin Scorsese's early work captures the life of small-time hoods in New York's Little Italy, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the allure of the criminal lifestyle.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Little Italy, giving it an authentic feel, and it was one of the first collaborations between Scorsese and Robert De Niro.

Description: Set in Tokyo, this film explores the clash between American and Japanese cultures through the story of an ex-cop who must navigate the Yakuza underworld to save a friend's daughter.

Fact: The film was one of the first Hollywood productions to delve into the Yakuza culture, providing a rare glimpse into Japan's criminal world.

Description: Michael Mann's masterpiece showcases the cat-and-mouse game between a meticulous bank robber and a relentless detective in Los Angeles, a city that never sleeps. The film's iconic diner scene is a testament to its exploration of the criminal mind.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events involving a criminal mastermind known as "Neil McCauley." Also, the film's shootouts were meticulously planned to reflect real police tactics.

Description: This Hong Kong film, set in the bustling city, tells the story of a police officer and a triad member who infiltrate each other's organizations, leading to a thrilling game of deception and loyalty.

Fact: The film's plot inspired "The Departed," and its success led to two sequels.

Description: A taxi driver in Los Angeles becomes an unwilling accomplice to a hitman's night of assassinations. Michael Mann's use of digital cinematography captures the city's nocturnal beauty and its darker side.

Fact: Tom Cruise's character was originally written for Robert De Niro, but Cruise's performance was so compelling that the role was tailored to him.

Description: Set in Boston, this film delves into the complex relationship between the police and the Irish mob, with moles on both sides. Martin Scorsese's direction brings to life the tension and paranoia of undercover work in a city rife with corruption.

Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs." It was Scorsese's first Best Director Oscar win.

Description: Set in Boston, this film follows a group of bank robbers who must navigate their criminal lives while dealing with the pressures of their hometown's tight-knit community.

Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, grew up in Boston, lending authenticity to the portrayal of the city's criminal underworld.

Description: Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a freelance crime journalist in Los Angeles, whose ambition leads him down a dark path, blurring the lines between observer and participant in the city's crime scene.

Fact: The film was shot in real locations in Los Angeles, often at night, to capture the city's nocturnal energy.

Description: This Hong Kong classic, set in Kowloon, follows an undercover cop infiltrating a gang planning a heist. Its influence on films like "Reservoir Dogs" is undeniable, making it a must-watch for crime film enthusiasts.

Fact: The film's director, Ringo Lam, was known for his gritty, realistic portrayal of urban crime.