10 Crime Films That Explore Moral Decay

Description: Alex DeLarge's journey from a violent delinquent to a subject of state-controlled rehabilitation is a dark exploration of free will, morality, and the potential for human redemption or further decay.

Fact: Stanley Kubrick removed the final chapter from the book, altering the film's ending. Also, the film was banned in the UK for many years due to its violent content.

Description: This iconic film follows the Corleone family, where Michael Corleone's journey from a war hero to a ruthless mafia boss epitomizes moral decay. His transformation is a stark reminder of how power can corrupt.

Fact: The film was initially offered to Sergio Leone, who turned it down because he felt an Italian director should make it. Also, Marlon Brando improvised the famous cat scene, picking up a stray cat from the studio lot.

Description: Travis Bickle's descent into vigilante justice is a study in isolation, alienation, and the moral decay that can result from a lack of connection to society.

Fact: Robert De Niro improvised the famous "You talkin' to me?" scene. Also, the film was initially rated X due to its violent content.

Description: Tony Montana's rise and fall in the drug trade is a brutal depiction of ambition, greed, and moral disintegration. His quest for power leads to his ultimate destruction.

Fact: Al Pacino improvised the iconic "Say hello to my little friend" line. Also, the film was initially rated X due to its graphic violence, later edited to receive an R rating.

Description: Henry Hill's life in the mob is a classic tale of moral decline, as he navigates through a world of crime, betrayal, and violence, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Fact: The famous "Funny how?" scene was improvised by Joe Pesci, based on a real-life incident. Also, the film was shot in sequence to capture the aging of the characters.

Description: Tom Ripley's journey from a small-time con artist to a murderer is a chilling tale of identity theft, envy, and the moral decay that comes from living a lie.

Fact: The film's ending was changed from the book to provide a more ambiguous conclusion. Also, Matt Damon learned to play the piano for his role.

Description: Patrick Bateman's descent into madness and murder is a chilling exploration of moral decay, set against the backdrop of 1980s Wall Street excess. His outward perfection masks a deep-seated emptiness and lack of empathy.

Fact: The film's ending was changed from the book to make it more ambiguous, leaving viewers to question Bateman's reality. Also, Christian Bale lost significant weight to portray Bateman's obsessive nature.

Description: This film delves into the moral ambiguity of undercover work, where loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for power lead characters down paths of moral decay.

Fact: The film was a remake of the Hong Kong movie "Infernal Affairs." Also, Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film.

Description: This Coen Brothers' film explores themes of fate, morality, and the decline of traditional values as characters face the consequences of their actions in a modern, violent world.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence, which is rare for movies. Also, Javier Bardem's character, Anton Chigurh, was inspired by a real-life killer.

Description: Jordan Belfort's story is a wild ride through excess, corruption, and moral decay in the financial world, showcasing how quickly one can lose their moral compass in pursuit of wealth.

Fact: The film holds the record for the most use of the F-word in a mainstream movie. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio improvised the scene where he crawls to his car after taking too many Quaaludes.