Are you ready to delve into the shadowy world where science and crime intertwine? This curated list of 10 films will take you on a thrilling journey through underground labs, where illegal experiments, drug manufacturing, and covert operations are the order of the day. From the gritty streets of New York to the hidden corners of Eastern Europe, these movies showcase the high stakes and moral dilemmas faced by those who operate in the shadows. Whether you're a fan of suspense, action, or the complex interplay of ethics and law, this collection promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Blow (2001)
Description: This biographical film about George Jung, a major player in the cocaine trade, features scenes of drug production in clandestine labs.
Fact: Johnny Depp, who plays Jung, learned to fly a plane for the role. The film was partially shot in Colombia, where much of the real-life drug trade took place.


The Salton Sea (2002)
Description: A man infiltrates the methamphetamine underworld, working in an underground lab to avenge his wife's murder, blending crime with a dark, personal narrative.
Fact: Val Kilmer lost 40 pounds to portray his character's descent into drug addiction. The film features a unique blend of neo-noir and black comedy.


The Crazies (2010)
Description: A remake of George A. Romero's 1973 film, this thriller involves a biological weapon leak from an underground lab, leading to a town's descent into madness.
Fact: The film was shot in Iowa, with the town of Ogden standing in for the fictional town of Ogden Marsh. The original film was one of Romero's lesser-known works.


The Informant! (2009)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows an executive who becomes an informant on his company's price-fixing scheme, which includes illegal lab operations.
Fact: Matt Damon gained 30 pounds for the role to portray the real-life Mark Whitacre. The film was shot in various locations, including an actual corn processing plant.


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: A college student takes a babysitting job that leads her into a night of terror involving a satanic cult with an underground lab for their rituals.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel. Director Ti West wrote the script in one night.


The Devil's Double (2011)
Description: A film about the double life of Uday Hussein's body double, which includes scenes of drug production in secret labs, showcasing the criminal activities of the regime.
Fact: Dominic Cooper played both Uday Hussein and his body double, requiring extensive makeup and costume changes. The film was shot in Malta and Jordan.


The Iceman (2012)
Description: While focusing on a hitman, the film includes scenes where he works in an underground lab, manufacturing drugs as part of his criminal activities.
Fact: Michael Shannon, who plays Richard Kuklinski, spent time with the real-life Kuklinski's family to prepare for the role. The film was shot in New York and New Jersey.


The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
Description: While not strictly about an underground lab, this film features a restaurant where the criminal underworld converges, including scenes of drug production in the kitchen.
Fact: The film was directed by Peter Greenaway, known for his visually rich and provocative films. The restaurant set was designed to look like a decaying palace.


The Chemist (2016)
Description: A CIA agent with a background in chemistry goes rogue, using her knowledge to create deadly toxins in an underground lab to survive and uncover a conspiracy.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Stephenie Meyer, known for the "Twilight" series. The underground lab scenes were shot in an actual decommissioned military facility.


Breaking Bad: The Movie (2019)
Description: Although not a feature film, this movie-length compilation of the iconic TV series "Breaking Bad" captures the essence of a high school chemistry teacher turned meth manufacturer, showcasing the underground lab operations that drive the plot.
Fact: The film was released to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series finale. The RV used as a mobile meth lab in the series is now on display at the Albuquerque Museum.
