Obsession can drive people to do the unimaginable, and in the realm of crime cinema, this theme is explored with chilling depth. From the pursuit of justice to the quest for revenge, these films showcase characters consumed by their fixations, leading to dramatic and often tragic outcomes. This curated list of 10 crime films will take you on a thrilling journey through the minds of those haunted by their obsessions.

Se7en (1995)
Description: A detective story that follows two cops hunting a serial killer whose crimes are inspired by the seven deadly sins. The killer's obsession with teaching a lesson through murder creates a tense and dark atmosphere.
Fact: The film's ending was kept secret from the cast and crew until the day it was shot, ensuring genuine reactions.


The Usual Suspects (1995)
Description: A story of deception and obsession with the elusive criminal mastermind Keyser Söze, whose legend becomes an obsession for those trying to unravel his identity.
Fact: The film's twist ending has become one of the most famous in cinema history.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Tom Ripley's obsession with wealth and status leads him down a path of deception and murder. His fixation on living the life of another person is both captivating and chilling.
Fact: The film's ending was changed from the book to provide a more ambiguous conclusion.


Memento (2000)
Description: Leonard Shelby, suffering from short-term memory loss, becomes obsessed with finding his wife's killer. The film's unique narrative structure reflects his condition, making the audience feel his obsession firsthand.
Fact: The film was shot in reverse order to match the narrative structure.


The Machinist (2004)
Description: Trevor Reznik's insomnia and guilt lead him into a spiral of paranoia and obsession, questioning his own sanity and the reality around him.
Fact: Christian Bale lost a significant amount of weight to portray the emaciated Trevor.


The Departed (2006)
Description: A tale of two men on opposite sides of the law, both obsessed with their respective missions, leading to a cat-and-mouse game of identity and loyalty.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."


Zodiac (2007)
Description: Based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer, this film follows the obsession of a cartoonist, a journalist, and a detective to catch the elusive murderer, whose identity remains a mystery.
Fact: David Fincher, the director, was personally fascinated by the case and spent years researching it.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: This film delves into the intense rivalry between two magicians, whose obsession with outdoing each other leads to a life-altering game of one-upmanship. It's a tale of ambition, deceit, and the lengths one will go to achieve greatness.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Christopher Priest, and the magic tricks were designed by real magicians, including Ricky Jay.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: This adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel features Lisbeth Salander, a hacker with a troubled past, who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind a decades-old disappearance, leading to a web of secrets and revenge.
Fact: The film was shot in Sweden, where the original story is set, to maintain authenticity.


Gone Girl (2014)
Description: Amy Dunne's disappearance becomes an obsession for her husband Nick, who becomes the prime suspect. The film explores the dark side of marriage and the lengths one will go to manipulate reality.
Fact: The film was adapted from Gillian Flynn's novel, with Flynn herself writing the screenplay.
