Top 10 Crime Films of the 1980s

Description: A British gangster film where a London crime boss's plans for expansion are threatened by an unknown enemy. Its portrayal of the changing landscape of crime in the UK during the '80s is both insightful and thrilling.

Fact: Bob Hoskins' performance in this film is often cited as one of his best, earning him a BAFTA nomination.

Description: Directed by Michael Mann, 'Thief' follows a professional safecracker looking to retire from his life of crime. Its focus on the protagonist's personal life and the moral dilemmas he faces adds depth to the genre.

Fact: The film's ending was changed from the original script, where the protagonist was supposed to die, to give the character a more ambiguous fate.

Description: A tale of ambition, excess, and the American Dream gone awry, 'Scarface' follows Tony Montana's rise from a Cuban refugee to a drug lord in Miami. Its raw portrayal of the criminal underworld and Al Pacino's iconic performance make it a cornerstone of '80s crime cinema.

Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its graphic violence and language. Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay, inspired by his own experiences with drug addiction.

Description: A British film about a retired gangster who is kidnapped by hitmen to be taken back to London for execution. Its philosophical undertones and the tension between the characters make it a unique entry in crime cinema.

Fact: John Hurt, who plays the gangster, was nominated for a BAFTA for his performance.

Description: A stylish and intense film about a Secret Service agent seeking revenge for his partner's death, leading him down a dark path of corruption and crime. Its car chase scenes are some of the most memorable in cinema.

Fact: The film's director, William Friedkin, also directed "The French Connection," another iconic crime film known for its car chase.

Description: A comedic take on the mobster genre, 'Wise Guys' features two low-level mobsters who get into trouble after a failed hit. Its humor and light-hearted approach offer a different perspective on the crime world.

Fact: The film was directed by Brian De Palma, who also directed 'Scarface.'

Description: Set during the Prohibition era, this film captures the battle between Eliot Ness and Al Capone, showcasing the lengths to which law enforcement went to bring down the notorious gangster. Its blend of historical drama and action sequences makes it a standout in crime cinema.

Fact: The famous "baby carriage" scene on the stairs was inspired by a similar sequence in the Soviet film "Battleship Potemkin."

Description: Although slightly outside the '80s, this film captures the essence of the decade's crime drama with Christopher Walken's portrayal of a drug lord attempting to reclaim his empire after prison. Its gritty realism and Walken's performance make it a must-watch.

Fact: The film was shot on location in New York City, giving it an authentic feel of the city's underbelly.

Description: This film tells the story of two cousins who get involved in a heist that goes terribly wrong. Its focus on family dynamics and the consequences of crime make it a compelling watch.

Fact: The film's title refers to a local nickname for a character who is seen as a sort of spiritual leader in his neighborhood.

Description: Although not as famous as its 1995 remake, the original 'Heat' is a gritty tale of a bank robber and the detective obsessed with catching him. Its focus on character development and the cat-and-mouse game between the two protagonists sets it apart.

Fact: This film was remade by Michael Mann in 1995 with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, but the original has its own unique charm and intensity.