In the shadowy world of crime cinema, reputation is everything. These films delve into the lives of characters who, through their actions or circumstances, find themselves stripped of their once-esteemed status. From the gritty streets to the high-stakes boardrooms, these stories explore the devastating impact of losing one's reputation, offering a rollercoaster of emotions, suspense, and moral dilemmas. Here's a curated list of 10 crime films where the fall from grace is as dramatic as the crimes committed.

The Firm (1993)
Description: A young lawyer's dream job turns into a nightmare as he uncovers the firm's criminal activities, forcing him to flee and rebuild his life, losing his once-promising reputation.
Fact: The film was based on John Grisham's best-selling novel, and Tom Cruise was paid $12 million for his role.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Tom Ripley's journey from obscurity to impersonating a wealthy playboy leads to a series of murders and a complete loss of his true identity and reputation.
Fact: The film was shot in Italy, providing a stunning backdrop that contrasts with the dark themes of the story.


The Insider (1999)
Description: Based on a true story, this film explores the repercussions of a tobacco industry whistleblower's decision to speak out, leading to a loss of reputation for both him and the company he exposed.
Fact: Al Pacino improvised the scene where he throws a chair, adding to the intensity of the moment.


The Departed (2006)
Description: In this tale of moles, loyalty, and betrayal, both the police and the mob see their reputations tarnished as their secrets unravel, leading to a dramatic loss of trust and respect.
Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, which is a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."


The Town (2010)
Description: A group of bank robbers from Charlestown, Boston, find their reputations on the line as they navigate their criminal activities with the looming threat of capture and exposure.
Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, grew up in Charlestown, lending authenticity to the setting and characters.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: Jordan Belfort's rise and fall in the stock market is a masterclass in how excess and greed can lead to a spectacular downfall, stripping away any semblance of respectability.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, and the film's budget was significantly increased due to the need for real-life debauchery scenes.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: This film follows the lives of several financial experts who bet against the housing market, leading to a financial crisis that tarnishes the reputations of many in the banking industry.
Fact: The film breaks the fourth wall to explain complex financial terms, making it both educational and entertaining.


American Hustle (2013)
Description: This film dives into the world of con artists and the FBI, where characters navigate a web of deceit, leading to the ultimate loss of reputation for many involved. The film's portrayal of the ABSCAM operation showcases how quickly one's standing can crumble.
Fact: The film was inspired by real events, and the character of Irving Rosenfeld is loosely based on Mel Weinberg, a notorious con artist.


The Nice Guys (2016)
Description: In this comedic crime caper, two private eyes find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy that could ruin their already shaky reputations, all while navigating the seedy underbelly of 1970s Los Angeles.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a TV series, but was adapted into a feature film due to the strength of the script.


The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
Description: Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who operates out of his Lincoln Town Car, finds his reputation at stake when he takes on a case that spirals out of control, revealing dark secrets.
Fact: The film is based on the first novel in Michael Connelly's series about Mickey Haller, who is also known as "The Lincoln Lawyer."
