Love and crime often make for a potent mix in cinema, especially when a love triangle is thrown into the equation. These films not only showcase the dark side of human nature but also delve into the complexities of relationships, where love, betrayal, and danger intertwine. Here's a curated list of 10 films where love triangles add an extra layer of tension to the criminal underworld.

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Description: This classic film tells the story of the notorious bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, whose romantic relationship is complicated by the presence of Clyde's brother, Buck, and his wife, Blanche. The love triangle here is less about romance and more about the dynamics of loyalty and betrayal within the gang.
Fact: The film was groundbreaking for its time due to its portrayal of violence and sexuality, leading to a reevaluation of film ratings in the U.S.


The Big Easy (1986)
Description: In New Orleans, a detective, Remy McSwain, falls for an assistant DA, Anne Osborne, who's investigating police corruption. However, his ex-girlfriend, a singer, adds a twist to their budding romance, creating a love triangle with a distinctly Southern flavor.
Fact: The film helped to popularize the phrase "The Big Easy" as a nickname for New Orleans.


The Grifters (1990)
Description: Roy Dillon is a small-time con artist whose life gets complicated when his mother, Lily, and his girlfriend, Myra, both get involved in his schemes. Their relationships form a love triangle that's as much about survival as it is about love.
Fact: The film was directed by Stephen Frears and features a standout performance by Anjelica Huston, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.


True Romance (1993)
Description: Clarence and Alabama fall in love, but their romance is overshadowed by Clarence's encounter with a pimp, leading to a series of criminal escapades. Alabama's ex, Drexl, adds a layer of tension, creating a love triangle that's more about survival than affection.
Fact: The screenplay was written by Quentin Tarantino, and the film features a memorable performance by Christopher Walken.


The Last Seduction (1994)
Description: Bridget Gregory is a femme fatale who manipulates men for her own gain. Her husband, Clay, and her lover, Mike, both fall under her spell, creating a dangerous love triangle that's all about power and deception.
Fact: Linda Fiorentino's performance as Bridget is often cited as one of the best portrayals of a femme fatale in film noir.


Out of Sight (1998)
Description: A bank robber, Jack Foley, escapes from prison with the help of a U.S. Marshal, Karen Sisco, who he later develops feelings for. However, his ex-girlfriend, Adele, complicates matters, creating a love triangle that's both humorous and tense.
Fact: The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh, and it's often credited with revitalizing George Clooney's career.


The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Description: Thomas Crown, a wealthy businessman, orchestrates an art heist for the thrill. An insurance investigator, Catherine Banning, is drawn to him, but his ex-wife, Anna, still has feelings for him, creating a sophisticated love triangle amidst the heist.
Fact: The film features a memorable chess game scene, and it's a remake of the 1968 film of the same name.


The Ice Harvest (2005)
Description: On Christmas Eve, a mob lawyer and his partner steal a small fortune from their boss. However, the night takes a turn when the lawyer's ex-wife and his current mistress both come into play, creating a love triangle that's as cold as the winter night.
Fact: The film was directed by Harold Ramis, known for his work in comedy, making this a darker turn in his career.


The Departed (2006)
Description: In this modern-day adaptation of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," a young cop infiltrates the Irish mafia, while a mole in the police department feeds information to the mob. The twist? Both men are in love with the same woman, creating a love triangle that adds emotional depth to the already intense cat-and-mouse game.
Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. The movie also features a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson.


The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981)
Description: A drifter, Frank, falls for Cora, the wife of a roadside café owner, Nick. Their affair leads to murder, but the love triangle between Frank, Cora, and Nick adds a twist of fate and moral ambiguity to the story.
Fact: This film is a remake of the 1946 classic, and it was one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to feature explicit sex scenes.
