Crime Films at Dawn: A Collection of 10 Must-Watch Movies

Description: Michael Mann's epic crime thriller captures the cat-and-mouse game between a meticulous bank robber and a relentless detective, with a pivotal scene set during the early morning hours, showcasing the tension of a heist gone wrong.

Fact: The film's famous coffee shop scene was improvised by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, and the movie was shot on location in Los Angeles to capture the city's authentic atmosphere.

Description: Steven Soderbergh's stylish crime caper features a bank robber and a U.S. Marshal whose paths cross in a series of dawn-lit scenes, blending romance with the thrill of the chase.

Fact: The film was based on Elmore Leonard's novel, and it marked a significant career resurgence for George Clooney.

Description: Sidney Lumet's final film is a dark family drama about a botched robbery, with scenes set during the early morning hours that underscore the characters' desperation and the irreversible consequences of their actions.

Fact: The film features a non-linear narrative, and Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke play brothers in a story inspired by real-life events.

Description: Tom Cruise plays a hitman who uses the cover of dawn to carry out his assassinations, creating a chilling backdrop to the story of a taxi driver caught in his deadly game.

Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in Los Angeles, and the city's early morning scenes were meticulously planned to capture the right mood.

Description: Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning film features a complex web of undercover work and betrayal, with several key scenes set at dawn, emphasizing the characters' isolation and the city's eerie quietness.

Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," and it was Scorsese's first Best Director Oscar win.

Description: Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a former high school hockey star turned bank employee, who becomes involved in a heist, with scenes set at dawn that emphasize his vulnerability and the criminals' cunning.

Fact: The film was shot in Canada, and it was one of the first major roles for Gordon-Levitt, showcasing his versatility.

Description: Ben Affleck directs and stars in this film about a group of bank robbers in Boston, with a memorable heist scene that unfolds as the sun rises, adding to the film's gritty realism.

Fact: The movie was filmed in the actual neighborhood of Charlestown, known for its high crime rate, and Affleck did extensive research to ensure authenticity.

Description: This adaptation of Jim Thompson's novel features a small-town sheriff with a dark secret, and several scenes are set at dawn, reflecting his internal turmoil and the town's deceptive tranquility.

Fact: The film was controversial for its graphic violence, and Casey Affleck's performance was widely praised.

Description: Tom Hardy stars in this gritty crime drama about a bartender caught in a web of crime, with a pivotal scene set during the early morning hours, highlighting the quiet tension of the neighborhood.

Fact: The film is based on a short story by Dennis Lehane, and it was James Gandolfini's final film role.

Description: This film follows the interconnected lives of a motorcycle stunt rider turned bank robber, with several scenes set at dawn, capturing the serene yet tense atmosphere of his criminal activities.

Fact: The film's title is derived from the Mohawk language, meaning "the place beyond the pines," and it was shot in Schenectady, New York.