10 Must-Watch Crime Films Set in the Dark of Night

Description: A gritty tale of two New York City cops on the trail of a drug smuggling ring. The film's night scenes in Brooklyn and Manhattan capture the raw, dangerous feel of the city's underworld.

Fact: The famous car chase scene was shot with minimal permits, adding to its realism, and Gene Hackman won an Oscar for his role as Detective Popeye Doyle.

Description: A cat-and-mouse game between a meticulous bank robber and an equally determined detective unfolds over one fateful night. The night scenes in Los Angeles are not just settings but integral to the film's atmosphere of tension and inevitability.

Fact: The film features one of the most iconic shootouts in cinema history, and it was inspired by real-life events involving a criminal mastermind.

Description: A detective from Los Angeles, investigating a murder in Alaska, finds himself unable to sleep due to the midnight sun, leading to a psychological unraveling. The film's use of the perpetual daylight contrasts with the darkness of the crime.

Fact: Christopher Nolan directed this film, which was a remake of a Norwegian film, and Al Pacino's character suffers from insomnia, adding to the film's tension.

Description: A taxi driver unwittingly becomes the accomplice of a hitman on a night-long spree of assassinations. The film's use of Los Angeles at night, with its neon lights and dark alleys, creates a perfect backdrop for this intense thriller.

Fact: Tom Cruise played against type as the cold-blooded killer, and the film was shot almost entirely at night, giving it a unique, gritty feel.

Description: In Boston, an undercover cop and a mole in the police attempt to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish gang. The night scenes are crucial, showcasing the city's gritty, shadowy side.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, and it was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: Batman faces his greatest challenge with the arrival of the Joker, whose chaos spreads through Gotham City, especially under the cover of night. The film's night scenes are integral to its dark, brooding tone.

Fact: Heath Ledger posthumously won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Joker, and the film was shot in Chicago, which stood in for Gotham.

Description: A Hollywood stunt driver moonlights as a getaway driver, leading to a night of violence and retribution. The film's use of neon lights and darkness adds to its stylish, moody atmosphere.

Fact: The film's soundtrack, featuring Cliff Martinez's synth score, became iconic, and Ryan Gosling did most of his own driving stunts.

Description: A group of bank robbers from Charlestown, Boston, pull off heists while trying to escape their criminal past. The night scenes in Boston are pivotal, highlighting the city's dual nature of beauty and danger.

Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, grew up in Charlestown, lending authenticity to the setting.

Description: A driven young man stumbles upon the world of LA crime journalism, where he becomes a "nightcrawler," filming accidents and crimes for profit. The film's nocturnal setting amplifies the sense of isolation and desperation.

Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal lost significant weight for the role, and the film was shot on location in Los Angeles, capturing the city's dark underbelly.

Description: A sinister preacher with "LOVE" and "HATE" tattooed on his knuckles hunts for hidden money, terrorizing a small town at night. The film's use of darkness and shadows creates a haunting, gothic atmosphere.

Fact: Robert Mitchum's performance as the villainous preacher is considered one of the greatest in film history, and the film was directed by Charles Laughton in his only directorial effort.