Industrial zones, with their sprawling factories, abandoned warehouses, and shadowy corners, provide the perfect setting for crime films. These locations not only offer a visually compelling backdrop but also symbolize the harsh realities of urban decay and economic struggle. Here are ten films that utilize these settings to tell gripping stories of crime, corruption, and survival, each adding a unique flavor to the genre.

Heat (1995)
Description: Michael Mann's epic crime saga features a cat-and-mouse game between a meticulous bank robber and an equally determined detective. The industrial landscapes of Los Angeles, including the Port of Los Angeles, serve as a stark setting for their confrontations.
Fact: The film's famous diner scene was improvised by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. The movie was inspired by real-life events involving Chicago police officer Chuck Adamson and criminal Neil McCauley.


The Salton Sea (2002)
Description: This neo-noir crime thriller uses the desolate, industrial landscape of the Salton Sea to reflect the protagonist's inner turmoil as he navigates a world of drug deals and undercover work.
Fact: The film's setting was chosen to symbolize the character's emotional state, with the Salton Sea representing a place of decay and lost dreams.


The Departed (2006)
Description: Set in Boston, this film delves into the gritty underworld of organized crime, where an undercover cop and a mole in the police force try to outwit each other. The industrial backdrop of Boston's shipyards and docks adds a layer of authenticity to the film's tension.
Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. The film's ending was kept secret from most of the cast to ensure genuine reactions.


The Lookout (2007)
Description: While not entirely set in industrial zones, the film features a bank heist planned in such areas, highlighting the isolation and vulnerability of these locations.
Fact: Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character has a brain injury, which was a unique challenge for him to portray. The film's writer-director, Scott Frank, is known for his work on crime films like "Get Shorty."


Eastern Promises (2007)
Description: David Cronenberg's film dives into the dark world of the Russian mafia in London, with scenes set in industrial areas that reflect the cold, harsh reality of their criminal activities.
Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role, including the Cyrillic alphabet. The film's famous bathhouse fight scene was shot in one continuous take.


The Town (2010)
Description: This film explores the lives of bank robbers in Charlestown, Boston, known for its high rate of armed robberies. The industrial setting of the neighborhood, with its factories and warehouses, plays a crucial role in the heists and the characters' lives.
Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, grew up in Charlestown and drew inspiration from his childhood experiences. The movie was shot on location in Charlestown.


Out of the Furnace (2013)
Description: Set in the rust belt of America, this film explores the lives of two brothers, one of whom gets involved with a criminal element in the industrial wastelands of Pennsylvania.
Fact: The film was shot in Braddock, Pennsylvania, which provided an authentic backdrop for the story. Christian Bale lost weight for his role to portray a steelworker.


The Iceman (2012)
Description: This biographical crime thriller about Richard Kuklinski, a notorious hitman, includes scenes in industrial settings where his crimes take place, adding to the chilling atmosphere.
Fact: Michael Shannon, who played Kuklinski, met with the real-life daughters of the killer to prepare for his role.


The Drop (2014)
Description: Set in Brooklyn, this film revolves around a bar that serves as a money drop for local mobsters. The industrial feel of the neighborhood, with its old factories and warehouses, sets the stage for a tale of crime, loyalty, and redemption.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Dennis Lehane titled "Animal Rescue." Tom Hardy's character adopts a pit bull in the movie, which was his real-life dog.


The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
Description: While not exclusively set in industrial zones, the film features scenes in such areas, particularly during the motorcycle stunts and heists, emphasizing the gritty, working-class environment.
Fact: Ryan Gosling learned to ride a motorcycle for his role, performing many of his own stunts. The film's title is a translation of the Mohawk name for the city of Schenectady, New York.
