If you're a fan of the gritty action and suspense of 'Good Guys Wear Black' (1978), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores films and series that capture the same blend of martial arts, espionage, and 70s-era tough-guy charm. Whether you're revisiting Chuck Norris's breakout role or discovering it for the first time, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Bullitt (1968)
Description: A crime thriller known for its realistic portrayal of police work and groundbreaking car chase sequences, emphasizing tension and procedural detail.
Fact: The car chase scene was revolutionary for its time and set a new standard for action sequences in cinema.


Dirty Harry (1971)
Description: A hard-edged action film with a lone-wolf cop protagonist who operates outside the rules to take down criminals, blending violence with a cynical view of justice.
Fact: The famous 'Do I feel lucky?' line was improvised and became one of the most iconic quotes in film history.


The French Connection (1971)
Description: A gritty crime thriller with intense action sequences and a focus on law enforcement battling organized crime, featuring a morally ambiguous protagonist.
Fact: The car chase scene is considered one of the greatest in cinema history and was filmed without permits, using real New York City streets.


The Getaway (1972)
Description: A fast-paced crime drama with a focus on a fugitive couple on the run, blending action, suspense, and a gritty, realistic tone.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Texas, adding to its authentic, rough-around-the-edges feel.


The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
Description: A bleak, character-driven crime story focusing on the moral compromises and desperation of small-time criminals, with a documentary-like realism.
Fact: The film is praised for its authentic dialogue and unglamorous portrayal of the criminal underworld.


The Outfit (1973)
Description: A crime film centered on revenge and loyalty within the criminal underworld, featuring a stoic protagonist navigating a world of betrayal.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Richard Stark, a pseudonym for acclaimed crime writer Donald E. Westlake.


The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: A high-stakes crime thriller involving a hostage situation and a battle of wits between criminals and authorities, with a tense, urban setting.
Fact: The film's use of color-coded aliases for the criminals inspired similar tactics in later heist movies.


The Killer Elite (1975)
Description: An action-packed thriller about mercenaries and betrayal, with elaborate fight sequences and a focus on professional killers operating in the shadows.
Fact: The film features some of the most intricate and realistic hand-to-hand combat scenes of its time.


The Yakuza (1974)
Description: A crime drama exploring themes of honor and revenge within the Japanese underworld, blending action with a deep cultural context.
Fact: The film was one of the first Hollywood productions to delve deeply into the rituals and codes of the yakuza.


Rolling Thunder (1977)
Description: A revenge thriller with a veteran protagonist seeking justice through violent means, featuring raw, unflinching action and a dark tone.
Fact: The screenplay was co-written by Paul Schrader, known for his work on other gritty, character-driven films.
