If you're a fan of the enigmatic and visually striking 'Mr. Arkadin' (1955), directed by Orson Welles, you'll love this curated list of 10 similar films and shows. This article explores titles that share its themes of mystery, power, and moral ambiguity, offering a mix of classic and contemporary picks. Whether you're drawn to its noir aesthetics or intricate storytelling, these recommendations will keep you captivated.

The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Description: A hardboiled detective story with intricate plotting, morally ambiguous characters, and a central mystery involving international intrigue.
Fact: This was the third film adaptation of the novel, but the first to use the original novel's ending.


Double Indemnity (1944)
Description: A classic film noir exploring themes of greed, manipulation and fatalism, with sharp dialogue and shadowy cinematography.
Fact: The screenplay was co-written by Raymond Chandler, who reportedly hated working in Hollywood.


The Big Sleep (1946)
Description: Features a famously convoluted plot involving multiple criminal schemes, with a world-weary detective protagonist navigating moral ambiguity.
Fact: The plot was so confusing that even the screenwriters couldn't determine who committed one of the murders.


Notorious (1946)
Description: A suspenseful tale of espionage and betrayal, with complex character relationships and psychological depth beneath its thriller surface.
Fact: The famous extended kissing scene was a way to circumvent the Production Code's three-second limit on kisses.


The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Description: Features a convoluted plot involving deception and double-crosses, with visually stunning sequences and a cynical view of human nature.
Fact: The hall of mirrors climax was so dangerous that lead actors refused to perform it, requiring stunt doubles.


The Third Man (1949)
Description: A noir thriller with a morally ambiguous protagonist navigating a shadowy underworld, featuring striking cinematography and a labyrinthine plot.
Fact: The film's iconic zither score was composed by Anton Karas, a musician discovered playing in a Vienna wine bar.


The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
Description: A crime drama examining the planning and aftermath of a heist, with emphasis on character psychology and the inevitability of failure.
Fact: The film was groundbreaking in its sympathetic portrayal of criminals as complex human beings.


Strangers on a Train (1951)
Description: A psychological thriller exploring the idea of exchanged crimes, with tension built through visual storytelling and moral complexity.
Fact: The famous carousel sequence was so dangerous that the actors were actually terrified during filming.


The Killing (1956)
Description: A heist film with non-linear storytelling, focusing on flawed characters whose perfect crime unravels due to human weakness.
Fact: The film's tight budget forced the use of stock footage for some exterior shots, including the airport sequence.


Touch of Evil (1958)
Description: A crime drama with a complex narrative structure, exploring themes of corruption and betrayal, set against a seedy border town backdrop.
Fact: The famous opening tracking shot was originally intended to be even longer, but was cut down for pacing reasons.
