If you enjoyed the intense action and gripping revenge story of '22 Bullets' (2010), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping thrills, complex characters, and high-stakes drama. Whether you're a fan of crime sagas or revenge tales, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The French Connection (1971)
Description: A gritty police procedural that follows the relentless pursuit of a heroin smuggling ring. Its realistic portrayal of law enforcement and crime, along with its iconic car chase scene, has influenced countless films in the genre.
Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and features one of the most famous car chases in cinema history.


Scarface (1983)
Description: A brutal and iconic rise-and-fall story of a Cuban immigrant who becomes a powerful drug lord. Its unrelenting violence, themes of ambition, and ultimate downfall make it a quintessential crime drama.
Fact: The film's famous line 'Say hello to my little friend' was improvised by Al Pacino during filming.


The Untouchables (1987)
Description: A stylish and dramatic retelling of the battle between law enforcement and Al Capone during Prohibition. Its blend of historical crime, moral dilemmas, and intense action sequences makes it a classic in the genre.
Fact: The film's iconic train station shootout scene was inspired by the famous 'Odessa Steps' sequence from the silent film 'Battleship Potemkin.'


Carlito's Way (1993)
Description: A tragic tale of a former gangster trying to leave his criminal past behind, only to be pulled back in by circumstances and old alliances. The film's exploration of redemption and inevitable downfall resonates deeply within the crime genre.
Fact: The movie was based on two novels by Edwin Torres, who was a former New York Supreme Court justice.


Heat (1995)
Description: A masterful crime epic that explores the lives of both criminals and the detectives pursuing them, featuring meticulously planned heists and intense confrontations. The film's blend of action, drama, and psychological depth makes it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The famous shootout scene in downtown Los Angeles was filmed without any digital effects, using real blanks and careful choreography.


Ronin (1998)
Description: A high-octane thriller about a group of mercenaries hired to steal a mysterious briefcase, featuring intricate heists and betrayals. The film's focus on professional criminals and elaborate action sequences aligns well with similar crime films.
Fact: The car chases in the film were choreographed by Jean-Pierre Jarier, a former Formula One driver, giving them a unique authenticity.


The Departed (2006)
Description: A high-stakes crime thriller centered around undercover agents and moles within the police and organized crime. Its themes of deception, loyalty, and violent retribution are hallmarks of the genre.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong movie 'Infernal Affairs' and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The Town (2010)
Description: A tense heist thriller set in Boston, focusing on the lives of career criminals and their struggles with loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. The film's emphasis on high-stakes crime and the personal toll it takes aligns with the themes of many gritty crime dramas.
Fact: Ben Affleck not only starred in but also directed the film, which was based on the novel 'Prince of Thieves' by Chuck Hogan.


Gomorrah (2008)
Description: A stark and unflinching look at the Camorra crime syndicate in Naples, offering a hyper-realistic portrayal of organized crime's impact on society. Its documentary-style approach and brutal honesty set it apart from more glamorized depictions.
Fact: The film is based on the non-fiction book by Roberto Saviano, who has lived under police protection due to threats from the Camorra.


A Prophet (2009)
Description: A gripping crime drama that delves deep into the underworld, showcasing the transformation of a young man navigating the brutal hierarchies of organized crime. Its raw and intense portrayal of criminal life mirrors the gritty realism and moral complexities often found in similar films.
Fact: The film won the Grand Prix at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.
