If you loved the gripping crime drama 'True Confessions' (1981), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same intense atmosphere, moral dilemmas, and noir-inspired storytelling. Whether you're a fan of Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall's powerhouse performances or the film's dark exploration of corruption and faith, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

The Long Goodbye (1973)
Description: A modern take on noir, featuring a laid-back detective who gets embroiled in a complex case involving betrayal, murder, and shifting loyalties.
Fact: The film was a radical departure from traditional noir, set in 1970s Los Angeles. It initially received mixed reviews but later gained a cult following.


Chinatown (1974)
Description: A neo-noir film that delves into corruption, moral ambiguity, and a dark underbelly of a city, featuring a private investigator uncovering unsettling truths.
Fact: The film's famous line 'Forget it, Jake, it's Chinatown' was almost cut from the final script. The movie was shot in just 35 days.


The Conversation (1974)
Description: A psychological thriller about surveillance and paranoia, where a sound engineer becomes obsessed with a recording that may reveal a crime.
Fact: The film was shot in San Francisco, with many scenes filmed guerrilla-style to capture authentic urban tension. It won the Palme d'Or at Cannes.


Night Moves (1975)
Description: A detective story with a melancholic tone, following a private investigator whose personal life unravels as he delves deeper into a mysterious case.
Fact: The film's title is a double entendre, referring both to the protagonist's nocturnal investigations and the game of chess, a recurring motif.


Prince of the City (1981)
Description: A gripping crime drama based on a true story, focusing on a detective who cooperates with investigators but faces moral and ethical dilemmas.
Fact: The film's screenplay was adapted from a book by the same name, which detailed the real-life case of a corrupt NYPD detective. It was shot on location in New York.


The Two Jakes (1990)
Description: A sequel to a classic noir, this film continues the story of a private investigator entangled in a web of deceit, real estate schemes, and personal demons.
Fact: Jack Nicholson not only starred in the film but also directed it. The production faced numerous delays, taking over a decade to complete after the original.


Mulholland Falls (1996)
Description: A period crime drama set in the 1950s, focusing on a secret police squad dealing with corruption, murder, and political intrigue.
Fact: The film's title refers to a fictional LAPD squad. It was inspired by real-life police units that operated with little oversight during the era.


L.A. Confidential (1997)
Description: A crime drama set in Los Angeles, exploring themes of police corruption, scandal, and the blurred lines between justice and personal vendettas.
Fact: The film was based on James Ellroy's novel, which was inspired by real-life LAPD scandals. It won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger.


The Black Dahlia (2006)
Description: A gritty crime thriller based on a real-life unsolved murder, featuring detectives navigating a labyrinth of Hollywood glamour and dark secrets.
Fact: The film's title refers to the infamous 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short. The screenplay was adapted from James Ellroy's novel of the same name.


The Late Show (1977)
Description: A blend of noir and comedy, featuring an aging detective teaming up with a quirky client to solve a murder, with a mix of humor and grit.
Fact: The film marked the directorial debut of Robert Benton, who later won Oscars for 'Kramer vs. Kramer' and 'Places in the Heart.'
