If you loved the tense, morally complex thriller 'A Simple Plan' (1999), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that share its themes of greed, betrayal, and the unraveling of ordinary lives. Whether you're a fan of crime dramas or psychological suspense, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Blood Simple (1984)
Description: A neo-noir crime thriller where a simple plan of infidelity and murder unravels into a series of misunderstandings and brutal consequences.
Fact: This was the directorial debut of the Coen brothers. The title comes from a term in Dashiell Hammett's novel 'Red Harvest.'
Watch Now 
A Perfect World (1993)
Description: A crime drama that explores themes of morality, redemption, and the consequences of choices, set against a rural American backdrop.
Fact: The film was a collaboration between Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner, who initially had creative differences but later reconciled.
Watch Now 
The Last Seduction (1994)
Description: A neo-noir thriller featuring a femme fatale who manipulates those around her for personal gain, leading to a web of deceit and violence.
Fact: Linda Fiorentino's performance was highly praised, but she was ineligible for an Oscar because the film aired on HBO before its theatrical release.
Watch Now 
Shallow Grave (1994)
Description: A gripping thriller about three friends who discover a suitcase full of money, leading to mistrust, violence, and moral decay.
Fact: This was Danny Boyle's feature film debut. The movie was a critical and commercial success, helping launch Boyle's career.
Watch Now 
Fargo (1996)
Description: A dark crime thriller set in a snowy, rural environment, featuring ordinary people caught in a web of greed and violence, leading to disastrous consequences.
Fact: The film's iconic wood chipper scene was inspired by a real-life murder case. The movie's opening claims it's based on a true story, but it's entirely fictional.
Watch Now 
The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)
Description: A black-and-white neo-noir about a barber whose life spirals out of control after a blackmail scheme goes awry, exploring themes of fate and existentialism.
Fact: The film was shot in color and then converted to black-and-white to achieve a specific visual style. It won the Best Director award at Cannes.
Watch Now 
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)
Description: A crime drama about a botched robbery orchestrated by two brothers, leading to a cascade of tragic and irreversible consequences.
Fact: This was Sidney Lumet's final film before his death. The script was written by Kelly Masterson, a first-time screenwriter.
Watch Now 
The Ice Harvest (2005)
Description: A darkly comedic crime film about a botched heist and the ensuing paranoia and betrayal among the perpetrators, set against a bleak winter backdrop.
Fact: The film was shot in just 35 days. It's based on a novel by Scott Phillips, who also wrote the screenplay.
Watch Now 
The Lookout (2007)
Description: A psychological crime thriller about a man with memory issues who gets entangled in a heist, leading to a tense and unpredictable outcome.
Fact: The script was on the 'Black List' of best unproduced screenplays for years before being made. Joseph Gordon-Levitt trained with a brain injury specialist to prepare for his role.
Watch Now 
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A tense, morally complex crime story where a seemingly simple plan spirals into chaos, driven by greed and fate, with a stark, unforgiving tone.
Fact: The film's antagonist, Anton Chigurh, was ranked as one of the greatest villains in cinema history. The movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Watch Now 
