If you loved the gritty, revenge-fueled action of 'Payback' (1999), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that deliver the same raw intensity, dark humor, and relentless pursuit of justice. Whether you're a fan of Mel Gibson's antihero or just crave more hard-boiled crime thrillers, these picks will satisfy your appetite for vengeance.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Description: A gritty, nonlinear crime story about a botched heist and the ensuing chaos among the criminals, marked by sharp dialogue and violent confrontations.
Fact: The film was shot in just 21 days on a tight budget. The iconic 'ear scene' was inspired by a real-life incident the director read about.


Casino (1995)
Description: A sprawling crime epic detailing the inner workings of a Las Vegas casino, with themes of greed, betrayal, and violent power struggles.
Fact: The film's script was based on real-life events and people. Over 100 real-life casino employees were used as extras for authenticity.


Heat (1995)
Description: A gripping crime drama centered around professional thieves and the detectives pursuing them, known for its intense action sequences and deep character studies.
Fact: The famous shootout scene was recorded with live ammunition to enhance realism. The diner scene between De Niro and Pacino was their first on-screen meeting.


The Usual Suspects (1995)
Description: A crime thriller with a complex narrative structure, featuring a group of criminals brought together for a heist, filled with deception and unexpected twists.
Fact: The film's iconic line-up scene was improvised by the actors. The twist ending was kept secret from most of the cast until filming was complete.


Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Description: A darkly comedic crime caper involving a high-stakes card game, a botched robbery, and multiple criminal factions colliding in chaotic fashion.
Fact: The film's budget was so low that some actors wore their own clothes as costumes. Many of the extras were friends of the director and crew.


Ronin (1998)
Description: A sleek action thriller about a team of mercenaries hired to steal a mysterious briefcase, featuring elaborate heists and breathtaking car chases.
Fact: The car chase scenes were filmed without CGI, using real drivers at high speeds. The script went through over 30 drafts before production.


Snatch (2000)
Description: A fast-paced crime comedy with intersecting storylines, eccentric characters, and a focus on underground boxing and diamond heists.
Fact: Brad Pitt's character's dialogue was intentionally hard to understand, adding to the humor. The film features real bare-knuckle boxing fighters in minor roles.


The Italian Job (2003)
Description: A stylish heist film centered around a gold bullion robbery, with clever planning, high-tech gadgets, and thrilling getaway sequences.
Fact: The Mini Coopers used in the film were specially modified for the stunts. The famous cliffhanger ending was left open for a potential sequel.


The Departed (2006)
Description: A high-stakes crime thriller about undercover cops and moles in the Boston underworld, filled with tension, double-crosses, and brutal violence.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong movie 'Infernal Affairs.' Jack Nicholson improvised many of his most memorable lines.


The Town (2010)
Description: A tense heist drama set in Boston, focusing on a group of bank robbers and the FBI agent determined to bring them down, with strong character dynamics.
Fact: Many of the heist scenes were filmed in actual Boston locations. The actors underwent extensive training to handle weapons realistically.
