10 Movies & Shows Like The Big Clock

Description: A quintessential noir with a hard-boiled detective navigating a labyrinth of lies and betrayal, underscored by a moody, atmospheric tone.

Fact: This was the third film adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's novel. It marked John Huston's directorial debut and is often credited with defining the noir genre.

Description: A psychological thriller with noir elements, exploring the darkness lurking beneath small-town Americana and featuring a chilling cat-and-mouse dynamic.

Fact: Alfred Hitchcock considered this his personal favorite of his films. The story was partly inspired by real-life serial killer Earle Leonard Nelson.

Description: A classic film noir featuring a morally ambiguous protagonist caught in a web of deceit and crime, with sharp dialogue and shadowy cinematography.

Fact: The screenplay was co-written by Raymond Chandler and Billy Wilder, marking Chandler's first foray into screenwriting. The film was initially controversial for its depiction of murder and adultery.

Description: A sultry noir with themes of jealousy, revenge, and dangerous love, highlighted by glamorous yet shadowy visuals and a magnetic femme fatale.

Fact: Rita Hayworth's performance and her iconic 'Put the Blame on Mame' number became legendary. The film was initially criticized for its risqué content but later gained acclaim.

Description: A dark, fatalistic noir with a non-linear narrative, exploring crime, betrayal, and the inescapable past through stark, shadow-filled cinematography.

Fact: The film was based on a short story by Ernest Hemingway. It marked Burt Lancaster's film debut and launched his successful Hollywood career.

Description: A masterful blend of noir and espionage thriller, featuring themes of trust, betrayal, and dangerous romance, with taut suspense and psychological depth.

Fact: The film features one of the longest uninterrupted kisses in cinema history, cleverly edited to comply with the Hays Code's restrictions. The uranium MacGuffin was inspired by real post-war espionage concerns.

Description: A steamy, fatalistic noir about passion and murder, featuring morally compromised characters and a relentless sense of impending doom.

Fact: The film was based on James M. Cain's controversial novel, which was banned in Boston for its explicit content. This was Lana Turner's first major dramatic role.

Description: A quintessential noir with a doomed protagonist, complex flashback narrative, and themes of fate and betrayal, all wrapped in moody visuals.

Fact: The film was shot on location in California and Mexico, giving it a distinctive visual authenticity. It's often cited as one of the greatest film noirs ever made.

Description: A visually striking noir with a labyrinthine plot, filled with twists, double-crosses, and a famously surreal hall of mirrors climax.

Fact: Orson Welles drastically altered Rita Hayworth's image by cutting and dyeing her famous red hair blonde for the role. The film's budget ballooned due to extensive reshoots.

Description: A gripping tale of intrigue and deception set in post-war Vienna, featuring stunning black-and-white cinematography and a haunting zither score.

Fact: The film's iconic sewer chase scene was shot on location in Vienna's actual underground tunnels. Orson Welles' famous 'cuckoo clock' speech was improvised by him.