If you loved the gripping tension and gritty realism of Nighthawks (2019), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that deliver similar thrills, from high-stakes crime dramas to intense character-driven narratives. Whether you're a fan of Sylvester Stallone's iconic role or just crave more adrenaline-pumping action, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Description: A masterclass in psychological horror and crime investigation, featuring a young FBI trainee's harrowing encounter with a brilliant but monstrous serial killer.
Fact: It is one of only three films to win the 'Big Five' Academy Awards: Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay.


Se7en (1995)
Description: A grim, stylized crime thriller that explores the depths of human depravity through a series of gruesome, thematically linked murders.
Fact: The opening title sequence, designed by Kyle Cooper, is often cited as one of the most influential in film history.


Zodiac (2007)
Description: A meticulous and haunting portrayal of the hunt for a notorious serial killer, blending true crime with a deep dive into obsession and the elusive nature of truth.
Fact: The movie is based on real-life events and includes detailed recreations of the Zodiac killer's letters and ciphers.


The Little Things (2021)
Description: A crime thriller that examines the psychological toll of hunting a serial killer, with a narrative that emphasizes the small, often overlooked details that can break or make a case.
Fact: The script was written in the 1990s but wasn't produced until decades later, with the original intended cast being different from the final one.


Prisoners (2013)
Description: A tense, morally complex thriller that questions the limits of justice and the lengths one will go to protect their family, set against a bleak, atmospheric backdrop.
Fact: The film's cinematography uses a desaturated color palette to enhance its grim and oppressive tone.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: A dark, gripping mystery that intertwines investigative journalism with personal vengeance, featuring a fiercely independent and enigmatic protagonist.
Fact: The original Swedish title translates to 'Men Who Hate Women,' reflecting the book's central theme more directly.


Gone Girl (2014)
Description: A twist-filled psychological thriller that deconstructs relationships and media manipulation, with a narrative that keeps viewers questioning the truth.
Fact: The author of the novel also wrote the screenplay, ensuring the film stayed true to the book's intricate plot.


Wind River (2017)
Description: A bleak, atmospheric crime drama set in a harsh, isolated environment, focusing on the investigation of a brutal crime and the personal demons of those involved.
Fact: The film sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the U.S.


The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
Description: Explores the dark underbelly of suburban life and the chilling realization that evil can lurk in the most ordinary places, focusing on a teenager's unsettling discovery about his family.
Fact: The movie's title refers to a specific type of knot used by serial killers, which plays a significant role in the plot.


The Night Clerk (2020)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into voyeurism and the blurred lines between observation and participation, featuring a protagonist with a unique perspective on human behavior.
Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days, and the lead actor spent time with individuals on the autism spectrum to prepare for his role.
