If you loved the gritty, high-stakes drama of 'Sexy Beast' (2024), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same intense energy, dark humor, and criminal underworld vibes. Whether you're craving more heists, complex characters, or razor-sharp dialogue, these picks will keep you hooked.

Get Carter (1971)
Description: A gritty and uncompromising revenge thriller set in the criminal underworld, with a focus on the protagonist's relentless pursuit of justice.
Fact: The film's iconic scene of Michael Caine throwing a shotgun into the sea was improvised on the spot.


The Long Good Friday (1980)
Description: A tense and gripping crime drama that follows a London gangster as his empire begins to crumble, with a strong focus on character and atmosphere.
Fact: Bob Hoskins' performance in this film is often cited as one of the greatest in British cinema.


Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Description: A gritty crime caper with a nonlinear narrative, showcasing the chaotic and often violent lives of small-time criminals.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget of £


The Limey (1999)
Description: A stylish and nonlinear revenge thriller that explores themes of loss and redemption, with a standout performance from its lead actor.
Fact: The film uses flashbacks to a 1967 film, 'Poor Cow,' to provide backstory for the protagonist, creating a unique narrative structure.


Sexy Beast (2000)
Description: A brutal and darkly funny crime film that explores the psychological toll of a life of crime, with a standout performance from its antagonist.
Fact: The film's iconic 'No, no, no, no, no!' line was improvised by actor Ben Kingsley.


Snatch (2000)
Description: A darkly comedic crime film with a focus on the criminal underworld, featuring intricate plots, sharp dialogue, and a mix of violence and humor.
Fact: The film's famous 'bullet tooth Tony' scene was improvised by actor Vinnie Jones, who was a former professional footballer.


Layer Cake (2004)
Description: A stylish crime thriller that delves into the complexities of the drug trade, with a protagonist trying to navigate a world of betrayal and violence.
Fact: Daniel Craig's performance in this film reportedly helped him land the role of James Bond.


In Bruges (2008)
Description: A darkly comedic crime film that blends humor with existential themes, as two hitmen grapple with guilt and morality in a picturesque setting.
Fact: The film's script was written in just three weeks, and the director initially struggled to find funding due to its unconventional tone.


RocknRolla (2008)
Description: A fast-paced crime drama with a focus on the seedy underbelly of London, featuring a mix of humor, violence, and intricate plotting.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be the first in a trilogy, but the sequels were never made.


Killing Them Softly (2012)
Description: A bleak and violent crime film that explores themes of greed, betrayal, and the futility of the criminal lifestyle.
Fact: The film's soundtrack features a haunting cover of 'Love Letters' by Ketty Lester, which sets the tone for the movie's melancholic atmosphere.
