Top 10 Thrillers About Ex-Criminals

Description: Eddie Coyle, a small-time gunrunner, tries to navigate his way out of a life of crime by cooperating with the police, but his past catches up with him. This film is a gritty, realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld.

Fact: The film is often cited as one of the best crime films ever made, with Robert Mitchum delivering a career-defining performance.

Description: A former mob hitman, Macklin, is released from prison and immediately seeks revenge on those who betrayed him. His journey back into the criminal world is fraught with danger and moral ambiguity.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Richard Stark, and it's noted for its gritty realism and the portrayal of the criminal underworld.

Description: A career criminal, Jack Foley, escapes from prison and crosses paths with a U.S. Marshal, Karen Sisco. Their cat-and-mouse game turns into a complex dance of attraction and deception, making this film a standout in the genre of ex-con thrillers.

Fact: The film was adapted from Elmore Leonard's novel of the same name, and Steven Soderbergh's direction brought a stylish flair to the narrative.

Description: An ex-con from England travels to Los Angeles to investigate the death of his daughter, leading him into a world of drug deals and double-crosses. The film's non-linear storytelling adds to its intensity.

Fact: The film features a unique editing style, with scenes often overlapping and dialogue being repeated or overlapped for effect.

Description: Tom Stall, a small-town diner owner, becomes a local hero after stopping a robbery, but his past as a violent criminal resurfaces, threatening his new life. This film delves into the psychological and moral complexities of leaving one's criminal past behind.

Fact: The film was adapted from a graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke.

Description: This film follows a group of bank robbers in Boston who are trying to pull off one last heist before going straight. The tension escalates when one of them falls for a bank manager they've taken hostage, blurring the lines between their criminal past and the possibility of a new life.

Fact: The movie was filmed in real locations in Boston, including the famous robbery scene at the North End branch of the Cambridge Savings Bank.

Description: Based on the true story of Richard Kuklinski, a notorious hitman who managed to keep his family life separate from his criminal activities. The film explores his attempts to leave the life of crime behind, only to be drawn back in by his past.

Fact: Michael Shannon's portrayal of Kuklinski was critically acclaimed, showcasing the chilling duality of his character.

Description: Bob Saginowski, a bartender, finds himself in the middle of a robbery gone wrong at the bar where he works, which is used as a "drop" for mob money. His past as an ex-con comes back to haunt him as he navigates through a web of crime, loyalty, and betrayal.

Fact: This film marked the final screen performance of James Gandolfini, who passed away shortly after filming.

Description: Luke, a motorcycle stunt rider, turns to bank robbery to provide for his newborn son, leading to a confrontation with a rookie cop, Avery Cross. The film spans generations, showing how the past can shape the future.

Fact: The film was shot in Schenectady, New York, where the story is set, giving it an authentic feel.

Description: Two hitmen are hired to kill a former race car driver, but their curiosity leads them to unravel the man's past, revealing a story of love, betrayal, and a heist gone wrong. This film explores the consequences of a criminal's attempt to start anew.

Fact: This was Ronald Reagan's last film role before entering politics, and it's known for its twist ending.