Best Film Noirs
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- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsJames StewartKim NovakBarbara Bel GeddesA former San Francisco police detective juggles wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with the hauntingly beautiful woman he has been hired to trail, who may be deeply disturbed.Hitchcock's great masterpiece, with incredible use of color, inventive cinematic technique, and a truly haunting story. Hypnotic cinematography, excellent performances, and one of Bernard Hermann's best scores highlight this tale of a man with an obsessive death wish for the past. Whether or not this film can truly be considered a "film noir" in the classic tradition is hotly debated. In any event, it is a "noir" of some sort, even if it is the only noir of its kind. which may be a possibility. Why would this film be my top noir? Because it is utterly unique, dripping with atmosphere, and totally unforgettable in almost every way. Even seeing this movie a single time will be enough to etch many of the aspects of the film into your memory in a permanent way. It is nothing but maximum quality from first frame to last. There is possibly nothing like it in cinematic history. It is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience that any serious cinephile should see. The final sequence is among the most impacting and jarring in cinematic history.
- DirectorCharles LaughtonStarsRobert MitchumShelley WintersLillian GishA self-proclaimed preacher marries a gullible widow whose young children are reluctant to tell him where their real dad hid the $10,000 he'd stolen in a robbery.The greatest noirs often incorporate dimensions of other genres into their tapestry. This film is a sort of horror, fantasy, and noir all in one. It almost resembles a Grimm's fairy tale in the depths of its darkness and the keenness of its moral componentry. Rarely has a film ever combined such technical genius, acting prowess, originality, and design like this one does. Robert Mitchum's nefarious "preacher" is one of the quintessential villains from not only film noir, but from cinema itself. A particular scene from this film stands out: where Lillian Gish's character and Mitchum's preacher sing 'Leaning on the Everlasting arms' against one another during a key standoff. It is a pity that this was Charles Laughton's only film. He was so discouraged by the initially negative critical reception that he gave up on directing any future films. If only he had left us more masterpieces in this vein.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsWilliam HoldenGloria SwansonErich von StroheimA screenwriter develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star determined to make a triumphant return.If a single movie defines the genre of "film noir," then it is this one or Double Indemnity. Everything about it is striking and memorable. From the beginning narration being revealed to be that of a dead man to the unbridled entitlement and lunacy of a film star who's fifteen minutes of fame has expired, this film is anything but conventional. The writing, direction, and acting are all among the best ever found in film. Billy Wilder made a number of great movies, but this is his best. The film depicts Hollywood as a place of vain narcissism and clutching, grasping egomania. Gloria Swanson is irreplaceable, and the closing scene, which is not coincidentally also the best scene in the film, is iconic: "I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille!" There is something of the macabre in this classic, with equal parts horror and comedy interwoven into it.
- DirectorCarol ReedStarsOrson WellesJoseph CottenAlida ValliPulp novelist Holly Martins travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, Harry Lime.What do you get when you have a Zither, Orson Welles, and slanted camera angles? Apparently, a masterpiece, because that's what The Third Man is. You could watch this movie once, not see it again for twenty years, and still remember many scenes. The Ferris wheel ride, the sewer chase, the balloon scene, and many more. What's not to like about this? Nothing. Every element of this film is excellent, and it is probably Carol Reed's masterpiece. This is easily a contender for best British film of all time. Ebert listed Harry Lime as his favorite film villain and said that no movie so captured the romance of going to the movies like this one. Lime's fingers clawing through the sewer grate is one of the great cinematic images.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsFred MacMurrayBarbara StanwyckEdward G. RobinsonA Los Angeles insurance representative lets an alluring housewife seduce him into a scheme of insurance fraud and murder that arouses the suspicion of his colleague, an insurance investigator.For many, this is "the" film noir. Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck act out the ultimate noir plot. Although I think Sunset Boulevard was slightly above this one, there are many who disagree with me. Many critics and fans have placed Double Indemnity at #1 on their list of the best noir films. Being a Billy Wilder film, everything about it of the most exquisite quality, and the performances are iconic. The dialogue, scenes, and plot are genre-defining. Stanwyck gives us the most quintessential femme fatale perhaps in all of movie history. You'll never look at an anklet the same way again.
- DirectorOrson WellesStarsCharlton HestonOrson WellesJanet LeighA stark, perverse story of murder, kidnapping and police corruption in a Mexican border town.It is no surprise that this film is the Citizen Kane of film noir - Welles directs it with the same level of genius as he did his first masterpiece. The opening sequence is one of the all-time technical marvels of filmmaking, and the rest of the film is nothing short of brilliant as well. The atmosphere, layers of mystery, and suspenseful intrigue combine to create such a thickly brooding aura that it borders on horror. This film draws the viewer in, creates an aesthetically pleasing nightmare, and leaves them with indelible memories of unique scenes and striking dialogue This is one of the greatest film noirs, as well as one of the last. This one is highly recommended not only for fans of the genre, but for cinephiles, classic movie buffs, and crime movie fanatics.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsJohn TravoltaUma ThurmanSamuel L. JacksonThe lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.Perhaps the most surprising thing about this film is the fact that despite its objectionable language and scenes, it delivers a morally sound conclusion. From a technical standpoint, what can we not say about this film? Pretty much everything is stellar. This should probably be classified as "Pulp Noir" because it almost makes its own new genre out of itself. The achronological, non-linear narrative creates a very unique flow to the film, and this aspect combined with all the other brilliant aspects of the film, set it apart from almost anything else of the decade. The dialogue and scenes are among the best in cinematic history. You are sure to remember and quote them from the time you see this movie onwards.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroJodie FosterCybill ShepherdA mentally unstable veteran works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action.Intense, brooding, disturbing. Perhaps never has the meltdown of an individual been captured so eloquently as in this savage, brutal portrayal of one man's deranged freefall into madness. Everything hits home: the cinematography and soundtrack especially are unforgettable. A psychological investigation of the life and times of Travis Bickle culminates in one of the most shocking sequences in cinema history. The ending is ambiguous and thought-provoking, and leaves a sizable debate in its wake as to "what really happened?" Probably the best scene is when Bickle pushes over the TV, a perfect picture of his mental state. De Niro's performance is probably the best of his career, or close to it.
- DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsJack NicholsonFaye DunawayJohn HustonA private detective hired to expose an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.The screenplay is frequently cited as one of the best, if not the best, of all screenplays in cinema history, and won the Oscar for Best Screenplay. It delivers one of the all time gut-punches. When you see Chinatown, you may forget everything in the movie, but still have certain scenes, such as the "nose" scene, or the "slap" scene, stamped onto your memory. The soundtrack, cinematography, dialogue, mystery, atmosphere, and really everything else is of the utmost impeccable quality, and Nicholson's performance is arguably his best. This was probably the first true "neo-noir" in the full sense and it perfectly recaptures the feel of the genre and breathes new life into it.
- DirectorCurtis HansonStarsKevin SpaceyRussell CroweGuy PearceAs corruption grows in 1950s Los Angeles, three policemen - one strait-laced, one brutal, and one sleazy - investigate a series of murders with their own brand of justice.L.A. Confidential proved that "they do make 'em like they used to." This movie made Guy Pearce and Russell Crowe stars, scored big at the box office, impressed critics, and was nominated for nine Oscars, winning two. It would have won more Oscars had it not been for James Cameron's epic Titanic being its competitor in every other category. Everything about Confidential is fantastic. It was a brilliant choice to not attempt to use traditional Noir lighting in the film, with the director opting instead for more naturalistic lighting. This technique worked perfectly, capturing all the nostalgic set design and showcasing Los Angeles masterfully. It's hard not to love this movie. The "Rollo Tomassi" scene is one of the all time great movie moments.
- DirectorRobert RossenStarsBroderick CrawfordJohn IrelandJoanne DruThe rise and fall of a corrupt politician, who makes his friends richer and retains power by dint of a populist appeal.A great book adaptation based on Robert Penn Warren's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1946 novel of the same name, about the potential for corruption found in the sudden acquisition of great power. The film made Broderick Crawford a star, and the rest of the cast is superb as well. The film editors achieved one of the great feats of cinema, trimming the original version of the film (which ran over four hours) down to less than two hours. They accomplished this by focusing on the center of each scene regardless of what else was going on in it. This is one of the great cinematic tragedies, with great depth and scope.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartMary AstorGladys GeorgeSan Francisco private detective Sam Spade takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette, with the stakes rising after his partner is murdered.One of the all-time Hollywood classics. Unsurprisingly, this was one of the first 25 films selected by the Library of Congress to be included in the National Film Registry as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Technically brilliant, with extraordinary performances and direction, The Maltese Falcon set the standard for Film Noirs to come. Director of photography Arthur Edeson, who had a background that included Universal's monster films, used low-key lighting and arresting angles to emphasize the nature of the characters and their actions, to great dramatic effect.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsCary GrantIngrid BergmanClaude RainsThe daughter of a convicted German spy is asked by American agents to gather information on a ring of German scientists in South America. How far will she have to go to ingratiate herself with them?One of Hitchcock's best works, and Roger Ebert's favorite of the Master of Suspense's films. Everything from A to Z in this film is fantastic. The film follows U.S. government agent T.R. Devlin (Grant), who enlists the help of Alicia Huberman (Bergman), the daughter of a German war criminal, to infiltrate a circle of executives of IG Farben hiding out in Rio de Janeiro after World War II. The situation becomes complicated when the two fall in love as Huberman is instructed to seduce Alex Sebastian (Rains), a Farben executive who had previously been infatuated with her.
- DirectorAlexander MackendrickStarsBurt LancasterTony CurtisSusan HarrisonPowerful but unethical Broadway columnist J.J. Hunsecker coerces unscrupulous press agent Sidney Falco into breaking up his sister's romance with a jazz musician.The Sweet Smell of Success is coming off of this movie, because everything about it succeeds, although it was a box office flop due to viewers originally finding it too static and talky. But that is the movie's strength: it is one of the definitive examples of how great dialogue can make a movie exceptional, although this isn't the only thing that this film has going for it. Highly recommend. The cinematography, screenplay, direction, and performances are exceptional. It has its own peculiar sense of cool, with gripping music (by Elmer Bernstein) and it drips with atmosphere.
- DirectorJacques TourneurStarsRobert MitchumJane GreerKirk DouglasA private eye escapes his past to run a gas station in a small town, but his past catches up with him. Now he must return to the big city world of danger, corruption, double crosses, and duplicitous dames.Hauntingly beautiful, this is one of the Flim Noirs that defines the genre. Dark cinematography, a complex plot, a true femme fatale, a man trying to escape from a life that keeps drawing him back in, and much more. The cast is fantastic, the technical elements are great, and the movie as a whole will stick in your mind. This is the magnum opus of director Jacques Tourner. The film and its performances are rightly considered archetypal.
- DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsGene HackmanRoy ScheiderFernando ReyA pair of NYPD detectives in the Narcotics Bureau stumble onto a heroin smuggling ring based in Marseilles, but stopping them and capturing their leaders proves an elusive goal.Gritty, grainy, and edgy. The French Connection broke new ground for stark realism, while simultaneously telling a compelling story with a thought-provoking conclusion that sets the whole film in another light and prompts an almost immediate rewatch. Nominated for eight Oscars, winning five. Gene Hackman's Popeye Doyle is one of the most memorable characters in cinema history. This film was one of Akira Kurosawa's favorites, and many other directors cite it as a profound influence on them. While most people remember it for the car chase scene, there are better car chase scenes in movie history, such as the one in Bullitt. However, there aren't many films more perfectly edited than this one. Any film editor should make this a part of his essential viewing in his training for his role.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsGlenn FordGloria GrahameJocelyn BrandoTough cop Dave Bannion takes on a politically powerful crime syndicate.Coffee was never as deadly as in this great Film Noir classic directed by Fritz Lang. The film starts off with a bang (literally) as we witness the suicide of a guilt-ridden figure, and it doesn't slow down from there. Glenn Ford plays his usual earnest hero, but Gloria Grahame steals the movie as an adorable ditz who proves to be the deciding factor in the story. Lee Marvin plays a truly despicable character and does it well. This movie has plenty of shocks, surprises, twists, turns, and suspense. Without a doubt, one of the best noirs of any kind, ever made.
- DirectorRobert AldrichStarsRalph MeekerAlbert DekkerPaul StewartA doomed female hitchhiker pulls Mike Hammer into a deadly whirlpool of intrigue, revolving around a mysterious "great whatsit".A seedy, steamy, almost sadistic Mike Hammer mystery that has been credited as a stylistic precursor to the French New Wave and had a considerable influence on a number of filmmakers, including François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, Alex Cox, and Quentin Tarantino. The "opening of the box" is without a doubt, one of the most shocking and exceptional scenes in movie history. Everything about this movie is fantastic: Ralph Meeker's Hammer is definitively excellent, the cinematography is exquisite, and the direction is superb.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsFarley GrangerRobert WalkerRuth RomanA psychopathic man tries to forcibly persuade a tennis star to agree to his theory that two strangers can get away with murder by submitting to his plan to kill the other's most-hated person.I saw this movie as a boy, and Robert Walker's performance as the archvillain Bruno Antony has never exited from my memory. It has to be one of the best acting jobs committed to film. It is tragic that he died at the age of 32. This is not only one of the best Film Noirs, but one of Hitchcock's best films from his long, storied career. This is one of the best technical movies of the era and is rightly studied in film classes across the world to this day. Absolutely a must-see.
- DirectorJules DassinStarsBarry FitzgeraldHoward DuffDorothy HartA step-by-step look at a murder investigation on the streets of New York.A groundbreaking film for various aspects of its realism, and nominated for numerous Oscars, winning two. The Naked City feels very "real," almost in the vein of The Bicycle Thief and seems to draw more on Italian Neorealism than on the Film Noirs that came before, but make no mistake, this classic is a prime example of Noir. There is something very good-natured about this movie, and it is immensely satisfying. Barry Fitzgerald is endearing as the pint-sized police Lieutenant Muldoon, and the supporting cast is magnificent. The cinematography is some of the best of the area, and justly won the Academy Award.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsGuy PearceCarrie-Anne MossJoe PantolianoA man with short-term memory loss attempts to track down his wife's murderer.Memento received Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing, and rightly so. Memento is probably one of the best edited films ever made - the editing makes the movie. Guy Pearce is fantastic in his role as the hero with short-term memory loss and the inability to form new memories. This movie is one of the best films of the 21st Century, and fires on all cylinders for a rousing experience. Memento was Christopher Nolan's breakthrough film, and to this day, one can make an argument that it is still his best movie he ever made. Fantastic from start to finish, and not to be missed. Neo-noir at its finest.
- DirectorAkira KurosawaStarsToshirô MifuneYutaka SadaTatsuya NakadaiAn executive of a Yokohama shoe company becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur's son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom.The original, often-imitated Kurosawa ransom classic with Toshiro Mifune at his finest as the beleaguered executive whose son is kidnapped and held. As with many of Kurosawa's films, it is considerably long, but feels much shorter. It is tight and compact, despite its length, and moves along steadily, never failing to absorb the audience into what is transpiring. The performances, technical aspects, writing, cinematography, all fantastic. One of the great films from Japan. Martin Scorsese considered this to be one of the 39 foreign films that every film student should see.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsHumphrey BogartLauren BacallJohn RidgelyPrivate detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy family. Before the complex case is over, he's seen murder, blackmail and what might be love.Almost universally considered to be one of the best Film Noirs, this one has atmosphere, mystery, intrigue, and great performances from all involved. Howard Hawks often said that a good movie has three good scenes and no bad ones. The Big Sleep meets that criterion. Bogart and Bacall married while waiting for the film's release, and their chemistry is immediately visible in the movie itself. The story itself is a Phillip Marlowe mystery based on the 1939 book of the same name by Raymond Chandler. The elements of sexual perversion found in the book are heavily reduced in the screenwriting to avoid offending the Hays Code office. The plot is convoluted, but the dialogue is fantastic. It's a required watch for fans of Noir, as well as any Bogie buffs and old movie afficionados.
- DirectorMike HodgesStarsMichael CaineIan HendryBritt EklandWhen his brother dies under mysterious circumstances in a car accident, London gangster Jack Carter travels to Newcastle to investigate.A lot of movies are allegedly about the evils of crime and how it doesn't pay. But none of them compare to Get Carter in portraying crime as a nasty, grimy, unrewarding business void of heroes or pleasant payoffs. This is a tight, economic little film. It has an amazing musical score, acting, and photography. Michael Caine is superb. There is no pretense in this film of portraying the protagonist as a good person, or even a person with redeeming qualities. It treats every other character like this too. Crime and its world is a dirty, draining, rotten business, and nothing shows that like this film. Get Carter is often considered one of the best films ever made in the UK, and while I wouldn't rank it at the top, for what it is, it's more than worth seeing.
- DirectorOrson WellesStarsRita HayworthOrson WellesEverett SloaneFascinated by gorgeous Mrs. Bannister, seaman Michael O'Hara joins a bizarre yachting cruise, and ends up mired in a complex murder plot.Welles works more of his movie magic with this entertaining Film Noir about a rough and tumble sailor who falls for an irresistible seductress. Twists and turns abound, as well as the usually technical ingenuity from Welles. Every technical aspect is superb, the performances are exceptional. The courtroom scene where Bannister interviews himself is a classic of cinema. The dream sequence and mirror scene are highlights. One of the best of the Film Noir genre but sure to please almost any viewer.
- DirectorOtto PremingerRouben MamoulianStarsGene TierneyDana AndrewsClifton WebbA police detective falls in love with the woman whose murder he is investigating.Often, when people think of Flim Noir, they think of Laura. While I wouldn't place it at the very top, I will give it a 10/10. Laura was nominated for five Oscars and won for its amazing cinematography. Clifton Webb gives one of the all-time great acting performances as Waldo Lydecker. Ebert says it well about Laura: "Film noir is known for its convoluted plots and arbitrary twists, but even in a genre that gave us The Maltese Falcon, this takes some kind of prize ... That Laura continues to weave a spell – and it does – is a tribute to style over sanity ... All of [the] absurdities and improbabilities somehow do not diminish the film's appeal. They may even add to it."
- DirectorRobert AltmanStarsElliott GouldNina van PallandtSterling HaydenPrivate investigator Philip Marlowe helps a friend out of a jam, but in doing so gets implicated in his wife's murder.One of the great curiosities from movie history, The Long Goodbye is a film like no other. Director Robert Altman's unique style creates an experience where the darkness of noir merges with comedy, satire, and mystery in a way that must be seen to be believed as actually credible. Just when you think the film is a light-hearted comedy, it veers off into the shadows of noir, shocking the audience with jarring violence and disturbing twists. Altman wanted to make the film a sort of Rip Van Marlowe, where Marlowe is transplanted from the 50's to the 70's, with his values intact in this radically different time. The film is eclectic, strange, and peculiar, but in an incredible way that somehow just magically works, with many scenes imprinted onto the memory.
- DirectorZoltan KordaStarsCharles BoyerAnn BlythJessica TandyA cheating husband is charged in the poisoning death of his invalid wife, in spite of other women and suicide also being suspected.A very underrated Film Noir with a screenplay by famous writer Aldous Huxley, and superb performances from excellent actors. The film is entirely unconventional and unique, with excellent production values. The characters and events are not typical and the human drama is compelling. This one doesn't get rated as highly as many of my other top picks, but I think it's quite good, because of its excellent story and performances. Huxley is considered a great writer and this was his first screenplay.
- DirectorRobert SiodmakStarsDorothy McGuireGeorge BrentEthel BarrymoreIn 1916, a shadowy serial killer is targeting women with "afflictions"; one night during a thunderstorm, the mute Helen feels menaced.Often considered the predecessor to the modern horror movie, the film oozes with atmosphere, is remarkably suspenseful, and is exceptional on a technical level, with amazing cinematography and performances. Ethel Barrymore won an Oscar for her performance in this film. A number of the scenes are striking, and the story moves along at a fine clip. The point-of-view cinematography deployed during scenes in which the killer stalks his victims is especially effective. Many of the cinematic techniques used in this film are exceptional. It is not completely a typical noir, and more of a psychological horror film with noir elements, but fans of the noir genre will not complain. Highly recommended.
- DirectorDavid MillerStarsJoan CrawfordJack PalanceGloria GrahameAfter an ambitious actor insinuates himself into the life of a wealthy middle-aged playwright and marries her, he plots with his mistress to murder her.A magnificent film noir, taut, tense, suspenseful to the last scene. Joan Crawford is exceptional as the unfortunate heroine, Palance and Grahame are superb as the villain and villainess, respectively. Everything technically about the movie is absolutely superb, especially the masterful cinematography. The finale is rousing, with excellent editing and scoring. The movie feels like a Hitchcockian masterpiece, and it was likely director David Miller's best film. Highly recommended.
- DirectorJean NegulescoStarsIda LupinoCornel WildeCeleste HolmA night club owner becomes infatuated with a torch singer and frames his best friend/manager for embezzlement when the chanteuse falls in love with him.
- DirectorH. Bruce HumberstoneStarsBetty GrableVictor MatureCarole LandisWhy is Inspector Ed Cornell trying to railroad Frankie Christopher for the murder of model Vicky Lynn?
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsLaurence OlivierJoan FontaineGeorge SandersA self-conscious woman juggles adjusting to her new role as an aristocrat's wife and avoiding being intimidated by his first wife's spectral presence.Yet another of Alfred Hitchcock's masterpieces, Rebecca is a striking early foray into the Film Noir genre, even if some do not consider this a true Noir. It was nominated for eleven Oscars and won two: Best Picture and Best Cinematography. The performances are magnificent, and the direction is superb. Everything about the film is fantastic. The story, as with most of Hitchcock's pictures, is excellent and both holds the viewers interest and wraps things up in a satisfying way.
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsJames CagneyVirginia MayoEdmond O'BrienA psychopathic criminal with a mother complex makes a daring break from prison and leads his old gang in a chemical plant payroll heist.James Cagney delivers one of the iconic film performances as a deranged, psychopathic murderer with a mother complex who is plotting a heist of epic proportions. White Heat set the standard for Noir heist stories, influencing later classics such as The Asphalt Jungle and The Killing. Edmund O'Brien shines as the government agent who infiltrates Cagney's gang to bring him down. Best scene is the explosive finale. "Made it, Ma! Top of the world!" Great direction from Raoul Walsh - arguably his best film.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsEdward G. RobinsonJoan BennettDan DuryeaA man in mid-life crisis befriends a young woman, though her fiancé persuades her to con him out of the fortune they mistakenly assume he possesses.This is probably the bleakest film noir ever made. Picture the bleakest possible outcome you could imagine for a film noir, and Scarlet Street will double it. This is one of Fritz Lang's better noirs and features fantastic cinematography and technical elements. Edward G. Robinson's performance is arresting, and the rest of the cast is fantastic. Robinson plays the ultimate simp, Joan Bennett is the exploitative femme fatale, and Dan Duryea acts one of his most memorable part as her rotten boyfriend. This is one of the quintessential noirs.
- DirectorJules DassinStarsRichard WidmarkGene TierneyGoogie WithersA small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter.A truly great Film Noir needs some element to it that uniquely belongs alone to itself. Night and City has one of the best elements of any Noir. His name is Gregorious the Great, portrayed by legendary Greco-Roman wrestler Stanislaus Zbyszko in one of only two film appearances. Zbyszko shines like a star, stealing every scene he's in. Director Dassin opted for authenticity, recruiting a wrestler who he could have act, instead of an actor who he would have to train how to wrestle. Most of the character in the film besides Gregorious are relatively unsympathetic, which is another unique element of Noir in this period. The movie is technically superb, with terrific cinematography and performances by the rest of the cast. This is one of Dassin's best.
- DirectorPhil KarlsonStarsJohn PayneColeen GrayPreston FosterAn ex-con trying to go straight is framed for a million dollar armored car robbery and must go to Mexico in order to unmask the real culprits.One of the definitive Film Noirs, with a lot of unique moments that make it stand out. This one probably has one of the better stories from the Film Noir pantheon, and a lot of striking elements that give it a unique, memorable flavor. Technically well made, with good acting and direction. It almost feels like a Coen brothers movie from another time. Highly recommended.
- DirectorSamuel FullerStarsRichard WidmarkJean PetersThelma RitterA pickpocket unwittingly lifts a message destined for enemy agents and becomes a target for a Communist spy ring.Pickup on South Street has that magic that makes us love watching movies. The story has intrigue, unconventional characters, plot twists, and a little bit of everything that you could hope for. The actors are exceptional, and a number of the scenes are extremely striking and memorable. One of the best Film Noirs and often ranked near the top of many critical lists. The story is carried and makes the viewer root for Richard Widmark's two-bit hood, hoping for his redemption along with the heroine.
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsSterling HaydenColeen GrayVince EdwardsCrook Johnny Clay assembles a five-man team to plan and execute a daring racetrack robbery.Severely underrated, The Killing is actually one of Kubrick's best films, masterfully directed and acted. The suitcase scene is, in my opinion, one of the most memorable in movie history. Quite a few scenes in this movie are exceptional and sure to stick in your memory. Elisha Cooke Jr.'s portrayal of a hopelessly tragic simp stands out. Professional wrestler Kola Kwariani shines in his only film appearance.
- DirectorRudolph MatéStarsEdmond O'BrienPamela BrittonLuther AdlerFrank Bigelow, told he's been poisoned and has only a few days to live, tries to find out who killed him and why.A very exceptional Film Noir. It has a terrific premise: a man is fatally poisoned, but it is slow-acting, and he has sufficient time to find his own killer and serve out justice. Edmund O'Brien delivers one of his very best performances, and the film is more emotionally impacting than the average Noir, in no small part because of the inevitably tragic nature of the hero's plight. It is technically satisfactory, and not only is it a good Film Noir, but it's a good movie, period.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsSterling HaydenLouis CalhernJean HagenA major heist goes off as planned, but then double crosses, bad luck and solid police work cause everything to unravel.One of the finest entries in the genre, this essentially defined the sophisticated heist movie. It was nominated for four Oscars. It is one of John Huston's finest movies. The performances are great. The technical aspects are magnificent. The entire story is compelling and pulls you into the proceedings with vigor. The film was unsuccessful at the box office, but spawned a TV series and is now considered a classic of American cinema.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsEdward G. RobinsonJoan BennettRaymond MasseyWhen a conservative middle aged professor engages in a relationship with a femme fatale, he's plunged into a nightmarish world of blackmail and murder.One of the best examples of the genre! Brilliant direction from Fritz Lang, along with his typically marvelous production values. Edward G. Robinson is magnificent once again as a professor who is tempted by a femme fatale and gets himself into more trouble than he can handle. The film features some brilliant twists, and numerous great scenes. I would highly recommend this to Film Noir afficionados and also to enjoyers of all classic movies.
- DirectorNicholas RayStarsHumphrey BogartGloria GrahameFrank LovejoyA potentially violent screenwriter is a murder suspect until his lovely neighbor clears him. However, she soon starts to have her doubts.Deeply affecting and emotionally impacting, few movies compare to this one for sheer Film Noir style. Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame give some of their best performances here, along with a fine supporting cast. The film is technically exceptional, with several notable scenes, and no really noticeable flaws. It may be a bit of a downer in the end, but this is the Film Noir genre, and such endings are to be expected. One of the best from the genre, but you don't only have to be a genre fanatic to appreciate this one. It's just a great movie overall that should have a wide appeal.
- DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsWilliam H. MacyFrances McDormandSteve BuscemiMinnesota car salesman Jerry Lundegaard's inept crime falls apart due to his and his henchmen's bungling and the persistent police work of the quite pregnant Marge Gunderson.One of the most celebrated films of the 1990's. Gene Siskel and Roger Eberts pick for the best movie of 1996. Darkly comedic, well-written, and expertly directed. The performances are exceptional. Nominated for seven Oscars, winning two for Best Actress (Frances McDormand) and Screenplay. While I wouldn't place it as high as some would, it is definitely worth seeing, and is highly watchable for fans of a number of genres.
- DirectorJohn FrankenheimerStarsFrank SinatraLaurence HarveyJanet LeighAn American POW in the Korean War is brainwashed as an unwitting assassin for an international Communist conspiracy.You will never forget many of the gut-wrenching scenes in this movie, partly because the disturbing emotional impact, but also due to the sudden shock. Perhaps not as good as Frankenheimer's later masterpiece "Seven Days in May," but close. Frank Sinatra proves he is not just a singer and can act. Angela Lansbury delivers one of her finest performances, playing a grown man's mother, while only 27 at the time. She is convincing in the part. This is definitely not a movie to watch with the kids, as it is supremely unsettling even for an adult audience.
- DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsMark StevensRichard WidmarkLloyd NolanA covert FBI agent infiltrates a ruthless gangster mob, but his life is at risk from a mysterious informant who funnels inside information to the hoodlums.
- DirectorMervyn LeRoyStarsPaul MuniGlenda FarrellHelen VinsonWrongly convicted James Allen serves in the intolerable conditions of a Southern chain gang, which later comes back to haunt him.The extremely abrupt ending to the film would normally be a fatal flaw, but in this case, the only reason it was that way was because this was a (mostly) true story which could only tell the story up to the point it was at in real life. Very well made, but the most interesting thing about it is its real-world impact, heavily contributing to the continued freedom of its real-life protagonist. Paul Muni and the other actors are good, and although this is more of an early proto-noir than a golden age Film Noir, it has a place on this list.
- DirectorJean-Pierre MelvilleStarsAlain DelonFrançois PérierNathalie DelonAfter professional hitman Jef Costello is seen by witnesses his efforts to provide himself an alibi drive him further into a corner.One of the greatest French films, with its own unique sense of calm, collected, cool. Directed masterfully, communicating more through actions and atmosphere. Alain Delon is perfect in the part of the principled hitman, and the rest of the cast is superb. The technical aspects are exquisite. An unforgettable ending. I haven't seen this one in 20 years and can still remember it like yesterday.
- DirectorOtto PremingerStarsAlice FayeDana AndrewsLinda DarnellA slick con man arrives in a small town looking to make some money, but soon gets more than he bargained for.Coming off of Laura, Otto Preminger made this underrated film. The story is a little difficult to believe at times, but well-executed and compelling. The twist at the end is solid and sets the previous events into a clearer light. Fallen Angel is unusually upbeat for a Film Noir, functioning more as a redemption story, but the dark atmosphere keeps it from being too cheery or venturing out of the genre. Not as good as Laura, but a solid entry in the genre.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsTeresa WrightJoseph CottenMacdonald CareyA teenage girl, overjoyed when her favorite uncle comes to visit the family in their quiet California town, slowly begins to suspect that he is in fact the "Merry Widow" killer sought by the authorities.
- DirectorDon SiegelClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodAndrew RobinsonHarry GuardinoWhen a man calling himself "the Scorpio Killer" menaces San Francisco, tough-as-nails Police Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan is assigned to track down the crazed psychopath.
- DirectorJules DassinStarsRichard ConteValentina CorteseLee J. CobbA war veteran turned truck driver attempts to avenge the crippling and robbing of his father at the hands of an amoral produce scofflaw.
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsRobert RyanAudrey TotterGeorge TobiasExpecting the usual loss, a boxing manager takes bribes from a betting gangster without telling his fighter.
- DirectorTay GarnettStarsLana TurnerJohn GarfieldCecil KellawayA married woman and a drifter fall in love and then plot to murder her husband.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsCary GrantJoan FontaineCedric HardwickeA shy young heiress marries a charming gentleman, and soon begins to suspect he is planning to murder her.
- DirectorJohn FarrowStarsRay MillandMaureen O'SullivanCharles LaughtonA magazine tycoon commits a murder and pins it on an innocent man, who then tries to solve the murder himself.
- DirectorRobert SiodmakStarsCharles LaughtonElla RainesDean HarensAn unhappily married man begins a flirtation with a younger woman. When his wife threatens to ruin her, he decides to take action.
- DirectorJohn M. StahlStarsGene TierneyCornel WildeJeanne CrainA writer falls in love with a young socialite and they're soon married, but her obsessive love for him threatens to be the undoing of them both as well as everyone around them.
- DirectorAkira KurosawaStarsToshirô MifuneTakashi ShimuraKeiko AwajiDuring a sweltering summer, a rookie homicide detective tries to track down his stolen Colt pistol.
- DirectorNorman JewisonStarsSidney PoitierRod SteigerWarren OatesA black Philadelphia police detective is mistakenly suspected of a local murder while passing through a racially hostile Mississippi town, and after being cleared is reluctantly asked by the police chief to investigate the case.
- DirectorPeter WeirStarsHarrison FordKelly McGillisLukas HaasWhile protecting an Amish boy - who is the sole witness to a brutal murder - and his mother, a detective is forced to seek refuge within their community when his own life is threatened.
- DirectorGeorge CukorStarsCharles BoyerIngrid BergmanJoseph CottenTen years after her aunt was murdered in their London home, a woman returns from Italy in the 1880s to resume residence with her new husband. His obsessive interest in the home rises from a secret that may require driving his wife insane.
- DirectorWilliam WylerStarsHumphrey BogartFredric MarchArthur KennedyThree escaped convicts move in on and terrorize a suburban household.
- DirectorMichelangelo AntonioniStarsDavid HemmingsVanessa RedgraveSarah MilesA fashion photographer unknowingly captures a death on film after following two lovers in a park.
- DirectorJoseph H. LewisStarsCornel WildeRichard ConteJean WallaceA police lieutenant is ordered to stop investigating deadly crime boss Mr. Brown because he hasn't been able to get any hard evidence against him. He goes after Brown's girlfriend, who despises him, for information instead.A standout in terms of style, music, and photography, the Big Combo's heroes are a little lackluster. But Richard Conte and Brian Donleavy are exceptional as a crime boss and his treacherous right-hand man. The two thugs are subtly implied to be gay, an unusual thematic element for a movie from the mid 50's. The conclusion is very dramatic and staged, but it works. A very solid entry in the genre with several striking scenes.
- DirectorLee TamahoriStarsNick NolteMelanie GriffithJennifer ConnellyIn 1950's Los Angeles, a special crime squad of the LAPD investigates the murder of a young woman.An underrated modern classic, this very good neo-noir follows the adventures and misadventures of a squad of cops in LA. Jennifer Connelly's Allison Pond is one of the most enchanting females from any generation of Noir. While not on par with L.A. Confidential, this film is solid, with great art direction, emotional impact, and performances.
- DirectorOtto PremingerStarsDana AndrewsGene TierneyGary MerrillDet. Sgt. Mark Dixon wants to be something his old man wasn't: a guy on the right side of the law. Will Dixon's vicious nature get the better of him?
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsIngrid BergmanGregory PeckMichael ChekhovA psychiatrist protects the identity of an amnesia patient accused of murder while attempting to recover his memory.One of Hitchcock's lesser, but still impressive, Film Noir efforts. The movie is suspenseful and finely made, being nominated for six Oscars, and winning Best Original Score (Miklós Rózsa). The performances are very good. This is not on par with Rebecca, Vertigo, or Strangers on a Train, but it is rather good in the manner of almost all of Hitchcock's work. This will be a must-see for Film Noir, Romance, and Mystery fans, and especially for fans of "The Master of Suspense."
- DirectorRobert FloreyStarsPeter LorreEvelyn KeyesDon BeddoeA disfigured watch-maker with a grudge against society embarks on a life of crime.A magnificent performance from Peter Lorre, aptly demonstrating his acting chops in playing a complex, multi-dimensional character who is unfortunately victimized by his circumstances. This is a short, compact, economic film, with great production values, performances, and dark, expressionist photography. Emotionally impacting and effective. Will be a huge hit with fans of the genre, and classic movies in general.
- DirectorDouglas SirkStarsCornel WildePatricia KnightJohn BaragreyA parole officer falls in love with his client, a ravishing blonde who served time for murder, and he's determined to help her go straight despite her interfering criminal boyfriend.
- DirectorMaxwell ShaneStarsVittorio GassmanGloria GrahameAnn RobinsonPeter is a refugee who wants to make a better life for himself in America, but he doesn't have the proper papers. Desperate for entry, he jumps ship and flees to New York to search for a World War II veteran whom he helped during the war.As with any good Film Noir, it must be unique and different and unique. This one succeeds because it is one-of-a-kind: a story about a displaced concentration camp survivor who goes to great lengths to avoid being deported. The human drama is compelling, and the performance by great Italian actor Vittorio Gassman is superb. The title refers to a design feature of the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
- DirectorHenry HathawayStarsJames StewartRichard ConteLee J. CobbChicago reporter P.J. McNeal re-opens a decade-old murder case.
- DirectorVincent ShermanRobert AldrichStarsLee J. CobbKerwin MathewsGia ScalaThe struggle of a lady's garment workers' organization to unionize a New York clothing sweat shop; the owner of which is determined to keep the union out of his business at any cost.
- DirectorRussell RouseStarsBroderick CrawfordRichard ConteAnne BancroftA top syndicate crime boss and his corrupt politicians make multi-million deals and order murders until the vicious pattern finally catches up to them.
- DirectorOtto PremingerStarsGene TierneyRichard ConteJosé FerrerA woman suffering from kleptomania is hypnotized in an attempt to cure her. Soon afterwards, she's found at the scene of a murder with no memory of how she got there, and seemingly no way to prove her innocence.
- DirectorCrane WilburStarsRichard BasehartMarilyn MaxwellSigne HassoA paroled convict's infatuation with a gold-digger nurse working at a sanitarium leads him to crime.A highly watchable Film Noir with a solid redemption arc, as well as an unusually upbeat ending for the genre. Besides a couple good scenes, there is nothing extraordinary about the film, but the unusual and interesting story carries it. While not extraordinary in any particular regard, it is nonetheless satisfying all-around, and comes out as a great watch. Definitely worth checking out.
- DirectorHenry HathawayStarsLucille BallClifton WebbWilliam BendixA secretary tries to help her boss who's been framed for murder.Can you say, "I love Lucy?" Lucille Ball is fantastic in this Film Noir, in a serious performance as contrasted with her later comedic ones. She is very attractive and convincing in the lead role. A terrific supporting cast including Cliffton Webb. It is very well-made, and although initially a flop, it has since become a bit of a cult classic.
- DirectorAbraham PolonskyStarsJohn GarfieldThomas GomezBeatrice PearsonAn unethical lawyer who wants to help his older brother becomes a partner with a client in the numbers racket.A very technically well-made Film Noir, with an impact that hits hard. It's compact and well-acted. Several of the scenes are highly memorable, but the film would have benefited from a bleaker ending. The whole film is of a bleak nature but ends on a bit of a positive note that feels forced. This film would probably hold up to multiple viewings. It is a rich, poetic tale, with unique dialogue.
- DirectorGeorge MarshallStarsAlan LaddVeronica LakeWilliam BendixAn ex-bomber pilot is suspected of murdering his unfaithful wife.
- DirectorStuart HeislerStarsAlan LaddVeronica LakeBrian DonlevyA crooked politician finds himself being accused of murder by a gangster from whom he refused help during a re-election campaign.
- DirectorMax OphülsStarsJames MasonJoan BennettGeraldine BrooksAfter discovering the dead body of her teenage daughter's lover, a housewife takes desperate measures to protect her family from scandal.
- DirectorRichard BrooksStarsHumphrey BogartEthel BarrymoreKim HunterWith his newspaper about to be sold, crusading editor Ed Hutcheson tries to complete an exposé on gangster Rienzi.
- DirectorDouglas SirkStarsClaudette ColbertRobert CummingsDon AmecheChronic sleepwalker Alison Courtland thinks that a mysterious man wearing horned-rimmed eye glasses is out to kill her but her husband blames her tired imagination.
- DirectorArthur LubinStarsBrian DonlevyElla RainesCharles CoburnA unfaithful wife plots with her lover to kill her husband, but the lover is accidentally killed instead. The husband stays in hiding and lets his wife be charged with conspiracy.
- DirectorPhil KarlsonStarsJohn DerekDonna ReedBroderick CrawfordThe editor of an exploitation newspaper commits a murder and assigns his protégé to investigate hoping to divert attention away from himself.
- DirectorWilliam DieterleStarsWilliam HoldenEdmond O'BrienAlexis SmithJerry McKibbon is a tough, no nonsense reporter, mentoring special prosecutor John Conroy in routing out corrupt officials in the city, which may even include Conroy's own police detective father as a suspect.
- DirectorJames MangoldStarsSylvester StalloneHarvey KeitelRay LiottaThe Sheriff of a suburban New Jersey community, populated by New York City police officers, slowly discovers the town is a front for mob connections and corruption.Finally, Sylvester Stallone proves he can act. With its ensemble cast, you would think this is a film by Martin Scorsese, but it is actually a James Mangold film, and quite competently directed. Stallone shines as a man on a mission, undaunted by the specter of police corruption in a small town in New Jersey. He put on 40 pounds for the role and won the Best Actor award at the Stockholm International Film Festival.
- DirectorByron HaskinStarsLizabeth ScottDon DeForeDan DuryeaThrough a fluke circumstance, a ruthless woman stumbles across a suitcase filled with $60,000, and is determined to hold onto it even if it means murder.A very good Film Noir, which could also be called "The Rise and Fall of a Femme Fatale." Lizabeth Scott is exceptional as an average, everyday woman who is gradually completely corrupted by accidentally coming into illicit possession of a large sum of money, which she does not want her husband to return. Originally a box office bomb that received mixed reviews, it now has a cult following a 100% fresh rating on Rottentomatoes.com by current critics. A must-see for Noir fans.
- DirectorPeter HyamsStarsGene HackmanAnne ArcherJames SikkingA Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney is sent to protect a woman who accidentally witnessed a Mafia murder.
- DirectorJoseph LoseyStarsVan HeflinEvelyn KeyesJohn MaxwellAfter Susan Gilvray reports a prowler outside her house police officer Webb Garwood investigates and sparks fly. If only her husband wasn't in the way.This one is compelling, turning convention on its head. In this one, the policeman is the villain, and the femme fatale is the unwitting victim. The moral is that crime doesn't pay, no matter who you are. The performances are very solid, the production values are solid, and it's a good Noir all-around the board. The film was produced by Sam Spiegel (as S.P. Eagle) and was written by Dalton Trumbo. Because Trumbo was blacklisted at the time, the screenplay was credited to his friend, screenwriter Hugo Butler, as a front
- DirectorJoseph M. NewmanStarsDennis O'KeefeGale StormJeff ChandlerNewspaperman helps girl find her sister's illegitimate baby, gets mixed up in baby-adoption racket.An unconventional Noir about a reporter and a murdered girl's sister uncovering a nefarious, murderous baby adoption ring. Raymond Burr and Jeff Chandler give solid supporting performances. The production values are acceptable and overall, not a bad experience. Not one of the top Filmi Noirs, but also not one of the worst, by any means.
- DirectorIda LupinoStarsJoan FontaineIda LupinoEdmund GwennA man secretly married to two women feels the pressure of his deceit.
- DirectorRobert SiodmakStarsGeorge SandersElla RainesGeraldine FitzgeraldBachelor Harry Quincey, head designer in a small-town cloth factory, lives with his selfish sisters, glamorous hypochondriac Lettie and querulous widow Hester. His developing relationship with new colleague Deborah Brown promises happiness at last...thwarted by passive, then increasingly active opposition from one sister. Will Harry resort to desperate measures?If ever there was a movie with a twist, this is it. It even ends with a request to not spoil the ending for anyone else and to keep the ending a secret. Very nicely acted by George Sanders, who portrays a sensitive man in a difficult circumstance. The movie overall would be categorized as nicely made, although nothing exceptional. Fans of the genre, and of classic dramas will probably enjoy this one and find it satisfying.
- DirectorBoris IngsterStarsPeter LorreJohn McGuireMargaret TallichetAn aspiring reporter is the key witness at the murder trial of a young man accused of cutting a café owner's throat and is soon accused of a similar crime himself.
- DirectorRobert SiodmakStarsDeanna DurbinGene KellyRichard WhorfA young femme fatale-type woman realizes that the man she married is an incorrigible wastrel.
- DirectorWilliam CastleStarsHoward DuffShelley WintersDan DuryeaUS Treasury agent George Morton persuades convicted criminal Johnny Evans to help him destroy a drug smuggling ring in exchange for early parole.
- DirectorRichard QuineStarsFred MacMurrayKim NovakPhilip CareyAn undercover police officer falls for the beautiful moll of a bank robber on the run, and together they plan to double-cross the hood and the cops.
- DirectorIda LupinoStarsEdmond O'BrienFrank LovejoyWilliam TalmanTwo fishermen pick up a psychopathic escaped convict who tells them that he intends to murder them when the ride is over.The first Film Noir to be directed by a woman (Ida Lupino), this is a very solid, compact, low-budget thriller based on the 1950 killing spree of Billy Cook. It's hard to picture a better movie with so little to work with: three actors, a car, some rugged scenery. William Talman would go on to Perry Mason fame as prosecutor Hamilton Burger and he chews up his scenes here.
- DirectorJohn DahlStarsNicolas CageDennis HopperLara Flynn BoyleUpon arriving to a small town, a drifter is mistaken for a hitman, but when the real hitman arrives, complications ensue.
- DirectorCharles VidorStarsRita HayworthGlenn FordGeorge MacreadyA small-time gambler hired to work in a Buenos Aires casino discovers his employer's new wife is his former lover.