Movies take cinephiles and movie junkies to millions of different worlds filled with dozens and dozens of genres. Some keep us grounded in gritty drama, while others take us to the stars in science fiction. However, there is one genre of film that is extremely rare, but incredibly captivating when done right: noir, made up of numerous subgenres and undertones.
Noir movies tell a dark and cynical story where the world is a dangerous place with threats around every corner. The main character usually claws his way out of a pit of despair or takes on the criminal element trying to survive. Noir movies are not often released because they are so hard to get right, but true classics have been made over the years that tell exciting stories.
6 The untouchables
The untouchables is a gritty story about Eliot Ness, who took it upon himself to take on the mafia in an all-out gang war during one of the most brutal eras in history. Kevin Costner stars in this narration of the trials and tribulations that Eliot Ness must endure to eradicate the criminal element in Chicago. Al Capone, played by Robert De Niro, acts as the main antagonist, who has an iron grip on the city during Prohibition.
The mob supplies illegal alcohol to bars and owns half of the police and judiciary. This makes for an uphill battle for Ness and his G-Men. An unstoppable force and an immovable object meet without abandon in this thrilling crime story.
5 Sunset Boulevard
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Where to stream: Pluto TV
Sunset Boulevard is an unparalleled classic that tells the story of a murdered writer who was blown away after an encounter with a femme fatale. William Holden plays Joe Gillis, alongside Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond. Joe is a struggling writer on his luck, and Norma is a forgotten actress with delusions that she’s still on top of the world.
The two meet and embark on a silent journey to reach the lights of Hollywood. Unfortunately, Norma is a mentally unstable socialite who thinks she’s at her best, and Joe is a con artist who only uses her for her name. Sunset Boulevard has suspense around every corner and keeps viewers on their toes with an ending no one sees coming.
4 the third man
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Where to stream: Apple TV
the third man is a Noir classic with a bit of a psychological theme. After being invited by an old friend to travel to Vietnam, Holly Martins (played by Joseph Cotton) takes a tragic turn when he is warned that the old friend has died in a car accident.
After the funeral, strange things begin to come to light. Holly finds herself on a mysterious investigation to find out the truth about what happened to his friend and to learn about a ghostly third man whom some remember seeing and others claim doesn’t exist.
3 The big sleep
The big sleep is a dramatically tense film about family drama, murder and blackmail. A little private detective named Phillip Marlowe, played by the great Humphrey Bogart, gets into more than just a little bit of trouble when he’s hired by a suspicious general.
A simple job gets horribly complicated when Marlowe forces him from the outside to open a can of worms, leaving the would-be detective in a situation where he needs all his wits to get out. Marlowe is determined to get out of this unfortunate situation, but is also determined to discover the truth about the mystery he must solve.
2 startling
Spy fans will enjoy startlingdirected by the late great Alfred Hitchcock. startling follows a small group of secret agents on a mission to arrest WWII criminals seeking refuge in Rio.
startling is packed with A-List talent, starring Cary Grant as American agent TR Devlin, and Ingrid Bergman as Alicia Huberman, the child of a convicted war criminal who aids Devlin in his plans. A simple seek-and-grab mission spirals out of control as the stakes increase with each spin. Meanwhile, Devlin and Alicia become close as they risk their lives for justice and give everything to bring in the war criminals.
1 Touch of Evil
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Where to stream: Apple TV
Orson Welles wrote and starred in this mysterious noir film. DEA agent Miguel Vargas, played by Charlton Heston, teams up with police captain Hank Quinlan, played by Orson Welles, to get to the bottom of a car bombing outside Mexico. Unfortunately, things quickly go wrong. Vargas finds himself on the run because corruption runs deep and Quinland and his partner have ulterior motives.
Vargas finds himself involved in a conspiracy of murder and an attempt to frame an innocent man. He must get to the bottom of the corruption and escape the clutches of his enemies with his life and the life of his new bride, Susan, played by Janet Leigh.
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