The 10 best crime movies of the 90s ranked by IMDb

The crime genre has undoubtedly always been a favorite among moviegoers. Thousands of crime films and television shows are produced each year, but the crowds don’t seem to please audiences, who often return to the genre’s monuments from previous decades.


For example, when the 1990s is mentioned in the context of movies, a number of films come to mind – some of which are surprisingly crime films – that cement the decade’s place in cinema history. Some of the best crime films of the 1990s are undoubtedly at the top of viewers’ lists.

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1 ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)

Pulp Fiction (1994) (1)-1

IMDb Score: 8.9/10

pulp Fiction includes various interconnected crime scenarios that took place in Los Angeles, California, starring two mob killers, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and two diner robbers. The title alludes to the pulp magazines and crime noirs popular in the mid-20th century, characterized by lively violence and biting wit.

Because of its witty dialogue, flawless acting, and persistent unexpected twists pulp Fiction has remained a benchmark in cinema and the crime genre since its release in 1994. Furthermore, the film’s neo-criminal, post-modern, dark comedic style makes it seem strangely timeless while capturing its moment and zeitgeist.

RELATED: The 10 best gangster movies of the past 5 years to add to your watchlist

2 ‘Good Fellas’ (1990)

Goodfellas (1990) (1)

IMDb Score: 8.7/10

Goodfellas follows the life of a real gangster and FBI informant Heinrich Huegel (Ray Liotta), including his marriage to Karen Hill (Lorraine Bracco), his involvement in the Italian-American crime family, and his relationships with Jimmy Conway (Robert DeNiro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci).

Goodfellas is a pivotal image in the history of cinema and is still considered one of the greatest gangster films of all time and one of Martin ScorseseThe best works. Additionally, everything in the film, from the dialogue to the appalling violence to the soundtrack, is steeped in humor, which is an unusual but witty way to approach a film with such a weighty subject.

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3 “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)

The Silence of the Lambs (1991) (1)

IMDb score: 8.6/10

Related to Thomas Harris‘s 1988 novel of the same name, The silence of the Lambs follows an FBI trainee, Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), who is tasked with tracking down a serial killer named “Buffalo Bill” who skins his female victims. To do this, she is looking for the brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins).

The film is considered one of the finest film adaptations and perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Harris’ work. Readers of the book will not be disappointed by the magnificence Jonathan Demme‘s directing, or the intense and compelling performances of the actors because they are drawn into the action with the same level of cruelty, suspense, and terror that they experienced reading the novel.

RELATED: 11 Movies You Should Watch If You Like ‘The Silence of the Lambs’

4 ‘Se7en’ (1995)

Se7en (1995) (1)

IMDb score: 8.6/10

Se7en revolves around disaffected, almost-retired investigator William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his new colleague, the recently transferred David Mills (Brad Pitt) as they work to apprehend a serial killer before he can complete a series of murders inspired by the seven deadly sins.

The crime genre was shaken up David Fincher‘s dark and somber second feature film, and it served as a model for a long line of imitators that would follow. Nothing can prepare viewers for the heartbreaking reveal at the end, when the items inside this box transformed John Doe into one of the screen’s most notorious villains, as each murder is more heinous than the last.

5 ‘The Green Mile’ (1999)

Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan in The Green Mile

IMDb score: 8.6/10

Related to StephenKing‘s 1996 novel of the same name, The green mile follows a death row inmate played by Michael Clarke Duncana black man accused of rape and child murder who possesses a mysterious ability, and how his case affects the lives of the guards there.

The Shawshank Redemption, King’s 1994 adaptation casts a long shadow over it The green mile, but the 1999 film still manages to shine and shine in its own unique way. Plus, it has all the dependable enjoyment of a well-planned crime drama anchored by the heavily talented cast.

6 ‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994)

Léon - The Professional (1994) (1)

IMDb score: 8.5/10

Leon: The prorevolves around the title character (Jean Reno), a hitman who reluctantly took a 12-year-old Mathilda Lando (Natalie Portman) to Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman), a corrupt agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, murders her family. Mathilda and Leon develop a strange bond when she becomes his protégé and learns his killer skills.

With excellent acting, exciting action and a well-rounded screenplay Leon: The pro is a fascinating character study with fascinating complexity. The breathtaking performances by the cast also added to the tension and depth of the film.

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7 “The Usual Suspects” (1995)

The Usual Suspects (1995) (1)

IMDb score: 8.5/10

The usual suspects follows five criminals who are arrested after a truck hijacking in New York and brought together for questioning. Then they prepare a plan of retaliation against the police because none of them are to blame. The operation goes smoothly until Keyser Söze’s notorious criminal mastermind becomes apparent. Each of them seemed to have abused Söze at some point and must now make amends.

director Bryan Singer He skillfully blends flashbacks and straight-forward narratives to keep his story captivating and suspenseful, with twists and turns in a film that still stands as one of the greatest crime films of all time. It’s also a film that begs to be watched repeatedly; It’s classic pulp fiction presented in the cleanest 1990s fashion.

8th “American History X” (1998)

American History X (1998) (1)

IMDb score: 8.5/10

American History X revolves around two brothers (Edward Norton And Edward Furlong) from Los Angeles who are active in neo-Nazi and white power groups. After spending three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and being rehabilitated during that time, the older brother tries to stop his younger brother from receiving more indoctrination.

The film is a story about intergenerational racism and the consequences it has for those who hold a despicable worldview. In addition, it is violent and strong, appropriately targeting white supremacy. Norton is also a brilliant artist whose enthusiasm for change is contagious.

9 ‘Heat’ (1995)

Heat (1995) (1)

IMDb score: 8.3/10

heat follows Lt. Vincent Hannah (Al Pacino) and his squad of robbery/homicide officers to pursue Neil (De Niro) and his professional criminal gang while they search for high-value targets. As they reorganize and try to piece together one last meaningful “retirement,” a botched job puts Hanna on her trail.

Heat is a tough, spirited film that excels in both action and character development in a way that sets it apart from other ’90s cop dramas. In addition, the film masterfully weaves the small, everyday dramas of romance, parenthood and family life with the life and death careers of cops and criminals.

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10 ‘Reservoir Dogs’ (1992)

Reservoir Dogs (1992) (1)

IMDb score: 8.3/10

unfamiliar with each other, Reservoir Dogs follows six thugs hired by a crime boss to pull off a diamond heist. They are initially given fictional names with the aim of not getting too close and instead focus on the task at hand. Despite this, the task is botched when the police arrive at the scene. The team’s survivors gather at the scheduled rendezvous point and begin to suspect that one of them is an undercover cop.

This is the product of a film lover and passionate storyteller who has meticulously structured his story and blended it appealingly into a rich maelstrom of memories centered around the crises of the day. Reservoir DogsTarantino’s debut as a writer and director reveals a keen sense of cinema and is still considered one of his finest works.

READ MORE: 8 Movies That Shocked Audiences During Screening

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Dustin Huang

Dustin Huang is a 24ssports U.S. News Reporter based in London. His focus is on U.S. politics and the environment. He has covered climate change extensively, as well as healthcare and crime. Dustin Huang joined 24ssports in 2021 from the Daily Express and previously worked for Chemist and Druggist and the Jewish Chronicle. He is a graduate of Cambridge University. Languages: English. You can get in touch with me by emailing: dustinhuang@24ssports.com.

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