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Movies take cinephiles and film junkies to millions of different worlds filled with dozens upon dozens of genres. Some keep us grounded in gritty drama, while others take us to the stars in science fiction. However, there’s one genre of film that is extremely rare but incredibly engaging when executed well: noir, consisting of numerous sub-genres and undertones.
Noir films tell a dark and cynical stories where the world is a dangerous place with threats around every corner. The main character usually claws their way out of a pit of despair or faces off against the criminal element trying to survive. Noir movies are not commonly released because of how difficult they are to do well, but there are true classics that have been created 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 mob in a full-out gang war during one of the most ruthless eras in history. Kevin Costner stars in this telling of the trials and tribulations that Eliot Ness must endure to wipe out the criminal element in Chicago. Al Capone, played by Robert De Niro, serves as the main antagonist, who has an iron grip on the city during prohibition.
The mob supplies illegal alcohol to bars and has half of the police force and justice system in their pocket. This creates an uphill battle for Ness and his G-Men. An unstoppable force and an unmovable object meet head-to-head with no surrender in sight in this thrilling crime story.
5 Sunset Boulevard
- Where To Stream: Pluto T.V.
Sunset Boulevard is an unrivaled classic that tells the story of a murdered writer who got in over his head after an encounter with a femme fatale. William Holden stars as Joe Gillis, alongside Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond. Joe is a struggling writer down on his luck, and Norma is a forgotten actress with delusions of still being on top of the world.
The two meet and begin on a silent journey to reach the lights of Hollywood. Unfortunately, Norma is a mentally unstable socialite who thinks herself in her prime, and Joe is a swindler only using her for her name. Sunset Boulevard has suspense around every corner and keeps viewers on their toes with an ending no one will see coming.
4 The Third Man
- Where To Stream: Apple TV
The Third Man is a Noir classic with a bit of a psychological theme to it. After being requested by an old friend to travel to Vietnam, Holly Martins (played by Joseph Cotton) arrives to a tragic turn of events when he is alerted that said old friend has passed away in a car accident.
After the funeral, peculiar things begin to come to light. Holly finds himself on a mysterious investigation to find the truth about what happened to his friend and find out more about a phantom third man that some remember seeing and others claim doesn’t exist.
3 The Big Sleep
The Big Sleep is a dramatically suspenseful film that deals with family drama, murder, and blackmail. A small-time private investigator by the name of Phillip Marlowe, played by the great Humphrey Bogart, finds himself in more than just a little trouble when hired by a suspicious General.
A simple job becomes terribly complicated as outside forces steamroll Marlowe into opening a can of worms, forcing the would-be detective into a situation that he will need all his wit to get out of. Marlowe is determined to get himself out of this unfortunate predicament, but is also dead set on discovering the truth about the mystery he has been hired to solve.
2 Notorious
Spy fans will enjoy Notorious, directed by the late great Alfred Hitchcock. Notorious follows a small group of secret agents on a mission to apprehend World War II criminals seeking refuge in Rio.
Notorious is packed with A-List talent, starring Cary Grant as US agent T.R Devlin, and Ingrid Bergman as Alicia Huberman, the child of a convicted war criminal who aids Devlin in his plans. A simple find-and-apprehend mission spirals out of control as the stakes become higher with every twist. Meanwhile, Devlin and Alicia become close as they place their lives on the line for justice and give their all to bring the war criminals in.
1 Touch Of Evil
- Where To Stream: Apple TV
Orson Welles wrote and starred in this mystery 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 of Mexico. Unfortunately, things quickly go awry. Vargas finds himself on the out as corruption runs deep, as Quinland and his partner have ulterior motives.
Vargas ends up in the middle of 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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