9 Must-Watch Crime, Drama, and Thriller Movies like Rififi

Rififi, a French crime, drama, and thriller film, tells the story of four men who meticulously plan an impeccable heist, only to have their carefully crafted scheme disrupted by unforeseen complications. If you're a fan of gripping crime dramas like Rififi, here are 9 must-watch movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat with their thrilling plots, intense performances, and captivating twists.

1) The Red Circle

The Red Circle, also known as Le cercle rouge, is a captivating French crime thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. After watching Rififi, it's hard not to draw comparisons between the two films. Both movies center around meticulously planned heists, showcasing the technical brilliance required to pull off such crimes. However, The Red Circle takes a different approach by delving deeper into the psychology of its characters. It explores the themes of fate, integrity, and betrayal, as three men with divergent paths find themselves inexorably linked by a complex web of intrigues and double-crosses. The film's deliberate pace allows the tension to build gradually, culminating in a mesmerizing, silent heist scene that pays homage to Rififi. While Rififi focuses on the gritty realism of a heist and its consequences, The Red Circle adds a layer of philosophical depth, examining the universal truths that bind us all.

Release date: October, 1973
IMDB Rating: 7.9

2) City of Industry

City of Industry is a crime drama that follows the standard formula of betrayal, revenge, and bloodshed. While it may not break any new ground, it manages to be entertaining, thanks in large part to the presence of Harvey Keitel, who elevates any film he's in. The movie moves at a quick pace and avoids feeling as depressing as other films in the genre. However, it does have a few illogical moments and can be somewhat predictable. Overall, City of Industry is a solid choice if you're looking for a dark and gritty crime drama that delivers the expected thrills.

Release date: March, 1997
IMDB Rating: 6.1

3) Catch Hell

Catch Hell is reminiscent of Rififi in its crime, drama, and thriller genres. While the main_movie portrays a technically perfect heist in Paris, the similar_movie takes place in Louisiana, where a fading Hollywood pretty-boy gets taken and brutalized by two local men. Both movies explore themes of kidnapping and revenge, but Catch Hell adds a unique twist with its key topic of attempted rape. Despite the lower people vote average, the useful featured review praises Catch Hell's gripping storyline and unexpected twists, making it a film well worth watching.

Release date: November, 2014
IMDB Rating: 5.4

4) In Order of Disappearance

"In Order of Disappearance" is a Norwegian film that bears a striking resemblance to "Rififi." Both movies revolve around revenge as a central theme. In "Rififi," four men meticulously plan a perfect crime, only to have their human emotions interfere with their flawless execution. Similarly, in "In Order of Disappearance," a snowplow driver seeks revenge after his son is murdered by drug dealers. Both films showcase the lengths people are willing to go to avenge their loved ones. However, while "Rififi" focuses more on the heist and the consequences of it, "In Order of Disappearance" leans towards a dark comedy approach, infusing the revenge plot with ironic humor. The Norwegian film's witty dialogue and memorable characters make it a highly entertaining experience, perfect for fans of mocking realism and black humor.

Release date: May, 2014
IMDB Rating: 7.1

5) Bajo la Rosa

Bajo la Rosa is reminiscent of Rififi because both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller. While Rififi is a classic heist film set in Paris, Bajo la Rosa centers around a mysterious kidnapping. Both movies explore the themes of revenge and child in jeopardy, making them intense and suspenseful. However, Bajo la Rosa takes place in a single location, which adds a claustrophobic element to the story. Despite their similarities, Bajo la Rosa offers a fresh take on the crime genre with its intriguing plot and strong performances. If you enjoyed the cleverness and suspense of Rififi, Bajo la Rosa should be on your must-watch list.

Release date: March, 2018
IMDB Rating: 6.3

6) Vice Squad

Vice Squad is reminiscent of Rififi because they both fall under the genre of crime drama and share similar key topics such as heist and police procedure. However, while Rififi takes place in Paris and focuses on a meticulously planned crime, Vice Squad is set in Los Angeles during the 1950s and follows the cases assigned to LAPD captain of detectives Barnie Barnaby. The useful featured review of Vice Squad highlights the cool and collected portrayal of EGR's character, the nostalgic depiction of 1950s Los Angeles, and the allure of the fashion and style of that era. If you enjoyed Rififi and appreciate the charm of classic crime dramas with a touch of nostalgia, Vice Squad is a movie you should watch.

Release date: July, 1953
IMDB Rating: 6.6

7) Violent Saturday

Violent Saturday, released in 1955, bears some resemblance to Rififi, its predecessor released just a week earlier. While Violent Saturday may not reach the same level of acclaim as Rififi, it still manages to captivate audiences with its own unique charm. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the film examines the hidden secrets and morally ambiguous actions of small-town folks, highlighting the complex dynamics between characters. In contrast to Rififi, which focuses on a meticulously planned heist, Violent Saturday delves into the lives of seemingly ordinary people who find themselves involved in a bank robbery plot. The film skillfully combines elements of film noir and family drama, creating an intriguing mixture that is both unsettling and captivating. While it may not have received the same number of nominations and wins as Rififi, Violent Saturday is worth a watch for its exploration of human nature and its masterful use of the camera.

Release date: April, 1955
IMDB Rating: 6.9

8) Hell Bound

Hell Bound takes us to post-World War II Los Angeles, where a crime ring concocts an intricate plan involving a freight ship, a junkie, and a corrupt health officer to smuggle drugs into the USA. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, Kubrick's The Killing, Hell Bound still captivates with its elaborate heist and the vulnerabilities of the gang involved. The narrative may meander at times, but the colorful characters and strong performances keep us engaged. John Russell's portrayal of the mastermind Russell is particularly noteworthy, as he commands the screen with his piercing gaze. And let's not forget the luscious June Blair, whose presence adds an extra layer of allure to the film. Hell Bound may not be a suspenseful masterpiece, but it's a decent crime feature that shines a light on the lesser-known gems of American B-movies.

Release date: October, 1957
IMDB Rating: 6.3

9) Guns Girls and Gangsters

Guns Girls and Gangsters is reminiscent of Rififi for its gripping heist storyline set against a backdrop of crime and drama. While Rififi takes place in Paris, Guns Girls and Gangsters brings the action to Las Vegas. Both movies explore the intricacies of a well-planned robbery, showcasing the human element that can disrupt even the most technically perfect crime. Rififi captivates audiences with its sharp intelligence and attention to detail, and Guns Girls and Gangsters follows suit with its own brand of excitement. Mamie Van Doren steals the show as the blonde bombshell, adding a touch of glamour to the gritty world of crime. Although Guns Girls and Gangsters may not have garnered the same critical acclaim as Rififi, it still delivers a good fun little short movie that fans of heist films will enjoy. So grab your popcorn and get ready for an action-packed adventure in the world of guns, girls, and gangsters.

Release date: January, 1959
IMDB Rating: 6.2

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *