Overrated Crime Movies Everyone Seems To Like

Crime films often define the cultural zeitgeist by capturing the tension between law and lawlessness. Many of these movies attain legendary status quickly and become staples of the genre. Some projects receive immense praise that occasionally feels disproportionate to their actual narrative quality. Analyzing these popular titles allows for a deeper understanding of why some stories resonate more than others over time.

‘The Godfather Part II’ (1974)

This sequel follows the parallel stories of a young Vito Corleone and his son Michael as they navigate the complexities of organized crime. The film is often cited as a masterpiece for its expansive scope and dual narrative structure. Some viewers find the pacing slower than the original movie which can make the nearly four hour runtime feel heavy. It continues the legacy of the Corleone family while exploring themes of betrayal and the loss of one’s soul.

‘Scarface’ (1983)

Tony Montana is a Cuban immigrant who builds a massive cocaine empire in Miami during the eighties. The movie is famous for its extreme violence and the legendary performance of Al Pacino. Many audience members criticize the film for being overly long and relying on style over substance. It has become a cult classic among fans who admire the rise and fall of its central antihero.

‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)

This film by Quentin Tarantino connects several stories involving hitmen and criminals in a nonlinear fashion. It changed the landscape of independent cinema with its unique dialogue and pop culture references. While it is widely praised, some find the fragmented structure and lengthy conversational scenes to be distracting. The movie remains a definitive entry in the crime genre due to its stylistic influence and memorable characters.

‘The Departed’ (2006)

An undercover cop and a mole in the police force attempt to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish mob in Boston. Martin Scorsese directed this remake of a popular Hong Kong thriller to significant commercial success. Critics sometimes point out that the plot relies heavily on coincidences and sudden character shifts. It won several awards and is noted for its high energy performances and tense atmosphere.

‘American Gangster’ (2007)

A detective tries to bring down the drug empire of Frank Lucas who smuggles heroin into the country during the Vietnam War. The film features strong leading performances from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Some viewers feel the narrative is a standard crime biopic that does not offer many new insights into the genre. It provides a polished look at the historical criminal underworld of New York City.

‘Heat’ (1995)

A professional thief and a veteran detective engage in a high stakes game of cat and mouse across Los Angeles. This movie is celebrated for the first onscreen pairing of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Many critics admire the realistic heist sequences and the focus on the personal lives of the characters. Some find the runtime to be excessive and the subplot involving the detective’s family to be a distraction from the main plot.

‘Goodfellas’ (1990)

The story tracks the rise and fall of Henry Hill as he becomes a member of a prominent crime syndicate. It is known for its fast paced editing and the use of popular music to enhance the narrative. Some argue that the film romanticizes the lifestyle of gangsters despite its violent conclusion. It remains one of the most influential crime movies ever made for its stylistic innovations.

‘Casino’ (1995)

A gambling expert is sent to Las Vegas to oversee the operations of a major casino for the mob. The film explores the intricate details of how the underworld managed the city during its golden era. Critics often compare it unfavorably to ‘Goodfellas’ due to similarities in style and casting. It features intense performances and a colorful look at the dark side of the desert oasis.

‘The Irishman’ (2019)

A truck driver becomes a hitman involved with the Bufalino crime family and the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. This film utilizes digital de aging technology to allow the actors to play younger versions of themselves. Many viewers struggled with the extremely long duration and the pacing of the final act. It serves as a somber reflection on the life of a criminal and the consequences of their choices.

‘Snatch’ (2000)

Multiple groups of criminals search for a stolen diamond while navigating the world of underground boxing. The film is known for its fast editing and the unique dialect spoken by certain characters. Some find the humor and the chaotic plot to be repetitive when compared to previous entries in the genre. It established Guy Ritchie as a distinct voice in British crime cinema.

‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

Five criminals meet in a police lineup and decide to pull off a heist that leads to a mysterious crime lord. The movie is famous for its intricate plot and one of the most discussed twists in cinematic history. Critics sometimes argue that the film relies too heavily on its final reveal which may diminish the experience on repeat viewings. It won major awards for its screenplay and the performance of Kevin Spacey.

‘Training Day’ (2001)

A rookie cop spends his first day on the job with a corrupt narcotics officer in the dangerous neighborhoods of Los Angeles. The film is a intense character study that explores the thin line between law enforcement and criminality. Some viewers believe the plot becomes overly melodramatic during the final sequence. It earned Denzel Washington an Academy Award for his portrayal of the charismatic but dangerous veteran.

‘Reservoir Dogs’ (1992)

A group of criminals deals with the aftermath of a diamond heist that went horribly wrong. This debut film by Quentin Tarantino is noted for its sharp dialogue and minimal setting. Some audience members find the level of graphic violence to be unnecessary for the story being told. It remains a landmark of independent filmmaking that influenced many future directors.

‘The Boondock Saints’ (1999)

Two brothers become vigilantes after killing members of the Russian mob in self defense. The film gained a massive cult following through home video releases despite a poor initial theatrical run. Many critics find the stylized action and the religious themes to be shallow and derivative. It explores the concept of justice being served by those outside of the legal system.

‘The Town’ (2010)

A group of bank robbers from Charlestown plans one last major heist while dealing with internal conflicts and the law. Ben Affleck directed and starred in this gritty look at the criminal culture of a specific Boston neighborhood. Some viewers feel the romantic subplot feels forced and detracts from the tension of the heists. The movie is praised for its realistic action sequences and strong ensemble cast.

‘Ocean’s Eleven’ (2001)

A charismatic criminal recruits a team of experts to rob three major Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. The film is a remake of a classic heist movie and features an all star cast. Some critics argue that the movie is more about celebrity charm than a truly compelling crime story. It remains a popular choice for fans of lighthearted and stylish heist adventures.

‘Baby Driver’ (2017)

A talented getaway driver who relies on music to perform his job finds himself caught in a failing heist. The film is celebrated for how it synchronizes the action sequences with the soundtrack. Some viewers find the characters to be archetypal and the plot to be somewhat predictable. It provides a unique visual and auditory experience that stands out in the genre.

‘Drive’ (2011)

A mysterious stuntman and getaway driver becomes involved in a dangerous plot to help his neighbor. The film is known for its neon aesthetics and a retro eighties inspired soundtrack. Some find the lack of dialogue and the slow pacing to be pretentious or dull. It became a critical darling and established a distinct visual style for director Nicolas Winding Refn.

‘The Untouchables’ (1987)

A federal agent forms a special team to bring down Al Capone during the Prohibition era in Chicago. The film features iconic scenes and a memorable score composed by Ennio Morricone. Some critics point out that the historical accuracy is sacrificed for the sake of Hollywood drama. It is a classic good versus evil story that highlights the fight against systemic corruption.

‘Natural Born Killers’ (1994)

Two victims of traumatic childhoods become lovers and mass murderers who are glorified by the media. The film uses a variety of cinematic styles to comment on the sensationalism of violence in society. Many viewers find the chaotic visuals and the dark themes to be overwhelming or nihilistic. It remains a controversial project that sparked intense debates upon its release.

‘Se7en’ (1995)

Two detectives hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his inspiration for murder. The movie is famous for its dark atmosphere and its shocking conclusion. Some critics argue that the relentless grimness of the film can feel oppressive to the audience. It is often cited as one of the best psychological thrillers due to its intense narrative.

‘Public Enemies’ (2009)

The story follows the FBI as they try to take down notorious bank robbers John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson. Director Michael Mann used high definition digital video to give the period piece a modern look. Many viewers were distracted by the digital cinematography and felt it did not suit the historical setting. It offers a detailed look at the end of the outlaw era in America.

‘Gangster Squad’ (2013)

A secret team of police officers is formed to take down a ruthless mob kingpin in postwar Los Angeles. The film features a high profile cast and stylized action sequences. Critics often describe the movie as a hollow imitation of classic noir films. It focuses heavily on the visual style and violent encounters rather than deep character development.

‘A Bronx Tale’ (1993)

A young man is torn between his hardworking father and a charismatic mob boss in the Bronx during the sixties. The film explores themes of loyalty and the choices that define a person’s life. Some viewers find the story to be overly sentimental when compared to other crime dramas. It serves as the directorial debut for Robert De Niro and is based on a successful play.

‘Carlito’s Way’ (1993)

An ex convict tries to stay away from crime after his release but is pulled back into the underworld by his loyalties. Al Pacino gives a nuanced performance as a man seeking redemption in a world that refuses to let him go. Some find the plot to be a collection of familiar crime tropes that do not surprise the audience. The film is known for its tense action sequences and emotional core.

‘Donnie Brasco’ (1997)

An FBI agent goes undercover and finds himself befriending a low level mobster who becomes his mentor. The movie is based on a true story and explores the psychological toll of living a double life. Some critics feel the pacing is slow and the narrative lacks the excitement of other gangster films. It is praised for the chemistry between Johnny Depp and Al Pacino.

‘Black Mass’ (2015)

Johnny Depp portrays the notorious Boston gangster Whitey Bulger as he becomes an informant for the FBI. The film tracks how Bulger used his status to expand his criminal empire while being protected by the law. Some viewers found the makeup used on the lead actor to be distracting from the performance. It provides a cold and clinical look at a dark chapter in American history.

‘Legend’ (2015)

Tom Hardy plays both of the Kray twins who were infamous leaders of organized crime in London during the sixties. The film focuses on the relationship between the two brothers and their rise to power. Critics often argue that the dual performance is impressive but the narrative itself is somewhat thin. It captures the style of the era but struggles to offer deep insight into the subjects.

‘L.A. Confidential’ (1997)

Three detectives with very different personalities investigate a series of murders in fifties Los Angeles. The film is a dense mystery that explores corruption within the police force and the city government. Some viewers find the plot to be overly complicated and difficult to follow on a first viewing. It is highly regarded for its writing and the way it captures the atmosphere of classic noir.

‘The Gentlemen’ (2019)

An American expatriate tries to sell his massive marijuana empire in London which triggers a series of schemes and betrayals. The film returns to the style of fast talking British crime comedies popularized by the director. Some find the dialogue to be forced and the plot to be unnecessarily convoluted. It features a charismatic cast and plenty of the signature humor found in earlier works.

‘Blow’ (2001)

The story tracks George Jung as he becomes a major player in the establishment of the American cocaine market. Johnny Depp stars in this biopic that covers several decades of the drug trade. Critics often point out that the film feels like a lesser version of other iconic crime epics. It attempts to humanize its subject while showing the devastating effects of his career choice.

‘True Romance’ (1993)

A comic book fan and a call girl accidentally steal a suitcase of drugs and head to California to sell it. The script was written by Quentin Tarantino and features a notable ensemble of supporting actors. Some viewers find the romance to be unrealistic and the level of violence to be excessive. It has become a cult favorite for its energy and memorable individual scenes.

‘New Jack City’ (1991)

A drug lord rises to power during the crack epidemic in New York City while being pursued by a group of determined cops. The film is a gritty look at the social issues of the early nineties. Some critics feel the movie is dated and leans too heavily into the aesthetic of the time. It is known for its intense energy and the charismatic performance of Wesley Snipes.

‘Boyz n the Hood’ (1991)

The movie follows three young men growing up in South Central Los Angeles as they deal with the presence of gangs and crime. It is a powerful social drama that explores the impact of environment on the choices of youth. Some viewers find the messaging to be heavy handed at times. It remains an important cultural work that helped launch several major careers.

‘Menace II Society’ (1993)

A young man navigates the cycle of violence and crime in his neighborhood while trying to find a way out. The film is noted for its realistic and uncompromising look at life on the streets. Some find the relentless negativity of the story to be difficult to watch. It is often compared to other urban dramas of the era for its raw energy and honesty.

‘Joker’ (2019)

A failed comedian descends into madness and becomes a symbol of criminal uprising in a decaying city. The film is a character study that draws inspiration from classic crime movies of the seventies. Critics are divided on whether the movie offers deep social commentary or simply imitates better films. It was a massive commercial success and sparked many discussions about mental health and society.

‘Focus’ (2015)

A veteran con artist takes a young woman under his wing and teaches her the secrets of the trade. The film relies on the chemistry between Will Smith and Margot Robbie to drive the narrative. Some viewers find the plot twists to be predictable and the story to be lacking real stakes. It is a sleek and stylish production that focuses more on romance than grit.

‘Now You See Me’ (2013)

A team of illusionists pulls off bank heists during their performances and gives the money to their audiences. The film relies on flashy visual effects and a fast paced narrative to keep viewers engaged. Critics often argue that the plot twists are illogical and the ending feels unearned. It was successful enough at the box office to spawn a franchise featuring the same magical themes.

‘Sicario’ (2015)

An idealistic agent joins a task force to take down a powerful drug cartel on the border between the United States and Mexico. The film is known for its intense atmosphere and the stunning cinematography of Roger Deakins. Some find the characters to be cold and the narrative to be overly cynical. It provides a grim look at the complexities of the modern drug war.

‘American Hustle’ (2013)

Two con artists are forced to work with an unstable FBI agent to pull off a sting operation involving corrupt politicians. The film features a high energy cast wearing elaborate costumes from the seventies. Some critics argue that the movie is more interested in its style and performances than a coherent plot. It received many award nominations but remains a divisive title among crime fans.

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)

A stockbroker builds a massive empire based on fraud and lives a life of extreme excess and debauchery. The film is a high energy comedy that explores white collar crime and corporate greed. Some viewers find the runtime to be exhausting and the behavior of the characters to be repulsive. It is praised for the performance of Leonardo DiCaprio and the energetic direction of Martin Scorsese.

‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2002)

A young man becomes a master of deception and fraud while being chased by a dedicated FBI agent. The movie is based on a true story and features a lighthearted tone compared to most crime films. Some critics feel the movie avoids the darker consequences of the protagonist’s actions. It remains a popular and charming entry in the careers of both the lead actors and the director.

‘Layer Cake’ (2004)

A successful cocaine dealer tries to retire from the business but is tasked with two final jobs that go wrong. The film is noted for its cool aesthetic and for helping Daniel Craig secure the role of James Bond. Some find the plot to be a collection of standard British gangster tropes. It provides a stylish look at the hierarchy of the criminal underworld.

‘Savages’ (2012)

Two marijuana growers find themselves in a war with a Mexican drug cartel that kidnaps their shared girlfriend. The film features a vibrant visual style and an ensemble cast. Critics often point out that the story is shallow and the ending options are unsatisfying. It is a violent and colorful action movie that fails to provide much depth.

‘Pain & Gain’ (2013)

Three bodybuilders in Florida become involved in an extortion ring and a kidnapping plot that goes disastrously wrong. The film is based on a true story and uses a dark comedic tone to tell the narrative. Many viewers were put off by the stylized violence and the portrayal of real life criminals as buffoons. It explores the darker side of the American dream through a lens of excess.

‘The Fast and the Furious’ (2001)

An undercover cop infiltrates the world of illegal street racing to catch a group of high speed hijackers. The film launched a massive franchise that eventually moved away from its crime roots. Some find the acting to be wooden and the plot to be a simple copy of other undercover stories. It remains an important cultural milestone for its influence on car culture and action cinema.

‘Bad Boys’ (1995)

Two detectives protect a witness while investigating the theft of heroin from their own police station. The film established the comedic chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Some critics find the stylized action and the thin plot to be representative of Michael Bay’s divisive directing style. It was a major box office hit that spawned several sequels.

‘The Fugitive’ (1993)

A doctor is wrongly accused of murdering his wife and must find the real killer while being hunted by the authorities. The film is a classic chase thriller that maintains a high level of tension throughout. Some viewers feel the movie follows a very predictable Hollywood formula. It is praised for the strong performances of Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones.

Please share your own thoughts about which crime movies you find overrated in the comments.