5 Bleak Crime Movies With Characters Radiating ‘Morally Grey’ Energy
These five dark crime thrillers don't follow the typical "good guys," but instead revolve around characters that are all shades of gray.
Crime movies can be incredibly diverse, as some are action-packed, gripping, exciting, and sometimes even humorous and uplifting.
Others, however, are incredibly dark, depressing, and blur the line between good and evil.
Here are five dark crime movies with characters that are all shades of gray.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, this neo-western crime thriller tells the story of Llewelyn Moss, portrayed by Josh Brolin, who takes possession of a briefcase containing drug money.
This decision proves fatal as a ruthless hitman, Anton Chigurh, brilliantly played by Javier Bardem, begins hunting Llewelyn, leading to an intense game of cat and mouse.
Seven (1995)
David Fincher is known for making dark and depressing thrillers, and this movie, starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, is one of his best.
A mysterious serial killer leaves a trail of bodies, choosing his victims based on the Christian seven deadly sins.
Even if you know the shocking ending after all these years, it is still worth watching for any fan of the genre.
In Bruges (2008)
Don't let the fact that this movie is partly a black comedy confuse you, because In Bruges is still pretty bleak, and the dark humor only adds to the fatalistic atmosphere of the movie.
There are no good guys here, as it follows two hitmen, played by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, who are ordered to lay low after one of them accidentally does the unthinkable.
Carlito's Way (1993)
Al Pacino has starred in a number of crime dramas, such as The Godfather and Scarface, but Carlito's Way, directed by the legendary Brian De Palma, is a bit darker and more depressing than the aforementioned masterpieces.
Carlito Brigante is released from prison after serving 30 years, ready to start a new life, but his criminal past proves not to be so easy to shake off.
Uncut Gems (2019)
Directed by the Safdie brothers and starring Adam Sandler in an unusual non-comedic role, this crime thriller follows slippery Jewish jeweler Howard Ratner, whose gambling addiction derails his life.
