Top 10 Crime Films of the 80s

Description: This British gangster film is a classic example of the genre, featuring Bob Hoskins as a London mob boss whose empire is threatened by an unknown enemy. It's a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and the changing face of crime in the UK.

Fact: The film was initially banned by the BBC for its portrayal of IRA violence, and it was one of the first films to use the term "Yuppie."

Description: While not strictly a crime film, David Cronenberg's adaptation of Stephen King's novel involves a schoolteacher who wakes up from a coma with psychic abilities, leading him to prevent a political assassination. Its dark atmosphere and moral dilemmas fit well within the crime genre's exploration of human nature.

Fact: Christopher Walken's performance was critically acclaimed, and the film's ending was changed from King's book to provide a more ambiguous conclusion.

Description: Directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino, this film tells the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who becomes a drug lord in Miami. It's an iconic portrayal of the American Dream gone awry, with its over-the-top style and memorable lines.

Fact: The film was originally rated X due to its violence and language, and it was edited down to an R rating. Also, Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay in just 10 weeks.

Description: Directed by Stephen Frears, this film follows a hitman and his apprentice as they transport a former mobster from Spain to France. It's a tense, existential journey that delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.

Fact: John Hurt's character was inspired by real-life events involving a British criminal, and the film was shot in Spain to capture its unique atmosphere.

Description: William Friedkin's film follows two Secret Service agents on a mission to take down a counterfeiter. Known for its intense car chase scenes, this movie captures the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles with a gritty realism.

Fact: The famous car chase was filmed in reverse to make it appear more intense, and the film's title is taken from a poem by John Keats.

Description: Danny DeVito and Joe Piscopo star as two low-level mobsters who get caught in a mob war. It's a comedic take on the crime genre, offering a lighter side to the often grim world of organized crime.

Fact: The film was originally titled "The Wise Guys," but the article was dropped to avoid confusion with another film.

Description: Mel Gibson and Danny Glover star as mismatched cops in this action-packed buddy cop film. It's not just about the crime-solving; it's about the dynamic between the characters, making it a standout in the genre.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be much darker, but the studio pushed for more humor, leading to the creation of the iconic buddy cop formula.

Description: This film, directed by Brian De Palma, dramatizes the efforts of Eliot Ness to bring down Al Capone during Prohibition. With its memorable performances, particularly by Kevin Costner and Sean Connery, it's a stylish and thrilling depiction of the era.

Fact: Sean Connery won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and the film's famous "Chicago Way" scene was inspired by a real-life incident.

Description: Robert De Niro plays a bounty hunter tasked with bringing in a mob accountant, played by Charles Grodin. This film blends comedy with crime, offering a refreshing take on the genre with its witty dialogue and character-driven plot.

Fact: The film was a box office disappointment initially but has since gained a cult following for its humor and performances.

Description: While more of a dark comedy, Martin Scorsese's film about a delusional aspiring comedian who kidnaps a talk show host to get his big break touches on themes of crime, fame, and obsession, making it a unique entry in the crime film category.

Fact: Robert De Niro prepared for his role by studying tapes of Johnny Carson and other late-night hosts, and the film was a commercial failure upon release but has since been reevaluated as a cult classic.