There's something uniquely atmospheric about a good crime film set in the rain. The rain can add layers of tension, mood, and a sense of foreboding to the narrative. Here's our selection of 10 crime films where the rain isn't just a backdrop; it's almost a character in its own right. Each film has been chosen for its compelling storyline, memorable characters, and the way the rain enhances the overall experience. Whether you're a fan of classic noir or modern thrillers, this list will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Third Man (1949)
Description: This classic film noir set in post-war Vienna uses the rain to enhance the city's eerie, shadowy atmosphere, where a writer discovers his friend's involvement in the black market.
Fact: The film's famous zither score was composed by Anton Karas, who was discovered playing in a Vienna wine bar.
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The French Connection (1971)
Description: Rainy New York streets set the stage for this gritty police drama about a narcotics detective's pursuit of a French heroin smuggler.
Fact: The famous car chase scene was filmed without permission, leading to real-life chaos on the streets of New York.
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Chinatown (1974)
Description: The rain in Chinatown adds to the murky, secretive world of Los Angeles in the 1930s, where a private detective uncovers a web of deceit and corruption.
Fact: The film's ending was famously changed by director Roman Polanski to make it more ambiguous and impactful.
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Blade Runner (1982)
Description: Rain-soaked Los Angeles in this sci-fi noir creates a dystopian atmosphere where replicants and humans navigate a world of existential questions and crime.
Fact: The film's iconic rain scenes were created using a combination of practical effects and early CGI.
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Se7en (1995)
Description: The relentless rain in this thriller mirrors the relentless pursuit of a serial killer by two detectives, adding to the film's grim, oppressive mood.
Fact: The film's ending was kept secret from the cast until the day of shooting to capture genuine reactions.
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The Usual Suspects (1995)
Description: Rainy scenes in this film add to the murky, unreliable narrative where a group of criminals are drawn into a heist orchestrated by the mysterious Keyser Söze.
Fact: The film's twist ending has become one of the most famous in cinema history.
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L.A. Confidential (1997)
Description: The rain in Los Angeles during the 1950s adds to the film's noir aesthetic, where three cops navigate corruption and scandal in the LAPD.
Fact: The film was originally much longer, with scenes cut to streamline the narrative.
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The Departed (2006)
Description: Set in Boston, the rain adds to the gritty, intense atmosphere as an undercover cop and a mole in the police force try to outwit each other.
Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film.
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Drive (2011)
Description: Rainy night scenes in Los Angeles provide a moody backdrop for this neo-noir action thriller about a stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver.
Fact: The film's soundtrack, featuring Cliff Martinez's score, was critically acclaimed and added to the film's atmospheric tension.
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: The rain in Sweden's bleak landscapes complements the dark, twisted tale of a journalist and a hacker investigating a decades-old disappearance.
Fact: The film's opening credits, featuring a cover of "Immigrant Song" by Karen O, were designed by Tim Miller, who later directed Deadpool.
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