Top 10 Modern Crime Films with a British Twist

Description: A group of bank robbers from Charlestown, Boston, plan one last heist before going straight. Its portrayal of loyalty, family, and the struggle to escape a life of crime resonates with modern audiences.

Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, grew up in Charlestown and drew inspiration from the area's real-life crime statistics.

Description: A bartender in Brooklyn becomes embroiled in a criminal underworld when a robbery goes wrong at his bar. Its focus on small-time crime and the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people adds a contemporary layer to the genre.

Fact: The film was based on a short story by Dennis Lehane, who also wrote the screenplay.

Description: An ex-convict working as an informant for the FBI must navigate the dangerous world of organized crime to protect his family. Its modern setting and intense plot twists make it a gripping addition to the crime genre.

Fact: The film was shot in both London and New York, blending the two cities' atmospheres to create a unique backdrop for the story.

Description: Set in 1970s Los Angeles, this buddy cop comedy-drama involves a private eye and a hired enforcer investigating a case that spirals into a conspiracy involving the porn industry and the automotive sector. Its blend of humor and crime makes it a modern gem.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a TV series, but after the pilot was not picked up, it was reworked into a feature film.

Description: This high-octane film features a getaway driver who uses music to drown out his tinnitus. Its unique blend of action, music, and crime makes it a modern classic, showcasing how crime films can be both thrilling and artistically innovative.

Fact: Edgar Wright, the director, used over 30 songs in the film, with each car chase scene meticulously choreographed to match the rhythm of the music.

Description: After their criminal husbands are killed in a heist gone wrong, four women band together to pull off the heist themselves. This film stands out for its strong female leads and its commentary on race, class, and politics in contemporary Chicago.

Fact: The film was adapted from a 1983 British TV series of the same name, and Viola Davis was the first African-American woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in "How to Get Away with Murder."

Description: Following a botched bank robbery, a man must navigate the criminal underworld of New York City to save his mentally challenged brother. Its gritty realism and intense pacing offer a fresh take on the crime genre.

Fact: The film was shot in 25 days, and Robert Pattinson did most of his stunts himself, including a scene where he runs through a hotel hallway.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows an elderly horticulturist who becomes a drug mule for a Mexican cartel. Its exploration of morality, age, and crime in a modern context makes it a compelling watch.

Fact: Clint Eastwood, who stars in the film, also directed it at the age of 88, making him one of the oldest directors to helm a major film.

Description: This film dives into the seedy underbelly of London's criminal world, focusing on an American expat who tries to sell his marijuana empire. Its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and Guy Ritchie's signature style make it a standout in modern crime cinema.

Fact: The film features a cameo by Charlie Hunnam's real-life wife, Morgana McNelis, and includes a scene where the cast discusses the plot of another Guy Ritchie film, "Snatch."

Description: While not a traditional crime film, this comedy-drama explores themes of crime and redemption through the life of a young man dealing with the loss of his firefighter father. Its inclusion in this list reflects the modern, nuanced approach to crime narratives.

Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing from the life of Pete Davidson, who stars in the movie and co-wrote the script.