Fancy a bit of high-octane action with a twist of the underworld? This curated list of ten films dives into the murky waters of illegal business, where the stakes are high, and the action is relentless. From drug cartels to smuggling rings, these films offer a thrilling look at the dark side of enterprise, providing not just adrenaline-pumping sequences but also a peek into the moral dilemmas and complex characters that populate this shadowy world. Whether you're a fan of gritty realism or enjoy the slick, stylish portrayal of crime, this collection has something for every action aficionado.

The French Connection (1971)
Description: This gritty film follows two New York City cops as they uncover a heroin smuggling ring, featuring one of the most iconic car chases in cinema history.
Fact: The famous car chase was filmed without permits, and the director, William Friedkin, had to pay for any damages out of his own pocket.


The Bank Job (2008)
Description: Inspired by the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery, this film tells the story of a group of small-time crooks who plan to rob a bank, only to find themselves in over their heads with political and criminal intrigue.
Fact: The film's plot was based on a heist that was allegedly hushed up by the British government due to compromising photos of the royal family.


Snatch (2000)
Description: Another Ritchie classic, this film follows multiple characters involved in the illegal diamond trade, with a mix of boxing, gambling, and a stolen diamond at its core.
Fact: Brad Pitt's character, Mickey O'Neil, speaks in an almost unintelligible Irish accent, which was a deliberate choice to add to the character's mystique.


Blow (2001)
Description: Based on the real-life story of George Jung, this film explores the rise and fall of a cocaine empire, showing the allure and the dark side of the drug trade.
Fact: Johnny Depp, who plays Jung, actually met with him to prepare for the role, and the film's title refers to the slang term for cocaine.


The Departed (2006)
Description: Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning film about an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob and a mole in the police department, all set against the backdrop of Boston's criminal underworld.
Fact: The film was a remake of the Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs," and it was Scorsese's first Best Director win at the Oscars.


The Business (2005)
Description: Set in the 1980s, this British film follows a young man who gets involved in the drug trade on the Costa del Sol, exploring the glamour and the grim reality of the criminal lifestyle.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of writer Nick Love, who worked as a doorman in Spain during that era.


Eastern Promises (2007)
Description: David Cronenberg's film delves into the Russian mafia in London, with a midwife uncovering a diary that leads her into the dangerous world of human trafficking and organized crime.
Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role, and the film's bathhouse fight scene is often cited as one of the most brutal and realistic in cinema.


The Infiltrator (2016)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a U.S. Customs agent who goes undercover to dismantle a money-laundering operation connected to the Medellín Cartel.
Fact: Bryan Cranston, who plays the lead, was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance.


The Gentlemen (2019)
Description: This Guy Ritchie film dives into the world of London's underground marijuana trade, where an American expat looks to sell his lucrative business, only to find himself entangled in a web of blackmail, bribery, and violence.
Fact: The film features a cameo by real-life British rapper Giggs, and the screenplay was written by Ritchie in just three weeks.


Layer Cake (2004)
Description: A suave drug dealer plans to retire, but his final job leads him into a complex web of crime, betrayal, and murder in this stylish British crime thriller.
Fact: Daniel Craig's performance in this film helped him land the role of James Bond.
