Detective Films: Family Business

Description: While not a traditional detective film, the story of the Corleone family's criminal empire is rife with intrigue, betrayal, and the investigation of internal and external threats, making it a cornerstone of family business narratives.

Fact: The film was initially offered to Sergio Leone, who turned it down because he felt it was too similar to his own work. Marlon Brando improvised the famous cat scene, using a stray cat found on the set.

Description: This neo-noir film delves into the world of con artists, where family ties and business dealings are as slippery as the scams they pull off.

Fact: The film was adapted from Jim Thompson's novel, and its director, Stephen Frears, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director.

Description: This legal thriller involves a young lawyer who uncovers the dark secrets of his law firm, which is essentially a family-run business with a sinister twist.

Fact: Tom Cruise did much of his own running in the film, showcasing his athleticism. The film was based on John Grisham's novel, which was inspired by real-life events.

Description: Although primarily a comedy, this Coen Brothers' film delves into a kidnapping plot involving a family business, with Jeff Bridges' character unwittingly becoming the detective in this quirky mystery.

Fact: The film has inspired a religion called "Dudeism," based on the philosophy of The Dude. The character of The Dude was inspired by Jeff Dowd, a friend of the Coen brothers.

Description: A tale of deception and identity theft, this film explores the lengths one goes to infiltrate a wealthy family's business and lifestyle, with a detective-like pursuit at its core.

Fact: The film's ending was changed from the book to make it more palatable for audiences. Matt Damon learned to play the piano for his role.

Description: A barber in a small town becomes embroiled in a blackmail scheme and murder, all while trying to navigate his wife's family business affairs.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to evoke the feel of film noir. It was the Coen Brothers' first film to use a voice-over narration.

Description: This neo-noir mystery follows a high school student investigating his ex-girlfriend's disappearance, uncovering a complex web of drug deals and family business secrets.

Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days, with Rian Johnson directing and writing the script. It was his directorial debut.

Description: While not strictly about a family business, the film's central theme of loyalty and betrayal within a criminal organization mirrors the dynamics of a family-run enterprise.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. The movie was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: Set in the '70s, this buddy cop film involves a private eye and a hired enforcer who stumble upon a conspiracy involving the auto industry, which has deep family business roots.

Fact: The film was originally pitched as a TV series. Ryan Gosling improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's comedic tone.

Description: This modern whodunit revolves around the death of a wealthy crime novelist, whose entire family is suspect. The film brilliantly showcases the dysfunction within a family business empire, making it a perfect fit for this list.

Fact: The film's script was so well-received that it won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The mansion used for filming was a set built specifically for the movie.