Top 10 Crime Films About Dens of Iniquity

Description: A gangster on the run from his former associates hides out in a rock star's mansion, where he encounters a world of drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll. This film blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, set against the backdrop of London's criminal and artistic underworlds.

Fact: The film was initially banned by Warner Bros. due to its explicit content but was later released after significant edits. Mick Jagger stars in one of his few acting roles.

Description: Jack Carter, a London gangster, returns to Newcastle to investigate his brother's death, uncovering a web of corruption and vice. The film's gritty portrayal of criminal dens and the seedy underbelly of the city is both compelling and chilling.

Fact: Michael Caine's performance as Jack Carter is often cited as one of his best. The film was remade in 2000 with Sylvester Stallone, but the original remains a classic.

Description: This British gangster film follows Harold Shand, a London mob boss, as he tries to expand his empire into legitimate business. However, his plans are disrupted by a series of bombings, leading him into a world of betrayal and revenge, with a backdrop of London's criminal dens.

Fact: The film was initially banned in Ireland due to its portrayal of the IRA. Bob Hoskins' performance as Harold Shand is widely acclaimed, earning him a BAFTA nomination.

Description: A British ex-con, Wilson (Terence Stamp), travels to Los Angeles to investigate his daughter's death, leading him into the heart of the city's criminal dens. The film's non-linear narrative and gritty atmosphere make it a standout in crime cinema.

Fact: The film uses extensive flashbacks and dialogue from Stamp's earlier films, creating a unique storytelling experience. Steven Soderbergh directed this film, showcasing his versatility in genre filmmaking.

Description: This film features a retired gangster living in Spain, whose peaceful life is shattered by the arrival of a ruthless enforcer from his past. The story unfolds in various criminal settings, including a notorious gambling den, highlighting the tension and violence of the underworld.

Fact: Ben Kingsley's performance as the menacing Don Logan earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film's title comes from a song by The Jam.

Description: A young man from South London gets involved with a gang of British expatriates in Spain, running a criminal empire that includes drug dens and illegal gambling. The film captures the allure and danger of the criminal lifestyle.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events and characters from the British criminal scene in Spain. Danny Dyer stars as Frankie, a role that solidified his reputation in British crime cinema.

Description: Based on Graham Greene's novel, this film follows Pinkie Brown, a young gangster in 1930s Brighton, whose criminal activities include running a protection racket and operating a gambling den. The film's noir style and moral ambiguity make it a classic in British cinema.

Fact: Richard Attenborough's portrayal of Pinkie Brown was his breakthrough role. The film was remade in 2010 with Sam Riley in the lead role.

Description: A stylish and sharp crime thriller where an unnamed drug dealer (Daniel Craig) wants to retire but gets pulled back into the underworld by his boss. The film showcases various criminal dens, from high-end clubs to grimy backrooms, as he navigates through a complex web of deceit.

Fact: Daniel Craig's performance in this film caught the attention of the James Bond producers, leading to his casting as

Description: This biographical crime drama tells the story of the notorious Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, who ruled London's East End with an iron fist. Their criminal empire included various dens of iniquity, from clubs to gambling houses, showcasing the dark side of London's nightlife.

Fact: The film was shot on location in London, providing an authentic backdrop to the Krays' criminal activities. Gary and Martin Kemp, members of the band Spandau Ballet, played the twins.

Description: Richard Burton plays a ruthless London gangster, Vic Dakin, who operates a criminal empire from his club, showcasing the brutal reality of London's criminal dens. The film provides a stark contrast to the more romanticized portrayals of gangsters.

Fact: Burton's performance was critically acclaimed, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The film was one of the first to depict the harsh realities of British gang life.