Top 10 Crime Films About Global Criminal Organizations

Description: A classic heist film where a group of criminals plan a gold bullion heist in Turin, Italy, showcasing the international scope of their operations.

Fact: The film's famous Mini Cooper chase was inspired by the real-life Turin car chase in 1967, and the original ending was changed due to audience reactions.

Description: A gritty portrayal of the drug trade between France and New York, highlighting the global network of narcotics distribution.

Fact: The famous car chase scene was shot without permits, and the film's budget was so tight that the crew had to use their own cars.

Description: This iconic film delves into the inner workings of the Corleone family, an Italian-American Mafia clan, as they navigate the treacherous waters of organized crime in America, which has global implications.

Fact: The film was initially offered to several directors who turned it down, including Sergio Leone and Peter Bogdanovich. It was also the first film to have its sequel released before its own release on video.

Description: While centered in Las Vegas, the film illustrates the international connections of the mob, particularly with the Chicago Outfit's influence on the gambling industry.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence to help the actors with their character development, and the real-life Frank Rosenthal, the inspiration for Sam "Ace" Rothstein, was banned from all casinos in Nevada.

Description: This film examines the drug trade from multiple perspectives, including the international supply chain that spans from Mexico to the United States.

Fact: The film was shot in three different locations: San Diego, Tijuana, and Cincinnati, to reflect the different aspects of the drug war.

Description: While not strictly about organized crime, it involves a global conspiracy and covert operations, illustrating the interconnectedness of international espionage and crime.

Fact: The film was shot in several locations around the world, including Paris, Prague, and Mykonos, to give it a truly global feel.

Description: A tale of moles, loyalty, and betrayal within the Boston Irish Mob, which has connections to international crime networks, showcasing the global reach of organized crime.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, and it was also the first time he won for a film not set in New York.

Description: Although a superhero film, it features the criminal mastermind The Joker, whose chaos disrupts the criminal underworld, showing the global impact of crime.

Fact: Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker won him a posthumous Oscar, and the film was the first comic book movie to win a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

Description: This film explores the dark underbelly of the Russian Mafia in London, revealing their international ties and the brutal enforcement of their code of silence.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for the role, and his tattoos were designed by a real ex-Russian mobster.

Description: This Hong Kong thriller about a police officer infiltrating the Triads and a Triad member infiltrating the police force, shows the global reach of organized crime.

Fact: The film was remade in Hollywood as 'The Departed', and it was one of the first Hong Kong films to be remade in the West.