If you're a fan of films where ambition, greed, and the pursuit of power lead characters down dark paths, this collection is for you. These ten crime films showcase the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their personal goals, often at great personal and moral cost. From the gritty streets of London to the glitzy underworld of Los Angeles, these stories are not just about crime; they're about the human condition, ambition, and the consequences of one's choices. Get ready for a thrilling ride through tales of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for something more.
The Long Good Friday (1980)
Description: This British classic follows Harold Shand, a London gangster with big plans to expand his empire, only to find his ambitions threatened by an unknown enemy. It's a masterclass in how personal ambition can lead to downfall.
Fact: Bob Hoskins was nominated for a BAFTA for his role as Harold Shand, and the film has been remade for television.
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Sexy Beast (2000)
Description: Ex-gangster Gal Dove wants to retire in Spain, but his past ambitions come back to haunt him when a ruthless gangster forces him back into the game. It's a tale of ambition clashing with the desire for peace.
Fact: Ben Kingsley's performance as Don Logan earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
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The Departed (2006)
Description: In this gripping tale, ambition drives both a mole in the police and an undercover cop to navigate the treacherous waters of Boston's criminal underworld, each with their own personal goals.
Fact: Martin Scorsese won an Academy Award for Best Director for this film.
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American Gangster (2007)
Description: Frank Lucas, a driver for a Harlem gangster, rises to power through ambition and ruthless tactics, creating a drug empire. His story is a cautionary tale of ambition's highs and lows.
Fact: Denzel Washington's portrayal of Frank Lucas was critically acclaimed, and the film was nominated for two Academy Awards.
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Drive (2011)
Description: A Hollywood stunt driver uses his skills for getaway driving, but his ambition to protect a woman he loves leads him into a dangerous underworld. It's a story of ambition, love, and survival.
Fact: The film's minimal dialogue and intense action sequences have made it a cult classic.
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The Town (2010)
Description: Doug MacRay, a bank robber with dreams of leaving his criminal life behind, finds his ambition tested by love and loyalty. This film delves into the conflict between personal ambition and the pull of one's roots.
Fact: Ben Affleck, who also directed the film, was inspired by the book "Prince of Thieves."
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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: Jordan Belfort's ambition to become rich leads him to create a corrupt stock brokerage firm, showcasing the dark side of ambition and excess.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Belfort.
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Nightcrawler (2014)
Description: Louis Bloom's ambition to succeed in the cutthroat world of freelance crime journalism leads him down a morally ambiguous path, highlighting the lengths one will go to achieve personal goals.
Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal lost weight for the role to portray Bloom's gaunt appearance.
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Widows (2018)
Description: After their husbands are killed in a heist, four women band together to pull off a heist of their own, driven by ambition, survival, and the desire to escape their past.
Fact: The film is based on a British TV series from the 1980s, and Viola Davis delivers a powerful performance.
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Layer Cake (2004)
Description: A successful drug dealer, known only as XXXX, plans to retire, but his ambition for a clean exit leads him into a web of deceit and violence. This film explores the pitfalls of ambition in the criminal underworld.
Fact: Daniel Craig's performance in this film helped him land the role of James Bond.
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