When the skies are overcast and the rain patters against the window, there's nothing quite like settling down with a gripping crime film. This curated list of 10 crime movies is perfect for those gloomy days when you want to immerse yourself in tales of intrigue, deception, and the darker side of humanity. Each film has been selected not only for its compelling narrative but also for its ability to transport you to another world, making the dreary weather outside seem like the perfect backdrop for these cinematic adventures.

Get Carter (1971)
Description: Michael Caine stars as a tough London gangster seeking revenge in Newcastle. The film's dark, moody atmosphere and the bleak industrial setting perfectly complement a grey day.
Fact: The film was remade in 2000 with Sylvester Stallone, but the original is widely considered superior.


The Long Good Friday (1980)
Description: This British classic follows a London gangster whose empire is threatened by an IRA bombing campaign. The film's gritty realism and the backdrop of a rainy London make it an ideal watch for a gloomy day.
Fact: Bob Hoskins was nominated for a BAFTA for his role, and the film was initially banned in Ireland due to its IRA-related content.


Mona Lisa (1986)
Description: Bob Hoskins plays a recently released ex-con who becomes a driver for a high-class call girl, leading to a complex web of crime and emotion. The film's moody, atmospheric setting is ideal for a rainy day.
Fact: Bob Hoskins won the Best Actor award at Cannes for his role.


The Limey (1999)
Description: Terence Stamp stars as an ex-con from England seeking revenge in Los Angeles. The film's fragmented narrative and the contrast between sunny California and Stamp's character's dark past make it a compelling watch.
Fact: The film uses non-linear storytelling, which was innovative for its time.


The Bank Job (2008)
Description: Based on the true story of the 1971 Baker Street robbery, this film captures the tension and excitement of the heist. The grey, overcast London setting adds to the film's authenticity.
Fact: The film was initially banned in the UK due to its depiction of real-life events involving the British Royal Family.


Sexy Beast (2000)
Description: A retired gangster is pulled back into the criminal world by a menacing figure. The film's intense atmosphere and the Spanish sun contrasting with the British gloom make it a unique addition to this list.
Fact: Ben Kingsley's performance as the menacing Don Logan earned him an Academy Award nomination.


Brighton Rock (1947)
Description: A young gangster in 1930s Brighton tries to cover up a murder, leading to a tense and atmospheric thriller. The film's noir style and the seaside town's gloomy weather make it a perfect gloomy day watch.
Fact: The film was remade in 2010 with Sam Riley and Helen Mirren.


Layer Cake (2004)
Description: Daniel Craig plays a drug dealer looking to retire, but his plans are upended by a series of events. The film's slick style and the rain-soaked London streets make it a fitting choice for a gloomy day.
Fact: This was one of the films that helped Daniel Craig secure the role of James Bond.


The Krays (1990)
Description: This biopic delves into the lives of the notorious Kray twins, London's most infamous gangsters. The film's dark tone and the portrayal of the East End's criminal underworld fit perfectly with a gloomy day.
Fact: The film features real-life footage of the Krays, adding authenticity to the narrative.


Villain (1971)
Description: Richard Burton stars as a ruthless London gangster in this gritty crime drama. The film's portrayal of the criminal underworld and the bleak, rainy London streets make it an excellent choice for a gloomy day.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life London gangsters, particularly the Kray twins.
