There's something uniquely thrilling about crime films set on isolated islands. These films offer a blend of suspense, intrigue, and the claustrophobic tension of being trapped with nowhere to run. Whether it's a heist gone wrong or a mystery to unravel, these island settings provide the perfect backdrop for stories of crime, betrayal, and survival. Here's a curated list of 10 crime films that take you to these remote, often lawless, island sanctuaries.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Description: Alfred Hitchcock's classic involves a kidnapping and a plot to assassinate a foreign dignitary, with much of the action taking place on the island of Marrakesh.
Fact: This was a remake of Hitchcock's own 1934 film of the same name, but with significant changes to the plot and setting.
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The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: A police sergeant travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, only to uncover a pagan cult. While not a traditional crime film, the investigation and the island's isolation make it a fitting entry.
Fact: The film has become a cult classic, and its ending is often cited as one of the most shocking in British cinema.
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The Deep (1977)
Description: A couple discovers sunken treasure off the coast of Bermuda, leading to encounters with drug smugglers and a criminal underworld on the island.
Fact: The film was based on Peter Benchley's novel, who also wrote "Jaws."
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The Rock (1996)
Description: This action-packed thriller sees a group of rogue military men taking over Alcatraz Island, holding San Francisco hostage with chemical weapons. It's a classic example of an island turned into a fortress of crime.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events involving the occupation of Alcatraz by Native American activists in
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The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Tom Ripley's journey to Italy turns into a tale of deception and murder, with a significant portion set on the idyllic island of Ischia, where his crimes begin to unravel.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.
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The Beach (2000)
Description: While more of a thriller, this film features a secret community on an island in Thailand where the rules of society are bent, leading to criminal behavior and moral decay.
Fact: The film was based on Alex Garland's novel and features a young Leonardo DiCaprio.
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The Island (2005)
Description: Although not strictly a crime film, this sci-fi thriller involves a secretive facility on an island where human clones are raised, only to be harvested for their organs. The escape plan turns into a criminal endeavor.
Fact: Michael Bay directed this film, and it features one of the first major roles for Scarlett Johansson.
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Shutter Island (2010)
Description: Set on a remote island housing a psychiatric hospital, this film follows a U.S. Marshal investigating the disappearance of a patient, only to find himself entangled in a web of psychological manipulation.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, and the island setting was inspired by real-life mental institutions like Danvers State Hospital.
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The Ghost Writer (2010)
Description: A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister finds himself on an isolated island, uncovering political secrets that could be deadly.
Fact: The film was directed by Roman Polanski, who himself was embroiled in legal issues at the time, adding a meta-layer to the film's theme of secrets and isolation.
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The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)
Description: This adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel involves a shipwrecked man discovering a mad scientist's experiments on an island, leading to a tale of genetic manipulation and ethical crimes.
Fact: The film had a notoriously troubled production, with multiple directors and script changes.
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