Top 20 American Crime Movies on Netflix

Crime has always fascinated audiences. From shadowy alleyways to high-stakes bank heists, the genre taps into the darker corners of human nature. On-screen, it becomes a study of power, betrayal, redemption, and justice. Few countries have mastered the genre quite like the United States. American Crime Movies​, especially those streaming on platforms like Netflix, capture the pulse of urban tension and moral complexity like no other.

American cinema has long embraced the crime genre. From the gritty noir films of the 1940s to the modern psychological thrillers of today, the style has evolved. Crime movies explore the fine line between right and wrong. They blur the boundaries between law enforcers and lawbreakers. These films delve into the minds of criminals, detectives, and ordinary people caught in extraordinary situations.

Netflix continues to be a goldmine for movie lovers. Among its diverse offerings, it showcases an impressive collection of American Crime Movies. These films come from a variety of decades and directors. They differ in tone and style but all share a commitment to storytelling driven by suspense, conflict, and character depth.

1. The Irishman (2019)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Irishman is a masterclass in crime storytelling. It spans decades and chronicles the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman connected to the Bufalino crime family. The film features legendary actors like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. Through subtle performances and a haunting narrative, it explores loyalty, violence, and regret.

2. The Departed (2006)

One of the most iconic American Crime Movies of the 21st century, The Departed won Scorsese his first Best Director Oscar. This Boston-set thriller revolves around moles planted in the police department and the mob. The story is intense and emotionally charged. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, and Matt Damon lead a stellar cast.

3. Nightcrawler (2014)

Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a chilling performance as Lou Bloom, a driven man who dives into the world of crime journalism. Nightcrawler is dark, atmospheric, and disturbing. It captures how ambition and morality collide when crime becomes a commodity.

4. American Gangster (2007)

This crime saga tells the story of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug lord in the 1970s. Denzel Washington stars alongside Russell Crowe in this gripping tale of power and justice. The film explores how crime and capitalism often mirror each other.

5. Zodiac (2007)

Directed by David Fincher, Zodiac follows the real-life investigation into the Zodiac killer. With detailed procedural scenes and a lingering sense of fear, this film explores obsession. Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. bring compelling tension to the screen.

6. The Highwaymen (2019)

This historical crime drama reverses the traditional outlaw narrative. It follows the Texas Rangers who pursued Bonnie and Clyde. Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson ground the film in stoic realism. The film paints a portrait of lawmen grappling with justice in an era of celebrity criminals.

7. Triple Frontier (2019)

This action-packed thriller explores the moral collapse of former soldiers turned thieves. Set in South America but rooted in American values and greed, it’s a meditation on loyalty, desperation, and consequences.

8. Wind River (2017)

Written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, Wind River is a chilling murder mystery set on a Native American reservation. Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen portray agents of justice in a landscape of silence and sorrow.

9. The Mule (2018)

Clint Eastwood stars and directs this unique crime tale. It tells the story of an elderly man who becomes a drug courier for a cartel. The narrative touches on redemption, family, and the cost of choices.

10. Lawless (2012)

Set during Prohibition, Lawless centers on a family of bootleggers in Virginia. It’s a violent, atmospheric film with standout performances from Tom Hardy and Shia LaBeouf. It blends historical grit with emotional depth.

11. Extraction (2020)

Chris Hemsworth stars in this high-stakes kidnapping rescue mission. While it leans into action territory, the film’s structure and tone carry the DNA of classic American Crime Movies. It’s fast, brutal, and emotionally charged.

12. The Devil All the Time (2020)

This Southern Gothic crime film explores violence across generations. Set in postwar America, it weaves together multiple stories of corruption and cruelty. Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson deliver haunting performances.

13. Shot Caller (2017)

After a man is incarcerated for a DUI, he is forced into the violent prison underworld. Shot Caller examines how choices made for survival can permanently alter a life. It’s gripping, raw, and emotionally intense.

14. Enola Holmes (2020)

Though more adventure than pure crime, this film presents an intelligent take on criminal investigation. With its period setting and mystery-driven plot, it echoes the curiosity that American Crime Movies often evoke in viewers.

15. Secret Obsession (2019)

This psychological thriller centers on identity, danger, and memory. It keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The film explores how danger can wear many faces.

16. Wheelman (2017)

This minimalist crime thriller places the viewer in the driver’s seat. With the entire movie unfolding from the perspective of a getaway driver, it brings fresh tension and urgency to the genre.

17. The Guilty (2021)

A remake of a Danish film, this version starring Jake Gyllenhaal leans heavily on voice, emotion, and psychological suspense. It explores the desperation of a 911 operator trying to prevent a crime in real time.

18. Hold the Dark (2018)

This atmospheric crime mystery set in the Alaskan wilderness is haunting and cerebral. With strong direction and eerie visuals, it draws viewers into a world where nature and violence intersect.

19. Spenser Confidential (2020)

Mark Wahlberg stars in this action-comedy crime film that pairs gritty Boston atmosphere with modern corruption. It’s a fun ride with themes that echo traditional American crime storytelling.

20. In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

This film combines time travel with serial crime. It’s a genre blend but still fits within the framework of American Crime Movies thanks to its investigation-driven plot and suspenseful pacing.

Why These Films Stand Out

What connects these titles is not just crime, but a specific American lens on the topic. These stories reflect U.S. culture, politics, and the justice system. They confront systemic corruption, psychological unraveling, and the battle between survival and morality. The characters are flawed, human, and often deeply broken. These stories ask difficult questions and rarely offer easy answers.

Netflix has curated a catalogue that honors the tradition of American Crime Movies while pushing it forward. The films listed here are just a fraction of what's available, yet they represent the variety and depth the genre has to offer.

Whether you're in the mood for a slow-burn procedural or a pulse-pounding action thriller, there’s something here for you. These films challenge, entertain, and linger long after the credits roll. American Crime Movies continue to evolve, and Netflix provides a front-row seat to the best of them.