Welcome, Neo-Noir: 15 Movies MasterpiecesThat Buffs! If you’re anything like me, you love a good film noir with a moody private eye and all that rainy-day jazz. You’re in for a treat because I’m writing about my favorite genre of film: neo-noirs. I couldn’t narrow my selection down any further so I’ve got 15 of my must-watch neo-noirs listed below. Pop some popcorn and join me on this super cool, Cerulean-approved cinematic journey!
Table of Contents
Nightcrawler (2014):
Curious to know how the dangerous lives of crime journalists can be? This movie takes you through Los Angeles with Jake Gyllenhaal as he swims in the rough waters of LA crime.
Fargo (1996):
The Coen brothers made a masterpiece with this one. It is a very unique comedy-crime story. The film takes place in the snowy northern parts of Minnesota. The storyline is as unique as the countenance.
Inherent Vice (2014):
Here we are then. And I’m supposed to tell you – I’m certain that you’ve been told this before – Paul Thomas Anderson’s L.A. neo-noir Inherent Vice is a wild ride.
Heat (1995):
One cop. One thief. Both are far from innocent. Guess who? Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in one movie. I’ll watch it. One of the most amazing crime sagas ever.
Collateral (2004):
It’s one of those nights where you can’t sleep so you are flipping through channels and you are on TNT and you hear alright well let’s see Risky Business of course a classic is a classic no matter if it stars Tom Cruise. Well, so you have thought until you turn the channel to see him in sunglasses being sleek, bad, and, oh no, a villain. It’s Collateral, this summer’s next must-see.
John Wick (2014):
Like action? Keanu Reeves as a retired assassin who’s out for revenge will keep you on your toes in this stylish and thrilling action film.
Taxi Driver (1976):
The film That Will Never Grow Old tells the story of five mobsters whose childhood hero was the leader of all “Noodles.” A coming of age tale taking place in the desolate streets of New York City as four small kids have their world flipped upside down when they decide to slide down what these mobsters call a “Play Slide.” The story is captivating, it keeps your attention where it needs to till the very end. A very mafioso-esque story with countless layers beneath a simple plot.
The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001):
The Coen Brothers have done it again, but this time it’s brought with a big dose of black and white. This is a tribute to the old-style film noir but turned up a notch, exaggerating everything including the high contrast black and white cinematography of the genre to give it a hyper-real intensified look of its own.
Blood Simple (1984):
First Coen brothers movie, expect a gripping storyline full of twists and turns that could only be produced in Texas. Where their movie-making magic began.
Blue Velvet (1986):
David Lynch is a twisted movie director. He sees the small towns of America like no one else.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005):
Want a chuckle out of your gritty noir? Then Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer have the ticket for you! This lightning-fast crime comedy is done.
Blade Runner (1982): Neo-Noir: 15 Movies Masterpieces
A science fiction film with a noir backbone. An epic futuristic drama by Ridley Scott that is awe-inspiring and full of moral questions.
The Big Lebowski (1998):
It’s no accident that crime stories are full of coincidence. Swindles and convoluted plots are all very nice, but they’re secondary to the smooth, hard gold of the principal larceny the killer’s real motive, or the determined but misunderstood cop. The crime itself. The Coen brothers, Ethan and Joel, decided to work the same side of the street: Introduce a whole slew of lost souls into a sweet crime and watch as the crime takes over. With Fargo, the Coen brothers chose Fargo in part because it focuses on that same core crime, but because it was quite a good story.”
Gone Baby Gone (2007):
One of the best movies Ben Affleck has ever directed. The Town is a good movie with a great storyline and cast. The movie starts with four friends. They all except one grew up in the town. When they start college, one of their friends gets a scholarship to go to college in California. After he and his three friends graduate they start robbing banks and armored trucks. One day the pass of the friends beep on him to give to the girl that is working there then and the rest will kill everyone outside. After that, he can tell the cops how to find them and he will get a cut.
Later as the reward goes up, he and the girl get closer. After 3 months of robbing, with a new job and girlfriend, his friends find out. They want all the money that he robbed out of the bank to be able to leave. Before they are about to kill him the cop shoots the girl he was beeping with and starts a firefight one of the friends got him with a bullet not knowing it went through her into him.
Brick (2005): Neo-Noir: 15 Movies Masterpieces
High school noir? I dig it. Fresh take on the genre that is fun, and very interesting!
FAQs Neo-Noir: 15 Films Masterpieces
What’s so special about neo-noir films?
Neo-noir films update the classic film noir elements for modern audiences. They’re not about crime and mystery; they bring in moral ambiguity, complex characters, and a unique, often dark atmosphere that makes you think.
Is neo-noir a fancy word for dark movies?
Not exactly. While they often have a darker tone, neo-noir is more about a specific style that includes elements like moral ambiguity and intricate plots, often set in urban landscapes.
Why is “Blade Runner” considered neo-noir? Isn’t it sci-fi?
Good question! “Blade Runner” blends sci-fi with neo-noir. It has that classic film noir feel – think mysterious characters and a complex story – but set in a futuristic world.
Do all neo-noir films have to be serious and grim?
Not at all! Some, like “The Big Lebowski” and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” mix in humor and satire, showing that neo-noir can be flexible and diverse in tone.
Are neo-noir films all about violence?
While many feature elements of crime, the essence of neo-noir lies in the mood and style, not just violence. Some focus more on psychological drama and moral dilemmas
