10. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)
David Lynch is certainly no stranger to exposing the darkness belying the underbelly of small town America. Morally ambiguous and deliberately arthouse, Fire Walk With Me appeared in multiplexes a year after the Twin Peaks TV series was unceremoniously sacked, and fans hoped it would shed light on the cryptic and confusing series finale
9. Heat (1995)
No one does the cops and robbers game quite like Michael Mann. Never less than gripping, Mann’s tale of heists and inquisitions is hampered here and there by stilted dialogue and Pacino’s trademark overblown delivery.
8. L.A. Confidential (1997)
Not only does the film do justice to the James Ellroy novel on which it’s based, itself a cynical yet wise tome that takes down Tinseltown and the psychology of the denizens who dwell there, it stands as one of the finest neo-noir crime films by any chance.
7. Se7en (1995)
Another entry in the neo-noir crime genre, with generous helpings of horror and heartache, 'Se7en' was David Fincher’s breakthrough film, it was not only met with critical success but it was also one of 1995’s highest grossing films. This was an impactful and influential film, not only showcasing stirring and emotional performances from its fine ensemble, but it vested Fincher as a bankable, and ingenious director capable of uncompromising yet satiating work.
6. The Untouchables (1987)
Brian De Palma’s heat packin’ Prohibition-era epic 'The Untouchables' represents a fateful package and presentation of numerous circumstances. The stylish innovator was in need of a hit after his black comedy 'Wise Guys' (1986) failed to meet expectations, and David Mamet’s script revamping the Eliot Ness vs. Al Capone in Chicago in the 1920s seemed a potentially promising project.
5. Prisoners (2013)
Prisoners is a haunting, deep-seated and disturbing film, the kind you carry around afterwards, processing and pondering it all, and makes for a very rewarding experience. It’s not always easy to take, especially with the subject matter, but Denis Villeneuve is a gifted and calculating craftsman, and while his film may take no prisoners, it also sets the viewer free with a purgative wheeze and an audible gasp.
4. Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher, with 'Zodiac', arguably presents his first real masterpiece and by the very nature of the project, confounds our expectations, presenting a story lacking closure but is still incredibly gripping all the same. Based on the harrowing true story of the ill-famed serial killer and the protracted manhunt he roused that ultimately lead nowhere.
3. Vertigo (1958)
James Stewart is astounding and despicable as neurotic San Francisco police detective John “Scottie” Ferguson in this surprisingly cynical take on obsession. Hitchcock chose to eschew studying suspense and instead zoomed in on themes of identity, unhealthy obsession, phobia, and sexual desire.
2. The French Connection (1971)
Then unknown actor Gene Hackman gives a crowning performance as NYPD narcotics bureau detective in William Friedkin’s astonishing police procedural. The film received a total of five Academy Awards and it's pure adrenaline, it doesn’t allow the viewer a second to catch their breath.
1. Chinatown (1974)
Roman Polanski’s neo-noir masterpiece masterfully evokes Hollywood’s Golden Age, even placing one of that era’s most dignified directors in a pivotal role, helps to underscore the assured audacity of the film.