Neo-Noir is a term used to describe films that are more “neo” than classic noir.
The term originated in the 1970s as an attempt to define new detective stories and movies such as Chinatown, which were seen by some critics as being different from the old-fashioned hardboiled detective novels of Raymond Chandler or Dashiell Hammett.
Neo-Noir genre is characterized by its focus on contemporary urban life and social issues, with plots that are often based on crime, corruption, violence, and existentialism.
BEST NEO-NOIR FILMS
What Are Neo-Noir Films?
The term neo-noir was coined to describe the trend of using dark themes and imagery as seen in classic noir films.
These neo-noir films are more modern movies that borrow from the older ‘film noir’ themes and tropes.
Neo-noirs are typically set in urban, contemporary settings with a high degree of moral ambiguity. They also often take place at night and, more often than not, involve crime or violence.
What Is Neo-Noir?
Neo-noir is a genre of film characterized by dark themes and low-key lighting. Neo-noir films are often very provocative, with an underlying sense of fatalism.
Noir films were first popularized in the 1940s but have since been remade to fit current times.
Neo-noirs take place in urban areas, with complex characters that face moral ambiguity and existential questions about their actions.
The plots typically revolve around the protagonist’s fight against society or some other antagonist for control over their lives.
These stories are often told from the perspective of criminals or those on the margins of society who struggle to find a balance between what they need and what they want out of life.
Best Neo-Noir Films
Without further ado, let’s jump into our list of the best neo-noir films of all time.
The Long Goodbye (1973)
The Long Goodbye
Nothing says goodbye like a bullet…
1973 • 1h 52min • ★ 7.402/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Robert Altman
Cast: Elliott Gould, Nina van Pallandt, Sterling Hayden, Mark Rydell, Henry Gibson
In 1970s Hollywood, Detective Philip Marlowe tries to help a friend who is accused of murdering his wife.
The Long Goodbye is a classic film noir that follows private investigator Philip Marlowe (played brilliantly by Elliott Gould) as he becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder.
Set in the 1970s, the film subverts the traditional tropes of the genre, with a laid-back and unconventional Marlowe who is more interested in feeding his cat than solving crimes.
Director Robert Altman’s unique style is on full display here, with long takes and a meandering plot that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
The film also features a standout performance by Sterling Hayden as the drunken writer Roger Wade, who Marlowe befriends and tries to help.
The Long Goodbye is a slow burn, but its payoff is well worth the investment.
With stunning visuals, a killer soundtrack, and a standout performance by Gould, this is a film that should not be missed by fans of the genre. Highly recommended.
![The Long Goodbye ( The Long Good bye ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, Blu-Ray, Reg.B Import - France ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MZewTivzL.jpg)
- The Long Goodbye ( The Long Good bye )
- The Long Goodbye
- The Long Good bye
- Elliott Gould, Nina van Pallandt, Sterling Hayden (Actors)
- Robert Altman (Director) - The Long Goodbye ( The Long Good bye ) (Producer)
LA Confidential (1997)
L.A. Confidential
Everything is suspect... Everyone is for sale... And nothing is what it seems.
1997 • 2h 18min • ★ 7.798/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Curtis Hanson
Cast: Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito
Three detectives in the corrupt and brutal L.A. police force of the 1950s use differing methods to uncover a conspiracy behind the shotgun slayings of the patrons at an all-night diner.
LA Confidential is a masterpiece of neo-noir cinema, capturing the gritty yet glamorous underbelly of 1950s Los Angeles with stunning precision.
The film follows three very different cops – the ambitious Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), the brutal Bud White (Russell Crowe), and the smooth-talking Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) – as they unravel a web of corruption, violence, and betrayal that threatens to tear the city apart.
Director Curtis Hanson expertly weaves together multiple plotlines and characters, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as the tension builds to a shocking and satisfying conclusion. The performances are all top-notch, with Pearce, Crowe, and Spacey delivering some of the best work of their careers. Kim Basinger also shines as the enigmatic Veronica Lake lookalike, Lynn Bracken.
But what really sets LA Confidential apart is its attention to detail and its commitment to capturing the look and feel of its era.
The production design, costumes, and cinematography all work together to create a world that feels both authentic and cinematic.
And the score, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is a perfect complement to the visuals, adding an extra layer of mood and atmosphere to the proceedings.
![L.A. CONFIDENTIAL [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5137DvZUbXL.jpg)
- Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce (Actors)
- Curtis Hanson (Director) - Brian Helgeland (Writer)
- French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Chinatown (1974)
Chinatown
You get tough. You get tender. You get close to each other. Maybe you even get close to the truth.
1974 • 2h 10min • ★ 7.918/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Roman Polanski
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez, John Hillerman
Private eye Jake Gittes lives off of the murky moral climate of sunbaked, pre-World War II Southern California. Hired by a beautiful socialite to investigate her husband's extra-marital affair, Gittes is swept into a maelstrom of double dealings and deadly deceits, uncovering a web of personal and political scandals that come crashing together.
Chinatown is a masterpiece of film noir that transports the audience to the seedy underbelly of 1930s Los Angeles.
With a gripping storyline that twists and turns until the very end, this movie keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
The performances are outstanding, with Jack Nicholson delivering one of his most iconic performances as the private detective J.J. Gittes. Faye Dunaway is also remarkable as Evelyn Mulwray, a woman with a dark secret who becomes entangled in Gittes’ investigation.
Director Roman Polanski’s attention to detail is impeccable, as he creates a world that is both gritty and glamorous, and the cinematography is stunning.
The score by Jerry Goldsmith perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the film, adding to the suspense and tension.
- Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston (Actors)
- Roman Polanski (Director)
Point Blank (1967)
Point Blank
There are two kinds of people in his up-tight world: his victims and his women. And sometimes you can't tell them apart.
1967 • 1h 31min • ★ 7.041/10 • United States of America
Directed by: John Boorman
Cast: Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, Keenan Wynn, Carroll O'Connor, Lloyd Bochner
After being double-crossed and left for dead, a mysterious man named Walker single-mindedly tries to retrieve the rather inconsequential sum of money that was stolen from him.
Point Blank is a gritty and intense crime thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Lee Marvin delivers a powerhouse performance as Walker, a betrayed and left-for-dead criminal who seeks revenge against those who wronged him.
The film’s non-linear narrative and stylish visuals create a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly captures the disorienting experience of Walker’s quest for vengeance.
The supporting cast, including Angie Dickinson and John Vernon, are all excellent and add depth to the film’s complex characters.
Director John Boorman’s use of music and sound design is also noteworthy, adding to the film’s eerie and unsettling tone.
- Jacobs, Alexander (Author)
- French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- 07/31/2014 (Publication Date) - Warner Home Entertainment (Publisher)
Brick (2006)
Brick
A detective story.
2006 • 1h 50min • ★ 6.823/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Rian Johnson
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emilie de Ravin, Nora Zehetner, Lukas Haas, Noah Fleiss
A teenage loner pushes his way into the underworld of a high school crime ring to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend.
Brick is a neo-noir mystery thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
The film, directed by Rian Johnson, follows high school student Brendan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind his ex-girlfriend’s disappearance.
The film’s unique setting in a high school adds an interesting twist to the classic noir genre, and the dialogue is filled with references to teenage life.
Gordon-Levitt delivers a captivating performance as Brendan, and the supporting cast is equally impressive.
The cinematography and direction are top-notch, with Johnson expertly building tension and suspense throughout the film.
The use of color and lighting also adds to the film’s overall atmosphere, with the dark and gritty tone perfectly complementing the story.
![Brick (Special Edition) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uKvKe4ZLL.jpg)
- Joseph Gordon_Levitt, Lukas Haas, Richard Roundtree (Actors)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Body Heat (1981)
Body Heat
As the temperature rises, the suspense begins.
1981 • 1h 53min • ★ 6.96/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Lawrence Kasdan
Cast: William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Richard Crenna, Ted Danson, J.A. Preston
In the midst of a searing Florida heat wave, a woman convinces her lover, a small-town lawyer, to murder her rich husband.
Body Heat” is a scorching neo-noir thriller that sizzles with seduction, betrayal, and murder.
Director Lawrence Kasdan’s homage to classic film noir is a stylish and suspenseful update that oozes with steamy atmosphere and sultry performances.
William Hurt stars as a small-town lawyer who falls under the spell of a cunning femme fatale, played to perfection by Kathleen Turner.
Their fiery chemistry ignites a dangerous game of lust and deceit that leads to a twisty and shocking climax.
The film’s lush cinematography and moody score add to its noirish allure, while the sharp script keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
“Body Heat” is a heatwave of a movie that leaves you breathless and wanting more. Highly recommended for fans of classic noir and steamy thrillers.”
![Body Heat [ Blu-Ray, Reg.A/B/C Import - Spain ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/511qL5gozTL.jpg)
- Body Heat
- Body Heat
- William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Mickey Rourke (Actors)
- Lawrence Kasdan (Director) - Body Heat (Producer)
- Spanish, Portuguese (Subtitles)
Blood Simple (1984)
Blood Simple
Breaking up is hard to do.
1984 • 1h 37min • ★ 7.242/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Joel Coen
Cast: John Getz, Frances McDormand, Dan Hedaya, M. Emmet Walsh, Samm-Art Williams
The owner of a seedy small-town Texas bar discovers that one of his employees is having an affair with his wife. A chaotic chain of misunderstandings, lies and mischief ensues after he devises a plot to have them murdered.
Blood Simple is a
The story follows a twisted web of deceit and murder in a small Texas town, with each character playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
The film’s visual style is stark and haunting, with every shot expertly composed to heighten the sense of unease.
The performances are uniformly excellent, with Frances McDormand and John Getz imbuing their characters with a palpable sense of desperation.
But it’s M. Emmet Walsh who steals the show as the sleazy private investigator, Loren Visser. His slimy charm and unpredictable behavior keep the audience on edge throughout.
Blood Simple may be the Coen Brothers’ first film, but it’s already a showcase of their incredible talent. A must-watch for fans of neo-noir and anyone who appreciates expertly crafted filmmaking.
![Blood Simple (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ARvvrHorL.jpg)
- Frances McDormand, M. Emmet Walsh (Actors)
- Ethan Coen (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Night Moves (1975)
Night Moves
Maybe he would find the girl... maybe he would find himself.
1975 • 1h 40min • ★ 6.667/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Arthur Penn
Cast: Gene Hackman, Jennifer Warren, John Crawford, Susan Clark, Melanie Griffith
Private detective and former football player Harry Moseby gets hired on to what seems a standard missing person case - a former Hollywood actress wants Moseby to find and return her daughter. Harry travels to Florida to find her, but he begins to see a connection between the runaway girl, the world of Hollywood stuntmen, and a suspicious mechanic when an unsolved murder comes to light.
Night Moves is a tense, atmospheric thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Gene Hackman delivers a stellar performance as Harry Moseby, a private detective hired to find a runaway teenager.
As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a tangled web of deceit and danger that threatens to consume him.
Director Arthur Penn masterfully creates a sense of unease throughout the film, using the dark, moody cinematography to heighten the tension.
The slow-burning plot keeps you guessing until the very end, with several twists and turns that will leave you reeling.
But what truly sets Night Moves apart is its complex, flawed characters.
Harry Moseby is not your typical hero, and his flaws and mistakes make him all the more compelling.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Melanie Griffith and James Woods.
![Night Moves [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BXxFZEggL.jpg)
- Gene Hackman, Susan Clark, Jennifer Warren (Actors)
- Arthur Penn (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
The Late Show (1977)
The Late Show
The nicest movie you'll ever see about murder and blackmail.
1977 • 1h 33min • ★ 6.212/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Robert Benton
Cast: Art Carney, Lily Tomlin, Bill Macy, Eugene Roche, Joanna Cassidy
Over-the-hill gumshoe in Los Angeles seeks to avenge the killing of an old pal, another detective who was involved in a case concerning a murdered broad, stolen stamps, a nickel-plated handgun, a cheating dolly, and a kidnapped pussycat.
“The Late Show” is a cinematic gem that deserves more recognition.
Robert Altman’s direction and Joseph Walsh’s script create a perfect blend of film noir and character study.
Art Carney gives a standout performance as the aging private detective, Ira Wells, who is forced out of retirement to solve a case involving a missing cat and a murdered client.
His chemistry with Lily Tomlin’s character, Margo Sperling, a tough-talking actress, is a delight to watch on screen.
The film’s attention to detail in creating a gritty 1970s Los Angeles is impressive.
From the neon lights of Hollywood to the seedy motels, the film immerses you in the city’s atmosphere.
The score by legendary composer, Ira Newborn, adds an extra layer of mood to the film.
“The Late Show” is a must-watch for fans of film noir and character-driven dramas.
It’s an underrated gem that deserves more recognition.
![Show Boat (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SMTqdEJPL.jpg)
- Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein IIs Immortal Musical Adaptation of Edna Ferbers extensive novel...
- Irene Dunne, Hattie McDaniel, Charles Winninger (Actors)
- James Whale (Director)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
The Grifters (1990)
The Grifters
Seduction. Betrayal. Murder. Who’s conning who?
1990 • 1h 50min • ★ 6.502/10 • Canada
Directed by: Stephen Frears
Cast: Anjelica Huston, John Cusack, Annette Bening, Jan Munroe, Robert Weems
A small-time conman has his loyalties torn between his estranged mother and his new girlfriend, both of whom are high-stakes grifters with their own angles to play.
The Grifters is a stylish and darkly captivating neo-noir film that stands the test of time.
Directed by Stephen Frears, the movie follows the story of three con artists – Roy Dillon (John Cusack), his girlfriend Myra Langtry (Annette Bening), and his estranged mother Lilly Dillon (Anjelica Huston) – as they navigate the dangerous world of grifting.
The film boasts a strong ensemble cast, with standout performances from all three leads.
Cusack delivers a nuanced portrayal of the conflicted and vulnerable Roy, while Bening is magnetic as the seductive and cunning Myra.
Huston steals the show as the ruthless and manipulative Lilly, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The Grifters is a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its intricate plot and unpredictable twists.
The tension builds steadily throughout the movie, culminating in a shocking and unforgettable finale.
The film also features excellent cinematography, with its moody lighting and shadowy imagery perfectly capturing the seedy underbelly of the grifters’ world.
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Common Motifs Of Neo-Noir Movies
Neo-noir is a sub-genre of film that relies on visual aspects and the dark themes which were introduced with Noir films.
Neo-Noirs often focus on the gritty underbelly of society, and are told in an unsettling way.
One major motif present in neo-noirs is violence, as it tends to happen more often than it does in other genres.
However, neo-noirs also tend to be less graphic than their predecessors because there are limitations for what can be shown on screen due to censorship laws.
The neo-noir genre is a film genre marked by black and white cinematography, harsh lighting, and films that are set in urban landscapes.
Neo-noir movies are typically fraught with moody, shadowy characters and themes of revenge.
They often have a gritty or dark feel to them that is mirrored by the urban setting in which they take place.
The protagonist’s quest for justice drives the story forward while also revealing how morally corrupt society has become.
One common motif found within neo-noir films is the femme fatale who tempts the male protagonist into a life of crime.
Noir is a genre of cinematic expression that has been around since the 1940s. Noir movies often use common motifs to create an atmosphere of crime, corruption, and social distrust.
The films usually have a dark mood or ambiance as well as low-key lighting techniques.
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