In film noir, almost nothing is as it seems, and the lines between right and wrong are never quite clear. The legendary genre of crime dramas took over 1940s cinema, introducing a blend of mystery, suspense, and subtle romance that made a lasting mark on the silver screen. However, it’s never actually been just about crime. The art of film noir lies in its game of shadows, tension, and the unavoidable moral puzzles that leave the viewer questioning everything and everyone they see.
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From Double Indemnity to The Third Man, film noir has produced some of the best movies of all time. Packed with iconic performances, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable visuals, these are timeless black-and-white movies that still hold up today. Their legacy continues to echo in modern filmmaking, no matter how quietly, reminding audiences what Hollywood was really built on.
You are watching: 10 Film Noir Movies That Defined The Genre
10
Double Indemnity (1944)
Directed by Billy Wilder
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Double Indemnity
Not Rated
CrimeThriller
Release Date
July 3, 1944
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Runtime
107 Minutes
Director
Billy Wilder
Writers
Billy Wilder, Raymond Chandler
Cast
-
Fred MacMurray
-
Barbara Stanwyck
-
Edward G. Robinson
-
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Double Indemnity is a 1944 crime thriller directed by Billy Wilder. An insurance salesman is dragged into a web of lies by a housewife who recently lost her husband and remains the lead suspect in his death. However, the deeper the salesman falls for her charms, the more his co-worker, an insurance claims investigator, begins to suspect foul play.
Studio(s)
Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s)
Paramount Pictures
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In addition to being one of Billy Wilder’s best movies, Double Indemnity stands out as the ultimate noir classic that every film buff should see at least once in their movie-watching journey. It’s not just a film, but instead, a masterclass in cinematic cool, where every twist and turn feels like a dive into the shadows of the human soul. The story is dark, twisted, and morally questionable.
|
Title |
IMDb Score |
|---|---|
|
Double Indemnity |
8.3 / 10 |
It follows insurance salesman Walter Neff (played by Fred MacMurray), who gets tangled in a murder plot with the sultry and manipulative Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck). As the layers peel away, it becomes clear that Walter is in way over his head and that Phyllis might have a lot more in mind than just her husband’s death. From its iconic shots and unforgettable characters to the razor-sharp dialogue and dark themes, it’s easy to see why Double Indemnity is the godfather of noir.
9
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Directed by Billy Wilder
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Sunset Boulevard
Approved
Film NoirDrama
Release Date
August 10, 1950
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Runtime
110 Minutes
Director
Billy Wilder
Writers
Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder, D.M. Marshman Jr.
Cast
-
William Holden
Joe Gillis
-
Gloria Swanson
Norma Desmond
-
Erich von Stroheim
Max Von Mayerling
-
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Sunset Boulevard, directed by Billy Wilder, follows the story of a struggling screenwriter who becomes entangled with a faded silent film star yearning for a comeback. Starring William Holden and Gloria Swanson, the film explores themes of fame and delusion within Hollywood’s golden age. Released in 1950, the movie is notable for its critical examination of the film industry and its dark, dramatic narrative.
Main Genre
Film Noir
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If classic Hollywood had a dark, distorted love letter to itself, it would be Sunset Boulevard. It’s somewhat of a haunting fever dream that dissects fame, obsession, and the rotting underbelly of Hollywood’s golden age, which might be the reason this Hollywood satire is Clint Eastwood’s favorite movie. Notably, in an era of social media influencers and viral fame, the 1950 title feels more relevant than ever.
Our guide through this noir nightmare is Joe Gillis (William Holden), a struggling screenwriter, who stumbles into the decaying mansion of Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a faded silent film star obsessed with a comeback. Together, they spiral into a web of toxic delusion. The thing is, Swanson was once a real-life silent movie star herself, just like her character, making her performance all the more eerie. This movie blurred reality and fiction in ways that no other noir dared, reminding us that no dream factory is ever without its nightmares.
8
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Directed by John Huston
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The Maltese Falcon
Approved
CrimeFilm NoirMystery
Release Date
October 18, 1941
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Runtime
100 Minutes
Director
John Huston
Writers
Dashiell Hammett, John Huston
Cast
-
Humphrey Bogart
-
Mary Astor
-
Gladys George
-
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The Maltese Falcon is a 1941 film noir directed by John Huston, based on Dashiell Hammett’s novel. Starring Humphrey Bogart as private detective Sam Spade, the film follows Spade’s investigation into the mysterious murder of his partner, leading him into a web of intrigue involving a valuable statuette. Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, and Sydney Greenstreet also feature in this classic tale of deception and greed.
Main Genre
Film Noir
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Not only does The Maltese Falcon define film noir, but it basically created it. It delivers everything one could ask for from a noir title, including shadow-drenched cinematography, morally gray characters, snappy dialogue, and a world where trust is a fool’s game. More than eight decades after its release, John Huston’s 1941 classic holds up as a slick, sharp, and endlessly watchable movie that never loses its bite.
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The Maltese Falcon is infinitely quotable, dripping with style, and its characters set the noir standards of today. The cynical, hard-boiled detective who’s always two steps ahead of everyone, the femme fatale with a degree in master manipulation, and a colorful lineup of villains is all here, giving birth to a truly unforgettable story. Notably, this Humphrey Bogart-led movie has a 99% Rotten Tomatoes score and an underrated sequel on Netflix, so waste no time before adding it to the must-watch list.
7
Laura (1944)
Directed by Otto Preminger
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Laura
Approved
Film NoirDramaMystery
Release Date
October 11, 1944
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Runtime
88 Minutes
Director
Otto Preminger, Rouben Mamoulian
Writers
Vera Caspary, Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, Elizabeth Reinhardt
Cast
-
Gene Tierney
LAura Hunt
-
Dana Andrews
Det. Lt. Mark McPherson
-
Clifton Webb
Waldo Lydecker
-
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Released in 1944, Laura is a film noir directed by Otto Preminger. The story follows detective Mark McPherson, portrayed by Dana Andrews, as he investigates the murder of a beautiful and successful advertising executive named Laura Hunt, played by Gene Tierney. The film delves into themes of obsession and deception, featuring a memorable cast that includes Clifton Webb, Vincent Price, and Judith Anderson.
Main Genre
Film Noir
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While dedicated noir fans certainly recognize Laura, it remains one of the most completely underrated crime movies among today’s mainstream film audiences. The story is about the murder investigation of Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney), a stunning advertising executive who was found shot in her apartment. As detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) digs through her past, he starts falling for her.
According to Clifton Webb, who plays Waldo Lydecker, the snobbish columnist who took Laura under his wing, the movie took ten weeks to film and had a particularly grueling schedule.
Laura is a more stylish take on the noir genre, but its elegance should not be mistaken for weakness. It’s a psychological maze wrapped in soft lighting, quick-witted dialogue, and a mystery that keeps unraveling until the very last frame. Blending crime drama, psychological noir, and eerie romance, it remains one of the most distinctive films of both its era and in general. In short, Laura isn’t just about uncovering the truth behind a murder, but about unraveling the enigma of why everyone was so obsessed with Laura to begin with.
6
The Big Sleep (1946)
Directed by Howard Hawks
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The Big Sleep
Approved
CrimeFilm NoirMystery
Release Date
August 31, 1946
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Runtime
114 Minutes
Director
Howard Hawks
Writers
William Faulkner, Leigh Brackett, Jules Furthman, Raymond Chandler
Cast
-
Humphrey Bogart
-
Lauren Bacall
-
John Ridgely
-
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The Big Sleep is a 1946 film noir directed by Howard Hawks, featuring Humphrey Bogart as private detective Philip Marlowe. Based on Raymond Chandler’s novel, the film follows Marlowe as he investigates the blackmail of a wealthy family’s daughter, uncovering a web of crime and intrigue. Lauren Bacall co-stars as Vivian Rutledge, adding to the film’s electric atmosphere and complex narrative.
Main Genre
Film Noir
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Starring Humphrey Bogart, The Big Sleep is undoubtedly the best Phillip Marlowe movie to date. The Hollywood legend effortlessly brought the iconic private eye to life, balancing charm with a simmering darkness underneath. Directed by Howard Hawks and adapted from Raymond Chandler’s eponymous novel, The Big Sleep still holds up as one of the defining examples of film noir.
When a wealthy businessman hires Marlowe to investigate his daughters’ blackmail, the detective soon finds himself tangled in shady dealings, deadly secrets, and a mysterious femme fatale. The twisted world of The Big Sleep doesn’t care whether anyone can keep up, dragging both Marlowe and the audience deeper into its chaos until they’re as lost as the hero. Despite its looming sense of doom, or perhaps because of it, the 1946 title keeps you hooked, proving the best mysteries are often the ones that don’t make sense.
5
Out Of The Past (1947)
Directed by Jacques Tourneur
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Out Of The Past
Approved
CrimeRomanceThriller
Release Date
November 25, 1947
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Runtime
97 Minutes
Director
Jacques Tourneur
Writers
Daniel Mainwaring
Cast
-
Robert Mitchum
-
Jane Greer
-
Kirk Douglas
-
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Jeff Bailey, a seemingly ordinary gas station owner, is pulled back into a dark and dangerous past when a former associate arrives with a message from a powerful crime boss, Whit Sterling. Flashbacks reveal Jeff’s former life as a private detective, hired by Whit to locate his elusive mistress, Kathie Moffat. Jeff finds Kathie in Mexico, and they fall in love, but their happiness is short-lived as deception and betrayal ensue.
Main Genre
Crime
Studio(s)
RKO Radio Pictures
Distributor(s)
RKO Radio Pictures
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For anyone who wants to know what film noir feels like, look no further than Out of the Past. Directed by Jacques Tourneur, this movie is a masterclass in the genre. With moody lighting, complex characters, a twisted plot, and a devastating ending, it’s a timeless classic that still manages to surprise.
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Robert Mitchum left an astounding mark on film noir, as he was one of the few stars who could play a handsome hero or a vile villain with equal power.
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The movie revolves around Jeff Bailey (Robert Mitchum), a former private detective turned gas station owner trying to escape the shadows of his past. In true noir fashion, a beautiful and mysterious woman drags him back into a world of crime, deceit, and betrayal. The story unfolds in layers, with flashbacks giving us glimpses into Jeff’s past life. It’s essentially a plot within a plot, with each twist and turn revealing just enough to make you rethink what you thought you knew. Out of the Past oozes noir at its finest, truly capturing the essence of suspense.
4
Touch Of Evil (1958)
Directed by Orson Welles
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Touch of Evil
PG-13
NoirThriller
Release Date
April 23, 1958
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Runtime
111 Minutes
Director
Orson Welles
Cast
-
Charlton Heston
-
Janet Leigh
-
Orson Welles
-
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After a car bomb detonates at the U.S./Mexico border, Mexican agent Miguel Vargas and American captain Hank Quinlan investigate. As Vargas uncovers corruption within Quinlan’s team, his pursuit of justice jeopardizes his safety and his wife’s, in this tense thriller.
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One of Orson Welles’ best movies, in terms of both directing and acting, Touch of Evil is a title that doesn’t ask the viewer to sit back and relax. Instead, it demands full attention as it takes you on a wild, unrelenting ride into a world of corruption, moral decay, and distorted justice. With one of the most iconic opening scenes in the history of cinema, it pulls the viewer straight into action.
|
Title |
IMDb Score |
|---|---|
|
Touch of Evil |
7.9 / 10 |
From there, Touch of Evil spirals into a web of deception in a gritty border town in Texas, with every character hiding secrets and no one being who they appear. The film is full of long takes, unsettling angles, and extreme close-ups, emphasizing the paranoia and madness of its quintessentially noir characters. The entire thing leaves you feeling unsettled, unsure of whom to trust, and questioning whether anyone in the film can escape the system they’re trapped in.
3
Gilda (1946)
Directed by Charles Vidor
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Gilda
NR
RomanceDramaThriller
Release Date
April 25, 1946
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Runtime
110 Minutes
Director
Charles Vidor
Writers
Marion Parsonnet
Cast
-
Rita Hayworth
-
Glenn Ford
-
George Macready
-
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In post-war Buenos Aires, Johnny Farrell’s loyalty to casino owner Ballin Mundson is tested when Mundson’s new wife, Gilda, is revealed to be Johnny’s former lover. As tensions rise, secrets and betrayals unfold, leading to a dramatic climax filled with passion, jealousy, and revenge.
Main Genre
Romance
Studio(s)
Columbia Pictures
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Some noir films are remembered for their cynical detectives, gritty crimes, and shocking twists, but Gilda endures because of its emotions, which are messy, raw, and all-consuming. Directed by Charles Vidor and starring Rita Hayworth in one of her best roles, the movie centers around the toxic love triangle between Johnny Farrell (Glenn Ford), Ballin Mundson (George Macready), and Gilda (Hayworth).
While Gilda has the elegance of a Hollywood melodrama, it’s unmistakably noir in tone. Thanks to the glamorously claustrophobic framing, the trio seems as if they’re trapped in a world of manipulation and mistrust, with their romance taking center stage instead of being a typical noir subplot. Additionally, Hayworth’s entrance, flipping her hair and saying, “Me?” is one of cinema’s most iconic moments. She redefines the noir femme fatale as an irresistible force that is both vulnerable and dangerously seductive, making Gilda a standout in the genre.
2
Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
Directed by Robert Aldrich
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Kiss Me Deadly
CrimeMystery
Release Date
May 18, 1955
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Runtime
106 Minutes
Director
Robert Aldrich
Writers
A.I. Bezzerides
Cast
-
Ralph Meeker
-
Albert Dekker
-
Paul Stewart
-
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Kiss Me Deadly is a 1955 film noir based on Mickey Spillane’s novel, directed by Robert Aldrich. Ralph Meeker stars as private detective Mike Hammer, who becomes embroiled in a sinister conspiracy involving a mysterious and dangerous briefcase. The film is noted for its hard-edged storytelling and visual style, capturing the paranoia and atomic age anxieties of the 1950s.
Studio(s)
Parklane Pictures
Distributor(s)
United Artists
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If classic film noir is a slow burn, Kiss Me Deadly is a ticking time bomb. This brutal, nightmarish take on Mickey Spillane’s novel of the same name pushes the genre into a new, scarier era. It’s raw, violent, and unrelenting, dripping with Cold War paranoia and a sense of doom that lingers long after its shocking ending.
Visually, Kiss Me Deadly is a masterpiece. Every scene feels tense and disorienting, immersing the viewer into Hammer’s growing chaos.
The story introduces us to Mike Hammer (Ralph Meeker), who isn’t the usual noir antihero. He’s rougher, meaner, and plays dirtier, which he isn’t shy to use to his advantage. However, the deeper he digs, the clearer it becomes that he’s way out of his depth. Visually, Kiss Me Deadly is a masterpiece. Every scene feels tense and disorienting, immersing the viewer into Hammer’s growing chaos. It’s one of the best film noir movies about revenge, influencing everything from Chinatown to Pulp Fiction.
1
The Third Man (1949)
Directed by Carol Reed
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The Third Man
Approved
NoirMysteryThriller
Release Date
February 1, 1950
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Runtime
93 Minutes
Director
Carol Reed
Writers
Graham Greene, Orson Welles, Alexander Korda
Set in post-World War II Vienna, The Third Man follows Holly Martins, a writer who travels to the city and becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding his friend Harry Lime’s suspicious death. Directed by Carol Reed and featuring Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten, the film blends elements of noir and thriller genres, exploring themes of deception and morality against a backdrop of a war-torn city.
Cast
Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard, Paul Hörbiger
Main Genre
Noir
Studio(s)
London Film Productions
Distributor(s)
Selznick Releasing Organization
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The Third Man is the kind of movie that makes one wonder why they don’t make them like that anymore. It’s a film that’s as iconic as they come in the noir genre, and for good reason. The story kicks off with Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten), a struggling American writer who arrives in Vienna to visit his old friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles), only to discover that Lime has died under mysterious circumstances. As Martins digs deeper, he realizes that nothing and no one are what they seem.
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Anyone who calls themselves a cinephile should get to know some of these best movies from the 1950s, perfect for every self-proclaimed film buff.
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Known for its innovative cinematography, The Third Man masterfully plays with contrasting light to heighten paranoia, all set against an eerie black-and-white post-war Europe (it doesn’t get better than the iconic chase through the sewers). This 1949 classic is a blueprint for how to tell a suspenseful, morally complex tale, making it not just a standout noir film but a great movie overall.
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Category: Entertainment