20 Best Crime Movies on Netflix 2026
From Heat and Nightcrawler to The Gentlemen and Wake Up Dead Man, find crime movies on Netflix that fit every mood, from heists to mysteries.
If you’re hunting for the best crime movies on Netflix, this lineup gives you plenty of ways into the genre, from slick heists and tense thrillers to character-driven mysteries and true-story dramas. You’ll find modern picks like Ambulance, The Gentlemen, Nightcrawler, and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery alongside older favorites such as Heat, Point Break, True Romance, and The Warriors. There’s also room for darker, more unusual choices like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Small Engine Repair, and Dead Man’s Wire. Whether you want action-heavy chaos, investigative tension, or crime stories with a sharp edge of comedy, this list has something to match your mood.
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01
Animals
action · crime · drama · thriller
When the son of an L.A. mayoral candidate is kidnapped, he and his wife have a few hours to come up with the ransom payment. With most of their money spent on his political campaign, they have to get their hands dirty and expose a side of their lives they never intended to see the light of day.
Why watch: If you like crime thrillers with family pressure and high stakes, this one may fit well. Its mix of action, drama, and kidnapping-driven tension points to a tense, fast-moving watch.
Directed by Ben AffleckCast Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, Adriana PazNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
02
Unabomber
biography · crime · drama · thriller
In this drama inspired by true events, Ted Kaczynski's transformation from Harvard prodigy to the infamous Unabomber unfolds as the FBI hunts him down.
Why watch: If true-story crime dramas interest you, this is a natural pick. It blends biography, crime, and thriller elements around Ted Kaczynski’s story and the FBI investigation.
Directed by Janus MetzCast Russell Crowe, Shailene Woodley, Jacob Tremblay, Annabelle Wallis, Alexander LudwigNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
03
Ambulance
action · crime · drama · thriller
Decorated veteran Will Sharp, desperate for money to cover his wife's medical bills, asks for help from his adoptive brother Danny. A charismatic career criminal, Danny instead offers him a score: the biggest bank heist in Los Angeles history: $32 million.
Why watch: If you enjoy action-forward crime stories with a heist angle, this is a strong match. The setup suggests a desperate, high-pressure ride built around money trouble and a huge bank robbery.
Directed by Michael BayCast Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Eiza González, Garret Dillahunt, Keir O'DonnellNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
04
Bugonia
4 Oscar nominations Best Picture (2026)
comedy · crime · sci-fi
Two conspiracy obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
Why watch: If you want crime with a weird, playful twist, this could stand out. Its comedy and sci-fi mix, plus the kidnapping premise, make it a good choice for viewers who want something offbeat.
Directed by Yorgos LanthimosCast Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Emma Stone, J. Carmen Galindez Barrera, Marc T. LewisNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
05
Heat
action · crime · drama
Obsessive master thief Neil McCauley leads a top-notch crew on various daring heists throughout Los Angeles while determined detective Vincent Hanna pursues him without rest. Each man recognizes and respects the ability and the dedication of the other even though they are aware their cat-and-mouse game may end in violence.
Why watch: If you’re after a well-known crime drama with action and suspense, this is an easy recommendation. Its heist-versus-detective setup is ideal for viewers who like a classic cat-and-mouse story.
Directed by Michael MannCast Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom SizemoreNetflixAmazon Prime VideoMore details on IMDb →
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06
The Whisper Man
crime · drama · thriller
When his young son vanishes, a widower enlists help from his estranged father, a retired detective who put away the serial killer now linked to the case.
Why watch: If you prefer crime thrillers built around a missing-person case, this one should appeal. The father-and-son detective angle suggests a moody mystery with personal stakes.
Directed by James AshcroftCast Robert De Niro, Michelle Monaghan, Adam Scott, Acston Luca Porto, Michael KeatonNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
07
The Gentlemen
action · comedy · crime
American expat Mickey Pearson has built a highly profitable marijuana empire in London. When word gets out that he’s looking to cash out of the business forever it triggers plots, schemes, bribery and blackmail in an attempt to steal his domain out from under him.
Why watch: If you like crime stories with comedy and power struggles, this is a smart pick. The premise centers on blackmail, bribery, and a marijuana empire, so it suits viewers who want schemes as much as action.
Directed by Guy RitchieCast Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Lyne RenéeNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
08
True Romance
crime · drama · romance · thriller
Clarence marries hooker Alabama, steals cocaine from her pimp, and tries to sell it in Hollywood, while the owners of the coke try to reclaim it.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime thrillers with romance mixed in, this title may be for you. It combines a reckless chain of events with crime-world pressure, which gives it a distinctive tone.
Directed by Tony ScottCast Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary OldmanNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
09
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Won 1 Oscar Best Actress (2012) · 5 nominations
crime · drama · mystery & thriller
Disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist investigates the disappearance of a weary patriarch's niece from 40 years ago. He is aided by the pierced, tattooed, punk computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander. As they work together in the investigation, Blomkvist and Salander uncover immense corruption beyond anything they have ever imagined.
Why watch: If you want a crime mystery with investigation at its center, this is a strong option. It pairs journalism, a long-unsolved disappearance, and corruption for viewers who like layered plotting.
Directed by David FincherCast Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Steven BerkoffNetflixApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
10
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
comedy · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
When young priest Jud Duplenticy is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime mysteries with a lighter edge, this one is worth a look. Its comedy, mystery, and thriller blend suggests a puzzle-driven story with plenty of moving parts.
Directed by Rian JohnsonCast Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila KunisNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
11
Point Break
action · crime · thriller
In Los Angeles, a gang of bank robbers who call themselves The Ex-Presidents commit their crimes while wearing masks of Reagan, Carter, Nixon and Johnson. Believing that the members of the gang could be surfers, the F.B.I. sends young agent Johnny Utah to the beach undercover to mix with the surfers and gather information.
Why watch: If you like action crime stories with undercover work, this is a classic-style choice. The surfer gang setup and FBI angle make it a good fit for viewers who want momentum and tension.
Directed by Kathryn BigelowCast Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey, Lori Petty, John C. McGinleyNetflixTubiPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
12
Nightcrawler
1 Oscar nomination
crime · drama · thriller
When Lou Bloom, desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story. Aiding him in his effort is Nina, a TV-news veteran.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to dark crime dramas about ambition and media, this should land well. The story centers on a man entering crime journalism, which makes it a good pick for thriller fans.
Directed by Dan GilroyCast Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Papajohn, Marco Rodríguez, Bill Paxton, James HuangNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
13
Kill Me Three Times
action · adventure · comedy · crime · mystery · thriller
While on a seemingly routine job, a jaded hit man discovers that he's not the only one with his target in the crosshairs.
Why watch: If you want a crime movie with dark humor and a mystery angle, this may be a fun choice. Its hit-man premise and multiple people after the same target point to a twisty setup.
Directed by Kriv StendersCast Simon Pegg, Steve Le Marquand, Alice Braga, Teresa Palmer, Sullivan StapletonNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
14
Nobody 2
action · comedy · crime · thriller
Former assassin Hutch Mansell takes his family on a nostalgic vacation to a small-town theme park, only to be pulled back into violence when they clash with a corrupt operator, a crooked sheriff, and a ruthless crime boss.
Why watch: If you like action-comedy crime stories with family in the middle of the chaos, this should fit. The vacation setting and corrupt locals give it a broad, crowd-pleasing setup.
Directed by Timo TjahjantoCast Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, John Ortiz, RZANetflixMore details on IMDb → -
15
The Warriors
action · crime · thriller
Prominent gang leader Cyrus calls a meeting of New York's gangs to set aside their turf wars and take over the city. At the meeting, a rival leader kills Cyrus, but a Coney Island gang called the Warriors is wrongly blamed for Cyrus' death. Before you know it, the cops and every gangbanger in town is hot on the Warriors' trail.
Why watch: If you enjoy gang stories with action and tension, this is an easy pick. Its wrongfully blamed crew and citywide chase make it appealing for viewers who like fast-moving crime plots.
Directed by Walter HillCast Michael Beck, James Remar, Dorsey Wright, Brian Tyler, David HarrisNetflixTubiMore details on IMDb → -
16
Small Engine Repair
crime · drama · thriller
The seemingly casual reunion of three old friends at an out-of-the-way repair shop masks a hidden agenda fuelled by the arrival of a privileged young yuppie.
Why watch: If you prefer small-scale crime dramas with tension under the surface, this one may be your style. The reunion setup and hidden agenda suggest a tight, character-focused story.
Directed by John PollonoCast Jon Bernthal, Shea Whigham, Jordana Spiro, John Pollono, Ciara BravoNetflixAmazon Prime VideoTubiMore details on IMDb → -
17
Becky
action · crime · drama · thriller
A teenager's weekend at a lake house with her father takes a turn for the worse when a group of convicts wreaks havoc on their lives.
Why watch: If you like crime thrillers with survival energy, this is a solid option. The weekend-gone-wrong premise and action-drama blend point to a tense home-invasion-style watch.
Directed by Jonathan Milott, Cary MurnionCast Lulu Wilson, Kevin James, Joel McHale, Robert Maillet, Amanda BrugelNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
18
Enola Holmes 3
action · adventure · comedy · crime · drama · mystery
Detective Enola Holmes heads to Malta, where her aspirations merge in her most complex and dangerous case yet.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime mysteries with adventure and comedy mixed in, this could be a good fit. Enola Holmes heading to Malta suggests a more globe-spanning case with a lighter tone.
Directed by Philip BarantiniCast Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter, Louis Partridge, Himesh PatelNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
19
Dead Man's Wire
biography · crime · drama · history · thriller
In 1977, former real estate developer Tony Kiritsis puts a dead man's switch on himself and the mortgage banker who did him wrong, demanding $5 million and a personal apology.
Why watch: If true-crime dramas based on real events are your thing, this title should interest you. Its biography and thriller mix, along with the 1977 standoff premise, give it a strong factual hook.
Directed by Gus Van SantCast Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Al Pacino, Colman Domingo, Myha'laNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
20
The Fast and the Furious
action · crime · thriller
Dominic Toretto is a Los Angeles street racer suspected of masterminding a series of big-rig hijackings. When undercover cop Brian O'Conner infiltrates Toretto's iconoclastic crew, he falls for Toretto's sister and must choose a side: the gang or the LAPD.
Why watch: If you like street-level crime action with undercover tension, this is a strong choice. The racing crew and divided loyalties make it a good match for viewers who want speed and crime in one package.
Directed by Rob CohenCast Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Rick YuneNetflixMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This collection makes it easy to narrow down a crime movie for almost any kind of night, whether you want a classic, a mystery, a heist story, or something stranger. Bookmark this page so you can come back when you want a quick pick without scrolling forever. We update this page regularly, so it stays useful as titles change and new options appear. If crime stories are your thing, this is the kind of list worth revisiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 crime movies?
Our top 10 right now: Animals (2026), Unabomber (2026), Ambulance (2022), Bugonia (2025), Heat (1995), The Whisper Man (2026), The Gentlemen (2019), True Romance (1993), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025), all streaming on Netflix.
Which is the No. 1 suspense movie on Netflix?
Our No. 1 pick right now is Animals (2026), streaming on Netflix.
What is the new crime movie on Netflix?
The newest picks on this list are Animals (2026), Unabomber (2026), The Whisper Man (2026), Enola Holmes 3 (2026), Bugonia (2025), Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025), Nobody 2 (2025) and Dead Man's Wire (2025), all streaming on Netflix.
Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Netflix. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these crime movies ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the crime titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.