The 1960s marked a powerful turning point in the evolution of crime cinema. As society shifted through civil unrest, political paranoia, and cultural upheaval, crime movies evolved into something darker, more sophisticated, and socially aware. Audiences began craving realism, ambiguity, and deeper character exploration—qualities that the best crime films of the decade delivered in spades.
This list ranks the 35 best crime movies of the 1960s, exploring their influence, narrative strength, and visual style. These films include noir revivals, international thrillers, gangster dramas, and psychological studies that reshaped the movie genre. Many reflect real-world anxieties, offering gritty portrayals of justice, revenge, betrayal, and human weakness. Some are underappreciated gems; others are timeless masterpieces that influenced generations of filmmakers.
35. Underworld U.S.A. (1961)
Samuel Fuller’s hard-hitting noir tells the story of a man who infiltrates the mob to avenge his father’s death. The gritty realism and stripped-down direction echo Fuller’s signature style.
With brutal energy and moral ambiguity, it’s a raw depiction of the criminal underworld that challenges the boundary between justice and obsession.
34. The Poppy Is Also a Flower (1966)
Directed by Terence Young and backed by the United Nations, this globe-trotting thriller examines the heroin trade. Featuring a massive international cast, it aims to blend entertainment with anti-drug messaging.
While uneven, it’s notable for pushing the crime genre into international territory and showcasing a growing interest in global crime issues.
33. The Killers (1964)
This adaptation of Hemingway’s story stars Lee Marvin and John Cassavetes, with Ronald Reagan in a rare villainous role. The story, which involves a double-cross and a hit gone wrong, unravels with stylized violence.
Unlike the 1946 version, this remake opts for bold colors and a detached tone, aligning with 1960s cinematic experimentation.
32. Madigan (1968)
Richard Widmark stars as a New York detective navigating corruption and bureaucracy while hunting a fugitive killer. Henry Fonda plays a police commissioner caught in political entanglements.
The film introduced gritty realism to the police procedural format, paving the way for modern crime dramas.
31. The Detective (1968)
Frank Sinatra stars in this bold tale of police corruption, sexuality, and murder. It stands out for tackling themes like homophobia and psychological trauma.
More than a whodunit, this is a complex character study set in the shadows of power and secrets.
30. Point Blank (1967)
Directed by John Boorman, “Point Blank” tells the story of a man left for dead who seeks revenge on a criminal syndicate. Lee Marvin delivers a cold, minimalist performance that suits the film’s detached tone.
It’s a hypnotic blend of noir, surrealism, and revenge thriller that influenced countless crime thrillers.
29. The Pink Panther (1963)
Though primarily a comedy, “The Pink Panther” revolves around a heist and a clever thief named The Phantom. Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau became an icon in the genre of comedic crime.
Its legacy includes numerous sequels and a brilliant balance of slapstick and stylish mystery.
28. The Boston Strangler (1968)
Tony Curtis plays against type in this true-crime psychological thriller. The film dramatizes the infamous Boston serial killings through a fragmented, suspenseful narrative.
It’s a harrowing look at both criminal pathology and investigative obsession.
27. The Young Savages (1961)
John Frankenheimer directs this drama about juvenile crime and racial tension. Burt Lancaster plays a prosecutor facing moral conflicts during a gang murder trial.
The film questions justice, loyalty, and identity in a time of social turmoil.
26. The League of Gentlemen (1960)
In this clever British heist film, a disgraced colonel recruits veterans to rob a bank. It’s funny, sharp, and brilliantly plotted.
Its methodical planning scenes influenced future ensemble capers and gave the genre a touch of class.
25. Experiment in Terror (1962)
Blake Edwards’ moody thriller follows a woman forced to help a criminal rob her bank. Lee Remick and Glenn Ford deliver strong performances in a suspense-filled story.
Its stark black-and-white visuals add tension and elegance to a disturbing crime tale.
24. Cape Fear (1962)
Robert Mitchum’s portrayal of Max Cady, a sadistic ex-convict, remains one of the most terrifying in crime film history. Gregory Peck’s family man is forced into a harrowing confrontation.
This psychological battle influenced many later stalker and revenge thrillers.
23. In Cold Blood (1967)
Adapted from Truman Capote’s nonfiction book, this grim tale of two murderers is filmed in stark, documentary-like black and white. It’s a chilling meditation on violence, poverty, and fate.
The film set a new standard for realism in crime movie plots.
22. The Italian Job (1969)
Michael Caine leads a team of cocky British crooks in this stylish heist film. Its Mini Cooper chase scene is legendary, and the breezy tone masks some clever plotting.
Equal parts cool and criminal, it’s a heist classic with unmistakable ‘60s flair.
21. Séance on a Wet Afternoon (1964)
A psychological crime story about a fake medium who stages a kidnapping for fame. Kim Stanley gives a haunting performance in this unnerving British gem.
The film’s eerie tone and emotional depth elevate it beyond a standard thriller.
20. The Criminal (1960)
Starring Stanley Baker, this British film explores life inside and outside prison walls. Directed by Joseph Losey, it combines social realism with gripping underworld dynamics.
It’s both a hard-edged crime story and a commentary on systemic injustice.
19. Bullitt (1968)
Steve McQueen plays a no-nonsense San Francisco cop in a film best known for its iconic car chase. But beyond the thrills lies a taut, character-driven crime drama.
Its influence on police films is unmatched.
18. The Big Risk (1960)
Jean-Paul Belmondo stars in this French noir about a gangster trying to escape his past. It blends action, style, and existential dread.
Part of the French crime wave, it reflects the European take on noir storytelling.
17. The Naked Kiss (1964)
Another Samuel Fuller entry, this strange and provocative film follows a former prostitute trying to start fresh. But her past returns in a horrifying way.
Equal parts soap opera and social horror, it’s an unforgettable ride.
16. Murderers’ Row (1966)
Part of the Matt Helm spy/crime series starring Dean Martin, this film mixes espionage with assassinations and sabotage.
It’s a campy but clever blend of spycraft and crime fiction.
15. Topkapi (1964)
A high-stakes museum heist in Istanbul, this film stars Melina Mercouri and Peter Ustinov. With clever gadgets and charismatic crooks, it mixes suspense with Mediterranean style.
The caper format is light but influential.
14. Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964)
This Rat Pack musical comedy imagines gangsters as 1920s-era Robin Hoods. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. lead the fun.
It’s a playful twist on mob tropes, with catchy tunes and gunplay.
13. The Whisperers (1967)
A lonely elderly woman believes she hears criminals plotting around her. This slow-burn British film becomes a meditation on isolation and paranoia.
It’s haunting, subtle, and deeply human.
12. Deadlier Than the Male (1967)
A suave insurance investigator faces off against two lethal female assassins. Slick, stylish, and tongue-in-cheek, it’s a crime-spy hybrid.
The film pushed gender roles in crime fiction.
11. Charade (1963)
Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant headline this stylish thriller full of twists, lies, and murders. Directed by Stanley Donen, it’s elegant and suspenseful.
“Charade” remains a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and danger.
10. The Ipcress File (1965)
Michael Caine stars as spy Harry Palmer in this gritty espionage thriller that includes brainwashing and assassinations. A cooler, more grounded alternative to James Bond.
Its realism and suspense redefined spy-crime films.
9. Odds Against Tomorrow (1960)
This heist drama blends racial tension with crime, featuring Harry Belafonte and Robert Ryan. It’s a moody noir with social resonance.
One of the first films to explore race within a crime narrative.
8. Peeping Tom (1960)
A voyeuristic murderer films his victims in this controversial British film. Ahead of its time, it was initially rejected but later praised for its psychological insight.
It’s a disturbing exploration of obsession and surveillance.
7. Breathless (1960)
Jean-Luc Godard’s French New Wave crime film follows a small-time crook on the run. Innovative editing and improvisational style made it a cinematic landmark.
It’s a rebellious crime tale that influenced global filmmaking.
6. Rififi (1960 US Release)
Jules Dassin’s French heist film had a delayed US release in 1960. Its meticulous robbery scene became legendary.
A masterclass in tension, silence, and noir direction.
5. Le Samouraï (1967)
Alain Delon stars as a hitman living by a code in this French minimalist thriller. Director Jean-Pierre Melville crafts a cool, hypnotic world of honor and death.
Its influence on crime aesthetics is immeasurable.
4. The Hustler (1961)
Paul Newman’s “Fast” Eddie navigates pool halls, hustling, and self-destruction. Though more drama than noir, it’s rooted in crime and survival.
A stunning portrait of ambition and failure.
3. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway glamorize crime and pay the price. Arthur Penn’s stylish, violent story shocked audiences and ushered in New Hollywood.
A groundbreaking blend of romance and rebellion.
2. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
A brilliant fusion of political paranoia and crime, this film stars Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury. It deals with assassination, brainwashing, and betrayal.
A prophetic and chilling thriller with enduring relevance.
1. Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock redefined the crime and horror genres with this tale of murder at the Bates Motel. Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates is unforgettable.
From shocking twists to its eerie score, “Psycho” remains the defining crime film of the decade.
Conclusion
The 1960s were a pivotal period for the evolution of crime films. From stylized European noir to groundbreaking American thrillers, the decade showcased how filmmakers pushed the boundaries of violence, psychology, and narrative complexity. These 35 movies not only entertained but also questioned authority, explored human frailty, and redefined genre expectations.
Whether you’re drawn to the stylish minimalism of Le Samouraï, the raw realism of In Cold Blood, or the cultural revolution represented by Bonnie and Clyde, this list reflects the era’s wide-ranging contributions to the film industry. These films continue to inspire directors and captivate audiences, proving that the crime genre’s golden age wasn’t just thrilling—it was transformative.
