The 10 Best Romance Crime Movies of All Time, Ranked
Romance and crime might seem like two contrasting genres, but they blend together perfectly to produce movies full of passion, intrigue, and suspense. Here we explore the ten best romance crime movies that have left an indelible mark on cinema history, ranked from ten to one.
1.La La Land (2016)
While not usually classified strictly within the crime genre, ‘La La Land’ earns its place at the top of this list for blending elements of crime within its romantic musical narrative, beautifully portraying the sacrifices made for love amidst dreams and aspirations in Los Angeles.
2.Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie star as John and Jane Smith, assassins from rival agencies ordered to eliminate each other who are also trying to navigate their failing marriage which gets reignited through their combative situation.
3.Public Enemies (2009)
Johnny Depp shines as legendary bank robber John Dillinger with Marion Cotillard as his lover Billie Frechette in this gripping account of Dillinger’s final days, highlighting their intense romance against a backdrop of thrilling gangster exploits.
4.Natural Born Killers (1994)
Oliver Stone’s controversial film follows Mickey and Mallory Knox, played by Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis; lovers united against the world in a violent spree that challenges viewers with its satirical portrayal of media fascination with criminals.
5.A History of Violence (2005)
Viggo Mortensen stars as a man with a mysterious past who finds himself facing his violent old self to protect his wife and family. This film brilliantly examines how love can persist amid dark secrets.
6.Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
This classic features the legendary duo of Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway portraying the infamous criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow whose love story unfolds through their notorious crime spree during the Great Depression.
7.Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Blending dark humor with action, ‘Grosse Pointe Blank’ follows Martin Blank, played by John Cusack, a hitman attending his high school reunion where he reconnects with his old flame amidst his professional chaos.
8.Bound (1996)
This film noir from The Wachowskis depicts a fierce relationship between Violet (Jennifer Tilly) and Corky (Gina Gershon). Their plan to steal millions from the mob sets up intense drama mixed with seductive romance.
9.Out of Sight (1998)
Steven Soderbergh crafts a stylish film featuring George Clooney as a charming bank robber who shares a surprising connection with a federal marshal played by Jennifer Lopez. It’s a tale of unlikely lovers on opposite sides of the law.
10.True Romance (1993)
Directed by Tony Scott and penned by Quentin Tarantino, ‘True Romance’ stars Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette as a couple who come into possession of stolen cocaine and hit the road to sell it off, all while falling deeper in love.
Each film on this list offers its own unique blend of romance interwoven with criminal plots that challenge our characters’ love lives, making them timeless pieces that continue to captivate audiences around the world.