What makes the perfect crime movie?

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Everyone remembers the serpentine Dr Hannibal Lecter, but the real surprise here is a powerfully sympathetic female perspective on hunting serial killers.

Darkness in Talinn (1993)

A mastermind plans to cut the power to Estonia’s capital to steal gold bullion, not realising that his wife is surviving on a life-support machine.

The Transporter (2002)

Jason Statham will deliver anything anywhere, but what’s inside the box? A beautiful woman — that’s the McGuffin and the love interest taken care of.

The Usual Suspects (1995)

This complex, moody, utterly original story of the devil and a police lineup demands that you watch it twice — and enjoy it more the second time around.

Freebie and the Bean (1974)

Cops Alan Arkin and James Caan bicker like old lovers, conduct irresponsible street shoot-outs and whack a police car through a tower block — six floors up.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Sergio Leone’s sweeping epic begins with childhood loyalties and ends decades later in betrayal and tragedy, giving De Niro his definitive gangster role.

Fargo (1996)

A great example of an interesting good cop (Frances McDormand). “And then there’s this execution-type deal,” she says casually, and you love her unflappability.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

When thieves fall out, blood will be spilt . . . Tarantino’s purest thriller is a razor-sharp character piece that feels like a sweat-inducing stage play.

Jar City (2006)

Iceland’s traceable bloodlines reveal a series of deaths, although the most disturbing part is watching a cop eat a takeaway sheep’s head.

The Last of Sheila (1973)

A Riviera mystery with six yacht-bound suspects, this neglected Sondheim-penned thriller provides all the clues and an unguessable punchline.

Explore Film

• Film Reviews

• Trailers

• DVD

• London Film Festival

Editor's choice

• The 100 Best Films of the Decade
• 70 facts you didn't know about Marvel
• The 50 Biggest Movies Of 2010