The 1980s produced some of the most memorable blockbuster movies of the past fifty years. While action, horror, and comedy were popular, many consider crime films to have reached their peak during that decade. Films like Scarface, Beverly Hills Cop, and Blue Velvet are well-known classics, but a lot of other great crime movies from the ’80s have been largely forgotten.
The 1980s were full of exciting crime movies, thrillers, and even scary crime films, but many of them have faded from memory. While films like Lethal Weapon, The Untouchables, and 48 Hrs. remain popular, numerous other great movies from that era deserve to be rediscovered, and these six films are a great place to start.
Rumble Fish Is An Underrated Masterpiece From A Legendary Director
Francis Ford Coppola is often considered the most influential director of crime films ever. His groundbreaking work in the 1970s, including movies like The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, and The Conversation, has shaped the genre for generations. Despite a difficult period in the 1980s, where he struggled to find success with audiences, his earlier films remain highly regarded. One lesser-known result of this period was his 1983 film, Rumble Fish.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Rumble Fish is a deeply personal and moving film about growing up amidst violence and difficult circumstances. Visually striking in black and white with occasional bursts of color, the movie features a talented young cast including Matt Dillon, Mickey Rourke, and Diane Lane, all of whom went on to become major stars. This dark but ultimately hopeful crime drama is a true coming-of-age masterpiece that deserves to be seen by more people.
The New York Ripper Is A Sleazy Crime Delight
Lucio Fulci’s 1982 film, The New York Ripper, is a strikingly violent and disturbing take on the classic Italian crime thrillers known as ‘Giallo.’ It’s famous for its intense scenes, bold visuals, and truly unforgettable, bizarre characters.
Lucio Fulci is famous for his classic horror films like Zombie Flesh Eaters, The Beyond, and City of the Living Dead, but The New York Ripper could be his best work. The film has a unique quality to it. It offers a particularly raw and unsettling depiction of New York City, features strange and memorable characters, and its violence, though horrifying, is strangely captivating.
Running Scared Is A Buddy Cop Flick That Should’ve Spawned A Franchise
Peter Hyams’ 1986 film, Running Scared, is a buddy cop movie set in the tough streets of 1980s Chicago. It’s surprisingly good and makes you wonder why it never spawned a series of sequels. Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines are fantastic together, delivering some of their funniest and most engaging performances. However, the movie isn’t always focused on solving the main crime; the two detectives often prioritize earning money, and the plot occasionally takes strange, unexpected turns.
There’s a lot of similarity between Running Scared and Shane Black’s The Nice Guys – both are funny, action-packed crime movies with great chemistry between the two main characters. Both films also should have had sequels, but sadly, they never got them. Running Scared is a classic 80s buddy cop movie that arguably deserved its own franchise even more than Beverly Hills Cop.
Deathtrap Is A Single-Location Crime Comedy Caper
Despite being a surprisingly clever and twisty thriller from start to finish, the movie Deathtrap has faded from memory over time. It stars Michael Caine and the late Christopher Reeve, and tells the story of an older playwright who plans a murder so he can steal a script from one of his former students.
This 1980s crime comedy is a delightfully surprising and often outrageous film, and a hidden gem from director Sidney Lumet. Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve deliver fantastic performances, supported by a consistently strong cast. Despite being set almost entirely in one location and adapted from a stage play, Deathtrap feels visually dynamic, captivating, and genuinely funny.
Body Double Is A Hitchcockian Homage With An Erotic Edge
Brian De Palma was a director who truly understood how to update classic suspense for a modern audience, and his 1984 film Body Double is a perfect example. It’s a sophisticated and sensual take on films like Vertigo and Rear Window, offering a visually stunning and thrilling crime story that remains captivating even today.
When a down-on-his-luck actor becomes entangled in a murder mystery filled with deception, a dark and intense exploration of human desire unfolds. Body Double is a visually stunning and musically rich thriller, brimming with memorable scenes, and remains one of the most overlooked crime films, especially considering its release in the 1980s.
Thief Is An All-Time Crime Masterpiece
Michael Mann is a highly respected director known for his crime films, and many consider his 1995 film Heat to be his best work. However, his first feature film, 1981’s Thief, could actually be his greatest achievement. It’s a beautifully shot and deeply personal look at crime, the decline of cities, and the troubling side of human nature, making it a standout film in the crime genre.
Featuring a stunning visual style, groundbreaking editing and direction, and a memorable electronic score by Tangerine Dream, Thief is a truly exceptional crime film. It’s a rare cinematic achievement and stands among the best in the genre, worthy of being considered a classic.
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2026-02-24 20:10