"Crime thrillers are ones that can stick out on a viewer's mind for a variety of reasons. They are not just crime films and it is wrong to label one as such. Yes, this sub-genre of crime films can fall into Pre-Code gangster pictures, Film or Neo Noir to Poliziotteschi to police or serial killing procedural, gangster B Movie, Yakuza, Cosa Nostra, and the list goes on and on. A crime thriller tends to have characters involved in an investigation, hunt, or situation that bleeds suspense amongst criminality.
A crime thriller can be done poorly as we know due to cliche, style over substance, or poor performances and story. But when done right, at the opportune time in cinematic history by masters in the top of their form – you get magic. The list below ranges from many forms of the crime thriller from serial killers, procedurals, heist, and of course, psychological turmoil of the main characters involved."
