The allure of crime dramas, with their intricate plots, morally complex characters, and pulse-pounding tension, has captivated audiences for decades.
Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" stands as a monumental testament to this genre, weaving a tale of double-crosses, undercover operations, and the thin line between law and lawlessness.
But what if you're craving more of that adrenaline-infused cinematic experience? Look no further. Dive into this curated list of the 25 best movies that echo the gritty ambiance, riveting storytelling, and multifaceted characters reminiscent of "The Departed".
Whether you're a die-hard Scorsese fan or simply someone in search of a gripping film, this compilation promises to be a feast for your cinematic soul.
GoodFellas (1990)
"Goodfellas" delves deep into the life of Henry Hill, charting his journey from a young hoodlum to a major player in the criminal underworld, eventually turning FBI informant. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the same mastermind behind "The Departed", both films share a raw portrayal of crime's allure and its dangerous implications. Much like "The Departed", "Goodfellas" explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the volatile nature of organized crime, all set against a backdrop of enthralling characters and riveting storytelling.
CAST
Ray Liotta
Robert De Niro
Joe Pesci
Lorraine Bracco
Paul Sorvino
Frank Sivero
Tony Darrow
Mike Starr
Frank Vincent
Chuck Low
Heat (1995)
In "Heat", Director Michael Mann crafts a tense cat-and-mouse chase between a seasoned criminal, Neil McCauley, and a relentless detective, Lt. Vincent Hanna. As their worlds collide in the gritty streets of Los Angeles, the lines between cop and criminal blur, much like in "The Departed". Both films excel in showcasing a dual narrative, emphasizing the personal and professional dilemmas faced by those on both sides of the law. The tension, moral ambiguity, and the overarching theme of duality draw striking parallels to Scorsese's masterpiece.
CAST
Al Pacino
Robert De Niro
Val Kilmer
Jon Voight
Tom Sizemore
Diane Venora
Amy Brenneman
Ashley Judd
Mykelti Williamson
Wes Studi
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Set amidst the harsh landscapes of West Texas, "No Country for Old Men" follows Llewelyn Moss's fateful discovery of a drug deal gone awry and the relentless assassin, Anton Chigurh, hot on his trail. Directed by the Coen Brothers, the movie, like "The Departed", is a labyrinth of tension, moral quandaries, and unforeseen consequences. Both films delve deep into the psyche of their protagonists, exploring the ramifications of choices made in a world where morality is often a shifting sand. The palpable tension, themes of pursuit, and examination of the human condition make it resonate with Scorsese's intense crime drama.
CAST
Tommy Lee Jones
Javier Bardem
Josh Brolin
Woody Harrelson
Kelly Macdonald
Garret Dillahunt
Tess Harper
Barry Corbin
Stephen Root
Rodger Boyce
The Usual Suspects (1995)
In this labyrinthine crime thriller, a convoluted narrative unfolds through the perspective of Roger "Verbal" Kint, a small-time crook recounting a harrowing tale of treachery and deception to a detective. As the story of a boat explosion, stolen money, and a mythical crime lord named Keyser Söze emerges, the film delves deep into a web of lies and double-crosses. Much like "The Departed," "The Usual Suspects" is rife with tension, betrayal, and the challenge of deciphering who, in a world of criminals and informants, can truly be trusted.
CAST
Gabriel Byrne
Kevin Spacey
Stephen Baldwin
Kevin Pollak
Benicio del Toro
Chazz Palminteri
Pete Postlethwaite
Giancarlo Esposito
Suzy Amis
Peter Greene
Casino (1995)
Set against the glitzy backdrop of Las Vegas, "Casino" portrays the rise and fall of a casino executive, Sam "Ace" Rothstein. Torn between love, loyalty, and the constant threat from the mob and corrupt officials, Rothstein's world begins to unravel. Scorsese, the mastermind behind both films, weaves a tale filled with moral ambiguity, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Like "The Departed," the line between legality and crime blurs, emphasizing the intricacies and perils of power dynamics within organized crime.
CAST
Robert De Niro
Sharon Stone
Joe Pesci
James Woods
Don Rickles
Alan King
Kevin Pollak
L.Q. Jones
Dick Smothers
Frank Vincent
L.A. Confidential (1997)
Set in 1950s Los Angeles, "L.A. Confidential" explores the seedy underbelly of the city's police force, the glitz of Hollywood, and the lurid tabloid journalism of the era. As three diverse detectives—each with their own methodologies and moral codes—investigate a series of murders, they uncover a sprawling web of corruption, lies, and collusion. The film's focus on deception, power struggles, and the duality of public personas echoes the themes of "The Departed," illustrating that even within the ranks of those sworn to uphold the law, trust can be a scarce commodity.
CAST
Russell Crowe
Guy Pearce
Kevin Spacey
Kim Basinger
Danny DeVito
James Cromwell
David Strathairn
Ron Rifkin
Matt McCoy
Paul Guilfoyle
Training Day (2001)
In "Training Day," rookie cop Jake Hoyt is eager to prove himself in the narcotics unit of the LAPD. However, his ideals are tested when he's paired with Detective Alonzo Harris, a seasoned and morally ambiguous officer. Throughout a day filled with violence and corruption, Hoyt discovers that the line between right and wrong isn't always clear. Much like "The Departed," this film delves into the blurred boundaries of law enforcement, forcing its protagonists to grapple with their own morality amidst a sea of corruption and betrayal.
CAST
Ethan Hawke
Denzel Washington
Scott Glenn
Tom Berenger
Harris Yulin
Raymond J. Barry
Cliff Curtis
Dr. Dre
Snoop Dogg
Eva Mendes
2 degrees of seperation (similar to Training Day)
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Based on a true story, "Donnie Brasco" follows Joe Pistone, an FBI agent who goes undercover as Donnie to infiltrate the Mafia. As he grows closer to the mobsters, especially Lefty Ruggiero, the lines between loyalty, duty, and friendship become dangerously blurred. "The Departed" fans will appreciate the familiar tension of living a double life, the constant threat of exposure, and the profound impact of deception on both personal and professional relationships.
CAST
Johnny Depp
Al Pacino
Michael Madsen
Bruno Kirby
James Russo
Anne Heche
Zeljko Ivanek
Brian Tarantina
Rocco Sisto
Zach Grenier
Sicario (2015)
Kate Macer, an idealistic FBI agent, is enlisted into a covert task force aiming to combat the escalating drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border. Led by a mysterious consultant, Alejandro, and the tough-as-nails Matt Graver, Kate quickly finds herself entangled in a web of deceit, moral compromise, and escalating violence. Echoing "The Departed," "Sicario" examines the complexities of justice in a world where allies can swiftly become adversaries, and every decision carries profound consequences for both sides of the law.
CAST
Emily Blunt
Benicio del Toro
Josh Brolin
Victor Garber
Jon Bernthal
Daniel Kaluuya
Jeffrey Donovan
Raoul Max Trujillo
Julio Cedillo
Hank Rogerson
American Gangster (2007)
In the gritty landscape of 1970s Harlem, "American Gangster" unveils the true story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a drug lord who built an empire by smuggling heroin into the U.S. in the coffins of Vietnam War soldiers. Opposite Lucas stands Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), a relentless detective determined to bring him down. Like "The Departed", this film dives deep into the world of crime, showcasing the thin line between righteousness and corruption. The duality of law enforcement and organized crime, each having their own codes, mirrors the intricate power play seen in Scorsese's masterpiece.
CAST
Russell Crowe
Denzel Washington
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Josh Brolin
Ted Levine
Armand Assante
John Ortiz
John Hawkes
Mystic River (2003)
Three childhood friends, Jimmy, Sean, and Dave, are brought back together by a horrific tragedy in Clint Eastwood's "Mystic River". When Jimmy's daughter is found murdered, the trio's bond is tested, and dark secrets from their past resurface. Sean, now a detective, investigates the crime, while Dave becomes a key suspect. The film's tense atmosphere, themes of betrayal, and intertwining destinies echo "The Departed's" gripping narrative about trust, deception, and the shadows of the past.
CAST
Sean Penn
Tim Robbins
Kevin Bacon
Laurence Fishburne
Marcia Gay Harden
Laura Linney
Kevin Chapman
Tom Guiry
Emmy Rossum
Spencer Treat Clark
Collateral (2004)
Over the course of one fateful night in Los Angeles, taxi driver Max (Jamie Foxx) discovers his passenger, Vincent (Tom Cruise), is a contract killer, making multiple stops to complete a hit list. As the night unfolds, a tense game of cat and mouse ensues, pushing Max to his limits. Much like "The Departed", "Collateral" immerses viewers in a world of suspense and moral ambiguity, exploring the blurred lines between right and wrong. Both films highlight the unexpected alliances formed amidst the chaos of crime and the life-altering decisions their characters must face.
CAST
Tom Cruise
Jamie Foxx
Jada Pinkett Smith
Mark Ruffalo
Javier Bardem
Barry Shabaka Henley
Bruce McGill
Irma P. Hall
Richard T. Jones
The Town (2010)
In the crime-ridden streets of Charlestown, Boston, Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) leads a gang of bank robbers who pride themselves on executing flawless heists. However, when a bank manager named Claire (Rebecca Hall) gets inadvertently entangled in their world, Doug's loyalty is tested. As he develops feelings for Claire, the lines between right and wrong blur. Much like "The Departed", "The Town" paints a vivid picture of Boston's criminal underbelly, weaving a narrative filled with betrayal, moral ambiguity, and the relentless pursuit of redemption in a world overrun by vice.
CAST
Ben Affleck
Jeremy Renner
Rebecca Hall
Jon Hamm
Blake Lively
Slaine
Pete Postlethwaite
Owen Burke
Titus Welliver
Chris Cooper
Traffic (2000)
Spanning across three interwoven narratives, "Traffic" delves deep into the multifaceted world of drug trafficking. From a conservative judge appointed as the U.S. drug czar grappling with his daughter's addiction, to a DEA investigation on the U.S.-Mexico border, and a wife discovering her husband's dark drug business, the film offers a panoramic view of the war on drugs. Mirroring "The Departed", "Traffic" unravels a tale of double lives, covert operations, and the constant tension between law enforcers and lawbreakers, while questioning the blurred boundaries of morality.
CAST
Michael Douglas
Benicio del Toro
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Don Cheadle
Erika Christensen
Jacob Vargas
Luis Guzmán
Miguel Ferrer
Topher Grace
Dennis Quaid
Eastern Promises (2007)
Viggo Mortensen stars as Nikolai, a mysterious driver for one of London's most notorious organized crime families. When Anna (Naomi Watts), a midwife, stumbles upon incriminating evidence against the family, the two worlds collide, leading to a brutal and suspenseful game of life and death. Similar to "The Departed", "Eastern Promises" showcases the perilous double lives characters lead within the criminal world. The film pulsates with tension, delves into themes of loyalty and betrayal, and unravels the grim realities of the underworld, much like Scorsese's masterpiece.
CAST
Viggo Mortensen
Naomi Watts
Vincent Cassel
Armin Mueller-Stahl
Sinéad Cusack
Donald Sumpter
Josef Altin
Mina E. Mina
Aleksandar Mikic
Miller's Crossing (1990)
Set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era gang warfare, "Miller's Crossing" is a Coen Brothers' masterpiece that delves into power struggles, betrayal, and conflicted loyalties. Tom Reagan, right-hand man to an Irish mob boss, finds himself navigating a treacherous web of intrigue and deceit. Much like "The Departed," this film magnifies the complexities of loyalty, offering a multi-layered narrative filled with suspense and moral dilemmas. The shadowy world of crime, the struggle for dominance, and the haunting question of allegiance make it reminiscent of Scorsese's Boston-based epic.
CAST
Gabriel Byrne
Albert Finney
Jon Polito
Marcia Gay Harden
John Turturro
J.E. Freeman
Steve Buscemi
Mike Starr
Al Mancini
Richard Woods
A Prophet (2009)
In "A Prophet," Malik El Djebena, a young Arab man, begins his prison sentence naïvely but swiftly rises through the criminal ranks. With themes of mentorship, brutal initiation, and the dark labyrinths of organized crime, the film portrays Malik's transformation from a vulnerable inmate to a key player in the Corsican mafia. Like "The Departed," this intense character study exposes the viewer to a world where lines blur between right and wrong, and survival demands moral compromises. The relentless tension and exploration of underworld politics make it a companion piece to Scorsese's opus.
CAST
Tahar Rahim
Niels Arestrup
Adel Bencherif
Hichem Yacoubi
Reda Kateb
Jean-Philippe Ricci
Gilles Cohen
Antoine Basler
Foued Nassah
Infernal Affairs (2002)
Before Scorsese's "The Departed," there was "Infernal Affairs" – the Hong Kong thriller that inspired it. This intricate tale follows two moles, one infiltrating the police and the other deep within a criminal gang, racing against time to expose each other. With a foundation built on tension, deception, and high stakes, it shares undeniable narrative DNA with "The Departed." Both films masterfully capture the psychological torment of living dual lives, where trust is rare, and betrayal is a constant shadow. If you appreciated the double-agent dynamic of Scorsese's film, "Infernal Affairs" provides the original, electrifying experience.
CAST
Andy Lau
Tony Leung Chiu-wai
Anthony Wong
Eric Tsang
Kelly Chen
Sammi Cheng
Edison Chen
Shawn Yue
Elva Hsiao
Chapman To
More Hidden Gems Like 'The Departed'
Navigating the vast sea of cinema often means missing hidden gems. The underrated movies section shines a light on masterful films that, for one reason or another, haven't received the widespread acclaim they deserve. Dive into these overlooked treasures that echo the compelling tones of "The Departed" and more.
Layer Cake (2004)
In the murky world of British drug trafficking, a nameless and meticulous middleman, played by Daniel Craig, plans his early retirement. However, events spiral out of control when he's pulled into a maze of deceit, betrayal, and shifting alliances. Much like "The Departed," "Layer Cake" delves deep into the criminal underworld, exposing the blurry lines between loyalty and treachery. The film's tense, winding narrative and its exploration of organized crime's intricacies evoke strong parallels with Scorsese's masterwork.
CAST
Daniel Craig
Sienna Miller
Tom Hardy
Colm Meaney
George Harris
Sally Hawkins
Kenneth Cranham
Jamie Foreman
Michael Gambon
Ben Whishaw
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
A haunting Argentinian tale, this film follows retired judiciary employee Benjamín Espósito as he becomes obsessed with an unsolved murder from decades prior. As he writes a novel based on the case, past emotions and memories resurface, leading to shocking revelations. Drawing similarities with "The Departed," both films expertly weave between timelines, providing a suspense-filled journey packed with twists. Furthermore, the themes of justice, obsession, and the lasting scars of past decisions echo the moral dilemmas faced by characters in Scorsese's crime drama.
CAST
Ricardo Darín
Soledad Villamil
Pablo Rago
Javier Godino
Guillermo Francella
Carla Quevedo
Bárbara Palladino
Alejandro Abelenda
Mario Alarcón
Rudy Romano
Animal Kingdom (2010)
Set in Melbourne's gritty criminal scene, "Animal Kingdom" portrays the life of young J as he navigates the treacherous waters of his crime-ridden family after his mother's death. Betrayals, power struggles, and police pressure converge, testing family loyalties. Much like "The Departed," the film delves into the dynamics of crime families and the thin boundary between the law and those who break it. The constant tension of undercover operations, shifting allegiances, and the overarching theme of survival in a world of chaos resonate strongly with the ambiance of Scorsese's iconic movie.
CAST
Ben Mendelsohn
Joel Edgerton
Guy Pearce
Luke Ford
Jacki Weaver
Sullivan Stapleton
James Frecheville
Dan Wyllie
Anthony Hayes
Laura Wheelwright
A Bittersweet Life (2005)
Within the shadowy depths of Seoul's criminal world, Sun-woo, a trusted enforcer, is tasked with a mission that tests his loyalties. When ordered to execute a woman he's been secretly watching, he finds himself at a crossroads of morality and duty. Like "The Departed," this film crafts a tense atmosphere punctuated by sudden violence, emphasizing themes of loyalty, betrayal, and personal vendettas. Both movies expertly delve into the psyche of men who walk the treacherous tightrope between duty and personal sentiment, making "A Bittersweet Life" a poignant exploration of the price of defiance in a world ruled by unspoken codes.
CAST
Lee Byung-hun
Kim Yeong-cheol
Shin Min-a
Kim Roi-ha
Hwang Jung-min
Lee Ki-young
Oh Dal-su
Kim Hae-gon
Kim Han
Jin Goo
State of Grace (1990)
Amidst the gritty urban sprawl of New York's Hell's Kitchen, Terry Noonan returns undercover to infiltrate an Irish gang he once called family. Torn between past friendships and his law enforcement duty, Terry's double life begins to strain his identity. "State of Grace" and "The Departed" both delve into the treacherous world of double identities, where characters grapple with loyalties and the looming threat of exposure. Engulfed in worlds of crime and brotherhood, both films ponder the personal tolls of living lies and the inevitable collisions between past loyalties and present duties.
CAST
Sean Penn
Ed Harris
Gary Oldman
Robin Wright
John Turturro
Burgess Meredith
R. D. Call
Joe Viterelli
John C. Reilly
Deirdre O'Connell
Narc (2002)
Detectives Nick Tellis and Henry Oak are drawn together by a dark investigation into the murder of an undercover officer. As they plunge deeper into the case, they grapple with personal ghosts and uncomfortable revelations, pushing their own moral boundaries. Like "The Departed," "Narc" dives deep into the grayer shades of law enforcement, blurring the lines between heroes and antiheroes. Both films spotlight the challenges and ethical quandaries faced by those sworn to uphold the law while also battling their inner demons and the corrosive influence of the streets they patrol.
CAST
Jason Patric
Ray Liotta
Chi McBride
Krista Bridges
John Ortiz
Busta Rhymes
Richard Chevolleau
Alan van Sprang
Anne Openshaw
Tony De Santis
The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
In the underworld of Boston, Eddie Coyle is a weary gunrunner and informer caught between the FBI and the mob. As he struggles to navigate a world where trust is sparse and betrayal is frequent, Coyle faces the pressures of age and survival. Echoing the atmosphere of "The Departed," both films present a gripping portrayal of Boston's criminal landscape and the individuals ensnared within it. The tension of living on borrowed time, the intricacies of informants and mob relations, and the unending quest for self-preservation intertwine in stories where every decision can lead to salvation or doom.
CAST
Robert Mitchum
Peter Boyle
Richard Jordan
Steven Keats
Alex Rocco
Joe Santos
Mitchell Ryan
Peter MacLean
Marvin Lichterman