Film noir follows a classic formula for depicting works of crime and suspense. These films typically feature morally questionable characters, murky lighting, and a general air of despair and corruption. Luckily, Netflix has no shortage of noir films that are sure to satisfy any cinéaste. Here is a list of the 8 best noir films on Netflix for you to enjoy.
Double Indemnity (1944)
A classic film noir from director Billy Wilder, Double Indemnity follows accountant Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) as he gets roped into a devious murder-for-profit scheme by femme fatale Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck). Full of dark themes and moments of dread, Double Indemnity is a thrilling film and one of the first of its kind.
Chinatown (1974)
Often cited as one of the greatest films of all time, Chinatown marks another collaboration between director Roman Polanski and actor Jack Nicholson. Set in 1930s Los Angeles and steeped in themes of power and vulnerability, Chinatown follows Nicholson’s private investigator, Jake Gittes, as he unravels a mystery that involves corruption and a troubled past.
The Big Sleep (1946)
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall might be the most iconic on-screen pairing of all time, and noir film The Big Sleep is the perfect example of why. The film stars Bogart as a detective hired by a wealthy family to investigate a dead gambler, and Bacall as the family’s daughter. Things get complicated when the case stirs up secrets, stirring in societal critiques to an already thrilling plot.
In a Lonely Place (1950)
In a Lonely Place starred Humphrey Bogart as Dixon Steele, an alcoholic Hollywood screenwriter with a nasty temper. His personality and mysterious past come into play when he becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his neighbor. One of director Nicholas Ray’s earliest works, this film incorporates themes of guilt, paranoia and trust in a captivating noir-influenced narrative.
Touch of Evil (1958)
Another classic noir-style film packed with suspense, Touch of Evil stars Charlton Heston and Orson Welles. It follows a Mexican-American lawman, newly married to a Mexican citizen, as he investigates a car bombing along the Texas-Mexico border. The presence of Orson Welles, who directed, co-wrote and starred in the film adds an extra layer of complexity and unease to this story.
Rififi (1955)
Rififi is a classic French heist movie directed by Jules Dassin and starring Jean Servais. It follows four professional criminals as they execute a daring robbery. Filled with dramatic music, sly humor and ingenious plans, this film stands out as one of the best in the genre.
The Killing (1956)
Another classic of film noir and heist movies, The Killing is a Stanley Kubrick classic, starring Sterling Hayden as a man hired to rob a racetrack. The Killing is highly regarded for its unique implementation of the heist genre, with subtle touches and exciting stylistic choices that set it apart from the rest.
Mildred Pierce (1945)
Mildred Pierce is an interesting entry, as it is a film noir that uses a female protagonist, rather than the classic male protagonist. Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Joan Crawford as a single mother trying to make a better life for her daughters, the film follows her attempts to make a successful business, only to have it all undermined by greed and lust.
Netflix offers a plethora of classic noir films that no cinéaste should be without. The 8 best noir films you can stream on Netflix include Double Indemnity, Chinatown, The Big Sleep, In a Lonely Place, Touch of Evil, Rififi, The Killing and Mildred Pierce. With a blend of suspense, crime and moral ambiguity, these films offer viewers an engaging and timeless form of cinematic entertainment.