They might seem dark but the narrations are gripping

The 1940s and 1950s era of Hollywood gave cinema lovers some brilliant crime dramas, regarded as the Film Noir genre of cinema. It is a cinematic term that is used primarily to describe this stylish Hollywood genre, especially the ones that emphasize cynical attitudes and motivations. Film noir is generally associated with a low-key, black-and-white visual style movie that has roots in German Expressionist cinematography. They may appear to be dark at the beginning but come around to be the most exciting watches. So here is a list of some of the best Film Noir movies that you can’t miss.

Murder, My Sweet

This 1944 film noir is directed by Edward Dmytryk and stars Dick Powell, Claire Trevor, and Anne Shirley. The film is based on Raymond Chandler's 1940 novel Farewell, My Lovely. The film just like the novel follows the temporarily blinded, with his eyes bandaged, private detective Philip Marlowe, played Dick Powell. The story begins with him being interrogated by Bay City police lieutenant Randall, played by Don Douglas, regarding two murders. As it moves forward, Marlowe narrates how he was hired to locate Velma Valento, a former girlfriend of his employee.

Basic Instinct

From the 1992 cinema of Hollywood came this neo-noir erotic thriller film by director Paul Verhoeven. The film follows San Francisco police homicide detective Nick Curran, played by Michael Douglas, investigating the brutal murder of a wealthy rock star. And during his investigation, the detective gets involved in an intense relationship with the prime suspect, Catherine Tramell, played by Sharon Stone, an enigmatic writer. From there on the story leads to an erotic and deathful narration of the story unfolding in suspenseful ways.

Taxi Driver

This 1976 by director Martin Scorsese starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel, and Peter Boyle is another of the classic examples from the later generation of Hollywood. The film is set in the backdrop of a morally bankrupt New York City after the Vietnam War. The director has narrated the story through Travis Bickle, played by De Niro, who is a young taxi driver and war veteran. The film follows him showing his mental state spiraling down as he works nights in the city. The film shows the war veteran suffering from a post-traumatic stress disorder and living alone in New York City.

Other Film Noir movies to watch are Double Indemnity, 1. Cast a Dark Shadow, Nightmare Alley, Key Largo, The Naked City to name a few.