The crime film genre is popular in India, but the nation’s cinematic tradition also includes Bollywood.
Whether the movie’s about a humble police inspector or an ambitious gangster, if its backdrop is India and it involves crime—you’ll find it on this list.
So get ready for some serious entertainment—and even learn about Indian culture as you enjoy these 19 Best Bollywood Crime Movies of All Time!
19 Best Bollywood Crime Movies of All Time
1. Special 26 (2013)
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee, Kajal Aggarwal
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Inspired by real-life events, a group of con artists poses as CBI officers and stages fake raids to rob corrupt politicians and businessmen. As they plan their biggest heist yet, a determined police officer is hot on their trail, leading to a thrilling game of cat and mouse.
2. Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadda
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Set in the coal mafia-ridden town of Wasseypur, the movie spans several decades, following the blood-soaked vengeance saga between two feuding families. This crime drama, with its mix of violence and complicated characters, explores the dark side of humanity.
3. Satya (1998)
Cast: J.D. Chakravarthy, Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpayee
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Satya, a young immigrant, enters the criminal underworld of Mumbai with dreams of making it big. But soon, he finds himself involved in a web of violence and betrayal as he tries to navigate his way through the city’s crime syndicate.
4. Company (2002)
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, Manisha Koirala
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Inspired by the real-life underworld activities, the film revolves around the rise and fall of two friends who establish their own criminal empire in Mumbai. For as they climb the ranks of the underworld, gang members must also deal with internal conflicts and power struggles. They are constantly threatened by rival gangs.
5. Black Friday (2004)
Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Pavan Malhotra, Aditya Srivastava
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Based on the investigations and events surrounding the 1993 Bombay bombings, the film offers a gritty and intense portrayal of the shocking incident. It explores the complex web of conspiracies, the lives affected by the bombings, and the subsequent police investigations.
6. Raat Akeli Hai (2020)
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Tigmanshu Dhulia
Director: Honey Trehan
In this thrilling murder mystery, a small-town cop is called to investigate the brutal slaying of a wealthy family’s patriarch on his wedding night. As he digs deeper into the family’s dark secrets, he unravels complex lies and deceit hidden behind honorable facades—and discovers that no one in town can be trusted.
7. Talvar (2015)
Cast: Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Based on the infamous Noida double murder case, the film follows the investigation and multiple perspectives surrounding the murder of a teenage girl and her family’s servant. As the truth gets buried under media scrutiny and political pressure, the film highlights the flaws and biases within the justice system.
8. Don (1978)
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Pran
Director: Chandra Barot
The iconic crime thriller revolves around a ruthless criminal mastermind who replaces a simpleton lookalike to deceive his enemies and law enforcement. With Amitabh Bachchan’s charismatic portrayal, the film became a classic, known for its gripping narrative and memorable dialogues.
9. Andhadhun (2018)
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte
Director: Sriram Raghavan
A blind pianist unwittingly becomes embroiled in a series of murders, leading to a twisted tale of deception, dark secrets, and unexpected turns. The film had us on the edge of our seats and kept us guessing until the very end.
10. Kaante (2002)
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty
Director: Sanjay Gupta
A group of six men, each with his own motive, comes together to plan and execute a daring heist at a bank. Their criminal pasts and complex relationships are explored in this film that also looks at themes of loyalty and betrayal.
11. A Wednesday! (2008)
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher
Director: Neeraj Pandey
A common man calls the Mumbai police and claims to have planted bombs across the city. The police are in a race against time to find and defuse the bombs, but they have been drawn into a cat-and-mouse game with an anonymous caller. This gripping thriller explores themes of terrorism, justice, and the power of ordinary individuals.
12. Johnny Gaddaar (2007)
Cast: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Dharmendra, Rimi Sen
Director: Sriram Raghavan
A group of five individuals, including a crooked cop, plans a heist that goes awry. The consequences of their actions lead to a web of deceit, betrayal, and unexpected twists. With its neo-noir style and an engaging storyline, the film keeps viewers hooked till the very end.
13. Ab Tak Chhappan (2004)
Cast: Nana Patekar, Revathi
Director: Shimit Amin
Inspired by true events, the film follows the story of an honest and relentless police officer who takes on the Mumbai underworld. With his unorthodox methods and fearless pursuit of justice, he becomes a symbol of hope and an unstoppable force against crime.
14. Kaminey (2009)
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Amol Gupte
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Set in the backdrop of the Mumbai underworld, the film revolves around a pair of twin brothers with speech impediments. Their lives intertwine with a drug deal gone wrong, leading to a thrilling tale of mistaken identities, betrayal, and violent confrontations.
15. Aamir (2008)
Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal
Director: Raj Kumar Gupta
Aamir, a London-based doctor, returns to India and finds himself caught in a web of conspiracy when he is forced to comply with the demands of unknown assailants. On his journey through the streets of Mumbai, he must confront several dangers and make difficult decisions.
16. Drishyam (2015)
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran
Director: Nishikant Kamat
A middle-class family’s peaceful life is upended when their daughter unintentionally commits a crime. The family weaves an intricate web of deception and cover-up to protect themselves from the police investigation. As their plan unravels, they continue with other elaborate attempts at misdirection in order to keep them safe.
17. Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007)
Cast: Vivek Oberoi, Sanjay Dutt, Amitabh Bachchan
Director: Apoorva Lakhia
Based on a real-life encounter between law enforcement and a notorious gang in Mumbai, the film portrays the intense shootout that unfolded at Lokhandwala Complex. With its gritty realism, high-stakes action, and an ensemble cast, the movie captures the dynamics between the police and the underworld.
18. Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997)
Cast: Bobby Deol, Manisha Koirala, Kajol
Director: Rajiv Rai
A suspenseful thriller, Gupt revolves around a love triangle and a murder mystery. When a prominent industrialist is found murdered, all evidence points to one person. As the truth is revealed, the film takes us on a suspenseful ride filled with shocking revelations and unexpected plot twists.
19. Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
Cast: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor Khan
Director: Reema Kagti
A cop haunted by a personal tragedy is assigned to investigate the death of a popular film actor. As he delves deeper into the case, he unravels a web of secrets, deceit, and supernatural occurrences. Blending elements of suspense, psychological drama, and the supernatural, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Best Bollywood Crime Movies of All Time: FAQs
Q1: What are the best Bollywood crime movies of all time?
A: Some of the best Bollywood crime movies of all time include Special 26, Gangs of Wasseypur, Satya, Company, Black Friday, Raat Akeli Hai, Talvar, Don, Andhadhun, and Kaante, among others.
Q2: Are these crime movies based on true events?
A: Yes, some of these crime movies are inspired by real-life events and incidents. Films like Black Friday and Raat Akeli Hai”take inspiration from actual crimes and investigations.
Q3: Are these movies suitable for all audiences?
A: While crime movies can often have intense and violent scenes, they are generally categorized for mature audiences due to their themes and content. It is recommended to check the movie’s rating and content advisory before watching.
Q4: Who are some popular actors associated with these crime movies?
A: Bollywood crime movies attract some of the industry’s finest actors. Actors such as Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Bajpayee, Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan are known for their performances in crime-based roles.
Q5: Can you recommend a crime movie for someone new to Bollywood?
A: For someone new to Bollywood, Andhadhun is a great choice. This crime thriller offers a unique and suspenseful storyline with brilliant performances. It received critical acclaim both nationally and internationally.
