Crime Films that Comment on Political Corruption

Chinatown is a classic crime film that explores the political corruption and collusion between politicians and the mafia in Los Angeles during the 1930s.

Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, takes over the Corleone family after the death of his father, Vito Corleone, and tries to move the family into legitimate businesses.

The Departed is a crime thriller that explores the corruption within the Boston Police Department and the Irish mob, as a young police officer infiltrates the mob while a mole within the police force works for the mob.

The Washington Post, led by editor Ben Bradlee and reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, published a series of articles that exposed the Watergate scandal and led to the resignation of President Nixon.

The Town is a crime drama that follows a group of bank robbers in Boston who target corrupt politicians and donate the stolen money to the less fortunate, gaining sympathy from the public.

Maya Harris, played by Jessica Chastain, is the CIA agent who leads the operation to track down and kill Osama bin Laden, facing moral and ethical dilemmas during the mission.

Sarkar is a political crime drama that follows the story of Subhash Nagre, a young politician who challenges the corrupt political dynasty led by his father, leading to a power struggle and deadly consequences.

The Major Case Unit, led by Detective Jimmy McNulty, is responsible for investigating and dismantling drug trafficking organizations in Baltimore, uncovering corruption and systemic issues within the city.

The Shield is a crime drama that follows the story of Vic Mackey, a corrupt police officer who leads a team of detectives involved in criminal activities, while an honest detective investigates their actions.

Jeffrey Wigand, played by Russell Crowe, is the tobacco industry whistleblower who exposes the harmful effects of cigarettes, leading to a legal battle against powerful tobacco corporations.

The Big Short is a financial crime drama that follows the story of a group of investors who predict the collapse of the housing market and profit from it, exposing the corruption and greed within the financial system.

Bob Barnes, played by George Clooney, is the CIA agent who uncovers a conspiracy involving oil companies, corrupt politicians, and terrorists, leading to a dangerous investigation and moral dilemmas.

Training Day is a crime drama that follows the story of a rookie police officer who is assigned to work with a corrupt detective, leading to a dangerous and morally challenging experience.

Stephen Meyers, played by Ryan Gosling, is the idealistic campaign manager who uncovers corruption and manipulation within a presidential campaign, leading to a moral crisis and difficult choices.

Serpico is a crime drama that follows the story of Frank Serpico, a New York City police officer who exposes corruption within the police department, leading to a dangerous investigation and moral dilemmas.