12 crime films that echo the raw tension of Reservoir Dogs

Reservoir Dogs, the 1992 neo-noir crime movie by celebrated director and writer Quentin Tarantino, deals with the adrenaline-rushing story of a high-tension diamond heist that doesn't go as planned. With a star-studded cast consisting of Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, and Chris Penn, Tarantino's debut offers a peek into the dark side of Los Angeles. Even though this was his first film, we find all the hallmarks of a classic Tarantino movie: from graphic violence to witty dialogue.

But what makes the movie even more engaging is its non-linear storytelling. The movie makes you lean in close, squint your eyes, and wait with bated breath for what comes next.

The story revolves around Joe Cabot and his son, "Nice Guy" Eddie Cabot. The characters are Mr. Brown, Mr. White, Mr. Blonde, Mr. Blue, Mr. Orange, and Mr. Pink: a group of thieves, each with their own distinct personalities, who team up for the high-stakes stealing attempt. As the plan goes haywire, the team is forced to handle what comes next. The ending will give you a gut punch, one that you'll love!

If you are wondering which movies echo the raw tension of Reservoir Dogs, here is a list of 12 movies that will give you the taste:

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Disclaimer: The following list is based solely on the writer's opinion

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12 crime films that echo the raw tension of Reservoir Dogs

1) Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

This Al Pacino-starrer 1975 movie has an interesting origin story. P.F. Kluge and Thomas Moore contributed an article for Life magazine, from which Dog Day Afternoon borrowed its story. The premise is close to that of Reservoir Dogs, but the genre is slightly different. Even though both movies deal with crime-laced, highly tense plots, the plot of Dog Day Afternoon is biographical.

Like the Tarantino cult film, this one deals with a heist gone wrong. With tense buildup, Al Pacino's breathtaking performance, this one offers you the thrill of uncertainty that you were looking for.

Want to watch this movie? Tune into Amazon Prime Video.

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2) Pulp Fiction (1994)

Another Tarantino film that rightly fits in this list: only this time, Tarantino is not debuting. In this movie, you see his craft get more mature. You get what you expect from a Tarantino movie: a non-linear narrative and a tension-packed story unfolding in Los Angeles.

Two partners in crime, Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega, navigate their lives in the shadowlands of LA, just like we see in Reservoir Dogs. The tale tells an intersecting series of stories of boxers, thieves, hitmen, and whatnot.

Want to watch Pulp Fiction? Tune into Amazon Prime Video.

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3) American Animals (2018)

If you are looking for another heist film that tickles your thriller buds just right, Bart Layton's American Animals will make you grip the edge of your seat. But this heist is nothing like you can imagine. The story deals with Spencer Reinhard, who tours through the Transylvania library, and one particular book fixates upon him. What follows next will draw out some sweat and give you the tensed feel that you get from Reservoir Dogs.

The cast consists of Evan Peters, Blake Jenner, Barry Keoghan, and others. You can find this film on Apple TV.

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4) The Irishman (2019)

Directed and produced by Martin Scorsese, this movie is based on homicide attorney Charles Brandt's book named I Heard You Paint Houses. The film deals with Irish-American World War II veteran Frank Sheeran as he reminisces about his former life as a hitman that was laced with crime.

You get Robert De Niro's mind-blowing performance as Frank, and Al Pacino plays the character of Jimmy Hoffa, to whom Sheeran becomes quite close. According to many, the movie is based on the life of Sheeran, a close friend of the Bufalino mafia family.

The Irishman can be streamed on Netflix.

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5) The Usual Suspects

If you are looking for another non-linear narrative with complex characters and a huge boost of raw tension, The Usual Suspects is the fit for you. This 1995 crime thriller recounts the story of when a group of career criminals teamed up for a mysterious heist. As the story unfolds, we learn about the con artist named Verbal Kint, who recalls the events of his life leading up to a tense climax.

You can enjoy this movie on Amazon Prime Video.

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6) The Town

Adapted from Chuck Hogan's 2004 novel Prince of Thieves, this 2010 crime thriller directed by Ben Affleck will satisfy your hunger for a gripping story. It all starts when Douglas "Doug" McRay decides to rob a bank with his other partners in crime, but in a twist of fate, he falls in love with an earlier robbery hostage. What happens next will make you sit tight and sweat through a tension-packed story like Reservoir Dogs.

Wondering where to find The Town? Well, just tune into Amazon Prime Video.

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7) Goodfellas

Released in 1990, Goodfellas is another Martin Scorsese film that delivers a gritty, nerve-wrenching, biographical account of Henry Hill's life as a mafia member and his subsequent turn into an informant.

Henry is close to the Lucchese family, who are into crime, and unlike Scorsese's previous movies, this film is set in New York. As Henry steers his life through the crime realm of New York, we see an intense tale of loyalty and betrayal. Goodfellas will give you almost the same nerve-wrenching tension as Reservoir Dogs.

You can enjoy this movie on Amazon Prime Video.

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8) Eastern Promises (2007)

David Cronenberg's Eastern Promises deals with the intense story of a midwife as she steps out of her usual duties to uncover secrets tied to a brutal Russian mafia family in London. You get twists, identity games, crime, and violence that reside inside brutal power structures.

The film was widely acclaimed and was nominated for an Oscar.

If you want to watch this movie, you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.

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9) Sicario:

This action-packed crime thriller follows the story of Kate Macer, an FBI agent, as she joins a team that tackles cartel-related crimes. The movie continuously draws your focus to the cat-and-mouse chase between the good and bad, between police and numerous cartels. The tension and uncertainty continue to grip your mind. Not to mention the intense action that takes place.

As you move further into the narrative, you get a good refill of Reservoir Dogs-like anticipation and tense feeling.

You can find Sicario on Amazon Prime Video.

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10) Road to Perdition (2002)

This Tom Hanks starrer 2002 crime drama echoes the raw tension of Reservoir Dogs. The story concerns Michael Sullivan Jr. and his complex relationship with his father, who is an Irish mobster. This old-school tale is laced with tension, intense build-ups, revenge, moral dilemmas, and self-discovery as Michael seeks justice for his family.

You will find this movie on Amazon Prime Video.

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11) Havoc (2025)

This recent Tom Hardy starrer movie is just what the name suggests: complete havoc. After a drug deal goes wrong, Detective Walker is hired to trace and protect Lawrence Beaumont's son. In the process, Walker comes face to face with the dark realities of the criminal world.

You get swift and brutal fights and a gritty tale of survival in this tension-packed film. You can stream this on Netflix.

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12) The Infiltrator (2016)

What else can give you a boost of chilling tension and a highly dangerous spy ambiance but this 2016 biographical drama? The movie is based on the book of the same name, written by Robert Mazur.

The movie recounts the tale of Mazur as he navigates the world of cartels and dirty money as a U.S. undercover spy. The tale is intense, full of dangers, and gritty.

You can find The Infiltrator for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Also read: Loved ‘A Clockwork Orange’? Here are 10 more dystopian films that’ll mess with your mind