Hit Man is a Netflix Original movie from Oscar-nominated writer and director Richard Linklater. Ahead of its release on Netflix, the movie received a limited theatrical release and quickly garnered heaps of praise from critics. The movie is led by rising star Glen Powell and is making waves in Hollywood.
Hit Man follows a professor who moonlights as a hitman for his local police department. However, things soon go awry when he becomes romantically involved with a woman who has enlisted his services. Perfectly blending crime noir, comedy and suspense, the movie is gearing up to become a crime comedy classic. So, if you enjoyed Hit Man, here are 5 crime comedies to watch next.
5. The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)
Of course, hitman is the operative word here, however, The Hitman’s Bodyguard strikes a similar note to Hit Man due to its slick blend of crime, comedy, and suspense. In this blockbuster film, Ryan Reynolds plays Michael Bryce, a top-notch bodyguard who has lost his way after a high-profile client is murdered on his watch. Meanwhile, Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), a notorious hitman, is on the run from the law and is being transported to testify against a notorious crime lord.
When Kincaid’s convoy is ambushed, Bryce finds himself stuck with the sociopathic assassin and must get him to his trial alive. As they navigate their way through a series of deadly encounters and witty banter, the unlikely duo discovers that they may have more in common than they initially thought. The movie masterfully weaves together crime and comedy, with the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackson being the standout performance of the film. The two leads deliver a delightful and humorous performance, effortlessly trading barbs and insults as they try to survive their precarious situation.
Watch The Hitman’s Bodyguard on Apple TV+
4. The Nice Guys (2016)
Much like Hit Man, 2016’s The Nice Guys excels in its ability to deliver uproarious humour amongst darker themes. In this critically acclaimed crime comedy, Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout) brings his signature blend of humour and crime to the streets of 1970s Los Angeles. The film follows private investigator Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and tough-guy enforcer Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) as they team up to solve the mystery of a missing girl, who is the daughter of a powerful and reclusive businessman.
As they dig deeper into the case, March and Healy uncover a web of corruption and deceit that leads them to the doorstep of a pornographer and a group of femme fatales. With his trademark wit and dark humour, Shane Black masterfully blends comedy and crime, adopting an acid tone that is both irreverent and sharp. The film’s use of snappy dialogue, clever plot twists, and eccentric characters make it a standout in the crime comedy genre, with Black outdoing himself in terms of seamlessly integrating humour into a rather dark and gritty story.
Watch The Nice Guys on Apple TV+
3. True Lies (1994)
While True Lies isn’t about a hitman, it is a story about a killer, but a legal one (a government spy/assassin). In James Cameron‘s blockbuster smash hit, Arnold Schwarzenegger blended his skills for comedy and action for the first time in his career. The movie follows Harry (Schwarzenegger), a globe-trotting spy who finds his life crumbling when he suspects his wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis) of having an affair.
As Harry uses his skills to spy on Helen and find out the truth, he unwittingly involves her in his latest mission. However, the problem is – she doesn’t know he is a spy. As his cover is about to be blown, Harry’s life becomes chaotic as his enemies close in on him and Helen becomes more and more involved. With its blend of action and comedy, and its themes of love getting in the way, True Lies is a perfect watch for anyone who enjoyed Richard Linklater’s Hit Man. True Lies was a huge hit, grossing over $378 million at the box office.
2. The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
The Whole Nine Yards is an underrated crime comedy starring Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry as an unlikely duo who find themselves entangled in a world of crime and chaos. The story follows Oz Oseransky (Matthew Perry), a dentist who is living a mundane life in New Jersey until his neighbour, Jimmy “The Tulip” Tudeski (Bruce Willis), a notorious hitman, moves in next door. Things soon get twisted when Oz’s wife devises a cunning plan to leak the whereabouts of Jimmy to the mob who are after him. Much of the film’s success can be attributed to the undeniable chemistry between Willis and Perry, who had previously worked together on the popular TV show Friends. Their banter and camaraderie are reminiscent of their brief time together on the show, and they bring a natural charm and humour to their roles. The result is a hilarious and entertaining film that is both a loving send-up of classic crime comedies and a fresh take on the genre.
Watch The Whole Nine Yards on Apple TV+
1. In Bruges (2008)
In Martin McDonagh‘s directorial debut, In Bruges, two hitmen, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson), are sent to the Belgian city of Bruges as a form of punishment by their boss, Harry Waters (Ralph Fiennes). The two men are tasked with hiding out in the city’s medieval streets and canals until they receive further instructions. However, Ray’s trauma and existential crisis lead to a series of darkly comedic misadventures.
As the story unfolds, McDonagh’s playwriting background shines through, as the film’s witty dialogue and clever character interactions bring to life a complex and morally ambiguous world. Despite its dark subject matter, the film manages to find humour and light in its exploration of mortality, morality, and redemption. Even nearly two decades after its release, In Bruges stands out as one of the finest crime comedy films, with its unique blend of humour and pathos continuing to captivate audiences. In Bruges was a Focus Features movie, here are the top 20 movies from the renowned studio.
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