From Dusty Streets to Dark Alleys: The Best Australian Crime Films

Beneath Australia’s sunburnt skies and picturesque facade lies a dark undercurrent—a world of crime that cinema has captured with unflinching precision. Aussie crime films don’t just entertain; they drag you by the collar into a gritty, unvarnished reality where moral lines blur and the stakes are dangerously high. Forget the polished sheen of Hollywood—these movies rip through the layers of civility to expose a raw, pulsing truth. If the cutthroat world of The Mort Series keeps you up at night, brace yourself—these cinematic tales will grip you tighter than a getaway driver on a hairpin turn.

Animal Kingdom (2010)

Where do loyalty and bloodlines lead when family ties turn toxic? In Animal Kingdom, director David Michôd drags viewers into the suffocating grip of a Melbourne crime family unravelling under police pressure. Smouldering performances, including an Oscar-nominated turn from Jacki Weaver as the manipulative matriarch, make this a tense, unforgettable look at crime's personal cost.

Chopper (2000)

Eric Bana’s electric performance as notorious criminal Mark “Chopper” Read catapulted him to international fame—and for good reason. Equal parts comedy, horror, and tragic character study, Chopper explores a man as charming as he is terrifying. Director Andrew Dominik paints a chaotic, blood-soaked portrait of Australia’s most famous outlaw that stays with you long after the credits roll.

The Boys (1998)

If dread could take physical form, it would look like The Boys. This psychological deep dive into a family simmering with violence and dysfunction is as chilling as it is riveting. The film explores the hours leading up to a heinous crime, and Tony Krawitz’s direction will leave you questioning just how far influence and toxic masculinity can push someone.

Two Hands (1999)

Blending crime with humour, Two Hands is a quintessential Aussie film that gave Heath Ledger his breakout role. Ledger plays Jimmy, a young man who falls foul of Sydney’s criminal underworld after losing $10,000 belonging to a ruthless boss (played by Bryan Brown). With its mix of charm, suspense, and a killer Aussie soundtrack, this is a crime film that dances to its own beat.

The Square (2008)

Adultery, arson, blackmail—The Square takes a noirish premise and twists it into a slow-burning thriller. Directed by Nash Edgerton, this gem follows a married man whose affair leads him down a dark spiral of bad decisions. It’s a stark reminder that no crime comes without consequences, and the film's climax is as gripping as they come.

Snowtown (2011)

Be warned: Snowtown isn’t for the faint of heart. This harrowing portrayal of the Snowtown murders dives deep into the psychology of manipulation and moral decay. Director Justin Kurzel’s unflinching storytelling captures the horror and bleakness of real-life crime, creating a film that’s as unsettling as it is unforgettable.

Gettin’ Square (2003)

Sometimes, crime needs a little comedy to take the edge off. Gettin’ Square follows a group of small-time crooks trying to leave the game while dodging shady characters and corrupt cops. David Wenham’s hilariously unhinged performance as Johnny Spit is worth the watch alone, making this movie a lighter (but no less compelling) addition to the genre.

The Proposition (2005)

Set against the harsh backdrop of the Australian Outback, The Proposition is a Western-tinged crime epic penned by Nick Cave. Directed by John Hillcoat, it follows three brothers entangled in a deadly game of loyalty and vengeance. Stark, poetic, and brutal, this film is a masterpiece of moral ambiguity and blood-soaked justice.

Why Australian Crime Films Hit Different

Aussie crime films don’t sugarcoat the grim realities of life on the fringes. They revel in the raw, unpolished corners of society, where desperation often leads to destruction. From their use of sprawling landscapes to tight, tension-packed cityscapes, these films reflect a culture unafraid to confront its own darkness.

So, what’ll it be—family dysfunction, heists gone wrong, or the raw brutality of the Outback? Whatever your pick, Australian crime cinema offers an experience as wild and unpredictable as the country itself.

Hooked on crime? If these films leave you craving more intrigue, Mort’s adventures are waiting for you. Explore The Mort Series for a fresh taste of Aussie crime, grit, and humor. You’ll feel right at home—if “home” happens to involve corruption, high stakes, and a good dose of chaos.