Posted on 08/08/2026 2:55:55 PM PDT by Tacrolimus1mg
I'm looking to introduce my future husband to some film noir, either on DVD, streaming or film (I have a number of projectors to choose from). He didn't watch a lot of classic movies growing up, and we're both late eighties babies, so there wasn't a ton of it on TV to begin with. I didn't really get to indulge this hobby until my dad started restoring projectors.
List me your favorite noir films, popular or obscure. I'd like to see some I haven't heard of before.
Thank you in advance!
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I like Raymond Chandler’s books very much, but I do not think any movie made has done justice to any of them.
I have no idea what “Film Noir” means. Sounds like some obnoxious, condescending phrase from Starbucks to describe an extra large coffee.
Theodore Dreiser's powerful novel is one of the best ever written. It centers around Roberta Alden (the Shelly Winters character in the movie). She is unforgettable and heartbreaking.
The movie apparently was made to showcase beautiful Elizabeth Taylor, which is a good reason to make it, and I liked being dazzled by her too.
But the Roberta Alden character is even better!
And the novel is far, far better than the movie.
I also think The Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep, and Strangers on a Train are inadequate versions of the books. I wish somebody would remake the movie versions.
Cape Fear, the 1962 original.
“Pickup on South Street” (1953) is one of my favorites. This one has a Cold War theme.
“The Laurel-Hardy Murder Case” (1930) is sort of noir. My late brother was a huge fan of L & H.
The Coen Brothers, Blood Simple. From 1984
Googles Search assist, Wickipedia, Classiccriticscorner.com, IMDB, Brittanica.com,Yourretrouk.co.uk, beyond pop culture.com, Rotten Tomatoes, on and on all consider it a Film Noir.
A Dame to Kill For. (Modern twist by Robert Rodriquez)
The Man Who Wasn’t There (Coen Brothers)
Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (spoof with Steve Martin.)
Yup, one of the best.
Bkmk
“the Line Up” (1958) is excellent.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lineup_(film)?wprov=sfti1#
Many many great films are available on Rumble or Bitchute if they aren’t on YouTube. Many are also in the public domain and can be easily found for free on all three streaming platforms.
I listen to a lot of old time radio every day too. There are plenty of good podcasts that play them every day for free. Jack Benny, Dragnet, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, Amos And Andy, Father Knows Best, Tales Of The Texas Rangers, Richard Diamond Private Detective, and loads of other great shows are out there.
The old shows are perfect for taking long walks.
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