Known for its bold storytelling, striking cinematography, and exploration of morality and corruption, Touch of Evil (1958) is a standout film noir directed by Orson Welles. Often regarded as one of Welles’ finest works, this dark thriller is set on the border between the United States and Mexico, where crime, prejudice, and deceit run rampant. The story begins when a bomb explodes in a car near the border, and Mexican narcotics officer Mike Vargas (Charlton Heston) sets out to investigate it. The investigation is complicated by corrupt American police captain Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles), who wants to close the case and ends up framing innocent people for his crimes. Vargas, who is newly married to a woman with ties to Quinlan, must navigate the dangerous intersection of law and justice while uncovering the truth.

7. The Night of the Hunter

Helmed by Charles Laughton in his only directorial effort, the 1955 thriller combines elements of fairy tales, horror, and noir to tell a chilling story of good versus evil. The story follows a travelling preacher, Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum), who is a self-proclaimed man of God but is, in fact, a serial killer. After being released from prison, he learns that his deceased cellmate had hidden a large sum of money and he sets out to find it. Powell marries the man’s widow, Willa (Shelley Winters), to gain access to the money, but when she refuses to reveal its location, he turns on her and her children, John and Pearl. Mitchum’s portrayal of the villainous preacher, with his chilling mantra Love thy neighbour, hate thy enemy, is one of his most iconic performances, exuding menace and malice.