Favorite Classic Film Noir

[qb2333]

I’m a big fan of classic noir. I understand the genre is hard to define but I’m talking about the morally ambiguous or cynical heroes, the main characters that are lured toward the dark side or crime, the femme fatales, dark urban setting, crime drama, private eye, etc. elements that permeate these movies. I would like to know if there is a favorite here, some I haven’t had a chance to see yet and really anything else that I could learn about the genre. I’m starting with a list of some famous movies considered noirs...

[Todd Tomorrow]

I never thought of Notorious as a film noir, it's more of a romantic WWII spy film in the tradition of Casablanca, but it's probably not wrong either considering how callously Cary Grant treats Bergman's character. It makes him a homme fatale.

Notorious, The Big Heat and the Lady from Shanghai would be my favourites on the list, though I pretty much like all the films on there.

[The Stick]

The Big Sleep is my all time favorite.
You are never quite sure exactly what's going on but I really like the look and atmosphere of the film. I first saw it on the big screen in an art theater and now I love it more each time I watch it. I also love how they must have cast some of the most loveliest actresses of the 40's in this to play even the minor characters

Another recent favorite of mine not on your list is Gun Crazy.

[Holmes]

The Maltese Falcon, followed by Laura and then Gaslight (1944)

[Scottie]

I'll have to go with The Big Sleep, although all of the choices are excellent!

[Scarface32]

Double Indemnity

[KOQ24]

the third man.

if i had to show a perfect example of film noir its that movie

[L.J.]

Went with White Heat.

[qb2333]

Just went back and noticed suggestions Gun Crazy and Gaslight. Haven't seen either but I'll check them out. Thanks

[Jaymole]

Sweet Smell of Success

followed by Double Indemnity & The Maltese Falcon

[traths]

Laura was the first film noir I ever watched so it has a special place in my heart but I went with Sunset Boulevard.

[Winslow Leach]

I voted for Kiss Me Deadly, but of the movies on this poll, I'm also a fan of The Big Sleep, The Killing, The Maltese Falcon, Out of the Past, Strangers on a Train, Touch of Evil and White Heat. I also like Samuel Fuller's House of Bamboo.

[don3663]

Got to be my first noir movie, Strangers on a Train.

Out of the Past is my 2nd favourite.

[GG Pan]

Other:


Noir in broad daylight, but noir nonetheless.

[DR Herbert West]

Strangers on a Train

[Number 6]

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[Cruel Angel]

The Maltese Falcon (1941)

[RFK]

I chose Sunset Boulevard, but it easily could have been a half dozen others listed.

[Jorvic]

Kiss Me Deadly

[Hellboy]

Touch of Evil