Humphrey Bogart’s 20 Film Noir Movies, Ranked

Humphrey Bogart's 20 Film Noir Movies, Ranked

Summary

  • Bogart’s iconic role in film noirs solidified his status as a Hollywood legend, blending suspense, crime, and complex characters.
  • Early films like “Midnight” showcased Bogart’s talent before he became a star, with noir themes of murder and mystery.
  • Bogart’s diverse roles, from a private detective in “The Maltese Falcon” to a crusading journalist in “Deadline U.S.A.,” showcased his versatility.

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As a legend of classic Hollywood and a true American icon, Humphrey Bogart was best known for his work within the film noir genre. While film noir was a collective term that every viewer has a slightly different definition of, it was most popular during the 1940s and 1950s and was often categorized by cynical attitudes, a black-and-white style, and crime stories involving hard-boiled detectives, cunning femme fatales, and convoluted but engrossing narratives. Bogart was known for these kinds of films as he expertly played heroes and villains in these timeless classics of the Hollywood studio system.

Bogart’s feature film career began in the 1930s, and before long, he made a name for himself with noir roles for acclaimed directors like John Huston and Howard Hawks. As a leading man, Bogart starred in some of the best film noirs of all time, like The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon, and often co-starred with his wife, Lauren Bacall. A true titan of the genre, Bogart’s incredible charisma and impressive screen presence made him the quintessential film noir star and cemented his reputation among the greatest actors who ever lived.

20 Midnight (1934)

Humphrey Bogart as Gar Boni

Midnight (1934)
Passed
Crime
Drama
Film Noir

Midnight is a mystery thriller directed by Chester Erskine. The film follows a mysterious chain of events triggered when a woman is found murdered in an apartment, and intrigue deepens as various characters become embroiled in the ensuing investigation. The cast includes Sidney Fox, O.P. Heggie, and Henry Hull, who deliver compelling performances in this early 20th-century cinematic piece.

Director Chester Erskine Release Date March 7, 1934 Writers Paul Sifton , Claire Sifton , Chester Erskine Cast Humphrey Bogart , Sidney Fox , O.P. Heggie , Henry Hull , Margaret Wycherly , Lynne Overman , Katherine Wilson , Richard Whorf Runtime 76 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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Midnight was a pre-code crime drama with noir elements and one of Humphrey Bogart’s earliest film roles, which, although he’s often given top billing when referenced today, he only had a minor role in. With a story of adultery, murder, and even the electric chair, Midnight was packed with melodrama based on a play by Paul and Claire Sifton. Following Bogart’s success throughout the 1940s, Midnight was re-released under a new title in 1949, Call It Murder, with Bogart presented as the star even though he originally received eighth billing.

19 Tokyo Joe (1949)

Humphrey Bogart as Joseph ‘Joe’ Barrett

Tokyo Joe (1949)
Approved
Crime
Drama
Film Noir

Tokyo Joe features Humphrey Bogart as Joe Barrett, a former U.S. serviceman who returns to post-war Tokyo to revive his nightclub business. Directed by Stuart Heisler, the film explores themes of post-war reintegration and personal redemption, set against the backdrop of occupied Japan. Joe finds himself entangled in complex relationships and shady dealings, blending elements of film noir and melodrama.

Director Stuart Heisler Release Date October 26, 1949 Writers Steve Fisher , Walter Doniger , Cyril Hume , Bertram Millhauser Cast Humphrey Bogart , Alexander Knox , Florence Marly , Sessue Hayakawa , Jerome Courtland , Gordon Jones , Teru Shimada , Hideo Mori Runtime 88 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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As just one of many films where Humphrey Bogart played a World War II veteran, Tokyo Joe told the story of an American in post-WWII Tokyo caught between the authorities and criminals. Bogart portrayed Joe Barrett in a role that played into his hard-living reputation as a veteran trying to pick up the pieces of his pre-war bar-based and gambling life. Tokyo Joe was an enjoyable picture made well after Bogart had become a star but failed to live up to his best achievements from this era.

18 Conflict (1945)

Humphrey Bogart as Richard Mason

Conflict (1945)
Approved
Drama
Mystery
Film Noir

Conflict (1945) is a psychological crime thriller directed by Curtis Bernhardt. Humphrey Bogart stars as Richard Mason, a man ensnared in a complex web of deceit and guilt after committing a heinous act. Sydney Greenstreet and Alexis Smith co-star in this tense narrative of suspense, manipulation, and moral turmoil. The film explores themes of conscience and retribution amidst a backdrop of noir stylistic elements.

Director Curtis Bernhardt Release Date June 30, 1945 Writers Arthur T. Horman , Dwight Taylor , Robert Siodmak , Alfred Neumann Cast Humphrey Bogart , Alexis Smith , Sydney Greenstreet , Rose Hobart , Charles Drake , Grant Mitchell , Patrick O’Moore , Ann Shoemaker Runtime 86 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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While Humphrey Bogart was often the quintessential film noir hero, in Conflict, viewers witnessed him in a villainous turn in a story about a man who murdered his wife. Conflict was one of five films where Bogart acted opposite Sydney Greenstreet, which also included Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon, but was the only one where it was Bogart and not Greenstreet who played the corrupt person or villain. While Conflict hit all the right notes for a compelling film noir, it failed to leave a lasting impact on the genre.

17 The Two Mrs. Carrolls (1947)

Humphrey Bogart as Geoffrey Carroll

The Two Mrs. Carrolls - Poster - Humphrey Bogart, Barbara Stanwyck & Alexis Smith

The Two Mrs. Carrolls
Approved
Crime
Drama
Film Noir

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An artist forms an attachment with a woman on holiday in the country. As the relationship develops, his behavior and information about his past cause her increasing concern.

Director Peter Godfrey Release Date March 4, 1947 Writers Thomas Job , Martin Vale Cast Humphrey Bogart , Barbara Stanwyck , Alexis Smith , Nigel Bruce , Isobel Elsom , Patrick O’Moore , Ann Carter , Anita Sharp-Bolster Runtime 99 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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Malice, murder, and mystery were involved in the story of The Two Mrs.Carrolls, which starred Humphrey Bogart as the painter Geoffrey Carroll, a married man who had an affair with Sally Morton (Barbara Stanwyck) while on vacation. With classic film noir themes of deceit and mistrust, The Two Mrs. Carrolls was a deceitfully creepy entry in Bogart’s filmography that has maintained its suspenseful power to this day. With two notable stars at the helm, The Two Mrs. Carrolls was a real treat for lovers of film noir.

16 Sirocco (1951)

Humphrey Bogart as Harry Smith

Sirocco (1951)
Approved
Action
Drama
Film Noir

Sirocco is a 1951 film directed by Curtis Bernhardt, set in 1925 Damascus. Starring Humphrey Bogart as American gunrunner Harry Smith, the narrative unfolds against the Syrian revolt against French occupation. As conflict intensifies, Smith navigates a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and personal gain, crossing paths with a diverse array of characters. Lee J. Cobb and Marta Toren co-star in this tense drama centered on themes of loyalty and survival.

Director Curtis Bernhardt Release Date June 13, 1951 Writers A.I. Bezzerides , Hans Jacoby , Joseph Kessel Cast Humphrey Bogart , Lee J. Cobb , Märta Torén , Everett Sloane , Gerald Mohr , Zero Mostel , Nick Dennis , Onslow Stevens Runtime 98 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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Sirocco was a thriller set in Damascus in 1925 that mimicked many of the elements that made Casablanca such a success and blended them with the nihilism of the film noir genre. Humphrey Bogart played Harry Smith, a cynical American expatriate who got mixed up in gun smuggling for rebels during the 1925 Syrian insurgency against French occupation. With an exotic location and characters of ambiguous morality, Sirocco was entertaining, but its striking similarity to one of the greatest films ever made consistently reminded viewers that it was no Casablanca.

15 They Drive By Night (1940)

Humphrey Bogart as Paul Fabrini

They Drive By Night (1940)
Approved
Crime
Drama
Film Noir

They Drive By Night is a 1940 film directed by Raoul Walsh, featuring George Raft and Humphrey Bogart as truck-driving brothers navigating the perils of their demanding profession. The story explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and resilience. Ann Sheridan and Ida Lupino co-star in this noir drama that blends elements of crime and romance, offering a gripping look at the challenges of Depression-era America.

Director Raoul Walsh Release Date August 3, 1940 Writers Jerry Wald , Richard Macaulay , A.I. Bezzerides Cast George Raft , Humphrey Bogart , Ann Sheridan , Ida Lupino , Gale Page , Alan Hale , Roscoe Karns , John Litel Runtime 95 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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The famed starlet Ann Sheridan reunited with her San Quentin co-star Humphrey Bogart for the film noir They Drive By Night, about two transport company truck drivers trying to make a living during the Depression. With accusations of murder, carbon monoxide poisoning, and plenty of hard-boiled cliches, They Drive By Night was released as The Road to Frisco in the United Kingdom. With elements of comedy, romance, and chock-full of tragedy, They Drive By Night was a hidden gem beloved by film aficionados.

14 Knock On Any Door (1949)

Humphrey Bogart as Andrew Morton

Knock On Any Door (1949) - Poster

Knock On Any Door (1949)
NR
Drama
Crime

An attorney defends a hoodlum of murder, using the oppressiveness of the slums to appeal to the court.

Director Nicholas Ray Release Date February 22, 1949 Studio(s) Santana Pictures Corporation , Columbia Pictures Writers Daniel Taradash , John Monks Jr. Cast Humphrey Bogart , John Derek , George Macready , Allene Roberts , Candy Toxton Runtime 100 Minutes Budget 900000.0 Main Genre Drama

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Although director Nicholas Ray would produce his finest Humphrey Bogart film noir the following year with In a Lonely Place, Knock on Any Door was a powerful courtroom film noir that addressed juvenile delinquency. With Bogart as an attorney representing a young hoodlum accused of murder, Knock on Any Door was a thinly veiled piece of social messaging and critique. While Knock on Any Door was criticized for its moralistic rhetoric, its biggest issue was that, as far as film noirs go, it was pretty average.

13 The Enforcer (1951)

Humphrey Bogart as Dist. Atty. Martin Ferguson

The Enforcer (1951)
Approved
Crime
Film Noir
Thriller

The Enforcer (1951) is a crime drama featuring Humphrey Bogart as a relentless district attorney determined to take down an organized crime syndicate. Directed by Bretaigne Windust and Raoul Walsh, the film delves into the gritty underworld of crime, employing flashbacks to piece together the case against the mob. Zero Mostel and Ted de Corsia co-star in this tense, noir-inspired narrative of justice against corruption.

Director Bretaigne Windust , Raoul Walsh Release Date February 24, 1951 Writers Martin Rackin Cast Humphrey Bogart , Zero Mostel , Ted de Corsia , Everett Sloane , Roy Roberts , Michael Tolan , King Donovan , Bob Steele Runtime 87 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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The Enforcer starred Humphrey Bogart as a crusading district attorney who finally got a chance to take down crime boss Albert Mendoza if only he could get the right evidence. Told primarily through flashbacks, The Enforcer was based on the real investigation of a group of killers dubbed “Murder Inc” by the press (via Crime Reads) and helped popularize terms like ‘contract’ and ‘hit’ concerning organized crime. With plenty of suspense and superb black-and-white cinematography, The Enforcer delivered everything an audience member could want from a film noir Bogart gangster movie.

12 The Desperate Hours (1955)

Humphrey Bogart as Glenn Griffin

The Desperate Hours (1955)
Approved
Crime
Drama
Film Noir

The Desperate Hours is a suspenseful drama directed by William Wyler, starring Humphrey Bogart as Glenn Griffin, the leader of a group of escaped convicts who take a suburban family hostage in their home. Fredric March plays the head of the besieged family, who must find a way to protect his loved ones while the criminals plot their next move. The film explores themes of courage and resilience under extreme pressure.

Director William Wyler Release Date October 12, 1955 Writers Joseph Hayes , Jay Dratler Cast Humphrey Bogart , Fredric March , Arthur Kennedy , Martha Scott , Dewey Martin , Gig Young , Mary Murphy , Richard Eyer Runtime 112 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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As one of Humphrey Bogart’s final roles, seeing him back with a film noir in The Desperate Hours was fantastic. Bogart himself said he viewed his character as a grown-up version of Duke Mantee, a role he played almost 20 years before in The Petrified Forest (via Classic Film Noir), which connected this film to his entire overarching career. With a story about three escaped convicts terrorizing a suburban home, The Desperate Hours had plenty in common with previous Bogart pictures like High Sierra, Key Largo, and We’re No Angels and added to his rich noir-filled filmography.

11 Dead Reckoning (1946)

Humphrey Bogart as Capt. Warren “Rip” Murdock

Dead Reckoning 1946 Film Poster

Dead Reckoning (1946)
Drama
Film Noir
Crime

Dead Reckoning is a 1946 film noir directed by John Cromwell, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lizabeth Scott. The film follows a veteran who becomes embroiled in a complex web of murder, deception, and double-crossing after seeking to clear his friend’s name.

Director John Cromwell Release Date January 29, 1947 Studio(s) Columbia Pictures Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Steve Fisher , Oliver H.P. Garrett , Allen Rivkin Cast Humphrey Bogart , Lizabeth Scott , Morris Carnovsky , Charles Cane Runtime 100 minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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Dead Reckoning paired Humphrey Bogart with the rising star Lizabeth Scott, who was playing a classic noir femme fatale who attempted to foil Bogart’s investigation and plan to avenge a friend’s death. Like so many other films in this genre, Dead Reckoning’s plot was loose and often confusing, but it kept the suspense going throughout as a mystery of adultery, deceit, and murder was unveiled. While Dead Reckoning won’t win any points for originality, it was still a highly engrossing film noir that featured the dynamic duo of Bogart and Scott.

10 Dark Passage (1947)

Humphrey Bogart as Vincent Parry

Dark Passage (1947) - Poster - Humphrey Bogart & Lauren Bacall

Dark Passage (1947)
Not Rated
Thriller
Romance
Mystery

Dark Passage is a 1947 film noir directed by Delmer Daves, starring Humphrey Bogart as Vincent Parry, a man wrongfully imprisoned for his wife’s murder who escapes to clear his name. Lauren Bacall stars as Irene Jansen, a woman who aids him in his quest for justice. The film is notable for its use of first-person point-of-view cinematography, capturing Parry’s perspective as he undergoes dramatic changes to avoid capture.

Director Delmer Daves Release Date September 5, 1947 Writers Delmer Daves , David Goodis Cast Humphrey Bogart , Lauren Bacall , Bruce Bennett , Agnes Moorehead , Tom D’Andrea , Clifton Young , Douglas Kennedy , Rory Mallinson Runtime 106 Minutes Main Genre Thriller

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Dark Passage was the third of four films the husband-and-wife team Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall made together. With an interesting subjective first-person point-of-view for the film’s first act, Dark Passage hid Bogart’s face until it was revealed he got plastic surgery to entirely change his identity when he was finally shown on screen. A uniquely modern approach for 1947, Dark Passage was an enjoyable film noir, but sadly, it does not live up to the greatest cinematic offerings from Bogart and Bacall.

9 Deadline U.S.A. (1952)

Humphrey Bogart as Ed Hutcheson

Deadline – U.S.A. (1952)
Approved
Crime
Drama
Film Noir

Deadline – U.S.A. is a drama film directed by Richard Brooks and starring Humphrey Bogart as Ed Hutcheson, a crusading editor of a newspaper facing closure. As the paper’s fate hangs in the balance, Hutcheson leads an investigation into organized crime, confronting powerful figures in a bid to uphold journalistic integrity. The film also features Ethel Barrymore and Kim Hunter in supporting roles.

Director Richard Brooks Release Date May 10, 1952 Writers Richard Brooks Cast Humphrey Bogart , Ethel Barrymore , Kim Hunter , Ed Begley , Warren Stevens , Paul Stewart , Martin Gabel , Joe De Santis Runtime 87 Minutes Main Genre Crime

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Something about Humphrey Bogart’s curious charisma meant that casting him as a journalist always worked well, and Deadline U.S.A. was no exception. With a story about a crusading newspaper editor trying to uncover gangsters, save his failing paper, and repair his crumbling relationship with his ex-wife all at once, Deadline U.S.A. truly had it all. Although it was made over seven decades ago, Deadline U.S.A. still felt relevant regarding its themes of fact versus fiction and the importance of journalists’ role as the Fifth Estate who must hold power to account.

8 The Petrified Forest (1936)

Humphrey Bogart as Duke Mantee

The Petrified Forest (1936)
Approved
Drama
Thriller

The Petrified Forest is a film directed by Archie Mayo, featuring Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, and Humphrey Bogart. Set in a remote desert diner, it follows disillusioned writer Alan Squier and waitress Gabrielle Maple, whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of gangster Duke Mantee and his gang. The film adapts Robert E. Sherwood’s acclaimed play, exploring themes of existentialism and societal change during the 1930s.

Director Archie Mayo Release Date February 8, 1936 Writers Charles Kenyon , Delmer Daves , Robert E. Sherwood Cast Leslie Howard , Humphrey Bogart , Bette Davis , Genevieve Tobin , Dick Foran , Joe Sawyer , Porter Hall , Charley Grapewin Runtime 82 Minutes Main Genre Drama

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The Petrified Forest was one of Humphrey Bogart’s most significant early roles. In it, he co-starred with the acting greats Leslie Howard and Bette Davis. Bogart played Duke Mantee, a notorious gangster who led a hostage situation after fleeing a massive police pursuit. Bogart’s incredible characterization of Duke would inform his reputation for the rest of his career, and the character even made the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains list in 2003, showcasing his continued relevance and memorability so many years later.

7 The Harder They Fall (1956)

Humphrey Bogart as Eddie Willis

The Harder They Fall (1956) - Poster - Humphrey Bogart

The Harder They Fall (1956)
Approved
Film Noir
Drama
Sport

When an outlaw discovers his enemy is being released from prison, he reunites his gang to seek revenge.

Director Mark Robson Release Date March 31, 1956 Writers Philip Yordan , Budd Schulberg Cast Humphrey Bogart , Rod Steiger , Jan Sterling , Mike Lane , Max Baer , Jersey Joe Walcott , Edward Andrews , Harold J. Stone Runtime 109 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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Although sports movies may not be the first thing that came to a viewer’s mind when they thought of film noirs, these two genres were expertly blended in The Harder They Fall. With Humphrey Bogart as the ex-writer turned boxer Eddie Willis, The Harder They Fall was significant as it was Bogart’s final film role before he died in 1957. While Bogart was notably unwell during the making of the film, The Harder They Fall was a worthy swansong to his career as he imbued the morally conflicted fighter with depth and pathos.

6 To Have And To Have Not (1944)

Humphrey Bogart as Harry “Steve” Morgan

To Have And To Have Not (1944)
Approved
Adventure
Comedy
Film Noir

To Have and To Have Not is a 1944 American romance-war-adventure film directed by Howard Hawks, starring Humphrey Bogart as a fishing boat captain and Lauren Bacall in her film debut. Set during World War II in Vichy-controlled Martinique, the story follows the captain as he becomes reluctantly involved in resistance activities while sparking a romance with a lounge singer, portrayed by Bacall.

Director Howard Hawks Release Date January 20, 1945 Writers Ernest Hemingway , Jules Furthman , William Faulkner Cast Humphrey Bogart , Lauren Bacall , Walter Brennan , Dolores Moran , Hoagy Carmichael , Sheldon Leonard , Walter Szurovy , Marcel Dalio Runtime 100 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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While To Have and to Have Not may not feature all the qualities of a classic film noir, it did include many noir elements melded with melodrama, romance, and war. With a World War II story about an American expatriate helping to transport a French Resistance leader, To Have and to Have Not repeated many of the same story beats as Casablanca made just two years before. Although with an anti-fascist message, direction by Howard Hawks, and Bogart acting alongside Lauren Bacall for the first time, To Have and to Have Not ticked all the right boxes.

5 High Sierra (1941)

Humphrey Bogart as Roy Earle

High Sierra - Poster

High Sierra
Approved
Crime
Adventure
Drama

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After being released from prison, notorious thief Roy Earle is hired by his old boss to help a group of inexperienced criminals plan and carry out the robbery of a California resort.

Director Raoul Walsh Release Date January 25, 1941 Writers John Huston , W.R. Burnett Cast Ida Lupino , Humphrey Bogart , Alan Curtis , Arthur Kennedy , Joan Leslie , Henry Hull Runtime 100 minutes Main Genre Crime

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The release of High Sierra was an important turning point for Humphrey Bogart that signaled his transition from a notable actor into a bona fide movie star. As the gangster Roy Earle, Bogart walked the fine line between menacing and sentimental as his character showcased a sense of regret and self-reflection not often seen in the crime genre at the time. Full of excitement and suspense, High Sierra included everything a viewer could ask for from a film noir and showcased Bogart in top acting form just as he was on the precipice of superstardom.

4 Key Largo (1948)

Humphrey Bogart as Frank McCloud

Key Largo - Poster - Humphrey Bogart, Edward Robinson & Lauren Bacall

Key Largo
Not Rated
Crime
Thriller

Key Largo is a 1948 film noir directed by John Huston, featuring Humphrey Bogart as war veteran Frank McCloud. He visits a Florida hotel to honor the family of a fallen comrade but finds himself ensnared in a tense standoff with gangster Johnny Rocco, played by Edward G. Robinson. The film explores themes of courage and redemption against the backdrop of a brewing hurricane.

Director John Huston Release Date July 16, 1948 Writers John Huston , Richard Brooks Cast Humphrey Bogart , Edward G. Robinson , Lauren Bacall , Thomas Gomez , Lionel Barrymore , Harry Lewis , Dan Seymour , Claire Trevor Runtime 100 Minutes Main Genre Crime

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Key Largo was the fourth and final pairing of Humphrey Bogart and his wife Lauren Bacall and stood as a classic film noir by director John Huston. As an old-style gangster movie, Key Largo involved gangsters who took over a hotel and was categorized by the post-WWII pessimism that informed much of the film noir genre in the late 1940s. With a compelling script, a strong cast, and Bogart and Bacall’s intense chemistry oozing into every scene, Key Largo was among the greatest work they did together.

3 In A Lonely Place (1950)

Humphrey Bogart as Dixon Steele

In A Lonely Place (1950) - Poster - Humphery Bogart

In A Lonely Place (1950)
NR
Drama
Romance
Mystery
Crime

A potentially violent screenwriter is a murder suspect until his lovely neighbor clears him. However, she soon starts to have her doubts.

Director Nicholas Ray Release Date May 17, 1950 Studio(s) Santana Pictures Corporation , Columbia Pictures Writers Andrew Solt Cast Humphrey Bogart , Gloria Grahame , Frank Lovejoy , Carl Benton Reid , Art Smith Runtime 94 Minutes Main Genre Drama

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In a Lonely Place featured Humphrey Bogart’s best performance as Dixon Steele, a troubled man whose dark and sinister nature slowly revealed itself. Starring Bogart alongside Gloria Grahame, In a Lonely Place was a troubling tale of controlling behavior, obsessive love, and violent murder that went far beyond the darkness seen in the average film noir. Although In a Lonely Place struggled to find an audience when it was first released due to its bleak nature, this willingness to address demoralizing themes contributed to its growing reputation over the years and place among the best film noirs ever made.

2 The Big Sleep (1946)

Humphrey Bogart as Philip Marlowe

The Big Sleep - poster - Humphrey Bogart

The Big Sleep
Approved
Crime
Film Noir
Mystery

The Big Sleep is a 1946 film noir directed by Howard Hawks, featuring Humphrey Bogart as private detective Philip Marlowe. Based on Raymond Chandler’s novel, the film follows Marlowe as he investigates the blackmail of a wealthy family’s daughter, uncovering a web of crime and intrigue. Lauren Bacall co-stars as Vivian Rutledge, adding to the film’s electric atmosphere and complex narrative.

Director Howard Hawks Release Date August 31, 1946 Writers William Faulkner , Leigh Brackett , Jules Furthman , Raymond Chandler Cast Humphrey Bogart , Lauren Bacall , John Ridgely , Martha Vickers , Dorothy Malone , Peggy Knudsen , Regis Toomey , Charles Waldron Runtime 114 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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The Big Sleep was the greatest pairing of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall and among the best film noirs ever made. An adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s hard-boiled detective story, it featured Bogart as the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe and touched on almost every film noir cliche and trope from its gritty crime story, enticing femme fatale, and hard-to-follow but amazingly engaging plot. As a must-watch movie for Bogart lovers, The Big Sleep was slick, subversive, and stylish and has remained as entertaining today as when it was first released in 1946.

1 The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade

The Maltese Falcon - Poster - Humphrey Bogart with guns & Mary astor

The Maltese Falcon
Approved
Crime
Film Noir
Mystery

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San Francisco private detective Sam Spade takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette, with the stakes rising after his partner is murdered.

Director John Huston Release Date October 18, 1941 Writers Dashiell Hammett , John Huston Cast Humphrey Bogart , Mary Astor , Gladys George , Peter Lorre , Barton MacLane , Lee Patrick Runtime 100 Minutes Main Genre Film Noir

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The absolute pinnacle of Humphrey Bogart’s career in film noir was The Maltese Falcon, which was the perfect culmination of everything great about the genre. As a highly suspenseful crime story that featured Bogart as the quintessential hard-boiled detective Sam Space, Mary Astor as his femme fatale client, as well as Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet in villainous roles, The Maltese Falcon was truly a whose-who of the genre. Not only was The Maltese Falcon insanely influential, but it also defined Bogart for the rest of his career and signaled Humphrey Bogart as one of the all-time great actors.

Sources: Crime Reads, Classic Film Noir, AFI’S 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains

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