It’s disappointing to watch a movie like “Crime 101” underperform at the box office, unable to recoup its $90M production cost. Not only is it a slick, gripping thriller with a stacked cast, but its marketing basically positioned it as a throwback to classic heist movies, which you’d think would make it even more appealing. Sadly, Bart Layton’s film didn’t get the attention it deserved back in February.
But now that “Crime 101” has landed on Prime Video (as an Amazon Original), the movie hasn’t wasted time grabbing the No. 1 spot, which gives me hope it’ll get talked about more over the next few days. This is one of 2026’s most gripping thrillers so far, with the tension and character the heist genre is known for, backed by an especially strong set of performances.
So if you’re looking for something to stream this weekend, here’s why “Crime 101” deserves to be at the top of your watchlist.
What is ‘Crime 101’ about?
“Crime 101” follows Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth), an elusive and disciplined jewel thief in Los Angeles whose meticulously planned non‑violent heists along the iconic U.S. Route 101 have baffled law enforcement.
After a risky diamond robbery shakes his confidence, Mike begins plotting what he hopes will be his final big score. Meanwhile, Sharon (Halle Berry), an insurance broker frustrated with her stagnant career, finds herself drawn into Mike’s plan when he approaches her for inside information that could make the next job a success.
LAPD Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) starts to see a pattern in the string of robberies and becomes determined to track Mike down, even as his personal life unravels. But things take a dangerous turn with the arrival of Ormon (Barry Keoghan), a volatile young criminal who threatens to upend everyone’s carefully laid plans.
‘Crime 101’ deserves to be on your watchlist
I’ll be the first to admit that crime movies aren’t usually what I gravitate toward, but with “Crime 101” being compared to classics like “Heat” and “Thief,” and starring talents like Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo, I couldn’t help but be interested. While this heist movie obviously doesn’t reach the same heights as the era of classic L.A. crime cinema, it’s still a blast. And not only did it play well on the big screen, it’s also practically perfect for streaming.
Thor and Hulk (also known as Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo) team up again, but this time as a precise thief and the scruffy detective chasing him through L.A. That setup alone instantly brings “Heat” to mind. As mentioned, though, it doesn’t reach the operatic scale or ensemble depth of Michael Mann’s 1995 classic, but it still holds its own as a slick throwback, delivering snappy dialogue, sun-drenched noir vibes, and adrenaline-fueled car chases under Layton’s confident direction.
Drawing from Don Winslow’s 2020 novella, “Crime 101” plays comfortably within genre conventions while elevating its central archetypes into fully realized characters. Barry Keoghan is a standout in the cast, playing a character whose instability is on full display, keeping scenes compelling even when the story gets a tad dry towards the end. It's also hard not to admire the level of cinematic craftsmanship on display, especially when these characters are in full action mode.
“Crime 101” does have real bite, but I have to warn you that it’s over two hours long, and the runtime was one of my few gripes. Some might argue the extra length helps flesh out the characters, but a fair bit of it feels like filler, stretching out the tension before the climax. Still, if you’re in the mood for a longer movie this weekend, “Crime 101” is very much worth your time. Its greatest success lies in offering a glimpse of the kind of modestly entertaining action thrillers that populated screens in earlier decades.
Stream "Crime 101" on Prime Video now
