"Dog Day Afternoon" is based on a true story and follows the events of a bank robbery that took place on August 22, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. The film centers around Sonny Wortzik (played by Al Pacino) and his accomplice, Sal Naturile (played by John Cazale), as they attempt to rob a local bank. However, their plan quickly goes awry when they realize they are ill-prepared and find themselves trapped inside the bank with hostages.

As the situation unfolds, the media gets wind of the bank robbery, and soon, the entire country is captivated by the dramatic events unfolding in Brooklyn. The police and FBI agents surround the bank, and negotiations ensue, with Detective Sergeant Eugene Moretti (played by Charles Durning) leading the efforts to communicate with Sonny and try to defuse the situation.

Considered one of the best movies about FBI agents, "Dog Day Afternoon" sheds light on the workings of the FBI and law enforcement agencies in handling high-stakes situations. The power dynamics between the FBI negotiators and Sonny create a tense and riveting dynamic, as both sides try to outmaneuver each other in this high-stakes standoff.

Release: 1975

Stars: Al Pacino, John Cazale, Penelope Allen

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

"The Silence of the Lambs" follows the FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she embarks on a harrowing journey to catch a serial killer named Buffalo Bill. To do so, Clarice seeks the help of the brilliant but incarcerated psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. As the story unfolds, she must navigate the treacherous mind games of Lecter and outsmart Buffalo Bill before he claims another victim.

Throughout her investigation, she faces sexism and skepticism from her male colleagues, making her journey all the more challenging. Furthermore, her pursuit of Buffalo Bill and the cat-and-mouse game with Dr. Lecter takes her to the depths of her own fears and vulnerabilities, forcing her to confront her past trauma and the dark secrets that haunt her.

Directed by Jonathan Demme, the brilliance of "The Silence of the Lambs" lies in its ability to blend crime procedural with psychological horror. It earned critical acclaim for its impeccable performances, especially from Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, both of whom won Academy Awards for their roles.

Release: 1991

Stars: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

"The Departed," a gripping crime thriller set in Boston, revolves around the intertwined lives of two undercover agents. First, there is Billy Costigan - a young and ambitious cop who goes undercover to infiltrate the ruthless gang led by Frank Costello. Costigan's assignment is to gain the trust of Costello and gather crucial information to bring down the criminal organization from the inside. However, his deep undercover role takes a toll on his mental and emotional well-being as he grapples with maintaining his cover and staying true to his identity.

On the other side of the law, Colin Sullivan, a young and promising detective, is chosen to infiltrate the police force on behalf of Costello. Sullivan successfully rises through the ranks and becomes a respected officer within the Massachusetts State Police. He provides vital information to Costello, aiding the mob's criminal activities and staying one step ahead of the authorities.

As both Costigan and Sullivan work diligently to maintain their covers, tensions rise, and the risks become more perilous. The intense cat-and-mouse game between the two undercover agents escalates, leading to an explosive climax where loyalties are tested, and secrets are revealed.

"The Departed" challenges traditional notions of heroism and villainy by blurring the lines between the two. Both Billy Costigan and Colin Sullivan find themselves trapped in their respective roles as undercover agents, struggling to maintain their true identities while navigating the treacherous waters of criminal organizations and law enforcement. This constant duality takes a toll on their mental and emotional well-being, leading to a sense of moral ambiguity that pervades the narrative.

Release: 2006

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

In "Wind River," the story unfolds in the harsh and desolate landscape of the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. Cory Lambert, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracker (played by Jeremy Renner), discovers the lifeless body of a young Native American woman named Natalie Hanson in the snow while on his routine job. The FBI is called in to investigate, and they send Jane Banner, a young and inexperienced agent (played by Elizabeth Olsen), to lead the case.

As the investigation progresses, Cory's deep connection to the land and his own past trauma come to the forefront. He becomes heavily involved in the search for answers, driven by his personal desire to find justice for Natalie and her grieving family. Jane, unfamiliar with the harsh terrain and the complex dynamics of the Reservation, relies on Cory's expertise to navigate the challenging environment and gain insight into the community.

The film serves as a powerful commentary on the often overlooked and underreported crimes that plague Indigenous communities. Through the lens of a gripping crime thriller, "Wind River" brings attention to the painful reality of these missing persons cases and the deep-rooted social issues that contribute to their prevalence. It confronts the audience with the stark contrast between the stunning beauty of the wilderness and the dark, hidden truths that lie within.

Release: 2017

Stars: Elizabeth Olsen, Jeremy Renner, Graham Greene

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

"No Man of God" is based on real events surrounding the complex relationship between FBI agent Bill Hagmaier and notorious serial killer Ted Bundy. The film revolves around the series of conversations they have in the years leading up to Bundy's execution on death row.

Set in the early 1980s, the story begins with FBI agent Bill Hagmaier, a seasoned criminal profiler, being assigned the daunting task of interviewing Ted Bundy, who has been convicted of multiple heinous murders. Hagmaier aims to delve into Bundy's twisted mind and gain insights into the psychology of serial killers, hoping to shed light on the motivations and methods behind Bundy's brutal crimes.

As the interviews progress, a cat-and-mouse game unfolds between Hagmaier and Bundy. The manipulative Bundy attempts to gain the upper hand in the conversations, using charm and intelligence to toy with Hagmaier's emotions and motivations. Through their interactions, the film explores the psychological complexities of both men, with Hagmaier grappling with his own ethical dilemmas while trying to understand the mind of a remorseless killer.

Throughout "No Man of God" - one of the best movies about FBI agents - director Amber Sealey manages to create a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, which amplifies the psychological, heart-stopping intensity of the interviews. The cinematography and acting performances by Luke Kirby and Elijah Wood also add more authenticity to the plot lines, serving as a haunting reminder of the complex nature of evil and the profound impact it has on those who confront it in pursuit of justice and truth.

Release: 2021

Stars: Elijah Wood, Luke Kirby, Aleksa Palladino

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%