If you’re looking for your next streaming obsession, Crime 101 just landed on Amazon Prime Video — and the reviews suggest it’s one of the most stylish and gripping crime thrillers in years. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry, this sun-drenched Los Angeles noir has been the talk of cinema audiences since its theatrical release in February 2026, and now it’s available for home viewing. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Crime 101?
Crime 101 is a 2026 crime thriller written and directed by Bart Layton, the British filmmaker known for the acclaimed documentary American Animals. The film is based on the 2020 novella by bestselling crime author Don Winslow, whose work also inspired the acclaimed Cartel trilogy. The script takes Winslow’s intricate story of obsession, morality, and heist culture and renders it into a visually stunning, propulsive feature film.
The Plot: Jewel Thieves, Moral Dilemmas, and the LAPD
Set against the bleached tarmac and shimmering heat of Los Angeles, Crime 101 tells the story of an elusive jewel thief — played by Chris Hemsworth — whose methodical string of heists along the 101 freeway has baffled law enforcement for years. His target? A score so audacious it could set him free for life. Standing in his way is a relentless detective (Mark Ruffalo), whose pursuit borders on obsession, and an unlikely wildcard: a disillusioned insurance broker (Halle Berry), who finds herself at her own crossroads and becomes entangled in the thief’s orbit. Barry Keoghan rounds out the central cast as a volatile, unpredictable figure whose allegiances shift dangerously throughout.
The Cast: A Hollywood Powerhouse
The ensemble at the heart of Crime 101 is arguably the film’s greatest asset. Chris Hemsworth, so long synonymous with Thor’s hammer and Marvel blockbusters, delivers what many critics are calling the performance of his career — restrained, magnetic, and surprisingly nuanced. Mark Ruffalo brings his trademark intensity and moral ambiguity to the detective role, while Halle Berry gives a career-best supporting turn as a woman navigating her conscience in impossible circumstances.
Barry Keoghan, fresh from his Oscar-nominated performance in Saltburn, continues his run of scene-stealing supporting roles, bringing an electrifying unpredictability to every scene he inhabits.
What Are Critics Saying?
The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an impressive 88% rating from over 180 critics, with the consensus noting that it “has studied the greats of LA Noir closely and shows its homework with sleek action set pieces and vivid characterisations.” Audiences have responded similarly, with an average rating reflecting genuine affection for the film’s pacing, performances, and visual storytelling.
Where to Watch Crime 101
Following its theatrical run, Crime 101 is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, available to subscribers at no additional cost. The film is also available to rent or buy on most major digital platforms including Apple TV, Google Play, and Amazon. For Prime members in the UK, it’s among the most unmissable additions to the service’s 2026 library so far.
Why Everyone Is Talking About It Right Now
The film has surged in online searches in April 2026 as more viewers discover it following its streaming debut. The combination of a stellar cast, a sharp script rooted in Don Winslow’s respected crime fiction, and Bart Layton’s kinetic direction has made it a word-of-mouth hit beyond the traditional film-going audience.
If you haven’t seen Crime 101 yet, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to rectify that. Pour yourself a drink, settle in, and let the Los Angeles sun bake through your screen. This one earns every minute of its runtime.