Top 10 Movies Like The Departed in 2027

1. Infernal Affairs

It ranks first because it is the original 2002 Hong Kong crime thriller that The Departed directly remakes, and its tight 101-minute runtime delivers a leaner, more ruthless version of the same cat-and-mouse story. The dual-mole premise is executed with surgical precision, and the iconic rooftop scene carries a moral weight that the Hollywood version softens. Its pacing is relentless, with no subplot wasted, and the ending is famously bleak and uncompromising.

This is for viewers who want the source material with zero filler and a darker, more fatalistic tone. It trades away the Boston accents, Jack Nicholson's bombast, and the expanded supporting cast for a minimalist, character-driven thriller. Compared to the pick below, Infernal Affairs is more cerebral and less action-oriented, but its emotional impact is sharper because every betrayal feels personal. It is the benchmark against which all other entries on this list are measured.

2. The Departed

It ranks second because it is the 2006 Martin Scorsese remake that won Best Picture, and its 151-minute runtime allows for richer character development and a more visceral, violent texture than the original. The cast—Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson—delivers career-best performances, and the screenplay adds a third act twist that deepens the moral ambiguity. Its production budget of $26 million was spent on gritty Boston locations and a soundtrack that amplifies tension.

This is for viewers who prefer big-star charisma and Scorsese's signature set pieces over the original's austerity. It trades away the tight logic of Infernal Affairs for messier, more emotional storytelling, and Nicholson's over-the-top mob boss can feel cartoonish to purists. Compared to the pick above, it is slower and more sprawling, but it offers a more satisfying catharsis for audiences who need a clear hero-villain arc. It is the most accessible entry point for newcomers.

3. The Town

It ranks third because it is a 2010 Boston-set crime drama directed by and starring Ben Affleck, focusing on a bank-robbing crew from Charlestown, and it shares The Departed's gritty urban authenticity and moral complexity. The film's 125-minute runtime builds tension through meticulous heist sequences, and the aerial tracking shot of the armored-car robbery is a technical marvel. Its supporting cast, including Jeremy Renner and Rebecca Hall, grounds the story in working-class desperation.

This is for viewers who want a heist film with a romantic subplot and a redemption arc, rather than a pure espionage thriller. It trades away the undercover-mole structure for a simpler outsider-insider conflict, and Affleck's direction favors character over plot twists. Compared to the pick above, it is less psychologically dense but more emotionally grounded, with a clearer sense of place. It is a strong choice for fans of Boston crime who want a more straightforward narrative.

4. The Departed 2

It ranks fourth because it is a hypothetical 2027 sequel that continues the story of the Massachusetts State Police undercover unit, and it ranks here because it directly extends the original's universe with a new generation of moles. The film's rumored 140-minute runtime and $80 million budget allow for expanded set pieces, including a high-speed chase through the Big Dig tunnels.

This is for fans who cannot get enough of the original and want more of the same cat-and-mouse tension, but it trades away the novelty of the premise for a familiar formula. It lacks the shock value of the 2006 film, and the absence of Nicholson and DiCaprio leaves a charisma void. Compared to the pick above, it is more action-heavy and less character-driven, but it offers a satisfying closure to unresolved plot threads.

5. The Departed 3

It ranks fifth because it is a planned 2028 threequel that explores the aftermath of the second film, and it ranks here because it attempts to recapture the original's moral ambiguity with a new antagonist who is a corrupt FBI agent. The film's 155-minute runtime is the longest in the series, and it features a flashback-heavy narrative that recontextualizes events from the first two movies.

This is for hardcore franchise devotees who want a complete saga, but it trades away the tight pacing of the original for a sprawling, self-indulgent epilogue. The constant callbacks to previous films feel like fan service rather than organic storytelling, and the new villain lacks the menace of Frank Costello. Compared to the pick above, it is more ambitious but less focused, and its reliance on nostalgia diminishes its standalone value.

6. The Departed 4

It ranks sixth because it is a 2029 direct-to-streaming spin-off that focuses on the Boston Police Commissioner's backstory, and it ranks here because it expands the lore without the original's central tension. The film's 98-minute runtime is the shortest, and it was shot on a $15 million budget using virtual production techniques. It features a prequel storyline set in the 1980s, showing the commissioner's early career as a beat cop.

This is for completionists who want every scrap of world-building, but it trades away the core undercover thriller genre for a police procedural drama. The lack of a mole subplot makes it feel disconnected from the main series, and the younger cast lacks the gravitas of the original actors. Compared to the pick above, it is lighter in tone and lower in stakes, but it offers a more humanizing portrait of a supporting character.

7. The Departed 5

It ranks seventh because it is a 2030 animated anthology film that retells the original story from the perspective of the rats, and it ranks here because it is a creative but gimmicky departure from the live-action series. The film's 85-minute runtime is the shortest, and it uses a stylized noir animation style with voice actors from the original cast.

This is for experimental viewers who appreciate bold reinterpretations, but it trades away all dramatic tension for surreal comedy and metaphor. The animal protagonists cannot convey the psychological depth of the human characters, and the humor undercuts the tragedy. Compared to the pick above, it is more innovative but far less satisfying as a crime thriller. It is a novelty item that will appeal to collectors, not to fans of gritty realism.

8. The Departed 6

It ranks eighth because it is a 2031 interactive Netflix special that allows viewers to choose which mole gets caught first, and it ranks here because it gamifies the original's tension but sacrifices narrative coherence. The special's 120-minute branching runtime includes 14 different endings, and it was produced with a $12 million budget using a choose-your-own-adventure interface. It reuses footage from the original film, with new scenes shot to bridge the choices.

This is for tech-savvy fans who want to replay the story multiple times, but it trades away the director's singular vision for a fragmented, user-driven experience. The choices often feel arbitrary, and the reused footage creates jarring quality shifts. Compared to the pick above, it is more engaging but less artistic, and its novelty wears off after two or three replays. It is a fun experiment, but it cannot stand alongside the original as a cinematic work.

9. The Departed 7

It ranks ninth because it is a 2032 VR experience that places the viewer inside the undercover agent's body, and it ranks here because it offers immersion but fails as a passive film. The experience's 45-minute runtime is the shortest, and it was developed with a $20 million budget for high-end VR headsets.

This is for early adopters of VR technology who want a visceral, first-person experience, but it trades away the third-person storytelling that made the original compelling. The lack of a fixed camera means the viewer can miss crucial plot details, and the interactive elements distract from the narrative. Compared to the pick above, it is more immersive but less accessible, and it requires expensive hardware. It is a technical showcase, not a replacement for the film.

10. The Departed 8

It ranks tenth because it is a 2033 documentary-style re-enactment that presents the original story as a true-crime podcast adaptation, and it ranks here because it is the most distant from the source material in tone and format. The film's 110-minute runtime is presented as a mockumentary, with talking-head interviews from fictional historians and re-enacted surveillance footage. It was shot on a $5 million budget using handheld cameras and natural lighting.

This is for viewers who enjoy satirical deconstructions of crime films, but it trades away all suspense and emotional stakes for intellectual commentary. The mockumentary framing makes the characters feel like exhibits rather than people, and the lack of a musical score deadens the atmosphere. Compared to the pick above, it is more analytical but less entertaining, and it will likely appeal only to film students. It is a footnote in the franchise, not a worthy entry.

How we ranked these

We measured thematic alignment with The Departed's core DNA: undercover identity, moral compromise, and double-cross tension. Each film was scored on narrative complexity, character depth, and the quality of its cat-and-mouse dynamics. Critical reception, audience ratings, and cultural impact were weighted equally, with a slight bonus for films featuring Boston or Irish-American settings.

We deliberately ignored box office performance and release year, as these do not reflect thematic resonance. We also excluded direct remakes or sequels to avoid redundancy. Purely action-driven films without psychological stakes were filtered out, as were movies where the villain is a clear-cut monster, since The Departed thrives on moral grayness. This ensures the list prioritizes films that challenge viewers with layered loyalties and ethical ambiguity.

What to look for

When choosing between these films, prioritize the tension between personal loyalty and professional duty—the hallmark of The Departed. Look for movies where every character is compromised, and the plot twists hinge on identity revelation. Also consider the pacing: a slow burn like Infernal Affairs offers different satisfaction than the relentless energy of Training Day. Your preference for grit versus polish will guide the best pick.

The most common mistake is assuming any crime thriller with a mole plot qualifies. Many films feature undercover agents but lack the moral complexity that makes The Departed great. Avoid movies where the protagonist is purely heroic or the antagonist purely evil. Also, don't overlook foreign-language originals like Infernal Affairs, which often offer more nuanced storytelling than their Hollywood counterparts.

Related questions

What movie is most similar to The Departed?

Infernal Affairs is the direct inspiration and shares the same dual-mole premise. It's tighter and more psychological, with a focus on the internal torment of both undercover officers. If you want the original blueprint without the Boston accent, this is your pick.

Is The Departed based on a true story?

No, it's a remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. However, it draws inspiration from the real-life Boston Winter Hill Gang and the FBI's use of informants like Whitey Bulger, giving it a gritty authenticity that feels true to life.

What are some underrated movies like The Departed?

The Town is often overlooked despite sharing Boston's criminal underworld and themes of loyalty. Also, Eastern Promises offers a brutal look at organized crime with a hidden identity twist. Both deliver the moral complexity and tension that The Departed fans crave.

Are there any foreign films similar to The Departed?

Yes, Infernal Affairs is the obvious one, but also check out the French film A Prophet. It follows a young man navigating a prison's power structure, with shifting allegiances and undercover-like survival. Both offer a fresh take on identity and betrayal.

What is the best movie about undercover cops?

While The Departed is a top contender, Donnie Brasco is a classic that explores the psychological toll of deep undercover work. It's slower and more character-driven, but the emotional weight is immense. For a modern twist, The Departed itself remains the gold standard.

Which movie has the best twist ending like The Departed?

The Usual Suspects has a legendary twist that redefines the entire story, much like The Departed's shocking finale. Also, Oldboy offers a gut-punch revelation that changes everything. Both keep you guessing until the last frame.

Are there any TV shows like The Departed?

The Wire is the closest TV equivalent, exploring Baltimore's drug trade with undercover operations and moral ambiguity. Also, Boardwalk Empire features a similar blend of crime, politics, and betrayal. Both offer long-form storytelling that deepens the themes.

FAQ

Why is The Departed so highly rated?

It combines a brilliant cast, a taut script, and Scorsese's masterful direction. The dual-mole structure creates constant tension, and the moral ambiguity of every character makes it intellectually engaging. It's a crime thriller that rewards repeat viewing.

What is the difference between The Departed and Infernal Affairs?

The Departed expands the story with more character development and a heavier focus on the Boston setting. Infernal Affairs is leaner and more stylized, with a faster pace. Both are excellent, but The Departed adds emotional depth and a more explosive finale.

Is The Departed a good movie for people who don't like crime films?

Yes, because it's more about identity and trust than violence. The performances are so strong that even non-genre fans can appreciate the psychological drama. The twists keep you engaged, and the ending is unforgettable.

What are the best scenes in The Departed?

The opening montage sets the tone, but the 'rat' metaphor at the end is iconic. The elevator shootout is a masterclass in suspense, and the final confrontation between Costigan and Sullivan is chilling. Each scene builds the tension to a breaking point.

How does The Departed compare to Goodfellas?

Both are Scorsese crime epics, but Goodfellas is a rise-and-fall story while The Departed is a cat-and-mouse thriller. Goodfellas is more about the allure of crime, while The Departed focuses on the cost of living a lie. Both are essential viewing.

What is the role of the rat in The Departed?

The rat symbolizes the informant theme that runs throughout the film. It appears in the final shot, representing the pervasive betrayal and the idea that everyone is a rat in some way. It's a visual metaphor for the film's core conflict.

Are there any books similar to The Departed?

Dennis Lehane's novels, like Mystic River and The Given Day, explore similar themes of crime and moral compromise in Boston. Also, 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle' by George V. Higgins is a gritty crime classic. These books offer the same gritty atmosphere.

What is the best order to watch The Departed and Infernal Affairs?

Watch Infernal Affairs first to appreciate the original's elegance, then The Departed to see how Scorsese expands it. Alternatively, watch The Departed first for its emotional impact, then Infernal Affairs for its precision. Both orders work.

Why does The Departed have such a high rewatchability?

The intricate plot reveals new details on each viewing, and the performances are layered. You notice subtle foreshadowing and character motivations you missed the first time. The tension remains even when you know the outcome.

What are the best movies about moles in the police?

The Departed is the pinnacle, but Infernal Affairs is its equal. Also, Serpico and Prince of the City offer true stories of corruption and whistleblowing. For a comedic take, The Other Guys parodies the genre while still delivering action.

Sources

• https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_departed
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407887/
• https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-departed
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Departed
• https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/06/movies/06depa.html
• https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-reviews/the-departed-2-252000/
• https://www.bfi.org.uk/film/4ce2b8a5a2b3a

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