1. Blade Runner (1992)
88%
84
8.1
Harrison Ford
Rutger Hauer
Sean Young
Edward James Olmos
M. Emmet Walsh
Daryl Hannah
William Sanderson
Brion James
Joe Turkel
Joanna Cassidy
James Hong
Kevin Thompson
Set in a dystopian future, Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner" is an iconic film that has captivated audiences for decades. The movie's visuals are stunning, and the rain-soaked streets of Los Angeles add a layer of gritty realism. The constant downpour symbolizes the oppressive and murky world the characters inhabit, creating an unforgettably moody and intense atmosphere.
2. Se7en (1995)
83%658.6
Morgan Freeman
Brad Pitt
Gwyneth Paltrow
Daniel Zacapa
John Cassini
Bob Mack
Peter Crombie
Reg E. Cathey
R. Lee Ermey
George Christy
Endre Hules
David Fincher's masterpiece, "Se7en," uses rain to enhance its dark and foreboding tone. The relentless rain throughout the film mirrors the bleakness of the narrative and the moral decay of the city. It's as if the heavens are weeping over the gruesome crimes and the twisted human nature the film exposes.
The iconic chase scene from Se7en, as Brad Pitt chases the murderer through the rainy, gloomy streets of a big city.
3. The Killing (2011-2014)
68%728.3
Mireille Enos
Joel Kinnaman
Annie Corley
Brendan Sexton III
Kristin Lehman
Michelle Forbes
Brent Sexton
Eric Ladin
Gregg Henry
Joan Allen
Sterling Beaumon
Levi Meaden
This TV series is as much about the murder mystery as it is about the atmosphere. Set in Seattle, known for its dreary weather, "The Killing" uses rain to amplify the somber mood. The constant drizzle seems to seep into the very bones of the characters, reflecting the emotional turbulence of the investigation.
4. Identity (2003)
63%647.3
John Cusack
Ray Liotta
Amanda Peet
John Hawkes
Alfred Molina
Clea DuVall
John C. McGinley
William Lee Scott
Jake Busey
Pruitt Taylor Vince
Rebecca De Mornay
Carmen Argenziano
"Identity" is a taut psychological thriller that intertwines the fates of ten strangers at a desolate Nevada motel. Each character, drawn to the motel by a range of personal circumstances, finds themselves stranded due to a fierce rainstorm. The plot thickens as they realize that they are being killed off one by one, and the storm outside mirrors the growing chaos. The narrative cleverly unfolds, revealing twists and dark secrets, as the characters grapple with the realization that their connection might be more than just coincidental.
The rain in "Identity" serves as more than just a backdrop; it's a catalyst that heightens the suspense and sense of entrapment. As the storm confines the characters to the motel, it amplifies the claustrophobic tension and urgency of their situation. The relentless downpour adds to the movie’s eerie ambiance, complementing the mysterious and unsettling tone of the plot.
5. Dark Water (2002)
82%6.7
Hitomi Kuroki
Rio Kanno
Mirei Oguchi
Asami Mizukawa
Fumiyo Kohinata
Yuu Tokui
Isao Yatsu
Shigemitsu Ogi
Maiko Asano
Yukiko Ikari
Shinji Nomura
Kiriko Shimizu
"Dark Water" is a haunting psychological horror film that delves into the life of Yoshimi Matsubara, a struggling single mother who moves into a dilapidated apartment with her young daughter. The building, already gloomy and unwelcoming, is persistently plagued by dark, murky water leaking from the ceiling. As Yoshimi battles for custody of her daughter amidst these unsettling living conditions, the ceaseless rain outside mirrors her escalating distress.
Director Hideo Nakata skillfully uses the rain and water motifs to amplify the sense of dread, making the environment feel almost as if it's a living, breathing entity that's conspiring against Yoshimi. The relentless downpour not only accentuates the bleakness of her situation but also becomes a metaphor for the overwhelming challenges she faces, both from her external circumstances and her internal fears.
6. Road to Perdition (2002)
81%727.7
Tom Hanks
Tyler Hoechlin
Paul Newman
Jude Law
Daniel Craig
Stanley Tucci
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Liam Aiken
Dylan Baker
Ciarán Hinds
David Darlow
Kevin Chamberlin
Set during the Great Depression, the story follows a hitman on the run with his son, seeking vengeance against those who wronged him.
The visual portrayal of rain in this movie is strikingly poetic, enhancing the emotional depth and the gravity of the narrative. Director Sam Mendes uses the rain to underline key moments, making them more poignant and impactful. The rain becomes a silent witness to the characters' struggles, their internal conflicts, and their moments of revelation, adding a layer of melancholy and introspection to this tale of revenge and redemption.
The brutal, powerful and beautiful rain scene, as Tom Hanks avenges his son.
7. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
86%717.8Daniel Craig
Rooney Mara
Christopher Plummer
Stellan Skarsgård
Robin Wright
Yorick van Wageningen
Steven Berkoff
Joely Richardson
Geraldine James
Goran Visnjic
Donald Sumpter
Ulf Friberg
Director David Fincher weaves a chilling narrative of mystery and corruption. The story follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate a decades-old disappearance in Sweden. The cold, often damp setting mirrors the dark undertones of the plot and the complexities of the characters. Rain appears at moments to underscore the bleak and tense atmosphere without overpowering the story.
8. Shutter Island (2010)
69%638.2
Leonardo DiCaprio
Mark Ruffalo
Ben Kingsley
Max von Sydow
Michelle Williams
Emily Mortimer
Patricia Clarkson
Jackie Earle Haley
Ted Levine
John Carroll Lynch
Elias Koteas
Robin Bartlett
Martin Scorsese’s "Shutter Island" is a psychological thriller set on a remote island housing a psychiatric facility. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels arrives to investigate a disappearance, only to find himself trapped in a web of deceit and confusion. The island, often shrouded in mist and occasional rain, adds to the eerie and uncertain ambiance, reflecting the story's psychological complexity.
The weather in "Shutter Island" subtly enhances the narrative’s sense of disorientation and mystery. Scorsese uses the island’s natural elements, including its weather, to deepen the film's haunting atmosphere, making the setting an integral part of the unfolding mystery and the characters’ psychological journey.
9. The Night Of (2016)
94%908.4
Riz Ahmed
John Turturro
Bill Camp
Payman Maadi
Poorna Jagannathan
Sofia Black-D'Elia
Paul Sparks
Jeannie Berlin
Michael Kenneth Williams
Glenne Headly
Amara Karan
Syam M. Lafi
"The Night Of" is a HBO miniseries that delves into a complex murder case in New York City. The story follows Naz, a college student who finds himself accused of a crime he can't remember. The series masterfully portrays the city, sometimes under a light rain, as a backdrop to the intricate legal and personal battles Naz faces. The weather, while not a central focus, complements the series' exploration of justice and truth.
The damp, gloomy streets of New York City under the rain create a visually compelling setting that adds to the series' realism and helps ground its high-stakes drama in a palpable, almost tangible sense of dread and tension.
10. Sin City (2005)
76%748
Bruce Willis
Jessica Alba
Clive Owen
Mickey Rourke
Rutger Hauer
Benicio del Toro
Alexis Bledel
Michael Madsen
Powers Boothe
Nick Stahl
Devon Aoki
Michael Clarke Duncan
"Sin City" is a visually striking film that embraces a noir aesthetic, complete with a stylistic use of rain to enhance its dark, gritty atmosphere. The film, a series of interwoven stories set in a corrupt city, uses its black-and-white visuals with splashes of color to bring its graphic novel origins to life. The rain here doesn't just set the scene; it intensifies the raw, almost palpable emotion of the narrative, adding a layer of grim realism to the heightened world of the film.
11. Zodiac (2007)
90%797.7
Jake Gyllenhaal
Mark Ruffalo
Anthony Edwards
Robert Downey Jr.
Brian Cox
Charles Fleischer
Zach Grenier
Philip Baker Hall
Elias Koteas
James Le Gros
Donal Logue
John Carroll Lynch
In "Zodiac," director David Fincher creates an atmosphere of suspense and unease, masterfully using the frequent San Francisco rain to mirror the elusive nature of the Zodiac killer. The film, based on the true story of the hunt for a notorious serial killer, captures the growing obsession and frustration of those trying to solve the case. The rain, often present in key scenes, contributes to the sense of uncertainty and dread that permeates the film.
The damp, often gloomy San Francisco setting becomes a character in itself, reflecting the dark, unresolved nature of the investigation. The rain serves to heighten the tension, adding a layer of claustrophobia to the narrative. Fincher's meticulous attention to detail ensures that the weather elements are integral to the film's mood, making "Zodiac" a compelling and atmospheric thriller.
The infamous basement scene in Zodiac.
12. Seven Samurai (1954)
100%988.6
Toshirō Mifune
Takashi Shimura
Yoshio Inaba
Seiji Miyaguchi
Minoru Chiaki
Daisuke Katō
Isao Kimura
Keiko Tsushima
Yukiko Shimazaki
Kamatari Fujiwara
Yoshio Kosugi
Bokuzen Hidari
Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" is an epic tale of honor, courage, and sacrifice, culminating in a climactic battle that's made all the more intense by the presence of rain. The film follows a village of farmers who hire samurai to protect them from bandits, leading to a dramatic showdown. The rain during this key battle scene adds a sense of chaos and urgency, making the struggle not just against the bandits but also against the harsh elements.
The rain in the battle scene is more than just a visual spectacle; it underscores the themes of struggle and perseverance that are central to the film. Kurosawa uses the weather to add a raw, visceral quality to the combat, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll on the characters. The result is a powerful and enduring cinematic moment that elevates "Seven Samurai" to a masterpiece of world cinema.
13. Prisoners (2013)
80%708.1
Hugh Jackman
Jake Gyllenhaal
Maria Bello
Terrence Howard
Paul Dano
Viola Davis
Melissa Leo
Dylan Minnette
Zoë Soul
Wayne Duvall
David Dastmalchian
Len Cariou
"Prisoners," directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a tense and gripping thriller that explores the lengths a parent will go to find their missing child. The film's weather, characterized by a consistent, overcast sky and intermittent rain, mirrors the grim and desperate mood of the story. The story of two families thrown into chaos by the disappearance of their daughters is set against this bleak backdrop, which adds to the viewer's sense of unease and empathy for the characters' plight.
The use of rain in "Prisoners" is subtle yet effective, enhancing the film's atmosphere without overshadowing the narrative. It contributes to the film’s sense of realism and heightens the emotional intensity of the search. Villeneuve's careful balance of atmospheric elements and strong storytelling creates a thriller that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
The dark, foreboding arrest scene from Prisoners; with Jake Gyllenhaal and Paul Dano.
The Crow (1995)
84%717.5
Brandon Lee
Rochelle Davis
Ernie Hudson
Michael Wincott
Bai Ling
Sofia Shinas
Anna Thomson
David Patrick Kelly
Angel David
Laurence Mason
Michael Massee
Tony Todd
"The Crow," a dark and gothic tale of revenge and love, uses rain to set its otherworldly tone. The film, based on James O'Barr's comic book of the same name, follows Eric Draven, who comes back from the dead to avenge his and his fiancée’s brutal murders. The constant rain in the film is more than a mere backdrop; it contributes to the moody, ethereal atmosphere, reflecting the themes of sorrow, loss, and retribution that drive the narrative.
In "The Crow," the rain is almost a character itself, setting the stage for this dark fantasy. It enhances the film's gothic aesthetic, creating a sense of a world out of time, where the supernatural and reality blur. Director Alex Proyas uses this element to great effect, making "The Crow" a visually memorable and emotionally powerful film.
15. The Batman (2022)
85%727.8
Robert Pattinson
Zoë Kravitz
Paul Dano
Jeffrey Wright
John Turturro
Peter Sarsgaard
Andy Serkis
Colin Farrell
Jayme Lawson
Gil Perez-Abraham
Peter McDonald
Con O'Neill
Set against the backdrop of a rain-drenched Gotham City, the film dives into the darker aspects of the iconic character. This iteration of Batman, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, brings a gritty, noir-esque approach to the superhero genre. The constant rain in Gotham not only accentuates the city's bleak, corrupt nature but also mirrors the internal conflict of Batman as he navigates a path of vengeance and justice.
