- Primary Subject: The critical reception of the new crime thriller film Crime 101
- Key Update: Ahead of its Valentine's Day weekend release, the critics' reviews for Crime 101 are out online.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 12, 2026
- Quick Answer: Yes, Crime 101 is worth watching; critics praise its stellar cast, sleek 90s-style direction, and gripping storytelling, earning the film an impressive 89% critical rating.
The new crime thriller drama film Crime 101 is set to release in theaters this week after anticipation from audiences due to the star-studded cast that is part of the ensemble.
It's rare to see an original grounded crime drama get released in movie theaters nowadays. With the caliber of talent involved, fans are hoping that the film will exceed expectations and be worthy of seeing on the big screen during the Valentine's Day weekend. Now, the critics have finally weighed in.
Is Crime 101 Worth Watching? Critics Weigh In
Fortunately, Crime 101 has been getting universal praise from critics since the review embargo was lifted. As of this writing, it has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 89%, based on the 53 reviews that have been gathered so far.
Critics highlighted the performances of Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry, high-stakes storytelling, and a sleek visual style that is reminiscent of the crime drama films that were popular in the '90s and 2000s. Some of them also noted the influences of the works of Michael Mann.
Linda Marric of HeyUGuys praised the film as "a confident, intelligent crime thriller driven by strong performances and a director who clearly trusts his audience. It’s stylish without being showy, thoughtful without becoming inaccessible."
Meanwhile, Jarrod Jones of AV Club called Crime 101 "a sturdy offering for those who miss losing an afternoon at the movies with a reasonably engrossing drama made for adults."
G. Allen Johnson of the San Francisco Chronicle is slightly lukewarm with the film, but he still praised it overall as he described it as "often smart, ultimately ridiculous, and mostly absorbing. But as with Davis’ sleek rides, your mileage may vary."
Owen Gleiberman of Variety noted in his review that, as a thriller, Crime 101 "has its indulgences, but by the end it can stand as an advanced course in what underworld dreams are made of."
It will be interesting to see how audiences respond to the film once it is released in theaters worldwide.
What is Crime 101 About?
Set against the sun-bleached grit of Los Angeles, Crime 101 chronicles the tale of an elusive jewel thief whose string of heists along the 101 freeway has mystified police. When he eyes the score of a lifetime, his path crosses that of a disillusioned insurance broker who is facing her own crossroads.
Convinced he has found a pattern, a relentless detective is closing in, raising the stakes even higher. As the heist approaches, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, and all three are faced with life-defining choices and the realization that there can be no turning back.
The cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte.
Adapted from Don Winslow’s acclaimed novella of the same name, the film is written and directed by Bart Layton (known for his work on American Animals).
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