The 101 Freeway stretches endlessly, a ribbon of asphalt connecting cities, lives, and secrets. On it, a thief moves with precision, audacity, and a streak of genius — and the police are always one step behind. That thief is Mike Davis, and in Crime 101, his audacious heists are about to collide with forces that could end his career — or his life.
From the very first scene, director Bart Layton drops viewers into a meticulously constructed world of tension, style, and suspense. This is not just another crime thriller. It’s a chess match on wheels, with each move fraught with danger, deception, and unexpected alliances.
Crime 101 Release Date and Who’s Releasing It
The Crime 101 release date in the United States is officially February 13, 2026, following its world premiere in London on January 28, 2026.
The film is being distributed by Amazon MGM Studios in the U.S. and Canada, with Sony Pictures Releasing International handling international distribution. This dual-distributor strategy ensures that audiences worldwide get front-row access to the high-octane thrills and suspense Layton has crafted.
At 140 minutes, Crime 101 promises a dense, action-packed narrative that balances heist spectacle with intricate character work. The production was helmed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Working Title Films, The Story Factory, Raw, and Wild State, a collaboration signaling both prestige and blockbuster ambition.
Plot: Heists, Detectives, and High-Stakes Crime
Crime 101 follows Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth), a jewel thief whose cunning heists along the 101 freeway have left law enforcement scratching their heads. His latest plan — the ultimate score — brings him into the orbit of Sharon Colvin (Halle Berry), an insurance broker who is more savvy than she seems.
Enter Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo), a meticulous investigator convinced he’s cracked Mike’s pattern. The chase becomes as much psychological as it is physical, with each character testing the limits of trust, greed, and survival.
Supporting roles include:
- Barry Keoghan as Ormon, a fellow criminal with his own agenda
- Monica Barbaro as Maya
- Corey Hawkins as Det. Tillman
- Jennifer Jason Leigh as Angie
- Nick Nolte as Money
Every heist, twist, and moral choice builds toward a high-stakes climax that balances style, suspense, and unpredictable character turns.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting a Modern Crime Epic
Director Bart Layton adapts Don Winslow’s 2020 novella with precision and flair, assisted by contributions from Peter Straughan. Principal photography began in October 2024 in Los Angeles, with Erik Wilson handling cinematography and Jacob Secher Schulsinger and Julian Hart editing the tight, suspense-driven sequences.
Blanck Mass scored the film, blending tension and rhythm to elevate every chase, heist, and showdown.
Hemsworth, Ruffalo, and Keoghan not only bring star power but deep investment in the material, with Hemsworth also taking on a producer role. The ensemble’s dynamic is amplified by a carefully chosen cast, including veterans like Jennifer Jason Leigh and Nick Nolte, whose presence adds gravitas to the sprawling crime narrative.
Fan Reactions: Buzz, Nostalgia, and Anticipation
Online chatter suggests audiences are already placing bets on this thriller. Reddit reactions reveal a mix of nostalgia and excitement:
Comment
by
u/IvnOooze from discussionin
blankies
Another fan shared a personal angle:
Comment
by
u/IvnOooze from discussionin
blankies
Clearly, the film resonates with fans craving classic heist thrills infused with modern energy — and a cast capable of delivering both spectacle and depth.
Watch the Official Trailer
The trailer teases sleek car chases, high-stakes confrontations, and the charismatic intensity of Hemsworth’s Mike Davis. Every frame is designed to make viewers anticipate not just what happens next, but how it will happen and who will survive.
Watch it here:
The trailer establishes tension while hinting at the clever twists and morally complex characters that define the film.
Final Thoughts: A Crime Thriller Designed for the Big Screen
Crime 101 isn’t merely about heists and thrills. It’s about strategy, character, and the delicate balance between law and chaos. Layton’s meticulous direction, Winslow’s source material, and Hemsworth’s dynamic lead performance all contribute to a film that feels both timeless and immediate.
The Crime 101 release date on February 13, 2026, is a reminder that the big-screen experience still matters — that a carefully crafted thriller, packed with tension and cinematic style, can still captivate audiences in an era dominated by streaming.
Whether you’re drawn in by the heists, the detective work, or the all-star cast, Crime 101 promises a ride that’s worth taking — popcorn in hand and eyes glued to the screen.
Crime 101 FAQs
When is the Crime 101 release date?
The U.S. release is February 13, 2026, following a London premiere on January 28, 2026. International release will be handled by Sony Pictures Releasing.
Who directed and wrote Crime 101?
Crime 101 is written and directed by Bart Layton, adapting Don Winslow’s 2020 novella.
Who stars in the film?
The film features Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Halle Berry, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte. Hemsworth also serves as a producer.
What is the plot of Crime 101?
The story follows jewel thief Mike Davis as he plans the ultimate heist along the 101 Freeway, colliding with insurance broker Sharon Colvin and detective Lou Lubesnick in a high-stakes game of strategy, wit, and survival.
Is Crime 101 suitable for families?
The film is a crime thriller and rated for mature audiences due to violence and thematic content. It’s best suited for adult viewers seeking suspense and action.
