The Best Movies About Being Framed

Over 60 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies About Being Framed
Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite movies that have a main character being framed for a crime they didn't commit.

Movies about being framed for murder and other crimes will have you on the edge of your seat. These are the best films about being framed ranked best to worst by votes from fans like you. The concept of framing an innocent person spans across genres. Understandably, most of these “framed” movies are thrillers, but you’ll also find comedies, sci-fi films, action flicks, and dramas on this list. Steven Spielberg's sci-fi film, Minority Report, is on this list since Tom Cruise's character is framed for a murder he might commit. Gone Girl stars a befuddled Ben Affleck trying to put together the pieces after his wife goes missing - too bad all the clues look like he's a killer. From Hollywood classics to new movies, films about being wrongly accused are never going out of style.

Vote up the films about characters being set up for crimes they didn't commit that you like and vote down the ones that you think other fans should skip. Then be sure to look for streaming services, like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Apple TV+ under each film to stream them right away.

Ranked by
  • Chain Reaction
    1
    Keanu Reeves, Morgan Freeman, Rachel Weisz
    13 votes
    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Andrew Davis

    In this high-stakes thriller, an unsuspecting machinist and research scientist find themselves framed for sabotage when their unique hydrogen-based energy project is destroyed in a deadly explosion. With shadowy government agents hot on their trail, the duo must prove their innocence and expose the true culprits before the frame-up costs them their lives. The film's thrilling action sequences and focus on government conspiracy elevate it as a top example of the "being framed" genre.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • The Running Man
    2
    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Conchita Alonso, Richard Dawson
    11 votes
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: Paul Michael Glaser

    Based on a dystopian future society, this sci-fi action movie follows a falsely accused police officer who becomes a contest participant in a televised death match game show. Desperate to clear his name and find justice, the protagonist must outsmart and outlast a series of relentless assassins lurking in the arena. Gripping action sequences and political commentary on mass media manipulation make this a standout among movies focused on being falsely accused.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • The A-Team
    3
    Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel
    10 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Joe Carnahan

    This action-packed adaptation of the popular TV series showcases a group of ex-Special Forces soldiers accused of a crime they didn't commit. On a mission to clear their names and bring the actual perpetrators to justice, the charismatic quartet utilizes their unique skills, humor, and camaraderie to tackle various obstacles. The film's perfect blend of action, comedy, and suspense ensures its place as one of the premier examples in the "framed" genre.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Shooter
    4
    Mark Wahlberg, Michael Peña, Danny Glover
    10 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Antoine Fuqua

    A former Marine sniper gets framed for an assassination attempt on the US president and finds himself in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with those who conspired against him. As he tries to clear his name and bring the true culprits to justice, explosive action and tense moments keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film's twists and turns make it a compelling entry in the "being framed" category.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Kiss of the Dragon
    5
    Jet Li, Bridget Fonda, Tchéky Karyo
    9 votes
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Chris Nahon

    This martial arts action thriller tells the story of a Chinese intelligence agent who is wrongfully accused of murdering a high-ranking police official. Forced to team up with a resourceful prostitute, the skilled fighter battles his way through a series of menacing enemies while working to clear his name and uncover a deeper conspiracy. Its gripping plot and intense fight scenes make it an essential watch for fans of both the "being framed" and martial arts genres.

  • Blood Rage
    6
    Louise Lasser, Mark Soper, Julie Gordon
    7 votes
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: John Grissmer

    In this intense horror film, a young man is wrongfully accused of a brutal murder that was actually committed by his psychotic twin brother. As the body count rises and the unhinged sibling continues his violent spree, the innocent protagonist fights to clear his name and stop his murderous brother. Its mix of horror elements and a "wrong man accused" theme solidifies its place among the best movies about being falsely implicated.

    Available On: