Entertainment • Film

Crime 101

Crime 101 is a 2026 crime thriller film written and directed by Bart Layton, based on Don Winslow’s 2020 novella of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Crime 101 is a 2026 crime thriller film written and directed by Bart Layton, based on Don Winslow’s 2020 novella of the same name. It stars Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry. The story follows a thief, an insurance broker, and a detective whose lives intersect around a planned multimillion-dollar heist.

Premise

The film centres on an elusive thief planning a major final score, a disillusioned insurance broker, and a determined detective trying to stop the heist. The story is set around Los Angeles and the 101 freeway.

Cast

The main cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry, with supporting roles from Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte.

Production and source material

The film is written and directed by Bart Layton and is based on Don Winslow’s novella Crime 101, published in 2020.

Release

Crime 101 premiered in London on January 28, 2026, and was released theatrically in the United States on February 13, 2026. Amazon MGM Studios handled the U.S. release, while Sony Pictures Releasing International handled international release.

Key facts

Based on Don Winslow's 2020 novella Crime 101.
Written and directed by Bart Layton.
Main cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry.
Released in the United States on February 13, 2026.
Plot centres on a major jewel heist and the pursuit of the thief.

Frequently asked questions

What is Crime 101 about?

It is about a thief planning a major jewel-heist score, an insurance broker drawn into the scheme, and a detective trying to stop the crime before it happens.

What is the Crime 101 movie cast?

The main cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry, with Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte in supporting roles.

When is the Crime 101 release date?

It premiered in London on January 28, 2026, and was released in the United States on February 13, 2026.

Who is Don Winslow in relation to Crime 101?

Don Winslow wrote the 2020 novella Crime 101, which the film adapts.

What is the plot of Crime 101?

The plot follows an elusive thief whose heists along the 101 freeway draw police attention, while his path crosses with an insurance broker and a detective determined to expose the operation.

Is there a Crime 101 trailer?

The film has promotional video material available, including trailer-related uploads and recap clips, but the provided sources do not identify one official trailer source in the results.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_101_(2026_film)
Supports: Film title, format, director, cast, source novella, and premiere/release information
IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32430579/plotsummary/
Supports: Plot summary involving the thief, insurance broker, and detective
IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32430579/
Supports: Basic film identification and plot premise
Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/crime_101_2026
Supports: Release date and plot premise
The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/11/crime-101-review-chris-hemsworth-barry-keoghan-mark-ruffalo
Supports: Premise, character names, and release timing
The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/crime-101-review-chris-hemsworth-halle-berry-mark-ruffalo-1236501421/
Supports: Story outline, character roles, and adaptation source
The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/movies/crime-101-review.html
Supports: Adaptation from Don Winslow and plot context
YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxlCYzf3kQE
Supports: Trailer-related video and cast listing