I like to think the highlights of this genre are hard-boiled detectives, classic "flatfoot" lingo and cheesy but memorable dialogue.

For any of you guys who haven't had the pleasure of diving into this type of film, here are a few recommendations:

Give 'Em Hell Malone
The Big Sleep
Raging Bull
Basic Instinct
Dark City (more sci-fi but it fits)
The Big Lebowski (comedy)
Pulp Fiction (neo-noir).

Anyway, I think it's a shame that this genre isn't too popular despite crappy cop-dramas dominating TV. If you guys have any movies to add to this list, please do.