The Grifters

'The Grifters' (1990)

Who's Your Mommy? Lilly Dillon (Anjelica Huston). In neo-noir "The Grifters," Huston is the ice-cold, con-artist mother to her small-time grifter son, Roy Dillon (John Cusack), a guy who really does want to love his mother. Too bad she views everyone as ... morethreats and targets.

Meanest Moment: It's tough picking just one. Lilly constantly messes with Roy's mind to the point of incestuous intentions. But we're gonna have to go with a moment that's not entirely her fault: The two fight over a briefcase full of money while Roy's holding a drink. When the glass breaks, it jabs the unlucky son right in his jugular and, well, kills him. Mom's naturally upset ... but not so grief-stricken that she forgets to pick up the money on her way out.

Memorable Quote: "My son will be all right. If he isn't, I'll have you killed." -- Lilly's demand to the doctor caring for her son at the hospital.

Maternal Comeuppance? Not really. She gets away with the loot, but she's emotionally wrecked. Crying over Roy's body before hitting the road, this woman will be haunted by a wicked dose of guilt for the rest of her life ... but at least she has enough cash for a good therapist. (Miramax/Courtesy Everett Collection)