Crime, unequivocally, is not to be condoned. However, when executed with finesse, crime, especially in the form of heist movies, becomes one of the most exhilarating genres. These films are crafted so masterfully that we can't help but feel a certain sympathy for the protagonist, the thief. We've curated a list of the top 10 heist movies that will send shivers down your spine and captivate you from start to finish. Dive into the world of high-stakes theft with these cinematic gems. 🎞️👇
IMDb: 7.2
Charlie Croker has just been released from prison and takes over a heist plan following the death of Roger Beckerman. This heist involves stealing $4 million worth of gold from a security convoy. Croker returns to prison to seek financial support and seeks help from Mr. Bridger. With Bridger's support, Croker assembles a team and begins preparations for the heist. The team's plan involves seizing the gold convoy during a traffic jam in Turin. Unexpected challenges arise during the heist, especially with the intervention of the Mafia. Croker and his team manage to successfully capture the gold with a creative escape plan and make their getaway. The film concludes with the gold-filled bus teetering dangerously on the edge of a cliff, with Croker attempting to assist his team, saying 'Wait, I have a great idea!'
IMDb: 7.2
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe may be experiencing a downturn, we can't deny its reign as the crown jewel of the film industry for the past decade. 'Ant-Man' is a comedic focus on Scott Lang, a reformed criminal turned superhero portrayed by Paul Rudd. Scott Lang is an incredibly skilled con artist with the unique ability to shrink in size while increasing in strength. Lang must discover the hero within himself and help mentor Dr. Hank Pym protect the secret behind the Ant-Man suit from emerging threats. In a journey filled with invisible obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and execute a heist to save the world.
IMDb: 7.4
Frank is a master diamond thief who engages in legal businesses such as car sales and restaurant management to conceal his income. One day, while meeting a woman outside town, he finds himself involved in a new job. A local gang leader hires Frank for a few heists. After completing the job, Frank and his girlfriend will be safe. Frank tries to distance himself from the gang's affairs, but realizes it's impossible to escape after a series of unfortunate events.
IMDb: 7.4
Adapted from David F. Dodge's novel, the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock film is filled with prominent names like Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Cary Grant plays a jewel thief nicknamed 'The Cat,' while Grace Kelly portrays a wealthy young woman with numerous jewels. Despite being a thief, Grant's character aims to return to his former life and prove his innocence by finding the real thief.
IMDb: 7.5
In London, gangster George Thomason plans a jewel heist with his right-hand man Ken Pile. They recruit American con artist Wanda Gershwitz and weapons expert Otto West. Wanda attempts to deceive the robbers by pretending to be like her brother to impress Ken and George. The heist is successful, and the gang escapes with a large amount of diamonds. Wanda and Otto betray George, leading to his arrest. However, when they return to collect the loot, they discover he has switched its location. Wanda decides to seduce George's lawyer, Archie Leach, to get the diamonds, but Otto's jealous interference complicates the plan. Ultimately, they embark on a wild adventure to retrieve the treasure and escape to Rio. Ironically, while Archie and Wanda marry, Otto's fate ends with an uncertain outcome.
IMDb: 7.5
Middle-aged flight attendant Jackie Brown was smuggling money from Mexico to Los Angeles for arms dealer Ordell Robbie. When caught with ten thousand dollars and cocaine in her bag, agents Ray Nicolet and Mark Dargus offer Jackie freedom in exchange for helping them capture Ordell. Simultaneously, Ordell, dealing with a bail bond business run by 56-year-old Max Cherry, asks Max to release Jackie. However, Ordell's real intention is to eliminate her. Suspecting Ordell's motives, Jackie, along with Max, devises a complex plan to steal half a million dollars from Ordell.
IMDb: 7.7
Cool and energetic Danny Ocean is a true man of action. Even with only 24 hours left on his parole from a New Jersey prison, the charismatic thief is finalizing his next plan. Adhering to three rules - not hurting anyone, not stealing from someone who doesn't deserve it, and playing the game with nothing to lose - Danny will orchestrate the most sophisticated and meticulously planned casino heist in history. In the dead of night, Danny and his carefully chosen 11 men decide to steal $150 million from Terry Benedict's three casinos in Los Angeles. Terry, dating Danny's ex-wife Tess, undoubtedly deserves more. Danny risks not only his life but also his relationship with Tess to get the money he desires. If everything goes according to Danny's carefully planned intrigue, he won't have to choose between his two desires.
IMDb: 7.9
Johnny Clay, released after five years in prison, plans a $2 million heist at Lansdowne Racecourse. He assembles a five-person team and meticulously plans the robbery. However, the other four team members fail to realize that the plan is in jeopardy due to George's weak character. Sherry, George's wife, shares the plan with her lover Val, and the duo plans to take all the money after the heist. The plan is supported by five individuals in need of money for different reasons. Unexpected problems and George's weak character jeopardize the plan. Johnny and his team must successfully execute the heist and thwart Sherry and Val's plan without the other team members noticing.
IMDb: 8.1
After serving five years in prison, Tony le Stéphanois reunites with his closest friends Jo and Italian Mario Ferrati. They invite him to steal several jewels from the famous Mappin and Webb Ltd's window, but Tony refuses. Tony finds his ex-girlfriend Mado, who is now the girlfriend of Louis Grutter, the mafia owner of L'Âge d'Or nightclub. Belittling and beating her for infidelity, Tony then calls Jo and Mario, proposing to rob the safe containing the jewels. They invite Italian safe cracker and elegant fox Cesar to join their team, and they plan a perfect heist. They succeed in their plans, but Don Juan Cesar makes a mistake by giving a valuable ring to his mistress, leading to a complication.
IMDb: 8.2
'Snatch' is a standout example of the crime and action genres, garnering significant attention in recent times. The film revolves around two separate stories set in London's crime-infested underworld. On one side, there are those tracking the stolen diamond's trail; on the other, Turkish and the ruthless gangster Brick Top, entangled in illegal activities in the back alleys of the boxing world. Initially seemingly independent, these two stories intertwine at a common point, creating chaos. Directed by British filmmaker Guy Ritchie, this work, his second film after 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,' has garnered a distinct following. The film features notable names such as Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, and Benicio Del Toro.