I don’t remember when I first started watching heist movies. I think it was something that just happened. I don’t remember the first time I watched “Ocean’s Eleven” either, and yet it’s always my answer to “my favorite movie of all time” in icebreaker conversations.
Something about “Ocean’s Eleven” and the grander genre of heist movies is just so appealing to me and probably many others. There are countless movies to watch, so consider this a guide from a certified heist movie aficionado.
‘Ocean’s Eleven’ (2001)
Steven Soderbergh’s caper thriller “Ocean’s Eleven” is one of the classics of the heist genre. George Clooney stars as Danny Ocean, a cunning but suave con artist who plans to steal $150 million from three Las Vegas casinos. To do this, he must assemble the fastest and smartest team of thieves he’s ever worked with.
This is a great beginner heist movie, as it introduces you to the different roles and archetypes, such as the grifter, the conman and the pickpocket. Soderbergh is one of my favorite directors, and the plot sets you up to believe you’re in on the group’s plan — when you actually aren’t.
The cast is stacked, with Clooney joined by big names including Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck and Matt Damon. The series continues with two more “Ocean’s” films by Soderbergh, so this is the perfect gateway to the heist movie world.
‘The Italian Job’ (2003)
Half revenge plot and half heist movie, this is a film that will keep you on your toes. As a kid, this movie was always on my TV, and I could tune in at any moment and still be captivated.
Mark Wahlberg stars as the leader of a heist team whose member goes rogue during a Venice heist, murdering safecracker John Bridger, played by Donald Sutherland, and stealing the team’s gold for himself. To avenge Bridger, the team vows to steal from the treacherous Steve Frazelli, portrayed by Edward Norton.
After “Ocean’s Eleven,” you may not even consider this a heist movie, with its countless car chases and shootouts that liken it more to an action film than an espionage thriller. But with its fast pace and charismatic villain, this is a great movie to watch if you like action-packed scenes but still want the heist appeal.
‘Now You See Me’ (2013)
Recently, heist movies have adapted to technological developments, such as the rise of social media and the invention of smartphones. “Now You See Me,” a film that focuses on four magician con artists, does a really good job with this.
The Four Horsemen — played by Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson and Isla Fisher — specialize in different illusionist skills and rob banks all over the world as a part of their act. This is a great cat-and-mouse movie, with Mark Ruffalo playing an FBI agent who knows more than meets the eye.
Because of the film’s many twists and turns, I recommend watching this movie later in your heist journey. It’s one thing to understand the magic, but in terms of heist movies, this is a more modern pick than my other recommendations so far. I remember watching this movie in the theater, and I’d even recommend the sequels.
‘Crime 101’ (2026)
This film stands out from the others on this list. Having been released less than a month ago, “Crime 101” uses technology in a completely new way, combining tracking phone apps with security camera footage. Despite the modern take, it pays homage to the heist films of its past.
The story centers on the cat-and-mouse chase between con man Mike Davis, played by Chris Hemsworth, and Detective Lou Lubesnick, played by Mark Ruffalo. As Lubesnick closes in on solving his string of unsolved robberies, Davis recruits an undervalued insurance broker, played by Halle Berry for a multi-million dollar heist.
“Crime 101” focuses on tense, calculated planning rather than chaotic action. It starts slow, but the last 30 minutes are jam packed.
Overall, the movie is quite character driven and intense. It’s a metaphorical chess game, and if you want a more atmospheric thriller that still delivers high-octane moments, this film is for you.
There are many more films out there that might satisfy your hunger for a heist. Some other top picks of mine include “Logan Lucky,” “Tower Heist,” “Inception” and “The Town.”
My favorite thing about heist movies is how consumable they are for the average viewer. They have a little bit of everything: action, comedy, drama and tales of found family. They truly have something for everyone.