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Top10nerScore72.847 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Steven Soderbergh
WRITERS: Ted Griffin
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Steven Soderbergh
STARRING: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Julia Roberts, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Bernie Mac, Elliott Gould, Don Cheadle, Carl Reiner, Eddie Jemison, Shaobo Qin
GENRE: Heist Film
Less than 24 hours into his parole, charismatic thief Danny Ocean is already rolling out his next plan: In one night, Danny’s hand-picked crew of specialists will attempt to steal more than $150 million from three Las Vegas casinos. But to score the cash, Danny risks his chances of reconciling with ex-wife, Tess.
Ocean’s Eleven dazzles with its slick heist narrative, razor-sharp dialogue, and star-studded cast. Soderbergh’s vision elevates this stylish caper, blending wit and tension seamlessly, resulting in an exhilarating experience that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
Top10nerScore73.467 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jean-Pierre Melville
WRITERS: Auguste Le Breton, Jean-Pierre Melville
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Henri Decaë
STARRING: Roger Duchesne, Isabelle Corey, Daniel Cauchy, Gerard Buhr, Guy Decomble, André Garet
GENRE: Heist Film, Polar
Ageing safecracker and compulsive gambler Bob lives by night and sleeps by day, and thrives on his nostalgia for the prewar gangster milieu, before the infiltration of the Gestapo upset the delicate balance between cop and criminal. Bob’s going for the big stakes now: the casino vault in Deauville.
Bob le Flambeur redefined heist cinema with its stylish blend of noir and existential cool. Jean-Pierre Melville’s meticulousness and Roger Duchesne’s charismatic portrayal create a compelling portrait of a gambler’s daring caper in the seedy underbelly of Paris.
Top10nerScore73.694 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jonathan Glazer
WRITERS: Louis Mellis, David Scinto
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ivan Bird
STARRING: Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley, Ian McShane, Amanda Redman, James Fox, Cavan Kendall
GENRE: Gangster Film, Black Comedy, Heist Film
The idyllic life of retired safecracker Gal is put at risk when a psychotic gangster from his past arrives at his villa in southern Spain, intent on bringing him out of retirement for one last job.
Sexy Beast is a high-octane thrill ride, redefining the heist genre with its sharp dialogue and intense drama. Kingsley’s explosive performance steals the show, delivering a blend of dark humor and gripping tension. A stylish and unforgettable caper that keeps you on edge.
Top10nerScore73.775 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jacques Becker
WRITERS: Albert Simonin, Maurice Griffe, Jacques Becker
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pierre Montazel
STARRING: Jean Gabin, René Dary, Jeanne Moreau, Lino Ventura, Dora Doll, Paul Frankeur
GENRE: Polar, Gangster Film, Heist Film
Max and Riton are two ageing gangsters who manage to pull off their final heist, a spectacular robbery at Orly airport. All is well until Max’s former girlfriend Josy tips off a rival gangster, Angelo. The latter kidnaps Ritton and threatens him unless Max hands over the spoils from his robbery.
Touchez Pas au Grisbi is a riveting heist film that immerses audiences in the gritty Parisian underworld. Gabin’s portrayal of an aging gangster is nuanced, bringing depth to a meticulously plotted story. With its taut suspense and stylish direction, this classic captivates.
Top10nerScore73.920 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jean-Pierre Melville
WRITERS: Jean-Pierre Melville
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Nicolas Hayer
STARRING: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Serge Reggiani, Jean Desailly, René Lefèvre, Philippe March, Michel Piccoli, Fabienne Dali
GENRE: Gangster Film, Neo-Noir, Thriller, Polar, Heist Film
Enigmatic gangster Silien may or may not be responsible for informing on Faugel, who was just released from prison and is already involved in what should be a simple heist. By the end of this brutal, twisting, and multilayered policier, who will be left to trust?
Le Doulos is a quintessential heist film where Melville crafts a taut narrative of trust and betrayal. With impeccable noir aesthetics and intricate plotting, this film’s gritty realism and complex characters captivate casual viewers, connoisseurs, and everyone in between.
Top10nerScore75.003 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jean-Pierre Melville
WRITERS: Jean-Pierre Melville, José Giovanni
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Marcel Combes
STARRING: Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Raymond Pellegrin, Marcel Bozzuffi, Christine Fabréga, Michel Constantin
GENRE: Heist Film, Gangster Film, Polar, Drama
A gangster escapes jail and quickly makes plans to continue his criminal ways elsewhere, but a determined inspector is closing in.
Melville’s Le Deuxième Souffle is a masterclass in heist cinema, blending meticulous planning with intense human drama. Lino Ventura’s brooding presence anchors a tale of loyalty and betrayal, showcasing Melville’s deft touch in crafting tension and atmospheric grit.
Top10nerScore75.172 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Alexander Mackendrick
WRITERS: William Rose, Jimmy O’Connor
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Otto Heller
STARRING: Alec Guinness, Cecil Parker, Herbert Lom, Katie Johnson, Peter Sellers, Danny Green
GENRE: Black Comedy, Heist Film
Five oddball criminals planning a bank robbery rent rooms on a cul-de-sac from an octogenarian widow under the pretext that they are classical musicians.
The Ladykillers delivers a brilliantly quirky heist comedy. Alec Guinness leads a motley crew in a scheme hilariously foiled by an unassuming landlady. With sharp wit and a unique blend of suspense and humor, this Ealing Studios gem remains a standout in British cinema.
Top10nerScore75.580 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki, Haruya Yamazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hirokata Takahashi
STARRING: Yasuo Yamada, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Makio Inoue, Eiko Masuyama, Goro Naya
STARRING (ENGLISH): David Hayter, John Snyder, Michael Gregory, Dorothy Elias-Fahn, Kevin Seymour
GENRE: Anime, Adventure, Comedy, Action, Heist Film
After a successful robbery leaves famed thief Lupin the Third and his partner Jigen with nothing but a large amount of expertly crafted counterfeit bills, he decides to track down the forgers responsible—and steal any other treasures he may find in the Castle of Cagliostro, including the ‘damsel in distress’ he finds imprisoned there.
The Castle of Cagliostro is a dazzling blend of heist thrills and whimsical adventure. Miyazaki’s directorial finesse shines through intricate plot twists, captivating animation, and Lupin’s charm, crafting a timeless caper that enthralls casual viewers and cinephiles alike.
Top10nerScore75.658 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Charles Crichton
WRITERS: John Cleese
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Alan Hume
STARRING: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin, Tom Georgeson, Maria Aitken
GENRE: Crime, Comedy, Black Comedy, Heist Film
A diamond advocate is attempting to steal a collection of diamonds, yet troubles arise when he realizes that he is not the only one after the diamonds.
A Fish Called Wanda is a brilliantly sharp heist comedy that marries intricate plotting with comedic brilliance. The film’s clever twists and memorable performances, especially from John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis, deliver a delightfully entertaining and endlessly replayable romp.
Top10nerScore75.920 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Michael Mann
WRITERS: Michael Mann
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Donald E. Thorin
STARRING: James Caan, Tuesday Weld, Robert Prosky, Willie Nelson, Jim Belushi, Dennis Farina
GENRE: Heist Film, Neo-Noir, Drama, Thriller
Frank is an expert professional safecracker, specialized in high-profile diamond heists. He plans to use his ill-gotten income to retire from crime and build a nice life for himself complete with a home, wife and kids. To accelerate the process, he signs on with a top gangster for a big score.
Thief is a riveting exploration of high-stakes crime, masterfully blending tension and character study. With Michael Mann’s keen eye for detail and a pulsating soundtrack, it redefines the heist genre, immersing viewers in a world of daring precision and unrelenting grit.
Top10nerScore76.362 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie
WRITERS: Josh Safdie, Ronald Bronstein
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sean Price Williams
STARRING: Robert Pattinson, Ben Safdie, Buddy Duress, Jennifer Jason Leigh
GENRE: Crime, Thriller, Drama, Heist Film
After a botched bank robbery lands his younger brother in prison, Connie Nikas embarks on a twisted odyssey through New York City’s underworld to get his brother Nick out of jail.
Good Time grips with its relentless heist-driven narrative, pulsating with raw energy and tension. Pattinson delivers a riveting performance, propelling the Safdie brothers’ gritty direction. The film’s chaotic descent into desperation highlights a visceral, immersive crime saga.
Top10nerScore76.581 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Mario Monicelli
WRITERS: Agenore Incrocci, Furio Scarpelli, Suso Cecchi d’Amico, Mario Monicelli
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gianni Di Venanzo
STARRING: Vittorio Gassman, Renato Salvatori, Marcello Mastroianni, Totò, Claudia Cardinale
GENRE: Commedia all’italiana, Heist Film
Best friends Peppe and Mario are thieves, but they’re not very good at it. Still, Peppe thinks that he’s finally devised a master heist that will make them rich. With the help of some fellow criminals, he plans to dig a tunnel from a rented apartment to the pawnshop next door, where they can rob the safe. But his plan is far from foolproof, and the fact that no one in the group has any experience digging tunnels proves to be the least of their problems.
Big Deal on Madonna Street is a delightful caper brimming with charm and wit. This classic Italian heist film cleverly blends slapstick humor and suspense, crafting a hilarious yet suspenseful journey. With its endearing ensemble cast and sharp writing, it remains a genre standout.
Top10nerScore76.670 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David Mackenzie
WRITERS: Taylor Sheridan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Giles Nuttgens
STARRING: Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Gil Birmingham
GENRE: Neo-Western, Heist Film
A divorced dad and his ex-con brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family’s farm in West Texas.
Hell or High Water masterfully blends gritty realism with sharp storytelling. The film’s heist elements are expertly crafted, delivering high-stakes tension and moral complexity. Chris Pine and Ben Foster shine, making this a compelling, edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Top10nerScore77.052 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Fabián Bielinsky
WRITERS: Fabián Bielinsky
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Marcelo Camorino
STARRING: Gastón Pauls, Ricardo Darín, Leticia Brédice
GENRE: Buddy, Heist Film, Crime
Two con artists try to swindle a stamp collector by selling him a sheet of counterfeit rare stamps (the “nine queens”).
Nine Queens dazzles with its sharp twists and clever deception, crafting a heist film that’s as intricate as it is thrilling. The tightly woven plot and dynamic performances keep audiences guessing until the final reveal, making it an unforgettable caper with a delightful sting.
Top10nerScore78.410 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Huston
WRITERS: John Huston, Ben Maddow
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Harold Rosson
STARRING: Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen
GENRE: Heist Film, Film noir, Film gris
Recently paroled from prison, legendary burglar “Doc” Riedenschneider, with funding from Alonzo Emmerich, a crooked lawyer, gathers a small group of veteran criminals together in the Midwest for a big jewel heist.
The Asphalt Jungle is a riveting heist classic that masterfully blends suspense and noir. With its sharp direction by Huston and compelling performances, it unravels the complexities of crime and betrayal. A tightly wound gem, it captivates with gritty realism and clever twists.
Top10nerScore78.579 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Guy Ritchie
WRITERS: Guy Ritchie
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tim Maurice-Jones
STARRING: Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Steven Mackintosh, Vinnie Jones
GENRE: Black Comedy, Heist Film, Gangster Film, Hyperlink Cinema
A card shark and his unwillingly-enlisted friends need to make a lot of cash quick after losing a sketchy poker match. To do this they decide to pull a heist on a small-time gang who happen to be operating out of the flat next door.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels reinvents the heist genre with its witty dialogue and relentless pacing. Guy Ritchie’s debut is a clever, fast-paced romp where every twist and turn keeps you guessing. Its energetic style and sharp narrative make it a standout in crime cinema.
Top10nerScore79.577 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Guy Ritchie
WRITERS: Guy Ritchie
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tim Maurice-Jones
STARRING: Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Benicio del Toro, Dennis Farina, Vinnie Jones, Alan Ford, Robbie Gee, Ade, Stephen Graham
GENRE: Black Comedy, Heist Film, Hyperlink Cinema, Crime
Unscrupulous boxing promoters, violent bookmakers, a Russian gangster, incompetent amateur robbers and supposedly Jewish jewelers fight to track down a priceless stolen diamond.
Snatch is a whirlwind heist comedy that mixes quirky characters with a frenetic plot. Guy Ritchie’s sharp direction and brisk editing create a fast-paced ride through London’s underbelly. A slick narrative and standout performances make it a genre-defining gem.
Top10nerScore82.162 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Stanley Kubrick
WRITERS: Stanley Kubrick, Jim Thompson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lucien Ballard
STARRING: Sterling Hayden, Elisha Cook Jr., Coleen Gray, Vince Edwards, Jay C. Flippen, Ted de Corsia
GENRE: Heist Film, Film noir, Thriller
Career criminal Johnny Clay recruits a sharpshooter, a crooked police officer, a bartender and a betting teller named George, among others, for one last job before he goes straight and gets married. But when George tells his restless wife about the scheme to steal millions from the racetrack where he works, she hatches a plot of her own.
Kubrick’s The Killing is a riveting heist film that effortlessly blends intricate plotting with sharp, noir sensibilities. Its innovative narrative structure and brisk pacing create an electrifying experience, setting a high bar for the genre with clever twists and memorable characters.
Top10nerScore83.612 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jean-Pierre Melville
WRITERS: Jean-Pierre Melville
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Henri Decaë
STARRING: Alain Delon, Yves Montand, Bourvil, Gian Maria Volonté
GENRE: Heist Film, Polar, Neo-Noir, Thriller
When French criminal Corey gets released from prison, he resolves to never return. He is quickly pulled back into the underworld, however, after a chance encounter with escaped murderer Vogel. Along with former policeman and current alcoholic Jansen, they plot an intricate jewel heist. All the while, quirky Police Commissioner Mattei, who was the one to lose custody of Vogel, is determined to find him.
Le Cercle Rouge is a heist film that captivates with its precision and cool elegance. Jean-Pierre Melville crafts a stylish, taut narrative, blending meticulous planning with thrilling execution. Each scene radiates a unique flair, making it a must-see for heist aficionados.
Top10nerScore85.097 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jules Dassin
WRITERS: Auguste Le Breton, René Wheeler
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Philippe Agostini
STARRING: Jean Servais, Carl Möhner, Robert Manuel, Jules Dassin, Pierre Grasset
GENRE: Heist Film, Thriller, Polar, Gangster Film
Out of prison after a five-year stretch, jewel thief Tony turns down a quick job his friend Jo offers him, until he discovers that his old girlfriend Mado has become the lover of local gangster Pierre Grutter during Tony’s absence. Expanding a minor smash-and-grab into a full-scale jewel heist, Tony and his crew appear to get away clean, but their actions after the job is completed threaten the lives of everyone involved.
Rififi delivers a heist thriller like no other, blending meticulous planning with unforgettable suspense. Dassin’s intricate heist sequence showcases a riveting blend of strategy and tension, making it a timeless classic in the heist genre. Pure cinematic gold.
Top10nerScore85.557 / 100
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DIRECTOR: George Roy Hill
WRITERS: David S. Ward
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Surtees
STARRING: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw
GENRE: Buddy, Heist Film, New Hollywood
Set in the 1930s this intricate caper deals with an ambitious small-time crook and a veteran con man who seek revenge on a vicious crime lord who murdered one of their gang.
The Sting is a timeless classic lauded for its intricate plot, charismatic performances, and stylish direction. With its clever twists and period charm, it captivates audiences, earning praise for its seamless blend of humor and suspense. A cinematic triumph that stands the test of time.
Top10nerScore87.955 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sidney Lumet
WRITERS: Frank Pierson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Victor J. Kemper
STARRING: Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning, Chris Sarandon
GENRE: Heist Film, Drama, New Hollywood, Biopic, Satire
Based on the true story of would-be Brooklyn bank robbers John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturale. Sonny and Sal attempt a bank heist which quickly turns sour and escalates into a hostage situation and stand-off with the police. As Sonny’s motives for the robbery are slowly revealed and things become more complicated, the heist turns into a media circus.
Dog Day Afternoon dazzles with its intense, real-life-inspired heist. Pacino delivers an unforgettable performance, while Lumet’s direction crafts a compelling, high-stakes drama. With its sharp blend of dark humor and tension, it provides a riveting exploration of desperation.
Top10nerScore88.109 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Michael Mann
WRITERS: Michael Mann
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dante Spinotti
STARRING: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd, Jon Voight
GENRE: Thriller, Heist Film, Drama, Crime
Obsessive master thief Neil McCauley leads a top-notch crew on various daring heists throughout Los Angeles while determined detective Vincent Hanna pursues him without rest. Each man recognizes and respects the ability and the dedication of the other even though they are aware their cat-and-mouse game may end in violence.
Heat is a gripping heist thriller, blending intense drama with smart, intricate plotting. Michael Mann crafts a riveting tale of cat-and-mouse, where Pacino and De Niro deliver iconic performances. The heist sequences are pulse-pounding, blending precision with high stakes.
Top10nerScore89.212 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Christopher Nolan
WRITERS: Christopher Nolan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Wally Pfister
STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard
GENRE: Action, Science Fiction, Heist Film, Psychological Thriller
Cobb, a skilled thief who commits corporate espionage by infiltrating the subconscious of his targets is offered a chance to regain his old life as payment for a task considered to be impossible: “inception”, the implantation of another person’s idea into a target’s subconscious.
Inception revolutionizes the heist genre with its inventive twist on dream manipulation. By merging high-stakes thrills with a complex narrative, it offers an intricate and exhilarating journey through layered realities. A dazzling cinematic puzzle that keeps viewers on the edge.
Top10nerScore89.727 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Quentin Tarantino
WRITERS: Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Andrzej Sekula
STARRING: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Chris Penn
GENRE: Heist Film, Gangster Film, Thriller
A botched robbery indicates a police informant, and the pressure mounts in the aftermath at a warehouse. Crime begets violence as the survivors – veteran Mr. White, newcomer Mr. Orange, psychopathic parolee Mr. Blonde, bickering weasel Mr. Pink and Nice Guy Eddie – unravel.
Reservoir Dogs reinvents the heist genre with its sharp dialogue, nonlinear storytelling, and intense focus on betrayal and paranoia. Its gritty, character-driven narrative keeps viewers hooked, showing that a heist gone wrong can be a thrilling and memorable experience, cementing its status as…
The Greatest Heist Film of All Time
| Band of Outsiders | 1964 |
| Bonnie and Clyde | 1967 |
| Catch Me If You Can | 2002 |
| Gun Crazy | 1950 |
| House of Games | 1987 |
| Jackie Brown | 1997 |
| Take the Money and Run | 1969 |
| The Taking of Pelham One Two Three | 1974 |
| The Usual Suspects | 1995 |
| The Vampires or, The Arch Criminals of Paris | 1915 |
| To Catch a Thief | 1955 |
| Trouble in Paradise | 1932 |
| Ant-Man | 2015 |
| Dragged Across Concrete | 2018 |
| Fast Five | 2011 |
| Ruben Brandt, Collector | 2018 |
| Sneakers | 1992 |
| The Bad Guys | 2022 |
| The Bank Job | 2008 |
| The Brothers Bloom | 2008 |
| The Lookout | 2007 |
| The Old Man & the Gun | 2018 |
| Widows | 2018 |
We hope you enjoyed the list and discovered some inspiration for your next movie night.
Happy watching! And make sure to check out our other lists.
But, before you go, don’t forget to…
Agree with our list? Disagree? We want to hear from you!
Share your favorite films, suggest additions to the list, or let us know which films you think should be ranked differently.
