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[+] Top10nerScore78.098 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ben Affleck
WRITERS: Ben Affleck, Peter Craig, Aaron Stockard
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Elswit
STARRING: Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Blake Lively, Pete Postlethwaite, Chris Cooper
GENRE: Heist Film, Thriller, Drama, Crime
The leader of a band of bank robbers tracks down one of their hostages to find out what she knows and inadvertently begins falling in love with her, while the FBI starts to close in on the gang.
The Town delivers an electrifying heist thriller that crackles with intensity. Affleck crafts a gripping narrative of crime and redemption set against Boston’s gritty underground. With standout performances and nail-biting suspense, it’s a masterclass in adrenaline-pumping cinema.
[+] Top10nerScore78.375 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore78.529 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Spike Lee
WRITERS: Russell Gewirtz
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Matthew Libatique
STARRING: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
GENRE: Heist Film, Thriller
THEME: Police Procedural
When an armed, masked gang enter a Manhattan bank, lock the doors and take hostages, the detective assigned to effect their release enters negotiations preoccupied with corruption charges he is facing.
Inside Man is a slick, smart heist thriller that keeps you guessing. With sharp dialogue and a gripping plot, Spike Lee crafts a cerebral game of cat-and-mouse. Denzel Washington and Clive Owen deliver stellar performances, making this a heist film to treasure and revisit.
[+] Top10nerScore78.902 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Quentin Tarantino
WRITERS: Quentin Tarantino
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Guillermo Navarro
STARRING: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, Robert De Niro
GENRE: Crime, Heist Film
Jackie Brown is a flight attendant who gets caught in the middle of smuggling cash into the country for her gunrunner boss. When the cops try to use Jackie to get to her boss, she hatches a plan — with help from a bail bondsman — to keep the money for herself.
Tarantino’s Jackie Brown revitalizes the heist genre with sharp dialogue, a rich 1970s vibe, and a slow-burn plot. Set against sun-soaked Los Angeles, it balances intricate double-crosses with well-rounded characters, showcasing Tarantino’s signature mix of tension and style.
[+] Top10nerScore78.982 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Charles Crichton
WRITERS: T. E. B. Clarke
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Douglas Slocombe
STARRING: Alec Guinness, Stanley Holloway, Sidney James, Marjorie Fielding, Alfie Bass
GENRE: Comedy, Heist Film
A meek bank clerk who oversees the shipments of bullion joins with an eccentric neighbor to steal gold bars and smuggle them out of the country.
The Lavender Hill Mob showcases an ingenious heist with a delightful blend of wit and charm. Alec Guinness shines as an unassuming bank clerk whose meticulous plan to steal gold bars is both hilariously clever and riveting. A classic example of British comedic brilliance.
[+] Top10nerScore79.175 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore80.610 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore80.623 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Edgar Wright
WRITERS: Edgar Wright
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bill Pope
STARRING: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, Eiza González, Jon Bernthal
GENRE: Heist Film, Action
THEME: Music
After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.
Baby Driver is a thrilling ride where heist dynamics and adrenaline-pumping action merge with a killer soundtrack. Wright orchestrates a slick, rhythm-driven caper, where every pulse-pounding scene syncs perfectly with the beat. A genre-defining joyride for heist enthusiasts.
[+] Top10nerScore80.670 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore80.792 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore81.472 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore81.822 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Fabián Bielinsky
WRITERS: Fabián Bielinsky
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Marcelo Camorino
STARRING: Gastón Pauls, Ricardo Darín, Leticia Brédice
GENRE: Heist Film, Crime
THEME: Buddy
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.
[+] Top10nerScore81.830 / 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: Comedy, 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.
[+] Top10nerScore82.259 / 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
THEME: 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.
[+] Top10nerScore83.962 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore84.257 / 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, Crime, Gangster Film
THEME: Hyperlink Cinema
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.
[+] Top10nerScore85.979 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore88.541 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore89.444 / 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
THEME: Siege Film
MOVEMENT: New Hollywood
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.
[+] Top10nerScore89.659 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore89.947 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore90.758 / 100
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DIRECTOR: George Roy Hill
WRITERS: David S. Ward
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Surtees
STARRING: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw
GENRE: Heist Film
THEME: Buddy
MOVEMENT: 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.
[+] Top10nerScore91.929 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore93.012 / 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 redefined the heist genre with razor-sharp dialogue, a nonlinear narrative, and raw intensity. Tarantino’s debut traps volatile criminals in a claustrophobic warehouse, crafting a gritty, tension-filled exploration of trust, betrayal, and survival under pressure.
[+] Top10nerScore93.835 / 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, pairing intense drama with smart, intricate plotting. Michael Mann crafts a riveting cat-and-mouse tale, anchored by Pacino and De Niro’s iconic performances. The pulse-pounding heist sequences and high stakes make it a genre-defining masterpiece solidifying its status as…
The Greatest Heist Film of All Time
| Band of Outsiders | 1964 |
| Bonnie and Clyde | 1967 |
| Bound | 1996 |
| Catch Me If You Can | 2002 |
| Drive | 2011 |
| Goldfinger | 1964 |
| Gun Crazy | 1950 |
| House of Games | 1987 |
| Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One | 2023 |
| Straight Time | 1978 |
| The Killers | 1946 |
| The Taking of Pelham One Two Three | 1974 |
| The Usual Suspects | 1995 |
| The Vampires or, The Arch Criminals of Paris | 1915 |
| Three Kings | 1999 |
| To Catch a Thief | 1955 |
| Trouble in Paradise | 1932 |
| White Heat | 1949 |
| Ant-Man | 2015 |
| Dragged Across Concrete | 2018 |
| Matchstick Men | 2003 |
| Ruben Brandt, Collector | 2018 |
| Sneakers | 1992 |
| The Bad Guys | 2022 |
| The Lookout | 2007 |
| The Old Man & the Gun | 2018 |
| The Pink Panther | 1963 |
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.
