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Heist Films have always been a winning formula, grabbing our attention with meticulous planning, high-stakes drama, and edge-of-your-seat action. In this list of the 50 Greatest Heist Films of All Time, we’ve cracked the safe to uncover the genre’s finest, ranking them based on ratings and reviews from audiences and critics across the internet, with extra credit for films that truly embody the quintessential elements of a great heist story.
At their core, Heist Films center on the thrill of the chase: masterminds plotting the perfect crime, teams of pros navigating double-crosses, impossible odds, and unexpected twists. These stories combine suspense, strategy, and a touch of glamour, offering a thrilling glimpse into the world of masterminds and outlaws.
From Steven Soderbergh’s smooth, stylish capers to Jean-Pierre Melville’s brooding tales of crime and deception, these 50 films prove that pulling off a great heist is as much about brains as it is about bravado. Whether you’re casing the joint as a casual filmgoer or plotting every move as a seasoned cinephile, prepare to be captivated by these unforgettable tales of elaborate schemes and brilliant masterminds.
Click below to delve deeper into our rating system and learn all about the inner workings of our algorithm.
[+] Top10nerScore72.039 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Roger Donaldson
WRITERS: Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Coulter, Karl von Moller
STARRING: Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Daniel Mays, Stephen Campbell Moore, James Faulkner
GENRE: Heist Film, Thriller, Crime
Martine offers Terry a lead on a foolproof bank hit on London’s Baker Street. She targets a roomful of safe deposit boxes worth millions in cash and jewelry along with a treasure trove of dirty secrets.
The Bank Job delivers a gritty, twist-laden heist tale set against 1970s London. With meticulous planning and relentless tension, it captures the essence of the genre, showcasing the intricacies of crime and betrayal. The era’s atmosphere enriches the stakes and suspense.
[+] Top10nerScore72.720 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Steve McQueen
WRITERS: Steve McQueen, Gillian Flynn
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sean Bobbitt
STARRING: Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Brian Tyree Henry, Daniel Kaluuya, Robert Duvall, Liam Neeson, Lukas Haas
GENRE: Heist Film, Drama, Thriller
A police shootout leaves four thieves dead during an explosive armed robbery attempt in Chicago. Their widows have nothing in common except a debt left behind by their spouses’ criminal activities. Hoping to forge a future on their own terms, they join forces to pull off a heist.
Widows reinvents the heist genre with a sharp, socially-conscious edge. Set in a gritty, crime-ridden Chicago, McQueen crafts a tense, character-driven thriller. Its multi-layered narrative explores ambition, betrayal, and survival, punctuated by smart twists and visceral action.
[+] Top10nerScore72.734 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Brian G. Hutton
WRITERS: Troy Kennedy Martin
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gabriel Figueroa
STARRING: Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland, Don Rickles, Gavin MacLeod, Carroll O’Connor, Harry Dean Stanton
GENRE: War, Comedy, Adventure, Heist Film, Action
A misfit group of World War II American soldiers goes AWOL to rob a bank behind German lines.
Kelly’s Heroes dazzles as a World War II heist film that merges sharp humor with clever strategy. The film’s audacious plot – an American squad raiding a Nazi gold stash – delivers a thrilling blend of action and comedy. It’s a heist adventure with charisma and wit.
[+] Top10nerScore72.937 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Frankenheimer
WRITERS: David Mamet, J.D. Zeik
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Fraisse
STARRING: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Bean, Jonathan Pryce
GENRE: Action, Thriller, Heist Film
A briefcase with undisclosed contents – sought by Irish terrorists and the Russian mob – makes its way into criminals’ hands. An Irish liaison assembles a squad of mercenaries, or ‘ronin’, and gives them the thorny task of recovering the case.
Ronin is a thrilling ride through the streets of Europe, where a team of skilled operatives takes on a high-stakes heist. With its intense car chases, intricate plot, and sharp dialogue, this film offers a smart, gritty, and highly engaging experience for heist aficionados.
[+] Top10nerScore73.246 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Justin Lin
WRITERS: Chris Morgan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Stephen F. Windon
STARRING: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Gal Gadot, Sung Kang
GENRE: Action, Heist Film, Crime
Former cop Brian O’Conner partners with ex-con Dom Toretto on the opposite side of the law. Since Brian and Mia Toretto broke Dom out of custody, they’ve blown across many borders to elude authorities. Now backed into a corner in Rio de Janeiro, they must pull one last job in order to gain their freedom.
Fast Five revamps the franchise into a high-octane heist thriller. With a sun-drenched Rio de Janeiro backdrop, it delivers thrilling set pieces, a gripping robbery plot, and adrenaline-pumping action. Justin Lin masters tension, ensuring every twist keeps viewers on edge.
[+] Top10nerScore73.603 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Wes Anderson
WRITERS: Owen Wilson, Wes Anderson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert D. Yeoman
STARRING: Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, James Caan, Robert Musgrave, Lumi Cavazos, Andrew Wilson
GENRE: Comedy, Heist Film
THEME: Buddy
Upon his release from a mental hospital following a nervous breakdown, the directionless Anthony joins his friend Dignan, who seems far less sane than the former. Dignan has hatched a hair-brained scheme for an as-yet-unspecified crime spree that somehow involves his former boss, the (supposedly) legendary Mr. Henry.
Bottle Rocket delights with its inventive heist plot and whimsical humor. Wes Anderson’s debut offers a refreshing twist on the caper genre, focusing on bumbling thieves and their endearing misadventures. The film’s originality and quirky charm make it an unforgettable watch.
[+] Top10nerScore74.162 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Michael Cimino
WRITERS: Michael Cimino
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Frank Stanley
STARRING: Clint Eastwood, Jeff Bridges, George Kennedy, Geoffrey Lewis, Catherine Bach
GENRE: Heist Film, Comedy
THEME: Buddy, Road Movie
MOVEMENT: New Hollywood
With the help of an irreverent young sidekick, a bank robber gets his old gang back together to organise a daring new heist.
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot delivers a thrilling heist adventure with a perfect blend of clever plotting and exhilarating action. Eastwood and Bridges shine with dynamic chemistry, navigating a labyrinth of twists, humor, and excitement. A standout caper that keeps audiences hooked.
[+] Top10nerScore74.711 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Robert Siodmak
WRITERS: Daniel Fuchs, William Bowers
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Franz Planer
STARRING: Burt Lancaster, Yvonne De Carlo, Dan Duryea, Stephen McNally
GENRE: Film noir, Heist Film
An armored-car guard must join a robbery after being caught with his ex-wife by her gangster husband.
Criss Cross is a riveting gem in heist cinema, brimming with stylish noir flair and intricate twists. Lancaster delivers a masterful performance, navigating a web of deception with finesse. The film’s taut narrative and atmospheric tension keep viewers hooked until the last frame.
[+] Top10nerScore74.772 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Morten Tyldum
WRITERS: Lars Gudmestad, Ulf Rydberg
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Andreas Andersen
STARRING: Aksel Hennie, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Synnøve Macody Lund, Julie R. Ølgaard, Eivind Sander
GENRE: Thriller, Crime, Nordic Noir, Heist Film
Roger seems to have it all: he is Norway’s most successful headhunter, is married to a beautiful gallery-owner, and owns a magnificent villa—but needs to steal art on the side to afford his lifestyle. When his wife introduces him to Clas Greve, he finds the new target of his biggest hit ever.
Headhunters delivers a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled heist thriller that keeps audiences on edge. With sharp twists and clever plot, it deftly combines dark humor and intense action. A must-watch for thrill-seekers, this Norwegian gem packs a punch with style and wit.
[+] Top10nerScore75.005 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Peter Yates
WRITERS: Paul Monash
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Victor J. Kemper
STARRING: Robert Mitchum, Peter Boyle, Richard Jordan, Steven Keats, Alex Rocco, Joe Santos
GENRE: Heist Film, Gangster Film, Neo-Noir
MOVEMENT: New Hollywood
An aging hood is about to go back to prison. Hoping to escape his fate, he supplies information on stolen guns to the feds, while simultaneously supplying arms to his bank robbing chums.
The Friends of Eddie Coyle grips with its gritty, realistic portrayal of a heist-riddled Boston. With meticulous detail, the film immerses viewers in a world of betrayal and cunning, where every twist in the heist plan amplifies the tension. A gripping, raw gem in crime cinema.
[+] Top10nerScore75.011 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Steven Soderbergh
WRITERS: Jules Asner
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Steven Soderbergh
STARRING: Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, Riley Keough, Katie Holmes
GENRE: Heist Film, Comedy
Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy and Clyde Logan set out to execute an elaborate robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Logan Lucky is a rollicking heist film with a blue-collar twist. Soderbergh’s direction shines as a down-on-their-luck family plots an elaborate NASCAR robbery. Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and a scene-stealing Daniel Craig deliver charm and wit in this cleverly crafted caper.
[+] Top10nerScore75.247 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sidney Lumet
WRITERS: Kelly Masterson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ron Fortunato
STARRING: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, Marisa Tomei, Michael Shannon, Amy Ryan, Aleksa Palladino
GENRE: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Family Drama, Heist Film
When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents’ jewelry store, the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that send them and their family hurtling towards a shattering climax.
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead delivers a riveting heist drama infused with suspense and raw emotion. Lumet crafts a masterful tale of a botched robbery that spirals into chaos, where family tensions and moral dilemmas collide, making every twist a gut-wrenching surprise.
[+] Top10nerScore75.782 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Raoul Walsh
WRITERS: W.R. Burnett, John Huston
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tony Gaudio
STARRING: Humphrey Bogart, Ida Lupino, Alan Curtis, Arthur Kennedy, Joan Leslie
GENRE: Heist Film, Drama, Gangster Film, Film noir, Crime
After being released from prison, notorious thief Roy Earle is hired by his old boss to help a group of inexperienced criminals plan and carry out the robbery of a California resort.
High Sierra skillfully blends heist thrills with Bogart’s iconic gritty charm. Ida Lupino’s performance adds depth, while the rugged landscapes set a dramatic stage. A compelling mix of action and character, this classic crime saga captivates audiences from start to finish.
[+] Top10nerScore76.102 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore76.319 / 100
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DIRECTOR: William Wyler
WRITERS: Harry Kurnitz
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Charles Lang
STARRING: Audrey Hepburn, Peter O’Toole, Hugh Griffith, Eli Wallach, Charles Boyer
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Heist Film
A woman must steal a statue from a Paris museum to help conceal her father’s art forgeries.
In How to Steal a Million, William Wyler crafts a dazzling heist film where sophistication meets wit. Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole shine as a charming duo, blending romance with clever capers. It’s a stylish escapade with laugh-out-loud moments and smart twists.
[+] Top10nerScore76.347 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sam Peckinpah
WRITERS: Walter Hill
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lucien Ballard
STARRING: Steve McQueen, Ali MacGraw, Ben Johnson, Al Lettieri, Sally Struthers, Slim Pickens
GENRE: Thriller, Action, Heist Film, Crime
THEME: Road Movie
MOVEMENT: New Hollywood
Doc McCoy has been granted parole. The catch is that Sheriff Beynon expects a small favor from McCoy for his generosity: robbing another bank…
The Getaway is a riveting heist film that crackles with tension and grit. Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw deliver magnetic performances, navigating a labyrinth of betrayals and bullets. Peckinpah’s direction amplifies the adrenaline, making every twist and turn count.
[+] Top10nerScore76.403 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Peter Collinson
WRITERS: Troy Kennedy Martin
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Douglas Slocombe
STARRING: Michael Caine, Noël Coward, Benny Hill, Margaret Blye, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley, Rossano Brazzi
GENRE: Heist Film, Comedy
Charlie is just out of the prison when he learns about his friends’ failed attempt at carrying out a heist in Italy. Now with the Mafia close on his heels, he intends to carry out the job himself.
The Italian Job dazzles with its stylish heist, iconic Mini Coopers, and Michael Caine’s charisma. This caper blends humor and high-octane thrills, showcasing a brilliantly executed robbery that’s both entertaining and audacious, with a finale that’s pure comedic genius.
[+] Top10nerScore76.939 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore77.154 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore77.163 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Kathryn Bigelow
WRITERS: W. Peter Iliff
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Donald Peterman
STARRING: Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey, Lori Petty, John C. McGinley, James Le Gros
GENRE: Action, Crime, Heist Film
In Los Angeles, a gang of bank robbers call themselves The Ex-Presidents commit their crimes while wearing masks of Reagan, Carter, Nixon and Johnson. The F.B.I. believes that the members of the gang could be surfers and send young agent Johnny Utah undercover at the beach to mix with the surfers and gather information.
Point Break delivers a high-octane heist thrill ride with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze at their charismatic best. The film blends skydiving and surf culture into its high-stakes robberies, crafting a gripping, action-packed experience that’s both exhilarating and unforgettable.
[+] Top10nerScore77.323 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore77.323 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sebastian Schipper
WRITERS: Olivia Neergaard-Holm, Eike Frederik Schulz, Sebastian Schipper
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sturla Brandth Grøvlen
STARRING: Laia Costa, Frederick Lau, Burak Yigit, Max Mauff, Franz Rogowski, André Hennicke
GENRE: Drama, Heist Film, Romance, Crime
A young Spanish woman who has newly moved to Berlin finds her flirtation with a local guy turn potentially deadly as their night out with his friends reveals a dangerous secret.
Victoria reinvents the heist genre with its thrilling real-time journey. Captured in a daring single shot, the film plunges into a Berlin night brimming with adrenaline and high-stakes antics. With its dynamic energy and bold innovation, it’s an unforgettable, pulse-pounding ride.
[+] Top10nerScore77.485 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Steven Soderbergh
WRITERS: Scott Frank
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Elliot Davis
STARRING: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle, Dennis Farina, Albert Brooks, Steve Zahn, Luis Guzmán
GENRE: Heist Film, Romance, Crime
Meet Jack Foley, a smooth criminal who bends the law and is determined to make one last heist. Karen Sisco is a federal marshal who chooses all the right moves … and all the wrong guys. Now they’re willing to risk it all to find out if there’s more between them than just the law.
Out of Sight sizzles with charm and wit, weaving a clever heist plot through steamy romance and sharp dialogue. George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez’s chemistry electrifies every scene, while Soderbergh’s expertise turns a crime story into a stylish, unforgettable ride.
[+] Top10nerScore77.731 / 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.
[+] Top10nerScore77.900 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Don Siegel
WRITERS: Howard Rodman, Dean Riesner
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael C. Butler
STARRING: Walter Matthau, Joe Don Baker, Felicia Farr, Andrew Robinson, Sheree North, John Vernon, Norman Fell
GENRE: Heist Film, Thriller
MOVEMENT: New Hollywood
Charley Varrick robs a bank in a small town with his friends, but instead of obtaining a small amount of money, they discover they stole a very large amount of money belonging to the mob. Charley must now come up with a plan to not only evade the police but the mob as well.
Charley Varrick revitalizes the heist genre with its sharp, inventive approach. Matthau stars as a cunning thief whose meticulously planned robbery unravels into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse. With a taut script and clever twists, this film keeps audiences gripped throughout.
