If you loved the tension and craftsmanship of The Outfit (2022), a gripping crime thriller set in a tailor's shop, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that deliver the same blend of sharp dialogue, confined settings, and high-stakes drama. Whether you're a fan of meticulous plotting or character-driven suspense, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Sting (1973)
Description: A classic con artist film set in the 1930s, featuring intricate schemes, deception, and a focus on the art of the grift. The narrative is driven by clever twists and a meticulous attention to detail in the execution of cons.
Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The ragtime piano music, composed by Marvin Hamlisch, became iconic and is often associated with the film.


House of Games (1987)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into the world of con games and manipulation. The film is known for its sharp dialogue, tense atmosphere, and exploration of the psychology behind cons.
Fact: This was playwright David Mamet's directorial debut. The film's title refers to a fictional bar where much of the action takes place.


The Grifters (1990)
Description: A dark and gritty tale of con artists navigating a world of betrayal and danger. The film delves into the psychological toll of a life built on deception and the complex relationships between its characters.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Jim Thompson, a prolific crime writer known for his hardboiled style. It was directed by Stephen Frears, who brought a noir sensibility to the story.


The Spanish Prisoner (1997)
Description: A cerebral thriller about an elaborate con that unfolds with meticulous precision. The film is marked by its intricate plot, unexpected twists, and a focus on the mechanics of deception.
Fact: The title refers to a classic con game known as the 'Spanish Prisoner' scam. The film was shot on a relatively low budget but received critical acclaim for its clever script.


Nine Queens (2000)
Description: A gripping Argentine crime film about a day in the life of two con artists trying to pull off a major scam. The film is celebrated for its tight script, clever twists, and exploration of moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film was a breakout hit in Argentina and helped launch the careers of its director and stars. It was remade in Hollywood as 'Criminal' (2004), though the original is widely regarded as superior.


Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Description: A fast-paced, biographical crime film about a young con artist who successfully impersonates various professionals. The story is both thrilling and poignant, exploring themes of identity and the allure of the con.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life exploits of Frank Abagnale, who forged checks worth millions before turning his life around. The opening animated sequence was inspired by the title sequences of 1960s films.


Matchstick Men (2003)
Description: A character-driven con artist story that balances humor and drama, focusing on the personal struggles of its protagonist. The film highlights the emotional consequences of a life of deceit and the possibility of redemption.
Fact: Nicolas Cage prepared for his role by studying obsessive-compulsive disorder and even consulted with a psychiatrist. The film's twist ending was kept tightly under wraps during production.


The Brothers Bloom (2008)
Description: A whimsical and visually stylish con artist film that blends adventure, romance, and comedy. The narrative is layered with meta-commentary on storytelling and the nature of deception.
Fact: The film was shot in various European locations, including Serbia and Montenegro, to create a timeless, storybook aesthetic. Director Rian Johnson cited classic con artist films as a major influence.


American Hustle (2013)
Description: A stylish crime drama centered around con artists and FBI stings, blending humor with tension. The film explores themes of identity, trust, and the blurred lines between criminals and law enforcement.
Fact: The film was loosely based on the ABSCAM operation of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Christian Bale gained 43 pounds for his role and wore a elaborate comb-over.


Focus (2015)
Description: A sleek and stylish con artist film that combines romance with high-stakes deception. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing about who is conning whom.
Fact: Will Smith and Margot Robbie performed many of their own stunts, including the pickpocketing scenes. The film's New Orleans-set Super Bowl sequence was shot during an actual NFL game.
