If you loved the clever cons, stylish animation, and globe-trotting adventures of The Great Pretender (2018), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same thrilling energy, intricate schemes, and charismatic characters. Whether you're craving more heist drama or witty storytelling, these picks will keep you hooked.

The Sting (1973)
Description: A classic con artist film set in the 1930s, following two grifters who plan an elaborate scheme to swindle a mob boss. The movie is celebrated for its twisty plot and period charm.
Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The ragtime piano score by Marvin Hamlisch became iconic and was a major factor in the movie's success.


Snatch (2000)
Description: A fast-paced crime comedy with intersecting storylines involving boxing promoters, gangsters, and a stolen diamond. The film's chaotic energy, sharp dialogue, and colorful characters make it a standout.
Fact: The film's title refers to the act of stealing, but also plays on the slang term for a quick robbery. Many of the characters' quirks were improvised by the actors.


Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Description: A sleek, star-studded heist film about a group of charismatic criminals planning an elaborate casino robbery. The movie excels in stylish execution, witty dialogue, and intricate planning.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack movie of the same name. The cast spent time with real-life thieves to prepare for their roles.


Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a young con artist who successfully impersonates various professionals while being pursued by an FBI agent. The story highlights charm, deception, and a game of wits.
Fact: Frank Abagnale Jr., the real-life con artist the film is based on, served as a consultant on the movie. He claimed that some of his exploits were even more outrageous than what was depicted.


The Italian Job (2003)
Description: A heist film featuring a team of thieves planning a gold bullion robbery in Venice. The movie is known for its high-energy action, clever planning, and Mini Cooper chase scenes.
Fact: The film is a loose remake of the 1969 British movie of the same name. The iconic Mini Cooper chase scene was filmed with real drivers, not CGI.


Hustle (2004)
Description: A British series about a team of con artists who pull off elaborate scams against corrupt individuals. The show features slick storytelling, clever twists, and a focus on the artistry of the con.
Fact: Each episode's con was meticulously planned to ensure it was theoretically possible in real life. The show's creators consulted with real con artists for authenticity.


Inside Man (2006)
Description: A clever heist thriller about a bank robbery that turns into a psychological game between the robbers and the police. The film stands out for its intelligent plotting and unexpected twists.
Fact: Director Spike Lee wanted the heist to feel realistic, so he consulted with former bank robbers. The film's title refers to both the robbers' plan and the idea of an insider's perspective.


Leverage (2008)
Description: A team of skilled criminals uses their talents to help the underdog by taking down corrupt corporations and individuals. The series combines heist elements with a Robin Hood-like morality.
Fact: The show was inspired by classic heist films and TV shows, but with a modern twist focusing on corporate crime. Each episode's heist was designed to be a self-contained story.


White Collar (2009)
Description: A stylish crime drama centered around a charming con artist who partners with the FBI to solve white-collar crimes. The show blends clever heists, intricate cons, and a playful cat-and-mouse dynamic.
Fact: The show was originally pitched as a modern-day 'Catch Me If You Can' but evolved into its own unique series. Many of the cons depicted were inspired by real-life scams.


Now You See Me (2013)
Description: A thrilling blend of magic and heist, following a group of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances. The film emphasizes misdirection, spectacle, and a sense of playful mystery.
Fact: The magic tricks in the movie were designed by professional magicians to ensure they looked authentic. The sequel was filmed in London and Macau to up the ante on the global scale of the heists.
