Top 10 Heist Films About Thieves

Description: Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this film follows a group of criminals planning a racetrack heist. Its place here is due to its complex narrative structure and Kubrick's early mastery of the heist genre.

Fact: The film was shot in just 24 days, and Kubrick used a non-linear narrative structure, which was innovative for its time.

Description: While not exclusively a heist film, 'Heat' features one of the most iconic bank robbery scenes in cinema. Its place here is due to the cat-and-mouse game between a master thief and a determined cop.

Fact: The coffee shop scene between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino was improvised, and it's one of the few times these two acting legends shared the screen.

Description: A sophisticated and stylish heist film where a billionaire art thief plays a cat-and-mouse game with an insurance investigator. Its inclusion is for its elegance and the art of the heist itself.

Fact: The film was a remake of the 1968 film starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. The painting stolen in the film, "San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk" by Monet, was recreated for the movie.

Description: Based on the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery, this film captures the tension and excitement of a heist gone awry. It's included for its gritty realism and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

Fact: The film was inspired by the unsolved robbery, and many details were changed to protect the identities of those involved.

Description: This film brings together two legends, Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando, in a tale of a seasoned thief planning one last score. Its place in this list is due to the star power and the tension of the final heist.

Fact: This was Marlon Brando's final film role before his death in

Description: A suave and sophisticated heist film where Danny Ocean and his crew plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. Its place in this collection is due to its ensemble cast, slick execution, and the sheer audacity of the plan.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack film of the same name. The Bellagio, The Mirage, and The MGM Grand were the real casinos used in the heist scenes.

Description: This film is a modern classic that follows a group of thieves who plan a gold heist in Venice, Italy. The film's inclusion in this list is justified by its clever plot twists and the iconic Mini Cooper chase scenes, making it a must-watch for heist enthusiasts.

Fact: The film was a remake of the 1969 British film of the same name. The yellow, red, and blue Mini Coopers used in the film were custom-built for the movie.

Description: A modern heist film where a bank robbery turns into a hostage situation, revealing layers of deception. It's included for its intricate plot and the psychological warfare between the thief and the negotiator.

Fact: The film was Spike Lee's first foray into the heist genre, and it was shot in New York City, adding to its gritty realism.

Description: Set in Boston, this film follows a group of bank robbers whose lives are complicated by a love interest and the relentless pursuit by the FBI. Its gritty realism and character development make it a standout in this collection.

Fact: The film was based on the novel "Prince of Thieves" by Chuck Hogan, and Ben Affleck, who also directed, did much of his own stunt work.

Description: A French film that set the standard for heist movies with its nearly silent, 30-minute heist sequence. Its inclusion is for its pioneering approach to the genre and its influence on future heist films.

Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its depiction of crime, but it has since been recognized as a classic.