Art theft has always been a fascinating theme in cinema, combining high stakes, intricate plots, and the allure of the world's most valuable treasures. This curated list of films delves into the shadowy world of art heists, where cunning thieves devise elaborate schemes to steal priceless masterpieces. From classic capers to modern-day thrillers, these movies not only entertain but also offer a glimpse into the meticulous planning and execution behind these audacious crimes. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a fan of suspenseful storytelling, this collection promises a thrilling ride through the art underworld.

How to Steal a Million (1966)
Description: A woman hires a charming burglar to steal a fake sculpture her father created, to prevent its exposure as a forgery during an exhibition.
Fact: The film features Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole in a light-hearted caper, showcasing Paris's art scene.


The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: While not directly about art, this film involves a heist on a New York City subway train, showcasing the tension and strategy akin to art thefts.
Fact: The film has been remade twice, in 1998 and 2009, with the latter starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta.


Entrapment (1999)
Description: An insurance agent and an art thief engage in a high-stakes game of deception and seduction, culminating in an attempt to steal a priceless Chinese mask.
Fact: The film was shot in several exotic locations, including the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, which was the tallest building in the world at the time.


The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Description: A sophisticated game of cat and mouse unfolds when a millionaire art collector, Thomas Crown, steals a Monet from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, only to find himself pursued by an insurance investigator with a mind as sharp as his own.
Fact: The film features a memorable chess game scene where the characters use the board to flirt and strategize. The original 1968 film was also about an art heist but had a different plot.


The Score (2001)
Description: A master thief agrees to one last job, stealing a priceless scepter from the Montreal Customs House, but the plan is complicated by a young and ambitious partner.
Fact: This was Robert De Niro's first film with Marlon Brando, who plays his mentor in the movie.


The Italian Job (2003)
Description: A team of expert thieves plans to steal gold from a former associate in Venice, using a complex heist involving Mini Coopers and a lot of ingenuity.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1969 British film of the same name, but with a modern twist and a different plot.


The Art of the Steal (2013)
Description: A group of expert thieves reunite for one final heist to steal a priceless book from a museum, but their plan is jeopardized by personal conflicts and unexpected twists.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life art heists, including the infamous theft of the Codex Leicester by Leonardo da Vinci.


The Forger (2014)
Description: A former art prodigy, now a master forger, is released from prison to help steal a painting by Monet to save his ailing son.
Fact: The film was shot in Boston, where the real-life Gardner Museum heist, one of the largest art thefts in history, took place.


The Maiden Heist (2009)
Description: Three museum security guards, obsessed with the art they protect, hatch a plan to steal the pieces they love before they are transferred to another museum.
Fact: The film stars Morgan Freeman, Christopher Walken, and William H. Macy, who bring humor and heart to the heist.


The Great Train Robbery (1978)
Description: Although not strictly about art theft, this film features a meticulously planned heist to steal gold from a moving train, showcasing the same level of cunning and planning as art thefts.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life Great Gold Robbery of 1855, adapted from Michael Crichton's novel.
