Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of deception, where every twist and turn keeps you on the edge of your seat? This curated list of crime films about con artists is your ticket to an exhilarating cinematic journey. From slick schemes to elaborate heists, these movies showcase the art of the con in all its glory. Whether you're a fan of psychological manipulation, high-stakes gambling, or just love a good old-fashioned swindle, this collection has something for everyone. Let's explore these cinematic gems where the line between right and wrong blurs, and the only rule is to outsmart your opponent.

The Sting (1973)
Description: This classic film follows two grifters, Johnny Hooker and Henry Gondorff, as they set up an elaborate con to take down a powerful mob boss. Its intricate plot and memorable score make it a timeless entry in the con artist genre.
Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its famous ragtime score by Scott Joplin became a cultural phenomenon.


Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)
Description: Two con men, one suave and sophisticated, the other brash and vulgar, compete to swindle a wealthy heiress out of $50,000. It's a comedy of errors with a delightful twist.
Fact: The film was remade from the 1964 film "Bedtime Story," and Steve Martin improvised many of his lines.


The Grifters (1990)
Description: This neo-noir film delves into the lives of three con artists, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the complex relationships between them. It's a gritty, compelling look at the world of small-time cons.
Fact: The film was adapted from Jim Thompson's novel, and Anjelica Huston won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role.


The Usual Suspects (1995)
Description: A group of criminals are brought together for a heist, but things go awry, leading to a twist-filled narrative about a legendary criminal mastermind. It's a film that redefined the genre with its iconic ending.
Fact: The film's famous line, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist," has become a cultural touchstone.


The Spanish Prisoner (1997)
Description: David Mamet's intricate tale of a man who invents a valuable process and falls into a web of deceit and manipulation. It's a cerebral thriller that explores the psychology of the con.
Fact: The film's title refers to an old confidence trick, and Mamet wrote the script in just 10 days.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Tom Ripley, a young man with a talent for mimicry and deception, becomes entangled in a web of lies, murder, and identity theft. It's a psychological thriller that delves deep into the psyche of a con artist.
Fact: The film was adapted from Patricia Highsmith's novel, and Matt Damon learned to play the piano for his role.


Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Description: Danny Ocean and his crew plan an elaborate heist to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. It's a slick, stylish, and fun take on the heist genre, filled with charm and wit.
Fact: The film was a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack movie of the same name, and it revitalized George Clooney's career.


Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Description: Based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., this film showcases his audacious cons, from impersonating a pilot to forging checks, all while being chased by the FBI. It's a masterclass in charm and deception.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio learned to fly a plane for his role, and the real Frank Abagnale Jr. served as a consultant for the film.


Matchstick Men (2003)
Description: A con artist with obsessive-compulsive disorder takes on a young apprentice, leading to a series of events that blur the lines between reality and deception. It's a dark comedy with a heart.
Fact: Nicolas Cage prepared for his role by consulting with people who have OCD, and the film was based on a novel by Eric Garcia.


The Brothers Bloom (2008)
Description: Two brothers, lifelong con artists, pull off one last job involving a reclusive heiress. It's a whimsical, romantic, and clever film that plays with the conventions of the con artist genre.
Fact: The film was shot in multiple locations, including Serbia, Romania, and the U.S., to capture the globetrotting feel of the story.
