If you enjoyed the gripping drama and investigative twists of 'The Fake Sheikh (2023),' you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same suspense, deception, and high-stakes storytelling. Whether you're a fan of undercover journalism, thrilling cons, or intense character studies, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Sting (1973)
Description: A classic con artist film set in the 1930s, featuring elaborate schemes, deception, and a focus on the art of the grift. The storytelling is clever and twist-heavy, much like the reference title.
Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The iconic ragtime piano score was composed by Marvin Hamlisch.


Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)
Description: A comedic take on the con artist genre, featuring two rival swindlers competing to outwit each other in a series of hilarious schemes.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1964 movie 'Bedtime Story,' starring Marlon Brando and David Niven.


The Grifters (1990)
Description: A dark and gritty exploration of the con artist lifestyle, with a focus on betrayal, psychological manipulation, and the high cost of deception.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Jim Thompson, a prolific writer of crime fiction known for his hardboiled style.


Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Description: A high-stakes cat-and-mouse game between a charming con artist and a relentless FBI agent. The film explores themes of identity, deception, and the thrill of the chase.
Fact: The story is based on the real-life exploits of Frank Abagnale Jr., who successfully impersonated a pilot, doctor, and lawyer before turning


Matchstick Men (2003)
Description: A psychological thriller about a neurotic con artist whose life unravels when his estranged daughter enters the picture, blending deception with emotional depth.
Fact: Nicolas Cage prepared for his role by studying obsessive-compulsive disorder and even incorporated some of his own quirks into the character.


The Brothers Bloom (2008)
Description: A whimsical and stylish con artist film that explores themes of storytelling, identity, and the blurred line between reality and fiction.
Fact: The film's director, Rian Johnson, is also known for his work on 'Looper' and 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi.'


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: A high-energy tale of excess, greed, and financial fraud, showcasing the darker side of ambition and the art of manipulation.
Fact: The film holds the record for the most uses of the F-word in a non-documentary film, with 569 instances.


Now You See Me (2013)
Description: A fast-paced thriller about a team of illusionists who pull off heists during their performances, blending magic with high-stakes deception.
Fact: The film's sequel, 'Now You See Me 2,' was released in 2016 and featured an even more elaborate heist.


American Hustle (2013)
Description: A stylish crime drama centered around con artists and FBI stings, with a strong emphasis on character-driven storytelling and intricate schemes.
Fact: The film was loosely inspired by the FBI's ABSCAM operation in the late 1970s and early 1980s.


Focus (2015)
Description: A slick, modern take on the con artist genre, featuring intricate heists, romantic tension, and a twist-filled narrative.
Fact: Will Smith and Margot Robbie's chemistry in the film led to their reunion in the 2016 movie 'Suicide Squad.'
