If you loved the gripping heist drama 'Widows' (2018), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and shows with similar themes of crime, revenge, and strong female leads. Whether you're drawn to intense storytelling or powerful performances, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Heat (1995)
Description: A masterclass in heist cinema, featuring meticulously planned robberies, intense cat-and-mouse chases, and deep explorations of the lives of both criminals and law enforcement.
Fact: The famous downtown shootout scene was filmed with live ammunition to enhance realism, a rarity in Hollywood. The film's influence can be seen in many subsequent heist and action movies.


Set It Off (1996)
Description: A gripping heist film centered around a group of women who turn to crime out of desperation, blending intense action with deep emotional stakes and social commentary.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life bank robberies committed by women in Los Angeles during the early 1990s. It was one of the first mainstream films to portray Black women as complex, multidimensional characters in a heist narrative.


The Bank Job (2008)
Description: A gritty, fact-based heist film that delves into the political and criminal underworld, with a focus on the consequences of the robbery rather than just the act itself.
Fact: The film is based on the infamous 1971 Baker Street robbery in London, which was suppressed by the British government due to its sensitive nature. Many details were only declassified decades later.


The Score (2001)
Description: A sophisticated heist thriller about an aging thief planning one last job, featuring intricate planning, tension between crew members, and a high-stakes finale.
Fact: The film marked the first and only time Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando appeared together on screen. The Montreal setting added a unique, less-explored backdrop for a heist film.


The Italian Job (2003)
Description: A fast-paced heist film with a focus on clever planning, high-tech gadgets, and thrilling car chases, all driven by a team seeking revenge and redemption.
Fact: The iconic Mini Cooper chase scenes were performed by real drivers, not CGI, and required months of preparation. The film is a loose remake of the 1969 British classic of the same name.


Inside Man (2006)
Description: A smart, twist-filled heist movie where the robbers' true motives are slowly revealed, blending suspense with sharp dialogue and a non-linear narrative.
Fact: Spike Lee deliberately avoided showing the actual heist in real-time to keep the audience guessing. The film's title refers to the insider knowledge required to pull off the perfect crime.


The Town (2010)
Description: A tense crime thriller about a group of bank robbers navigating loyalty, betrayal, and the pressures of their dangerous lifestyle, with a strong focus on character dynamics.
Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, insisted on filming many scenes in actual Boston locations to capture the city's gritty authenticity. The film's climactic heist at Fenway Park was a logistical challenge to shoot.


Den of Thieves (2018)
Description: A hard-hitting crime drama that pits a crew of ruthless bank robbers against a morally ambiguous police unit, blurring the lines between good and bad.
Fact: The film's climactic shootout was inspired by real-life incidents involving armored truck heists. The script went through multiple rewrites to balance action with character development.


Triple 9 (2016)
Description: A dark, chaotic heist film where corrupt cops and criminals collide in a violent, unpredictable world, emphasizing moral ambiguity and relentless tension.
Fact: The title refers to the police code for 'officer down,' a key plot point. The film's gritty aesthetic was achieved by shooting in real Atlanta neighborhoods known for high crime rates.


Ocean's Eight (2018)
Description: A stylish and clever heist movie featuring an all-female crew executing a high-stakes robbery, emphasizing teamwork, meticulous planning, and sharp wit.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a sequel to Ocean's Eleven but evolved into a standalone story. The Met Gala heist scene required extensive coordination with the actual event's organizers to ensure authenticity.
