10 Thrilling Films About Con Artists

Description: Set during the Great Depression, this classic film follows two grifters who set up an elaborate con against a mob boss. It's a masterclass in misdirection and the art of the con, with a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its ragtime score became iconic, influencing the revival of ragtime music.

Description: A psychiatrist gets entangled in the world of con artists after trying to help one of her patients. This film by David Mamet is a study in manipulation and the allure of the con.

Fact: Mamet's background in theater is evident in the film's dialogue-driven narrative, making it a unique entry in the con artist genre.

Description: This neo-noir film delves into the lives of three con artists, each with their own schemes and secrets. It's a dark, gritty look at the world of grifters, where trust is a luxury no one can afford.

Fact: John Cusack, Anjelica Huston, and Annette Bening all received Academy Award nominations for their performances.

Description: After a heist goes wrong, a crippled con man is interrogated, and his story unfolds, revealing the enigmatic figure of Keyser Söze. This film is famous for its twist ending and the exploration of deception.

Fact: Kevin Spacey won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role, and the film's ending has become one of the most discussed in cinema history.

Description: A young inventor is drawn into a complex con involving a mysterious businessman and a beautiful woman. This film is a masterclass in misdirection and the psychology of deception.

Fact: David Mamet, known for his sharp dialogue and intricate plots, wrote and directed this film, which has become a cult classic for its clever twists.

Description: Tom Ripley is sent to Italy to bring back a rich man's son but ends up impersonating him, leading to a spiral of deceit and murder. This film is a psychological thriller about identity, envy, and the lengths one will go to escape their own life.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Jude Law.

Description: Danny Ocean and his team of eleven experts plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. It's a heist movie with charm, wit, and a twist at every turn, making it a quintessential con artist film.

Fact: The film was a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack movie of the same name, and its success spawned two sequels.

Description: This film tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who before his 19th birthday, successfully impersonated an airline pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all while cashing millions of dollars in fraudulent checks. It's a cat-and-mouse game with the FBI, showcasing the ultimate con artist's journey.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Frank Abagnale Jr. was so convincing that he was invited to speak at the FBI Academy. The real Frank Abagnale Jr. served as a consultant for the film.

Description: Roy and Frank are con artists, but when Roy's long-lost daughter enters his life, his carefully constructed world of deceit begins to unravel. This film explores the personal cost of living a life of cons.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Eric Garcia, and Nicolas Cage's performance as Roy was praised for its depth and complexity.

Description: Follow the Bloom brothers, Stephen and Bloom, as they execute their final con, involving a reclusive heiress. It's a whimsical, yet intricate tale of cons, love, and the search for meaning.

Fact: The film features a unique blend of comedy, romance, and adventure, with a script that took writer-director Rian Johnson years to perfect.