This week’s bold heist at the Louvre has resonated deeply with audiences, stirring an interest in cinematic alternatives that capture the thrill of grand theft. Instead of orchestrating your own caper, indulging in compelling heist films is a perfect way to experience that excitement. Below, we present a selection of the top heist films that will satisfy your inner thief.
Top 20 Heist Films to Satisfy Your Inner Thief
Contemporary Capers
- The Mastermind: Inspired by a 1972 art heist in Massachusetts, the film follows a man’s leisurely attempt to steal four paintings. Release date: October 31, 2023.
- The Gold: A British series detailing the aftermath of the 1983 Brink’s-Mat gold robbery. Available on CBC Gem.
- Crime 101: This film starring Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry centers on a jewel heist along California’s 101 freeway. In theaters February 2026.
- The Christophers: While not fully heist-focused, this Steven Soderbergh film includes a small heist element. Scheduled for release in 2026.
Classic Heist Films
- Le Cercle Rouge: A taut French thriller about a group of burglars whose fates intertwine during a jewel heist. Available for streaming on Apple TV.
- Rififi: Often hailed as the best heist film ever, this movie features a meticulously planned heist without dialogue for a tense 30-minute sequence. Available on DVD and Blu-ray.
- How to Steal a Million: Audrey Hepburn stars as the daughter of an art forger who partners with a burglar to reclaim a statue. Rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube.
- Bonnie and Clyde: Although focused on robberies, this film is a classic in its own right. Rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube.
Underrated Gems
- Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead: This dark film features brothers plotting to rob their parents’ jewelry store, leading to tragic results. Stream on Prime Video or Hoopla.
- Nine Queens: This Argentine film centers on two conmen scheming for rare stamps, culminating in a surprising twist. Available on YouTube TV, rent on Prime Video or Apple TV.
- Headhunters: A gripping and bloody tale of an art thief who targets the wrong client. Stream on Hoopla or Kanopy.
True Stories
- The Bling Ring: Based on real-life teen heists targeting celebrity homes, this film critiques fame and obsession. Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- American Animals: This unique film blends comedy and documentary to narrate a group of young men’s attempt to steal a rare book. Rent on Apple TV.
- Museo: This film dramatizes Mexico’s largest museum heist with an anti-capitalist lens. Rent on YouTube.
Modern Milestones
- Inside Man: A complex narrative involving a bank heist pitting clever cops against a mastermind criminal. Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- The Thomas Crown Affair: The 1999 remake emphasizes high-stakes art theft for the thrill of it. Stream on Hoopla or rent on Prime Video.
- Dragged Across Concrete: This modern noir follows corrupt cops and a desperate ex-con in pursuit of gold bullion. Stream on Prime Video.
- Heat: Another classic focusing on a significant heist involving bearer bonds. Stream on Netflix or Crave.
These films span a range of styles, from serious thrillers to light-hearted capers. Each story uniquely showcases the allure and tension surrounding heists, making them perfect for any fan of the genre.
