30 Greatest Heist Movies Ranked From Good to Unforgettable
Heist films pull us in with sharp schemes, tense stakes, and crews we can’t help but root for. From cracking vaults to outsmarting cops, the genre mixes clever twists with raw thrills. The best ones keep us guessing and leave us buzzing long after the credits.
I’ve ranked the 30 best heist movies ever, from solid capers to pure classics, based on their craft, excitement, and lasting spark. Here’s the countdown from the least to the greatest, diving into why these films steal our hearts.
30. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)
Tony Scott’s remake pits Denzel Washington’s subway worker against John Travolta’s wild hijacker holding a train hostage. The gritty New York vibe and fast cuts keep it alive. It raked in $150 million at the box office.
The leads deliver, but the story leans on worn-out tropes and lacks the original’s edge. It’s a fun ride that doesn’t climb higher due to its shallow plot.
29. Tower Heist (2011)
Brett Ratner’s comedy follows Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy as building staff robbing a crooked tycoon, played by Alan Alda. The ensemble’s energy and light laughs make it an easy watch. It earned $152 million.
The predictable script and spotty humor hold it back. It’s entertaining but lacks the smarts to stand out in the heist crowd.
28. Now You See Me (2013)
This flashy caper tracks magicians, led by Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson, pulling heists disguised as magic shows. Mark Ruffalo’s FBI agent chases them through wild set pieces. It grossed $351 million.
The twist-heavy plot dazzles but gets messy, favoring flair over logic. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t fully land.
27. The Italian Job (2003)
F. Gary Gray’s remake stars Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron in a gold heist with slick Mini Cooper chases. The Venice opening brings thrills. It made $176 million.
It’s polished but misses the 1969 original’s wit, feeling more routine than gripping. The cast keeps it watchable, but it’s no standout.
26. Entrapment (1999)
Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones play thieves targeting a global fortune. Their chemistry and the laser-dodging scene pop. It earned $212 million.
The thin story and dated tech drag it down. It’s a sleek thriller but lacks the depth to rank higher.
25. The Score (2001)
Robert De Niro’s veteran thief teams with Edward Norton for a safe-cracking job. Marlon Brando adds grit in a tense Montreal setting. It grossed $113 million.
The strong performances lift a basic plot, but it lacks a memorable edge. It’s solid but doesn’t push the genre.
24. Army of Thieves (2021)
A prequel to ‘Army of the Dead,’ Matthias Schweighöfer’s safecracker Dieter tackles European vaults. Its quirky tone and stylish heists keep it fun. It’s a Netflix hit.
The light stakes and familiar plot don’t fully impress. It’s a lively detour but misses top-tier intensity.
23. Man on a Ledge (2012)
Sam Worthington’s ex-cop stages a heist while perched on a skyscraper ledge. Elizabeth Banks and Jamie Bell add tension. It earned $46 million.
The bold setup intrigues, but predictable twists and flat characters weaken it. It’s a decent thriller that doesn’t soar.
22. Snatch (2000)
Guy Ritchie’s chaotic caper weaves a diamond heist with bumbling crooks, led by Jason Statham and Brad Pitt’s wild boxer. Its kinetic style pops. It grossed $83 million.
The sprawling cast can feel overstuffed, but the humor lands. It’s fun but less sharp than Ritchie’s best.
21. The Town (2010)
Ben Affleck directs and stars as a bank robber juggling a heist and romance with Rebecca Hall. The Boston setting and intense shootouts grip. It made $154 million.
The strong cast and action shine, but the romance feels tacked on. It’s a solid heist film just shy of greatness.
20. Ant-Man (2015)
Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang becomes a shrinking thief in this MCU heist, guided by Michael Douglas. The playful tone and size gags deliver. It grossed $519 million.
It’s a fresh superhero spin, but the stakes feel low for a heist. Its charm lands it in the top 20.
19. Baby Driver (2017)
Edgar Wright’s stylish thriller stars Ansel Elgort as a getaway driver syncing heists to music. Jamie Foxx and Jon Hamm add edge. It earned $226 million.
The slick soundtrack and chases dazzle, but the thin plot holds it back. It’s a thrilling ride just outside the top tier.
18. Point Break (1991)
Kathryn Bigelow’s action-heist follows Keanu Reeves’ FBI agent infiltrating Patrick Swayze’s surfing robbers. The high-energy stunts shine. It grossed $83 million.
The over-the-top vibe is fun, but the story leans on clichés. Its bold energy makes it a cult favorite.
17. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Guy Ritchie’s debut tracks small-time crooks, led by Jason Statham, in a botched heist. Its dark humor and twisty plot pop. It made $28 million.
The raw energy is infectious, but it’s less polished than later Ritchie films. It’s a gritty gem that set the stage.
16. The Sting (1973)
Robert Redford and Paul Newman play conmen pulling a big scam. The jazzy score and clever twists won seven Oscars. It grossed $160 million.
Its charm is timeless, but it feels slightly dated next to modern heists. The stellar cast keeps it high.
15. Three Kings (1999)
David O. Russell’s war-heist stars George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg stealing gold in post-Gulf War chaos. Its humor and drama click. It earned $107 million.
The bold tone and sharp commentary shine, but the pacing dips. It’s a unique heist that stands out.
14. The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Pierce Brosnan’s suave thief and Rene Russo’s investigator spark in this art heist remake. The cat-and-mouse game thrills. It grossed $124 million.
The chemistry carries it, but the plot lacks surprises. It’s a sleek thriller just shy of the top ranks.
13. Die Hard (1988)
Bruce Willis’s John McClane battles Alan Rickman’s heist crew in a skyscraper. The action and one-liners redefined the genre. It made $140 million.
It’s more action than pure heist, but its tight pacing earns its spot. Rickman’s villain steals the show.
12. Inside Man (2006)
Spike Lee’s thriller stars Denzel Washington as a cop facing Clive Owen’s clever bank robber. The twisty plot and New York grit shine. It grossed $184 million.
The sharp direction and cast lift a slightly overstretched story. It’s a standout modern heist.
11. Ronin (1998)
Robert De Niro leads mercenaries, including Jean Reno, chasing a mysterious case. John Frankenheimer’s car chases are legendary. It earned $70 million.
The lean plot and gritty action are top-notch, but the cold tone limits its heart. It’s a thrilling near-classic.
10. Thief (1981)
Michael Mann’s debut stars James Caan as a safecracker planning one last job. The neon aesthetic and intense heists set the tone. It made $11 million.
Its raw emotion and style make it a cult gem. It’s just shy of the top for its slower pace.
9. The Usual Suspects (1995)
Kevin Spacey’s conman spins a tale of a botched heist and a mysterious crime lord. The iconic twist stunned audiences. It grossed $23 million.
The clever narrative and Spacey’s Oscar-winning role shine, but it leans on the twist. It’s a near-perfect caper.
8. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis lead a comedic heist with double-crosses galore. The sharp wit and chaos earned an Oscar. It made $62 million.
The humor and twists are flawless, but it’s lighter than darker heists. It’s a comedy gem.
7. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Quentin Tarantino’s debut follows a heist gone wrong, with Tim Roth and Harvey Keitel unraveling the betrayal. The dialogue pops. It earned $2.8 million.
The lean story and raw tension are masterful, but its small scale keeps it just below the top. It’s a gritty classic.
6. The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
John Huston’s noir tracks a jewel heist with Sterling Hayden’s crew unraveling. Its gritty realism set the genre’s tone. It was a critical hit.
The tight plot and tragic vibe are timeless, though it’s less flashy than modern heists. It’s a foundational gem.
5. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Al Pacino’s desperate bank robber holds hostages in a sweaty, real-life-inspired heist. Sidney Lumet’s direction earned six Oscar nods. It made $50 million.
The raw emotion and tension are unmatched, though its slower moments trail the top. It’s a gripping classic.
4. Rififi (1955)
Jules Dassin’s French noir follows a jewel heist with a silent, 30-minute break-in scene. Its meticulous detail stunned audiences. It was a festival hit.
The bold execution and gritty fallout are near-perfect, but its age shows slightly. It’s a heist blueprint.
3. Heat (1995)
Michael Mann’s epic pits Robert De Niro’s thief against Al Pacino’s cop in a bank heist showdown. The coffee shop scene and shootout are iconic. It grossed $187 million.
The intense performances and action are flawless, though the runtime stretches. It’s a towering achievement.
2. Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending heist stars Leonardo DiCaprio stealing secrets from dreams. The layered plot and visuals dazzle. It earned $836 million.
The innovative concept and emotional core nearly top the list, but its complexity can overwhelm. It’s a modern masterpiece.
1. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Steven Soderbergh’s slick caper stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt leading a crew to rob three Vegas casinos. The charm, twists, and pacing are perfect. It grossed $450 million.
Its effortless cool, tight script, and rewatchable fun make it the ultimate heist film. It outshines all contenders.
What’s your favorite heist movie, or did I skip one that deserves a spot? Share your thoughts in the comments!