TOP TEN: Best Heist Films
They came, they saw, they stole yo shit!
 | Inside Man |
If a single detail were to be changed I think this film would have been a massive failure. However, as it is, this is one hell of a heist film masterfully carried out by Spike Lee and an excellent cast. The story is laid out in front of you in the opening moments via an excellent monologue by Clive Owen resulting in an entertaining montage getting us inside the bank, from there the perfect cast of actors hired to carry out the story take over. My initial reaction to this film left me wanting, but after repeated home viewings I have really grown to love this film.
 | The Great Train Robbery |
It's as if the Count of Monte Cristo decided to rob a train. The Great Train Robbery was obviously inspired by plenty of films before it, but I dare Steven Soderbergh to tell me he didn't obtain inspiration for Ocean's Eleven from this film, specifically the laying out of one man's daily routine as well as the ending. The joy of this film is the time period in which it is set as Sean Connery plays a Victorian con man of sorts out for one hell of a major heist as he has his eyes set on 25,000 pounds of gold bars, which are securely confined inside a four-key safe aboard a moving train. As the plot is rolled out, and Connery and his partner played by Donald Sutherland begin copying the well guarded keys you begin to respect the level they go to obtain their anonymity and innocence. The picture above should be enough to prove that.
 | Rififi |
There is so much more to Rififi than the fact it is a fantastic heist film. I could go on for ages talking about it, from the inspired use of an umbrella to the 100% dialogue free heist, and even the fact that it was made by the HUAC black-listed helmer Jules Dassin, Rififi has all the marks of a classic film. The tension mounts and the ending is spectacular. If you aren't against reading subtitles you should definitely give this movie a shot.
 | Ocean's Eleven |
Using comedy, the best looking guys in Hollywood and a well-devised plan Ocean's Eleven is an absolute classic of the modern era when it comes to heist films. Sure, the sequels didn't really amount to much, but when you consider the original film they had a lot to live up to. I could watch this movie on a daily basis without complaint.
Well Brad I'll have to say, this is the best Top Ten you've ever posted. I keep up with your articles on a daily basis and I've never read an earlier Top Ten word-to-word and placing 'Heat' at the no.1 spot just proved to that you're a guy of good taste and knowledge. Keep it up.
Dude, The Sting? Paul Newman AND Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Ray Walston, a wonderful script and brilliant directing? What about Entrapment, which kept us guessing up until the very last minute? And Sneakers? Ronin?
Only problem is that The Sting isn't a heist film, it's a con. Also, I didn't think Entrapment, Sneakers or … forgive me … Ronin were all that good. I think Ronin may have been built up too much for me before I saw it, because when I finally did I didn't like it much at all. I will say Entrapment would win for best ass shot, Zeta owns that scene.
Pawned. But still: my money is a lot more better spent when I get to see Robert Redoford and Paul Newman chewing the screen and driving my eyes crazy for not knowing who to look at.
Zeta Jones, ok. Unlucky for her, she had to share the screen with Georgeous Sean, who at 113 years still runs circles around younger folk.
I have to admit I have not seen many of your top 10 but having Heat as your number one???? Al Pachino over acts in every scene and the ending is horrible. How can you have a Heist top 10 without Heist Gene Hackman, great movie and is worth a spot especially with Heat as your number 1..
First off, great list! I'm really glad to see you defining 'a heist' and then following through consistantly.
Can you explain your reasoning for R Dogs not being a heist film?
Best,
-j
what about the score? with robert deniro
nice list.. I added like half of these to my netflix queue. I have to say, though– as far as Italian Jobs go, you have got to see the original. It's, shall we say, well aged and thoroughly tongue in cheek but I think it's a much much better movie.
cheers!
What about the very best: Thief
You mean #8 on the list?
Of recent films I would have to include INSIDE MAN and definitely drop OCEAN'S 11 on the basis that it is totally improbable, filled with so many moments of suspension of disbelieve as to force it down to the #90 position or so.
Of older films I would have to add TOPKAPI (actually got some Academy nominations and a win or two)whose use of a acrobatic component has been copied endlessly, including by OCEAN'S 11, ENTRAPMENT, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE and a dozen others. Also in the older efforts I'd add Stanley Kubrick's THE KILLING with Sterling Hayden. And if one is adding CON MEN MOVIES, how can you leave out THE STING and DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS or RUTHLESS PEOPLE?
I'd also say that THIEF w/James Caan is superior to HEAT—-same director. THE GETAWAY with Steve McQueen, directed by Sam Peckinpah desires top 10 status. The "original" TAKING OF PELHAM 123 w/Walter Matthau and RobertShaw was very entertaining, and, of course, weren't DIE HARD (and DIE HARD 3) heist movies? Both VASTLY superior to many on your list. As a matter of fact AFI lists DIE HARD as the #1 action movie.
Worst reviewer ever. He'd never seen the original 'Italian Job,' yet has the gall to make a list of top 'Heist' films and put the remake in there. Then he puts "Rififi' at #3 and has the gall to say it's worth watching, 'if you don't mind reading subtitles.' This guy obviously checked out other 'top heist movies' lists and formed his own around that of real critics'. You have to admire this yet his repugnant and blaze stupidity is unmissable.