The 15 Best Heist Films

The Bank is Worth the Risk

By TK | Posted Under Seriously Random Lists | Comments (97)

The rules for a heist film are rather simple. You need a crew. A successful heist film cannot be a one-man job, although you should be prepared for the possibility that one of them is going to turn on the others, because traitors are everywhere. You need an objective, be it money, jewels, a technological gizmo, the secret plans, or gold. It helps if you have a dramatic escape plan. You don’t necessarily need to use violence, though having a tough guy never hurt. Oh, and frequently it’s going to be someone’s last big job. Yeah, that usually works out well.

(Side note: if anyone ever comes up to me with a foolproof plan to rob a bank… I’d consider it. If they ever tell me this is gonna be their last big score, I’m getting the fuck away from them. Don’t call me, don’t visit, nothing. Lose my number.)

But most importantly, you need a plan. The best heist films make both the planning and the execution of the heist into one fluid series of events, with the former being just as important as the latter. Gathering up the crew, scoping the joint out, getting your gear and tools and weaponry, if necessary, together — these are all critical stages of the successful heist flick. The best ones emphasize the camaraderie of the group, showing what their stakes and risks are in the caper. Sometimes they’re funny. Sometimes they’re deadly serious. Sometimes they’re a group of goddamn psychotics. Over the years, there have been some outstanding heist films… and there have been some terrible ones. But because I’m a positive guy, let’s focus on the good ones. So here we go: The Fifteen Best Heist Films. It’s in no particular order, other than this: The last one on this list is my personal favorite. Bitch to your heart’s content in the comments:

The Asphalt Jungle
Year Made: 1950
Directed by: John Houston
Starring: Sterling Haden, Louis Calhern, Jean Haden, with a small role for Marilyn Monroe

Thief
Year Made: 1981
Directed by: Michael Mann
Starring: James Caan, Tuesday Weld, Willie Nelson

Reservoir Dogs
Year Made: 1992
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, Michael Madsen

A Fish Called Wanda
Year Made: 1988
Directed by: Charles Crichton
Starring: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin

The Getaway
Year Made: 1972
Directed by: Sam Peckinpah
Starring: Steve McQueen, Ali McGraw

Ocean’s 11
Year Made: 2001
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, Elliot Gould, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts

Heist
Year Made: 2001
Directed by: David Mamet
Starring: Gene Hackman, Danny Devito, Delroy Lindo, Sam Rockwell

Quick Change
Year Made: 1990
Directed by: Howard Franklin, Bill Murray
Starring: Bill Murray, Randy Quaid, Geena Davis

Ronin
Year Made: 1998
Directed by: John Frankenheimer
Starring: Robert Deniro, Natasha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Jean Reno, Sean Bean (suck it, Dustin)

The Great Muppet Caper
Year Made: 1981
Directed by: Jim Henson
Starring: Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Gonzo, John Cleese, Charles Grodin

Sneakers
Year Made: 1992
Directed by: Phil Alden Robinson
Starring: Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix, David Strathairn, Mary McDonnell

Out of Sight
Year Made: 1998
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle, Steve Zahn

Bottle Rocket
Year Made: 1996
Directed by: Wes Anderson
Starring: Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, James Caan

Sexy Beast
Year Made: 2000
Directed by: Jonathan Glazer
Starring: Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley, Ian McShane

Heat
Year Made: 1995
Directed by: Michael Mann
Starring: Robert Deniro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Amy Brenneman, Jon Voight, Charlize Theron, Danny Trejo, William Fichtner,

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Comments

Wow, I did not know that Resevoir Dogs was made in 1192. Great movie though.

Posted by: Jadine at March 4, 2010 2:07 PM

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where the hell is Jackie Brown? I'm going to assume that was an oversight on your part, Tattooed Wonder.

Posted by: Smokin at March 4, 2010 2:07 PM

Come on! No Dog Day Afternoon?

Posted by: Cindy at March 4, 2010 2:08 PM

What about Muppets Take Manhattan? They stole a whole city! And your hearts.

Posted by: the new transported man at March 4, 2010 2:10 PM

Awww, why'd you go and fix it, 1192 was kind of funny. At least I thought so.

Posted by: Jadine at March 4, 2010 2:11 PM

Your #1 is, without question, the best of the best. Should anyone feel it necessary to disagree, Danny Trejo will be at your home or your place of employment momentarily.

Posted by: admin at March 4, 2010 2:11 PM

I love that The Great Muppet Caper is on this list. I think Inside Man should be on the list too!

Posted by: Scully at March 4, 2010 2:12 PM

Just picked up Heat on blu-ray last week. The picture isn't that great but the sound is fucking amazing. That shootout in the streets at the end almost blew up my system...

Posted by: East Coast Ugly at March 4, 2010 2:13 PM

You included The Great Muppet Caper, TK. Do you understand how happy that makes me?

Awesome list.

"Thieves aren't breathing down your neck!"

Posted by: Julie at March 4, 2010 2:14 PM

You forgot the great Heist film - "The Hot Rock" Robert Redford, George Seagel, Ron Liebman, and the brilliant Zero Mostel.

Posted by: Withnails at March 4, 2010 2:16 PM

Sneakers: underrated. Once of my favorites.

Posted by: Jim Doggie at March 4, 2010 2:18 PM

Quick Change "FLOOOOOORES PARA LOS MUUUUERTOS!

and Sneakers "My voice is my passport, verify me." Or, better yet, Ben Kingsley screaming, "MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

On the same list? I think I'm in love, TK.

Posted by: coveredinbees at March 4, 2010 2:18 PM

I know Inside Man is on the list but I can't seem to find it...

Posted by: clocker at March 4, 2010 2:19 PM

No Topkapi, Inside Man, original Italian Job, Danger Diabolik, or even Die Hard?

Posted by: Adam C at March 4, 2010 2:20 PM

Ooooh, A Fish Called Wanda! Love, love, love!

"You're the vulgarian, you fuck!"

What a great list, TK, totally fun.

Posted by: Katers at March 4, 2010 2:21 PM

Ronin is my favorite by a mile, though I liked the sordid Azaria, Judd, Kilmer triangle in Heat. Actually, that movie boats several realistically messed-up relationships. Maybe Nichols should've rented that and spared us all Closer.

Posted by: hindulovegod at March 4, 2010 2:22 PM

Heat is brilliant in its own way. So many great performances. I thought Ashley Judd and Val Kilmer each were particularly excellent, but some great stuff from Hank Azaria too in a minor role.

Posted by: Brenton at March 4, 2010 2:22 PM

No Topkapi, Inside Man, original Italian Job, Danger Diabolik, or even Die Hard?
Posted by: Adam C

I couldn't get through the original Italian Job.

Posted by: Brenton at March 4, 2010 2:24 PM

Sweet list but......
The Usual Suspects????
And I cannot forgive the exclusion of The Pink Panther (Peter Sellers and not that smarmy fucknut Steve Martin)

Posted by: bob at March 4, 2010 2:26 PM

God damn I love heist films. This is a great list, a couple of these I haven't seen and now will have to pursue. I would also like suggest the film Foolproof, a Canadian film starring Pajiba favorite Ryan Reynolds. It's a fun, slick little movie that I watch from time to time.

Posted by: danny at March 4, 2010 2:30 PM

You know, while Heat is properly lodged in the #1 spot at the top, I had to say that I was happiest to see Ocean's Eleven on the list. I was afraid it wouldn't make it, and I'm quite pleased to see that it's been recognized.

I do love a good heist flick. SO much fun.

But there's nothing worse than a bad one.

If they ever tell me this is gonna be their last big score, I’m getting the [fudge] away from them.

That cracked me up. Hilarious, TK!

Posted by: Jelinas at March 4, 2010 2:32 PM

I would like to nominate:

The Great Train Robbery
Year Made: 1979
Directed by: Michael Crichton
Starring: Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland, and Lesley-Anne Down

Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels
Year Made:1998
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Steven Mackintosh, Vinnie Jones, Lenny McLean, and P.H. Moriarty (not to mention Sting)

Posted by: DeistBrawler at March 4, 2010 2:32 PM

No Rififi? Talk about a heist film.

Posted by: jinkies at March 4, 2010 2:34 PM

As a man who generally dislike heist films, I must say most of those are on my "I enjoyed that" list.

Except for Heist. What a deplorable movie. So bad.

Posted by: bathoz at March 4, 2010 2:35 PM

I really liked "The Score" with DeNiro and Ed Norton.

Good list though.

Posted by: melisseh at March 4, 2010 2:35 PM

Wow, that's the most I've agreed with a list in history. And for anyone who hasn't seen it, Sexy Beast is the tits/peen, preference depending.

Posted by: Xtreme at March 4, 2010 2:40 PM

Ronin? Really? Over some of the other mentioned movies in the comments section? This list just heisted the sunshine out of my day...

Posted by: D-Day at March 4, 2010 2:40 PM

"What color are their hands now?"

I love you for including The Great Muppet Caper. Love. Seriously, it's the only thing I've ever liked Charles Grodin in. And Piggy kicks ass in that one.

But what about Snatch? Best accent Brad Pitt's ever attempted.

"If that's the Happiness Hotel, I'd hate to see what the sad one looks like." Wocka wocka!

Posted by: Anna von Murderpuppet at March 4, 2010 2:40 PM

A Fish Called Wanda!
Oh, TK, I love you.
And I will love you more if you start talking to me in Russian.

Posted by: esm at March 4, 2010 2:41 PM

Just watched Heat last night.

Man what the fuck happened to Tom Sizemore. He used to to be the shit for reals.

Posted by: Sad Rockstar at March 4, 2010 2:41 PM

Every time I hear the song Stuck in the Middle it makes me think of the ear scene from Resevoir Dogs.

Posted by: Jadine at March 4, 2010 2:48 PM

Miss Anna von Murderpuppet

Snatch is not a heist film.

Posted by: DeistBrawler at March 4, 2010 2:49 PM

*Reservoir* I think I spelled it wrong in my other posts. Getting old sucks.

Posted by: Jadine at March 4, 2010 2:49 PM

Thank you for updating my Netflix queue!

Also, the remake of The Italian Job would make my list. Though I am aware that I enjoy that movie way more than I should. I blame the awesomeness of Seth Green..

Posted by: gee. ay. at March 4, 2010 2:50 PM

How about THE BANK JOB?

You left out "The Statham"? oh boy, thats like insulting ryan reyonlds. you just don't do it.

the pajiban gods are not gonna be happy...

Posted by: marcusarilius777 at March 4, 2010 2:50 PM

I'll add The Killing from 1956 as one of my favorites. I think it was Drew Morton who did a piece about it on here a while back. It's a really excellent little story of robbing a racetrack, and it was one of Stanley Kubrick's first directorial efforts (and also starred Sterling Hayden, who was in The Asphalt Jungle.)

Posted by: The Wandering Parakeet at March 4, 2010 2:52 PM

Really, Deist? I thought the whole thing was about how they were after that diamond the dog (excuse me, "dag") ate... On the other hand, I'm kind of dumb sometimes, so.... there's that.

Posted by: Anna von Murderpuppet at March 4, 2010 2:55 PM

I don't know if anyone has mentioned Dog Day Afternoon yet but I would nominate it as one of the best heist movies.

Posted by: Jadine at March 4, 2010 2:59 PM

What? No Thomas Crown Affair (1999)???

/waiting

Nah, man. I'm just fucking wit'chall.

Posted by: gunnertec at March 4, 2010 3:06 PM

Big props for Sneakers and Fish Called Wanda! I liked the rest of the list as well, but those two are the ones I feared would be missed (and I'm guessing I would have been correct if almost any other movie site had written this list).

"Look! Its K-K-K-Ken and he's c-c-c-coming to k-k-k-kill me!"

Posted by: slagzoo at March 4, 2010 3:14 PM

Yes ma'am AvM but that was only part of the film. The Jewish-American man was after the diamond. Everyone else kind of got involved with the diamond in a roundabout way. There was also the underground boxing thing...

It wasn't a heist film so much as a film that kind of centered around a diamond.

Posted by: DeistBrawler at March 4, 2010 3:14 PM

Don't you mean Italian, esm?

Posted by: Cindy at March 4, 2010 3:15 PM

De Palma's Femme Fatale, just for the opening scene.

Posted by: Carissa at March 4, 2010 3:15 PM

Seriously, it's the only thing I've ever liked Charles Grodin in.

Anna von Murderpuppet What, no love for Grodin in Midnight Run???

Seriously?

Posted by: mswas at March 4, 2010 3:15 PM

"Heat" is awesome, but no "Inside Man"?

Also, "The Score" and "The Bank Job."

And a movie that probably isn't considered a heist film, technically, but qualifies as far as I'm concerned, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." That scene where they hold up the train is priceless.

Posted by: Slash at March 4, 2010 3:22 PM

Just watched Heat last night.

Man what the fuck happened to Tom Sizemore. He used to to be the shit for reals.

Posted by: Sad Rockstar at March 4, 2010 2:41 PM

Don't ever, EVER, watch Celebrity Rehab.

Posted by: piedlourde at March 4, 2010 3:26 PM

Just put Sneakers on my Netflix queue. Thank you for alerting me to something I had overlooked in my ongoing ever to catch up on the resume of Mary McDonnell. (AKA, my newest girlfriend.)

I'm even going to rewatch Independence Day for her brief role that I only vaguely remember.

I'm taking this relationship seriously.

Posted by: Gabs at March 4, 2010 3:37 PM

OOH, and Sneakers is on Netflix instant! Too bad I'm at work.

Posted by: Gabs at March 4, 2010 3:38 PM

What, no The Bank Job?

LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at March 4, 2010 3:39 PM

mswas, I'm pretty sure I didn't see Midnight Run because I already disliked him by then. I think there was a string of films in the 80's that I did not care for him in (Ishtar stands out); I think he was Nicolas Cage before Nicolas Cage was Nicolas Cage, if you know what I mean. I do not recall whether I liked him in The Incredible Shrinking Woman, because I mostly only remember from that that I liked Lily Tomlin.

Hm, DB, I suspect you are right. I'll have to pull out my DVD and watch it again, either way. All this talk of it reminds me of how I haven't seen it in forever. Which is probably why I'm thinking of it wrong...

Posted by: Anna von Murderpuppet at March 4, 2010 3:47 PM

Who's Minding the Mint?
Year made: 1967
Directed by: Howard Morris
Starring: Jim Hutton, Dorothy Provine, Milton Berle, Joey Bishop, Bob Denver, Walter Brennan, Victor Buono, Jack Gilford, and Klinger!

(It was a comedy/heist movie)

-Ralphie

Posted by: Ralphie at March 4, 2010 3:48 PM

Great, great, great list. Many films I love are included, including three that hold an extra special place in my heart - Heat, Sneakers, & A Fish Called Wanda, although the third barely qualifies as a "heist" film in my mind, given that the heist itself is fairly incidental.

Particular kudos for going old school and choosing The Asphalt Jungle, one of my favorite classics. As mentioned above, Kubrick's The Killing probably deserves inclusion too, although I didn't like it as much.

The only one I've seen that gives me pause is Heist. I'm a Mamet fan, but that one just didn't resonate with me.

Extra kudos for ignoring Le Cercle Rouge, which bored me to death.

Posted by: DarthCorleone at March 4, 2010 3:54 PM

Anna >> Midnight Run is required viewing. Required. It's simply a masterpiece. The chemistry between Grodin and De Niro is perfect.

Posted by: DarthCorleone at March 4, 2010 3:55 PM

no love for The Lookout.

I know it got a mediocre review on this site but i loved that movie. Although i guess you could argue that the heist is the least interesting part of that film (which was intentional) but i think it should still be included.

Posted by: Joey at March 4, 2010 4:07 PM

Gunnertec obliquely makes a good point...where's the *original* Thomas Crown Affair??

Reportedly was McQueen's favorite role of his career.

"It's not about the money. It's about me. Me and the system."

Posted by: Jacktrade at March 4, 2010 4:12 PM

Honorable mention to:

Disorganized Crime
The Bank Job
The Usual Suspects
Kelly's Heroes

Posted by: John W at March 4, 2010 4:14 PM

Cool list. I would submit, for consideration:

How to Steal a Million
Year Made: 1966
Directed by: William Wyler
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Audrey Hepburn, Eli Wallach

Posted by: lubeg at March 4, 2010 4:17 PM

Oh hooray! Someone else who appreciates Out of Sight!

Posted by: sistercoyote at March 4, 2010 4:26 PM

Damn good call on Kelly's Heroes, John W.

I'm left wondering, shouldn't Three Kings qualify as a heist film?

If so, it deserves to be here.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at March 4, 2010 4:32 PM

""Baby! Up your butt with a coconut!" I think he was prepared to do it! Except I saw no coconut. He, uh, he had no coconut to my knowledge. "

Love me some Quick Change.

Posted by: logar at March 4, 2010 4:35 PM

[I]n my ongoing ever to catch up on the resume of Mary McDonnell

Gabs - I assume this means that you have, in fact, seen Passion Fish, yes?

TK - Excellent list. Makes me want to watch the Muppet Caper again.

Posted by: tamatha at March 4, 2010 4:46 PM

Midnight Run is required viewing. Required. It's simply a masterpiece. The chemistry between Grodin and De Niro is perfect.

REQUIRED! and don't watch it on any TNT, TBS, basic cable version either. Get the real fucking dialogue.

So worth it.

Posted by: mswas at March 4, 2010 4:55 PM

I'm with jinkies here: Where the hell is Rififi?! Only THE heist film they all admire.

Well, at least the French admire.

Also, by association, the Italian Rififi-spoof Big Deal on Madonna Street, which is a pretty great film in its own right. But eh, too obscure.

I'm glad Asphalt Jungle is on here, though. LOVE that movie.

Posted by: vic at March 4, 2010 5:00 PM

Just remembered another classic:

Gambit - 1966

Michael Caine, Shirley McLaine

Wow! I had forgotten there were so many great heist films!

-Ralphie

Posted by: Ralphie at March 4, 2010 5:07 PM

Gabs - I assume this means that you have, in fact, seen Passion Fish, yes?

Yes! That was actually the first one I sought out once I realized I needed more of her in my life. I've got Donnie Darko at home now, just waiting for me to find time between work, school, and alcohol.

Posted by: Gabs at March 4, 2010 5:30 PM

What about "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot?"

Posted by: KV at March 4, 2010 5:39 PM

Barbado did you really just say Three Kings deserves to be on that list?

*headdesk*

Posted by: DeistBrawler at March 4, 2010 6:06 PM

Also a shoutout to Rififi. The heist scene is a half hour of silence and hard work that's never once boring. Plus, an awesome musical number where a woman sings the meaning of the song without ever actually explaining what "Rififi" means.

Also, lubeg, How to Steal a Million is the most adorable heist movie you will ever see. Plus, it's the only movie I've seen where Audrey Hepburn is eclipsed in charisma by her costar. In other words, Peter O'Toole is a total fox.

Posted by: kelsy at March 4, 2010 6:59 PM

Wait, no Valentine's Day. That was the greatest heist film ever. Lure a bunch of women into a theater with their men then steal all of their testicles.

Posted by: Gamal at March 4, 2010 7:18 PM

You folks do know that Quick Change is a remake of a french movie with Jean Paul Belmondo? While I love Murray, I think the original is better.

Posted by: FabMax at March 4, 2010 7:26 PM

"You folks do know that Quick Change is a remake of a french movie with Jean Paul Belmondo? While I love Murray, I think the original is better."

Close, but not quite. They're both based on the same novel, called, ironically, "Quick Change."

Posted by: I Love Beets at March 4, 2010 7:32 PM

first scene of dark knight? FIRST SCENE OF DARK KNIGHT!!!!!

Posted by: dhighman at March 4, 2010 8:21 PM

I am surprised that there was no "league of gentlemen" (no, not the crappy sean connery movie, nor is it the tv show), now that's a good heist film, check it out

League of Gentlemen
Year Made: 1960
Director: Basil Dearden
Starring: Richard Attenborough

Posted by: tj at March 4, 2010 8:41 PM

KILLING ZOE

Posted by: replica at March 4, 2010 9:17 PM

dhighman, I'm with you. Even though it's just the opening it is masterful.

I think I watched the movie 3 times before I recognized that the building that they zipline from to the bank was the building I worked in for almost two years in my first post college job.

Posted by: ed newman at March 4, 2010 9:30 PM

I'm also kinda dumbfounded that Rififi's not on the list anywhere- I believe its not an exaggeration to call that a mistake bordering on criminal negligence.

I'm not so dumbfounded, but definitely disappointed that the original versions of The Italian Job and The Ladykillers aren't there. Also, a nod to Bellman and True would have been nice to see.

Posted by: robot_monster at March 4, 2010 10:22 PM

The Sting!

Posted by: Ralphie at March 4, 2010 10:26 PM

THE STING!

How could everyone forget that?

-Ralphie

Posted by: Ralphie at March 4, 2010 10:27 PM

Sneakers....Ronin....BOTTLE ROCKET?!

Yes, yes, and yes.

Posted by: NY not NYC at March 4, 2010 10:33 PM

WTF? The great 'Usual Suspects' not on this list, but a vacuous, A-list celebrity* self-fellation fest like 'Ocean's 11' is??

*Clooney, Pitt may have talent but can still be insufferably narcissistic. That's all this piece of shit movie & its execrable sequels are all about: all sizzle, but no steak... not even a flimsy McD's hamburger patty.
Only way to make this "film" worse would be to have included Tom Cruise & Will Smith.

(I must confess to only having seen the first hour or so of Ocean's 11... couldn't stand it beyiond that).

Posted by: oscar at March 4, 2010 11:14 PM

No Cercle Rouge and no Rififi. You, sir, cannot be taken seriously.

Posted by: Phil at March 4, 2010 11:45 PM

Sweet list but......
The Usual Suspects????

Posted by: bob at March 4
---
EXACTLY.

Posted by: ,, at March 5, 2010 12:47 AM

The Italian Job rocks.

Yeah, I'm an Eddie Izzard fan. Shut up.

Posted by: Lucas at March 5, 2010 2:12 AM

No Jackie Brown!?! For shame.

Otherwise great list.

Posted by: Mebe at March 5, 2010 4:17 AM

Lucas never apologize for loving Eddie Izzard!

Posted by: mswas at March 5, 2010 10:27 AM

About The Usual Suspects: I love this movie more than ANYONE, I guarantee you. I just don't think it can be classified as a heist movie. The focus of the movie is on the aftermath of a heist, but heist movies focus on the heist itself. While a great movie, I don't think it qualifies as a heist movie.

Posted by: Pandemic at March 5, 2010 10:42 AM

The Usual Suspects is not a heist film, you idiots.

Posted by: mphunk at March 5, 2010 11:56 AM

Yeah, I was going to mention The Sting, but then I remembered how overrated I think it is.

Posted by: DarthCorleone at March 5, 2010 4:55 PM

Where's the love for "Sexy Beast"?

And though it's not very good, I have fond memories of seeing "$" as a child.

Posted by: growler at March 5, 2010 5:48 PM

I'm for The Sting. Paul Newman can steal all my money any day of the week and I wouldn't mind. XD (though, admittedly, it's different from most heist movies in the pattern of stealing things from a bank/fortress/casino etc.)

*puts Rififi on list of films to watch*

Posted by: DaftSteampunk at March 6, 2010 3:18 PM

They should update the list and add inception at #1

Posted by: mac at August 2, 2010 11:46 AM

What about, Those Fabulous Dobermans?? Remember seeing that at a drive in as a kid- great heist movie!!
Also, The Sting- is that a heist movie? More a con-movie, which could be sub-genre, like The Grifters, Blood-Simple (has been a while, but i think this would be a con?), Spanish Prisoner.
Usual Suspects. Should definitely be on the list.

Good to have some new ones to add to my viewing list too.

Posted by: snowman at December 12, 2010 6:32 PM

"What do you mean there's no Fucking coke?". -Usual Suspects. I think they are right though, A heist is defined as a large-haul robbery from a bank or institution. Kaiser Souzee did steal his priceless freedom from the police though and it is great movie! How bout Shawshank Redemption A heist and prison break movie?

Posted by: Kaiser Souzee at December 14, 2010 10:53 PM

where the hell is italian job its like the best

Posted by: hi at January 1, 2011 4:31 PM

Reservoir Dogs Is not a heist film. Go get it on Blueray and find me a single frame that shows any part of a heist.

In its place, I suggest Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.

Posted by: Scott Falkner at January 20, 2011 3:28 AM

The original Italian Job is THE best Heist movie ever, it covers all the requirements needed for a good movie. With the best getaway and ending in film history.

Adding to that, stars Michael Cain when he was the mutts nuts, Sir Lawrence Olivier and Benny Hill, whats not to love?

Posted by: saltwater at January 20, 2011 3:44 PM

Heist movies have a "heist" as the central theme of the plot.
They can be comedies but the best are not.
It doesnt matter if "crime pays" what matters is are we drawn into the plot as one of the gang by the clever plans and exciting details and do we care if these criminals get away with it.

Posted by: scott at March 21, 2011 3:49 AM

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