Twenty years after hitting the movie theaters, Heist remains one of the most beloved films in the crime caper series. Thanks to its intriguing plot and red herrings, fans, and movie critics are still posting movie reviews about this landmark film that marked one of Gene Hackman’s last movie performances. If you’re looking for films that give you that same adrenaline rush and keep you guessing to the end, these seven films more than fit the bill.
- 1. Riffi (1955)
Widely considered the grandfather of French gangster and crime films, “Riffi” is as beloved in its intricate plot as it is for its film noir editing style and direction. Directed by legendary French film director Jules Dassin, Riffin follows a group of sophisticated criminals and thieves that carefully plot to the letter how to break into a well-guarded safety deposit box. Adding to the suspense is a noticeable lack of dialog during the tense moments.
- 2. The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
The original “Thomas Crown” affair stars screen icons Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. The late Steve McQueen stars as Thomas Crown, an eccentric and wealthy business owner who plans intricated heists of his properties and businesses. Thomas Crown plans one last big score – robbing a bank. With the authorities suspicious about Thomas Crown, the insurance agent, Vicki Anderson, played by Faye Dunaway, is sent in to investigate him. However, Vicki falls in love with Thomas Crown, setting up the ultimate climax leading to the bank robbery.
- 3. The Italian Job (1969)
The original “Italian Job” marks a new chapter in heist films from the British point of view. Screen icon Michael Caine stars as Charlie Crocker, a notorious convict recently released from prison. Not even a day after being released, Crocker is tasked with pulling off the biggest score of his criminal career—robbing the vault in Turin, Italy, of $4 million in gold bars.
As Charlie assembles his team and plans the details, moviegoers are treated to a rewarding mix of action scenes, timely comedy, and intense drama scenes. Besides the buildup to pulling off the score, The Italian Job is legendary for its impressive car chases featuring Mini Coopers. The Mini Coopers were so popular in the film that they inspired the 2003 remake starring Mark Wahlberg.
- 4. Heat (1995)
If you like violent action sequences, intense car chases, and a plot where you’re rooting for the criminals, then Michael Mann’s epic 1995 film, “Heat,” checks all the boxes. Heat also marks the second film since The Godfather 2, in which movie legends Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro collaborated again.
This time, Al Pacino stars as Detective Hanna, who is obsessed with capturing McCauley and his criminal outfit. Robert DeNiro stars at McCauley. As intense as the action scenes are, so are the character interactions and the dynamic between McCauley and DeNiro. Val Kilmer also stars in Heat.
- 5. Inside Man (2006)
Iconic director Spike Lee breaks his usual filming pattern with “Inside Man,” a sophisticated crime caper starring Clive Own, Jodie Foster, the late Christopher Plummer, and Denzel Washington. Clive Own stars as criminal mastermind Darrel Russel, who is planning a massive bank robbery. As mysterious as Russel’s plans to rob the bank and get away with it, his real reason for robbing it is just as mysterious as his plans to rob the bank and get away with it.
Denzel Washington stars as Detective Frazier, who becomes obsessed with taking down Russel and his crew. As Detective Frazier and Russel play each other, Inside Man goes into great detail about the meticulous planning surrounding the bank robbery.
- 6. 21 (2008)
An usual departure from casino heist films, “21” focuses on the real-life story of how an MIT professor skilled in mathematics and a group of his students systematically won big at land based casinos playing blackjack with card counting. 21 focuses on romantic interludes between the students and the rising drama as the casinos begin to catch on to their card-counting scheme.
- 7. The Town (2010)
Ben Affleck also goes behind the camera and stars in “The Town.” Set in Boston, Ben Affleck stars as criminal mastermind Doug MacRay, the leader of a local group of criminals. Looking to get out of the game for good, Doug masterminds one more big score by robbing one more bank. However, there are serious complications with Doug and his crew taking the bank manager, Claire Keesey, hostage, played by Rebecca Hall. However, Doug begins to develop romantic feelings for Claire, which causes tension with his crew, who are ready for him to retire.
For fans who can’t get enough of “Heist,” these seven films have helped honor its memory and do it justice. Other honorable mentions include the iconic “Ocean’s Eleven” series. The Score, starring Robert DeNiro and Marlon Brando’s last screen appearance, is another iconic film in the genre.
