Top-Notch Caper Films Throughout History
Heist flicks? Oh, boy. There's nothing quite like the adrenaline-pumping rush of a brilliantly executed caper, filled with clever plotting, scheming, and, of course, the heist itself. And let's not forget about the juicy fallout that always ensues. This genre dates all the way back to the silent era and shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon. Why? Because heist movies continue to offer some of the most entertaining, action-packed, and character-driven stories around. And here at Goliath, we've compiled our top 10 all-time heist faves for your viewing pleasure.
So, buckle up and get ready for some thrilling stories. But first, a word of caution: these movies are not for the faint of heart.
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Contents:1. Heist (2001)2. Thief (1981)3. Point Break (1991)4. The Getaway (1972)5. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)6. The Town (2010)7. The Killing (1956)8. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)9. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)10. Heat (1995)
10. Heist (2001)
Legendary actor Gene Hackman's final foray into the world of the silver screen, Heist is a movie written and directed by David Mamet. Hackman delivers a stellar performance as an aging jewel thief embroiled in a confrontation with the crime boss he's worked for for years. Sam Rockwell co-stars as the crime boss' nephew, tasked with keeping tabs on Hackman as he plots one final, mind-bending heist. The film is chock-full of double crossings and shocking twists that make it feel like the blueprint for a quintessential heist flick. A white-knuckle, modern-day caper that's definitely worth checking out.
9. Thief (1981)
Crafted by Michael Mann, the 1981 movie Thief tells the tale of a professional safe cracker, played by James Caan, who takes on one last jaw-dropping assignment for the Mafia, cracking an almost impenetrable safe. The film then switches gears to follow the James Caan character on a rollicking revenge rampage, complete with a stellar supporting cast that includes Taylor Weld, Willie Nelson, and a young Jim Belushi. Mann puts his signature touch on this heist flick with his slow-build suspense, explosive violence, and a rich layer of character development. Like many Mann classics, Thief takes its sweet time building to the payoff, but it's oh-so worth it.
8. Point Break (1991)
Usually synonymous with surfing and skydiving, the 1991 film Point Break is really all about a crew of surfers who bank rob to fund their travels and endless summer adventures. Patrick Swayze stars as the ringleader of the bank robbers, while Keanu Reeves slides into the role of the FBI agent tasked with infiltrating the group and stopping them. The film is a raucous, adrenaline-fueled romp that features some truly nerve-wracking bank robbery scenes amidst the surfing and skydiving craziness. The bank robbers also sport badass president masks while committing their crimes, which is a pretty cool touch. And don't forget about the Swayze-Reeves dynamic in this cops-and-robbers game—it's legendary.
7. The Getaway (1972)
Directed by the great Sam Peckinpah, The Getaway sees Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw engaged in a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse as they flee the fallout of a botched heist. The film takes audiences on a thrilling ride through the dangerous streets of Texas, complete with an impressively choreographed heist scene and a heart-pounding car chase that's as iconic today as it was in 1972. The Getaway was incredibly influential and paved the way for other great films like No Country for Old Men, Reservoir Dogs, and countless others. So, if you're into crime drams, this is a must-watch.
6. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Prepare yourself for lots of laughs, folks, because 1988's A Fish Called Wanda is the funniest heist movie of all time. Starring John Cleese, Michael Palin, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kevin Kline, this hysterical romp centers around a jewel heist gone awry and the double-crossing chaos that ensues. With a sharp script by Monty Python alum John Cleese and amazing performances across the board, A Fish Called Wanda is one of the funniest movies you'll ever lay your eyes on. It's chock-full of witty dialogue, a few action sequences, and an absolutely absurd ending that'll leave you rolling with laughter. So, grab some popcorn and get ready to enjoy some side-splitting humor.
5. The Town (2010)
Set against the grim backdrop of Boston, The Town chronicles a group of bank robbers and the detectives hot on their trail. Written and directed by Ben Affleck, this movie stars the man himself and delivers a gripping story that combines riveting action sequences, character depth, and a satisfying narrative. Jeremy Renner also turns in an Oscar-nominated performance as one of Affleck's psychopathic cohorts, while Mad Men's Jon Hamm adds some class to the movie as the dogged detective determined to bring these bank robbers to justice. The Town is a truly exceptional cops-and-robbers flick that deserves a spot on your watchlist.
4. The Killing (1956)
Director Stanley Kubrick's first feature film, The Killing is essentially a game of chess where the pawns are a group of thieves planning a race track robbery. Told out of sequence and boasting strong, memorable characters, this film is one of the best examples of the heist genre. It is incredibly influential, having set the template for the heist flicks that followed. Sterling Hayden stunningly portrays the ringleader of the group, who meticulously orchestrates the robbery with precision and great attention to detail. The film wraps up with a particularly poignant and sad ending that will leave you pondering the unintended consequences of crime.
3. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
It might not seem like it at first glance, but Dog Day Afternoon is actually a true-to-life story about a dimwitted man who attempts to rob a bank to pay for his gay lover's sex change operation. The film features Al Pacino as the man attempting to help his lover embark on this life-changing journey, alongside the late great John Cazale as his equally clueless sidekick. Beyond being a heist movie, Dog Day Afternoon also serves as a biting commentary on television news coverage and our celebrity-obsessed culture. However, the heist does not go as planned, taking a desperate turn into a tense hostage situation that draws the attention of live television news crews. With powerful performances from Pacino, Cazale, and Chris Sarandon as the man seeking the sex change, Dog Day Afternoon earned six Academy Award nominations and stands as an unforgettable drama about the mistakes and missteps of organized crime.
2. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Welcome to a different era, my friends, with this riveting tale of infamous bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde, who wreaked havoc across the American Midwest during the Great Depression. Bonnie and Clyde stars Warren Beatty as Clyde Barrow and the captivating Faye Dunaway as his lover, Bonnie Parker. Filled with action-packed bank robbery sequences and fast-paced chase scenes, this movie offers a gritty look at the life of these criminal duos. Supported by an incredibly talented cast that includes Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, and Michael J. Pollard, Bonnie and Clyde was nominated for ten Academy Awards and is now considered a historical milestone in American cinema. This is the film that launched Warren Beatty's glamorous Hollywood career and solidified his status as a Hollywood powerhouse.
1. Heat (1995)
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner! Among the best cops-and-robbers films ever made is Heat, the masterpiece directed by Michael Mann and starring the inimitable Robert De Niro as a notorious bank robber and Al Pacino as the relentless detective chasing him. This film is an absolute must-see for any cinephile with a love for both thrilling heist movies and compelling character studies. The action doesn't stop with the intricate planning and execution of the heist, as the film goes on to delve deeply into the minds of these characters, exploring their motivations and the consequences of their choices. And let's not forget about the intense action sequences and the epic shootout in downtown Los Angeles that is still considered one of the best in film history. For those who like their heist movies packed with suspense, gripping storytelling, and a little bit of bloodshed, Heat is the cinematic treat you've been craving.
These two sentences contain the given words:
- Discover some of the most entertaining stories in movies and TV with our top 10 heist flicks, including titles like "Heist," "Thief," and "Point Break."
- Spanning across diverse genres, entertainment continues to offer a rich variety, delivering captivating narratives such as heist movies, which remain a favorite for many.
