The best films in the heist genre are the ones that explore the simplest conflict — what someone wants and how they get it — in the most exciting way possible while simultaneously getting us deeply invested in the characters' fates.
Jules Dassin's crime masterpiece is noted for its appropriately placed noir trappings and an air of intense cynicism. Its most notable moment, of course, is the music-less, dialogue-less half-hour-long heist.
One of the greatest directorial debuts of all time, Michael Mann's crime epic gave us James Caan's most memorable character — and the quintessential Mann protagonist — who is forced into an unpleasant alliance.
This list would be incomplete without another Michael Mann film — a grander expansion of themes he explored in 'Thief', and then some. Throw in Al Pacino's fiercely determined cop and the result is pure dynamite!
Christopher Nolan's sci-fi masterpiece weaves layers and layers of dreams, heists, and hair-raising spectacle with the extraordinary skill of the two artful magicians in Nolan's other twisty sci-fi thriller The Prestige.
A combination made in heaven. Peter O' Toole and Audrey Hepburn team up for a heist-romantic comedy adventure motivated by a whole different reason than any in this list's other films.
Actually, the entire trilogy is so much fun, but the first one is truly special — and far superior to the original 1960 version — elevated by a stellar cast list, especially George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Julia Roberts, and Andy Garcia.
In this case, the original, starring Michael Caine, is far superior in every way to the solid 2003 remake. From its classy opening credits to the ambiguous ending, this one's a winner through and through.
Stanley Kubrick's crime caper brings together a bunch of dubious characters for a racetrack robbery, and, needless to say, this is not the kind that goes easy on its characters. Pitch-black noir at its best!