Perfect crimes and heists can escalate most situations with nail-biting near-impossible executions and escapes, all while giving police and investigators a hard time solving a clueless case. And even if they’re caught in the act, our protagonists may end up escaping and evading the law anyway—with the aid of advanced technologies, pure talent, and incredible skills (even magic). Here are some of the best crime movies that involve perfect executions of heists, break-ins, robberies, and more.
10. Now You See Me (2013)
Now You See Me is a film that features “The Four Horsemen,” a group of magicians gathered together by an unknown person under the identity of “The Eye.” They incorporate performances and magic into their heist, leaving a clueless crime scene. One of their best heists occurs when they rob a bank while they’re on stage in front of an audience. The impossible scheme is perfectly executed—and is later revealed as a hoax and not an actual form of magic, but still the money is gone.
9. Den of Thieves (2018)
The movie features Merrimen and his crew who plans to rob a bank—one that’s said to be impossible, such that previous attempts haven’t even been able to get past the lobby. To cover their tracks and hide the bigger scheme, the crew invades a smaller bank and holds all the employees and clients hostage to demand cash and a chopper. But this film doesn’t just stop there—covering up one crime with another crime is just part of it.
8. Dhoom 3 (2013)
Dhoom 3 is the third installment of the Dhoom series featuring the Jai and Ali duo. In this film, they’re tasked with working on the Western Bank of Chicago case where different branches have been robbed. The movie also stars Amir Khan who plays the antagonist of the film, the circus performer who pulls off heists with the help of his twin brother.
7. Man on a Ledge (2012)
How far will someone go to prove his innocence for a crime he didn’t commit? For Nick Cassidy, he stages a suicide attempt and gathers everyone’s attention by standing on a high-rise building’s ledge. As it turns out, the stunt is misdirection for his crew, who works in the shadows while everyone’s attention is centered on him. Isn’t that the perfect way to steal something he’s accused of stealing?
6. Now You See Me 2 (2016)
A sequel to the film Now You See Me, the plot again features the Four Horsemen, this time with their leader and Lula May (Lizzy Caplan) replacing Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) as the fourth member. With their battle against technology and science, will sleight of hand, misdirection, and hypnotism work? One of the best scenes in the film is where they use the popular disappearing card trick to hide the chip. Though it’s not a chase scene, it’s still thrilling to anticipate who’ll get caught or where the card goes.
5. Ocean’s 8 (2018)
Ocean’s 8 was a spin-off film of the Ocean’s series, this time following Debbie Ocean, the sister of Danny Ocean. She assembles an all-female heist crew to steal a $150 million necklace. The crew consists of a fashion designer, a jewelry maker, a hacker, a pickpocket, and someone who doesn’t even know she’s part of the crew. Just like the other Ocean’s films, Ocean’s 8 involves scenes like reconnaissance and setting the stage before the night of the heist.
4. Red Notice (2021)
Red Notice revolves around a battle to become the best art thief. Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson play the roles of Nolan Booth and Agent Hartley respectively, partnering with each other to defeat The Bishop as the best art thief (Booth) and claim his innocence (Hartley). The film features tons of action and comedy scenes and an unexpected plot twist that gives the movie an extraordinary ending.
3. Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Murder on the Orient Express is a mystery film based on the novel of the same name and centers on a mysterious murder that happens aboard the eponymous train. Obviously, the suspect is among the passengers aboard the Orient Express. The big question is… who, among the list of passengers, killed the man, when everyone seems to have enough motive?
2. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Ocean’s Eleven is the first installment of the Ocean’s remake series and became one of the highest-grossing films of 2001. The story revolves around Danny Ocean (played by George Clooney) and his team of hand-picked talented individuals, whose plan is to rob not only one but three casinos, all owned by the same person. From the first stages of gathering information to the actual execution of the heist, the crime happens perfectly as planned. Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen are the two sequels to this film, both following the same team as they execute other heists.
1. Fabricated City (2017)
Fabricated City is a South Korean film about Kwon Yoo (played by Ji Chang-wook), a taekwondo champion who’s framed for murder. With the help of his video gaming team, they discover a group of specialists who fabricate crime scenes and leave false evidence that lead to innocent victims, which helps the real criminals get out of trouble. The action and thrills begin as Kwon’s team starts to fight back and expose the culprits, who have used not only him but several other victims for their fabricated crimes. Read next: The best modern heist movies of the 21st century
