Best Heist Movies

[Patricia Abbott]

After seeing the semi-pallid Ocean's Thirteen (okay, the guys looked pretty good), we got into a discussion of the best heist movies ever. Which movies stand out in your mind? For instance, someone said Dog Day Afternoon, but would that really count? Should a heist movie be mostly about planning and executing a heist and not sidebar into other issues.

[Gerald So]

Does the original DIE HARD count? If so, that's on my list. SNEAKERS, too.

[Margot Renne Payne]

Although not perfect, one of my favorites is Heist with Gene Hackman, directed by David Mamet. It's moody and has some great lines and a great cast. It doesn't have all the bells & whistles stunts.

I did like Ocean's Eleven. A fun heist movie--and you could tell the cast was having fun with each other which carried over--to me anyway--to make it exciting and enjoyable to watch. Plus, I love anything with George Clooney. What can I say? He's my man! I always tell my kids, now 15 & 16, that I hope they're not too upset, but if something were to happen to their dad, George Clooney will be their step-father.

[Christa M. Miller]

I loved "Sneakers". How about "Reservoir Dogs"?

I'm also going to make an argument for "Ronin." International intrigue, yes, but a heist story at heart.

[Margot Renne Payne]

Reservoir Dogs, I agree! And I loved Sneakers--but would it be considered a "heist" movie? I guess so!

[Patricia Abbott]

Rififi from 1956 is a favorite. Also Topkapi and Nine Queens, the Spanish version. Thomas Crown, the Steve McQueen version.

[Vincent Holland-Keen]

I'm glad to see Rififi got a mention - it's almost like Casablanca in that bits of it seemed cliché, but only for the simple reason that they were so good (and original at the time) they got ripped off over and over again. You can certainly see where Tarantino might have got some of his ideas.

[Amanda Stevens]

I agree with you about "Ronin". Excellent movie.

[Donna Moore]

I loved THE HOT ROCK (book was better though of course), ASPHALT JUNGLE, THE ITALIAN JOB (original one), HOW TO STEAL A MILLION, and one of my favourites, THE LAVENDER HILL MOB

[Morgan St. James]

I'm with you on HOT ROCK and THE ITALIAN JOB. I was trying to think about heist movies I liked, and as soon as I read those the movies flashed back into my mind. And then, of course, there was the classic PINK PANTHER, with David Niven and Robert Wagner. Loved that one, because it had the intrigue, debonair thieves, beautiful woman and comedy. Peter Sellers was a greal Clouseau.

MORGAN ST. JAMES
www.silversistersmysteries.com

[John DuMond]

I have to agree with most of the movies named so far (all of the ones I've seen anyway). I'd also add Heat and Thief.

[Kevin Wignall]

Er, there's the superb Michael Cimino film, "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" with Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges. "Perfect Friday" with Stanley Baker. And of course, even though it's two hours too long, "Kelly's Heroes".

[Patricia Abbott]

Oh, a Jeff Bridges movie I've never seen and a heist movie to boot. Also new is Perfect Friday. The Italian Job is brilliant. How about Bonnie and Clyde, does that sort of count? Manet's Heist was good too. And Resevoir Dogs, well, will he ever match it?