Top 10 Heist Documentaries to Watch

Description: While primarily known for its dramatization, this film is based on the true story of a mass escape from a German POW camp during WWII, showcasing the planning and execution akin to a heist.

Fact: The escape was meticulously planned over a year, involving hundreds of prisoners and the construction of three tunnels.

Description: While not a documentary, this film is based on the true story of the 1971 Baker Street robbery, where a gang tunnelled into a bank vault. It's included for its detailed portrayal of the event, making it a must-watch for heist enthusiasts.

Fact: The real-life robbery was initially covered up by the British government due to the sensitive nature of some of the stolen items.

Description: This film recounts the 2015 Easter weekend heist where a group of elderly criminals broke into a safe deposit facility in London's Hatton Garden, stealing millions in jewels and cash.

Fact: The robbers were dubbed "The Diamond Geezers" by the media, and their age made the heist even more astonishing.

Description: While not strictly about a heist, this documentary features Richard Kuklinski, a hitman who also participated in various criminal activities, including heists. His chilling confessions provide a unique perspective on crime.

Fact: Kuklinski claimed to have killed over 100 people, making his interviews a rare look into the mind of a prolific criminal.

Description: Based on the true story of the 1950 Brink's robbery in Boston, where a group of thieves stole $2.7 million, this film offers a humorous take on the heist.

Fact: The robbery was so well-executed that the FBI had to resort to unconventional methods to catch the culprits.

Description: This documentary follows the story of the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery in North Carolina, where an employee stole $17.3 million, leading to a wild spree of spending and eventual capture.

Fact: The robbers' spending was so extravagant that it quickly drew attention, leading to their downfall.

Description: This documentary explores the theft of the world's most valuable art collection, focusing on the Barnes Foundation and the legal battles over its ownership.

Fact: The film features interviews with key figures involved in the legal battle, providing a rare insight into the art world's underbelly.

Description: This documentary revisits one of Britain's most infamous heists, where a gang of robbers made off with £2.6 million from a Royal Mail train in 1963. It's a classic tale of meticulous planning and the subsequent manhunt.

Fact: The robbery was so significant that it led to changes in how mail was transported in the UK. One of the robbers, Ronnie Biggs, became a media sensation after escaping to Brazil.

Description: This documentary delves into the theft of 13 works of art from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, one of the largest art thefts in history.

Fact: The stolen artworks are still missing, and the case remains unsolved, making it one of the art world's greatest mysteries.

Description: This film focuses on the 1997 Dunbar Armored robbery in Los Angeles, where $18.9 million was stolen, making it the largest cash heist in U.S. history at the time.

Fact: The mastermind behind the heist, Allen Pace III, was a former employee of the armored car company, giving him insider knowledge.