There's something inherently thrilling about the idea of a museum heist. Perhaps it's the blend of art, history, and the sheer audacity of stealing priceless treasures. This collection of films not only showcases the art of the heist but also delves into the minds of those who dare to defy security systems and guards. From high-stakes action to clever cons, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat, offering a mix of suspense, drama, and sometimes, a touch of humour.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: Another film where the heist isn't in a museum, but the subway train can be seen as a moving museum of urban life. This classic thriller involves a hijacking of a New York City subway train.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta.
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The Great Train Robbery (1978)
Description: While not a museum heist per se, this film involves stealing gold from a moving train, which can be seen as a mobile museum of wealth. Sean Connery stars in this historical heist film.
Fact: The film was based on the non-fiction book by Michael Crichton, who also wrote the screenplay.
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Entrapment (1999)
Description: Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones star in this tale of an insurance investigator who teams up with an art thief to steal a priceless Chinese mask from a museum in Kuala Lumpur. The film is known for its intricate plot and the chemistry between the leads.
Fact: The film's famous laser scene was inspired by the laser security system in the James Bond film "A View to a Kill."
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The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Description: This film is a remake of the 1968 classic, where a billionaire art collector orchestrates the theft of a priceless Monet from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's a stylish, sophisticated heist with a cat-and-mouse game between the thief and the insurance investigator.
Fact: The film was shot in the actual Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the painting stolen in the movie, "San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk" by Monet, was recreated for the film.
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The Bank Job (2008)
Description: This film, while centered around a bank heist, includes a subplot involving the theft of compromising photos from a safe deposit box, which could be considered a museum of personal secrets.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery in London.
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The Italian Job (2003)
Description: Although primarily known for its car chase, the film features a heist where gold is stolen from a museum-like vault in Venice. The film's charm lies in its ensemble cast and the iconic Mini Coopers.
Fact: The film's title refers to the original 1969 film, but the plot is entirely different.
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Inside Man (2006)
Description: While not strictly a museum heist, this Spike Lee film involves a bank heist where the robbers use a museum-like setup to hide their true intentions. It's a clever twist on the genre.
Fact: The film was originally titled "The Inside Man" but was changed to avoid confusion with another film.
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The Art of the Steal (2013)
Description: A group of expert thieves plan to steal a rare book from a museum, but their plan goes awry when they realize the book is a fake. This film combines comedy with the heist genre, offering a fresh take on the classic setup.
Fact: The film was shot in Toronto, standing in for Philadelphia, where the story is set.
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The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Description: While not a traditional heist film, this Wes Anderson masterpiece includes a subplot where a priceless painting is stolen from the hotel, which serves as a museum of sorts for the art and culture of its time.
Fact: The film features an ensemble cast including Ralph Fiennes, Jeff Goldblum, and Tilda Swinton, among others.
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The Score (2001)
Description: Robert De Niro and Edward Norton star in this film where a master thief is lured out of retirement for one last job - stealing a priceless sceptre from the Montreal Customs House, which is essentially a museum for customs artifacts.
Fact: This was Marlon Brando's final film role before his death.
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