Top 10 Crime Films with Clever Schemes

Description: Set during the Great Depression, this film follows two con men who devise an elaborate scheme to swindle a mob boss. Its inclusion here is due to its detailed portrayal of cons and the era's criminal underworld.

Fact: The film's ragtime music score, composed by Marvin Hamlisch, won an Academy Award and became iconic.

Description: While not strictly about a single scheme, this film features a series of meticulously planned heists by a professional thief, leading to a cat-and-mouse game with a relentless detective. The film's depth in character development and heist planning is unparalleled.

Fact: The famous diner scene between De Niro and Pacino was the first time these two actors shared the screen.

Description: Known for its twist ending, this film revolves around a group of criminals who are brought together by a mysterious figure known as Keyser Söze. The film's narrative structure and the revelation of the mastermind behind the schemes make it a must-watch.

Fact: The famous line "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist" was improvised by actor Kevin Spacey.

Description: A sophisticated cat-and-mouse game between a billionaire art thief and an insurance investigator. The film's allure is in its stylish execution of the heist and the psychological duel between the main characters.

Fact: The film features a memorable scene where the theft of a painting is done in plain sight, using a series of distractions.

Description: Based on the true story of the 1971 Baker Street robbery, this film details the planning and execution of a heist on a London bank. Its real-life inspiration and the complexity of the plan make it a fascinating watch.

Fact: The film was initially banned in the UK due to concerns over potential libel issues, but this was later resolved.

Description: This film follows Danny Ocean and his team as they plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. The film's appeal is in its ensemble cast and the intricate planning that goes into the heist, showcasing the art of deception and teamwork.

Fact: The film was a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack movie of the same name, but with a modern twist and a significantly larger budget.

Description: A classic heist film where a team of thieves plans to steal gold from a former associate in Venice, using an array of Mini Coopers. The film's charm lies in its clever use of everyday objects in the heist, making it both thrilling and amusing.

Fact: The film's iconic scene where the Mini Coopers drive through the sewers of Venice was actually filmed in Los Angeles due to the impracticality of shooting in Venice's narrow canals.

Description: A story about a con artist with obsessive-compulsive disorder who takes on a new apprentice, leading to unexpected twists and turns. The film's focus on the psychological aspects of conning makes it stand out.

Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Eric Garcia, and its ending was significantly altered for the screen.

Description: A bank heist film with layers of deception, where the robbers' true intentions are revealed only at the end. Its clever plot twists and the portrayal of a hostage situation make it a standout.

Fact: Spike Lee directed this film, bringing his unique style to the heist genre.

Description: A veteran thief agrees to do one last job, which involves stealing a priceless scepter from a Montreal customs house. The film's focus on the tension between the old-school thief and his younger, more impulsive partner adds depth to the heist narrative.

Fact: This was the first and only time Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando shared the screen.