Art has always been a subject of fascination, not just for its beauty but also for the intrigue it can inspire. From the cunning forgers to the audacious thieves, the world of art crime is as captivating as the masterpieces themselves. This curated list of ten films dives into the shadowy world of art forgery and theft, offering a thrilling journey through deception, cunning, and the high stakes of the art underworld. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a fan of crime capers, these films provide a unique blend of suspense, drama, and the allure of the forbidden.

How to Steal a Million (1966)
Description: A light-hearted comedy where a woman hires a master thief to steal a fake sculpture from her father's collection to prevent its exposure as a forgery. It's a delightful mix of romance, humor, and art crime.
Fact: The film features Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole, and the heist scenes were filmed at the Louvre, adding an authentic backdrop to the caper.


The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Description: A sophisticated art thief, Thomas Crown, pulls off a daring heist of a Monet painting from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The film is a cat-and-mouse game between Crown and an insurance investigator, blending romance and crime.
Fact: The film's heist scene was inspired by real-life art thefts, and the painting stolen in the movie was a reproduction created specifically for the film.


The Hoax (2006)
Description: Based on the true story of Clifford Irving, who claimed to have written an authorized biography of Howard Hughes, this film explores the art of literary forgery and the lengths one man goes to maintain the deception.
Fact: The film uses real-life footage of Howard Hughes to add authenticity to the story.


The Forger (2012)
Description: A retired art thief is drawn back into the game to steal a painting from a museum, but his plan is complicated by his past and the painting's true value. This film blends action, drama, and the allure of art crime.
Fact: The film features real-life art expert and forger, John Myatt, who consulted on the film to ensure the authenticity of the forgery techniques shown.


The Con Artist (2010)
Description: A struggling artist gets entangled in a scheme to pass off a fake painting as a lost masterpiece. It's a comedic look at the world of art forgery with a touch of romance.
Fact: The film was shot in Toronto, using local artists to create the fake paintings used in the movie.


The Art of the Steal (2013)
Description: A group of thieves plan to steal a priceless book from a museum, but their plan goes awry when they discover the book is already gone. This film delves into the world of art theft with a twist of humor and unexpected turns.
Fact: The film was shot in Philadelphia, using real locations to add credibility to the heist scenes.


The Forger (2014)
Description: This film tells the story of a young artist who becomes involved in a high-stakes art forgery scheme to save his father from a life sentence. It's a tale of family, loyalty, and the blurred lines between art and crime.
Fact: The film features real-life artist John Travolta, who plays the role of the forger, adding an authentic touch to the portrayal of the art world.


The Score (2001)
Description: A master thief is lured out of retirement for one last job: to steal a priceless scepter from the Montreal Customs House. The film showcases the meticulous planning and execution of an art heist.
Fact: Robert De Niro and Edward Norton star in this film, bringing their own brand of cool to the art of stealing.


The Forger's Apprentice (2011)
Description: A young apprentice learns the art of forgery from a master, but their relationship is tested when they're drawn into a high-stakes heist. This film explores the mentor-student dynamic in the world of art crime.
Fact: The film features real-life forger Eric Hebborn's techniques, adding a layer of authenticity to the forgery scenes.


The Art of Deception (2014)
Description: A master forger is coerced into creating a fake painting for a powerful art collector, leading to a web of deceit and danger. This film delves into the psychological aspects of forgery and the art world's underbelly.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life case of the forger Han van Meegeren, who fooled the art world with his Vermeer forgeries.
