Fancy a bit of intrigue, deception, and high-stakes drama? Then you're in for a treat with this curated list of films where art isn't just admired; it's the centrepiece of a cunning crime. From the sophisticated to the downright audacious, these films showcase the lengths to which characters will go to pull off the perfect art heist. Whether you're an art aficionado or just love a good caper, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering if the thieves will get away with their masterpiece swaps.
How to Steal a Million (1966)
Description: Audrey Hepburn stars as Nicole Bonnet, whose father is a notorious art forger. When one of his fakes is about to be exposed, she teams up with a suave cat burglar, played by Peter O'Toole, to steal it back. This film is a delightful blend of romance and heist, with a touch of humor.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Paris, with many scenes taking place at the Louvre Museum.
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The Great Train Robbery (1978)
Description: While not directly about art, this film features a heist involving gold, but the meticulous planning and execution are reminiscent of art thefts. Sean Connery stars as the mastermind behind the theft of gold from a moving train.
Fact: The film was based on the real-life Great Gold Robbery of
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Entrapment (1999)
Description: Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones star in this film where Zeta-Jones's character, an insurance investigator, goes undercover to catch Connery's character, a master thief, during an elaborate heist involving a priceless Chinese mask.
Fact: The famous scene where Zeta-Jones does the "laser dance" was actually performed by her, not a stunt double.
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The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Description: This stylish remake of the 1968 film sees Pierce Brosnan as Thomas Crown, a billionaire who orchestrates the theft of a priceless Monet from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The film's allure lies in its cat-and-mouse game between Crown and the insurance investigator, played by Rene Russo.
Fact: The film's iconic chess scene was actually played out by Brosnan and Russo, who learned to play chess for the role.
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The Hoax (2006)
Description: Richard Gere stars as Clifford Irving, who concocts a plan to write a fake autobiography of Howard Hughes. While not an art heist, the film captures the essence of deception and forgery, making it a fitting entry.
Fact: The film was based on Irving's own book about the hoax.
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The Maiden Heist (2009)
Description: Three museum security guards, played by Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman, and William H. Macy, become obsessed with the artworks they guard and decide to steal them before they are moved to another museum. Their plan involves swapping the originals with fakes.
Fact: The film was shot in Boston, with scenes at the Museum of Fine Arts.
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The Art of the Steal (2013)
Description: A group of thieves, led by Kurt Russell, plan to steal a valuable painting from a museum. The film delves into the world of art forgery, with a twist that keeps viewers guessing until the end.
Fact: The film was shot in Philadelphia, with many scenes filmed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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The Monuments Men (2014)
Description: This film, based on true events, follows a group of art historians and curators who risk their lives to rescue art stolen by the Nazis during WWII. While not a traditional heist, it involves the recovery of stolen art, making it a unique addition to this list.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History."
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The Forger (2014)
Description: John Travolta plays a former art forger who is released from prison to paint a replica of a Monet masterpiece to help his son with a terminal illness. The film explores the moral dilemmas of art forgery and the lengths a father will go for his child.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life art forger Mark Landis.
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The Score (2001)
Description: Robert De Niro plays Nick Wells, a seasoned thief who is lured out of retirement for one last job: stealing a priceless scepter from the Montreal Customs House. The film's tension comes from the intricate plan to swap the scepter with a replica.
Fact: This was Marlon Brando's final film role before his death.
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