This week’s daring Louvre heist has captured significant public attention. Rather than attempting a heist yourself, watching a thrilling heist movie is a great way to experience that excitement vicariously. Here are some top titles in the heist genre, focusing on Louvre-related heists of items rather than money, along with where you can watch them.
### Contemporary Heist Films
Loosely inspired by the Worcester Art Museum heist in Massachusetts in 1972, “The Mastermind” follows a man trying to steal four Arthur Dove paintings. “The Gold” explores the aftermath of the 1983 Brink’s-Mat gold robbery in London, focusing more on the police pursuing the robbers. In “Crime 101,” jewel thief Davis teams up with an insurance broker for a series of heists along the 101 freeway.
### Classic Heist Movies
“Le Cercle Rouge” showcases a group of French burglars planning a daring jewel heist. “Rififi” is regarded as one of the best heist movies, featuring an intricately planned heist without dialogue or music. “How To Steal a Million” is a comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in an art heist adventure.
### Underrated Gems
“Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” follows two brothers robbing their parents’ jewelry store. “Nine Queens” involves a pair of conmen aiming to steal rare stamps. “Headhunters” is a dark thriller about an art thief who faces unexpected consequences.
### True Story Heist Films
“The Bling Ring” is based on real-life teenage heists of celebrities’ homes in Los Angeles. “American Animals” depicts a group of men attempting to steal an illustrated book. “Museo” tells the story of Mexico’s largest museum heist.
### Modern Milestones in Heist Cinema
“Inside Man” is a twisty revenge flick about a complex bank heist. “The Thomas Crown Affair” follows a billionaire art thief driven by the thrill of the game. “Dragged Across Concrete” is a modern noir film centered on a gold bullion heist.
These heist films offer a mix of suspense, action, and intrigue, providing viewers with an adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience.
