A Glean movie guide
The Perfect Heist
Nothing is ever as it seems.
Masterful robberies and shocking reversals that will keep you guessing until the end.
Handpicked for this guide
The movie list
- 01
The Usual Suspects
A legendary crime thriller defined by one of the most iconic narrative twists in cinema history.
Held in an L.A. interrogation room, Verbal Kint attempts to convince the feds that a mythic crime lord, Keyser Soze, not only exists, but was also responsible for drawing him and his four partners into a multi-million dollar heist that ended with an explosion in San Pedro harbor – leaving few survivors. Verbal lures his interrogators with an incredible story of the crime lord's almost supernatural prowess.
- 02
Inside Man
A brilliant bank robbery unfolds with layers of deception that challenge both the police and the audience.
When an armed, masked gang enter a Manhattan bank, lock the doors and take hostages, the detective assigned to effect their release enters negotiations preoccupied with corruption charges he is facing.
- 03
The Sting
This classic long-con film remains the gold standard for elaborate setups and satisfying reversals.
A novice con man teams up with an acknowledged master to avenge the murder of a mutual friend by pulling off the ultimate big con and swindling a fortune from a big-time mobster.
- 04
Ocean's Eleven
A stylish, fast-paced caper that uses constant misdirection to keep its massive heist plan hidden.
Less than 24 hours into his parole, charismatic thief Danny Ocean is already rolling out his next plan: In one night, Danny's hand-picked crew of specialists will attempt to steal more than $150 million from three Las Vegas casinos. But to score the cash, Danny risks his chances of reconciling with ex-wife, Tess.
- 05
Now You See Me
A high-concept thriller where a team of illusionists uses stage magic to pull off impossible bank heists.
An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.
- 06
Heist
Written by David Mamet, this film is a masterclass in professional criminal dynamics and sudden betrayals.
Joe Moore has a job he loves. He's a thief. His job goes sour when he gets caught on security camera tape. His fence, Bergman, reneges on the money he's owed, and his wife may be betraying him with the fence's young lieutenant. Moore and his partner, Bobby Blane, and their utility man, Pinky Pincus, find themselves broke, betrayed, and blackmailed. Moore is forced to commit his crew to do one last big job.
- 07
Logan Lucky
An unconventional and clever NASCAR heist that proves you don't need a high-tech crew to pull off a big job.
Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy and Clyde Logan set out to execute an elaborate robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
- 08
Widows
A gritty, character-driven heist film that features a massive mid-story narrative shift.
A police shootout leaves four thieves dead during an explosive armed robbery attempt in Chicago. Their widows have nothing in common except a debt left behind by their spouses' criminal activities. Hoping to forge a future on their own terms, they join forces to pull off a heist.
- 09
The Bank Job
Based on a real event, this tense robbery spirals into a dangerous conspiracy involving high-ranking officials.
Terry is a small-time car dealer trying to leave his shady past behind and start a family. Martine is a beautiful model from Terry's old neighbourhood who knows that Terry is no angel. When Martine proposes a foolproof plan to rob a bank, Terry recognises the danger but realises this may be the opportunity of a lifetime.
- 10
Confidence
A fast-moving con artist story built entirely around layers of deception and multiple plot twists.
What Jake Vig doesn't know just might get him killed. A sharp and polished grifter, Jake has just swindled thousands of dollars from the unsuspecting Lionel Dolby with the help of his crew. It becomes clear that Lionel wasn't just any mark, he was an accountant for eccentric crime boss Winston King. Jake and his crew will have to stay one step ahead of both the criminals and the cops to finally settle their debt.