Crime + investigation
Five iconic heist films that redefined crime on screen.
Getty ImagesFrom elaborate schemes to small-scale crimes, heist movies deliver the forbidden thrill of outsmarting the system. Whether it’s a loveable crook who risks everything on one big score or an amateur bank robbery gone wrong, these stories often present morally ambiguous characters up against powerful institutions.
These five heist films stand out as pinnacles of the genre, each offering a unique take on the art of the steal.
A stroller heist unravels when one thief returns after realizing she left her kid behind in this clip from Season 1, Episode 8.
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Dave Roos is a writer for History.com and a contributor to the popular podcast Stuff You Should Know. Learn more at daveroos.com.
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