Last Updated on August 3, 2021
#1 – SNATCH
While many prefer Guy Ritchie’s previous and tonally similar LOCK, STOCK, AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS, I have always been partial to the much glossier SNATCH. Maybe it is Brad Pitt’s instant classic portrayal of Mickey or maybe it is the huge cast of now familiar faces including Jason Statham, or maybe it is just that SNATCH is a quotably hilarious film full of violence and humor.
#2 – INCEPTION
Christopher Nolan is a mastermind of a filmmaker and for every great adaptation he has made, there is a stunningly original story like INCEPTION. A very different type of heist than any other film on this list, INCEPTION is chock full of insane visuals and a Russian nesting doll of a plot that still packs a wallop to this day. A damn enjoyable movie and a deeply analytical cinematic adventure, INCEPTION is a classic.
#3 – THE TOWN
After the critical acclaim for GONE BABY GONE, Ben Affleck made his second and superior directorial effort with THE TOWN. Set in his native Boston, THE TOWN stars Affleck as the leader of a group of bank robbers. The film was both a critical and financial success and paved the way for Affleck to become one of the best filmmakers working today. But the real strength of THE TOWN lies in the great cast who truly evoke the New England lifestyle and accent that Affleck brought to GOOD WILL HUNTING.
#4 – INSIDE MAN
One of Spike Lee’s best films, INSIDE MAN opens as a fairly formulaic heist film replete with bank, hostages and negotiator. But, as the film unfolds, the true motivations of Clive Owen’s character prove this story is more than just a tale of criminals stealing diamonds. Instead, it becomes an indictment of war crimes, Wall Street, and everything else plaguing the United States in the early 2000s. A damn well acted film with stunning work by Jodie Foster, Denzel Washington, Christopher Plummer, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Willem Dafoe.
#5 – HELL OR HIGH WATER
One of the best films of 2016, HELL OR HIGH WATER evokes everything from The Coens to John Wayne westerns. All the while, the film is an indictment of America’s current socio-economic climate and uses that to tell a story that is both timely and gripping. Chris Pine has rarely been better and Ben Foster continues to prove that he is one of the most underrated actors working today. Plus, you have Jeff Bridges in his trademark cowboy mode which itself is worth watching for two hours.
#6 – THE WAY OF THE GUN
After THE USUAL SUSPECTS, acclaimed screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie made his directorial debut with this thriller that stars Ryan Philippe and Benicio Del Toro as low level criminals undertaking a heist that could be their big score. A meditation on violence, THE WAY OF THE GUN was maligned by critics but has become a cult favorite thanks to a great ensemble cast and some truly quotable dialogue.
#7 – FAST FIVE
Justin Lin’s third round as director of the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise was also the best film in the series to date. Switching the plot completely from a racing centered narrative to an over-the-top action extravaganza breathed new life into a franchise that needed it. The Rio sequences alone are worth the price of admission. Each sequel has tried to replicate the formula of FAST FIVE and while the stunts have gotten bigger, none of the movies were better than this one.
#8 – THE ITALIAN JOB
It is no coincidence that F. Gary Gray’s THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS looks like it was made by a man familiar with car chases and crime plots. The 2003 action film THE ITALIAN JOB was the first time Gray teamed with actors Jason Statham and Charlize Theron for a film that had some thrilling chase sequences along with a fairly involved crime plot. This may not be the best film on this list but THE ITALIAN JOB is a lot of fun and deserved a sequel.
#9 – MATCHSTICK MEN
Ridley Scott’s dark comedy represents one of Nicolas Cage’s best films of the past two decades. Despite being a box office bomb, MATCHSTICK MEN has garnered a following since it hit home media and for good reason. This movie has a great script and some stellar performances from Cage and Alison Lohman. This is one of those films you forget all about until you see a photo or clip and it makes you instantly want to watch it all over again.
#10 – HEIST
David Mamet has always been one hell of a screenwriter and his 2001 heist film was released the same year as the higher profile THE SCORE with Marlon Brando, Edward Norton, and Robert De Niro. HEIST is the superior film boasting a great cast that includes Gene Hackman, Sam Rockwell, Danny DeVito, and Rebecca Pidgeon, but failed to make a splash with audiences. This may be the least recognized film on this ranking but the intelligent plot and great dialogue make it a worthy addition.
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