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The best bank robbery movies blend thrilling action with an undeniable sense of justice delivered by the very criminals we probably should be rooting against. These flicks are pure cinematic fun, especially when we get to know the underdog behind the crime and inevitably start cheering them on.
There is something magnetic about a perfectly executed plan — or a desperate one that goes off the rails. Whether it’s the high-tech gadgets of a modern heist or the raw tension of a classic standoff, these films tap into our secret desire to see the “little guy” outsmart the system.
If you’re in the mood for a high-stakes heist, I’ve compiled a list of my favorites from over the years. Several of them are stone-cold classics that are absolutely worth a rewatch, while others may have flown under your radar. No matter what kind of “job” you’re craving, each of these is worthy of a big bucket of popcorn.
‘Inside Man’
Turn up your speakers when this one begins, because one of my favorite parts of the film happens before the action even starts. Directed by Spike Lee, “Inside Man” opens with the captivating song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” by A.R. Rahman. We see what looks like ordinary workmen driving through the city in a painter’s van, but it quickly becomes clear they aren’t your average crew. This isn’t your ordinary bank robbery, either.
As the robbers give unusual instructions to the customers and employees — like forcing everyone to wear identical painters’ uniforms — you can tell something is off. While the chaos unfolds, Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) tries to decipher the game plan, though the robbers always seem to be two steps ahead. Meanwhile, a powerful fixer (Jodie Foster) appears, quietly coordinating with the bank’s owner for reasons revealed much later. Clever clues are sprinkled throughout, giving this film incredible rewatch value.
Watch on Peacock
‘Dog Day Afternoon’
There’s a lot going on in “Dog Day Afternoon,” and the fact that it’s based on a true story makes it even more astonishing. The film begins with a robbery that quickly spirals out of control. A young Al Pacino stars as Sonny, whose plan to cash in goes sideways when he discovers the bank vault is nearly empty. When his partner loses his nerve and a small fire catches the attention of the police outside, Sonny ends up in a high-pressure hostage situation.
As a crowd gathers and the media circus follows, it becomes clear that no one will leave unscathed. Sonny’s motivation — to pay for his partner’s gender-affirming surgery — was shockingly progressive for a ’70s film and adds deep emotional complexity to the plot. One of my favorite moments is Pacino’s unscripted “Attica!” chant; it brings a level of rawness you just don’t see in movies these days.
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‘The Town’
Starring Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, and Jeremy Renner, “The Town” has become one of my go-to rewatches. Set in Boston, it follows a group of lifelong friends who pull off ruthless, professional heists. During one job, they take a bank manager hostage, only to release her unharmed. Worried she might be able to identify them, Affleck’s character begins following her, eventually introducing himself at a neighborhood laundromat.
To his own surprise, he begins to fall for her, much to the concern of his volatile best friend (Renner). Jeremy Renner stands out as the most cunning and dangerous member of the crew, while Affleck plays the man with a conscience looking for a way out. The film perfectly balances intense action with a grounded romance that never feels overdone.
Watch on HBO Max
‘Point Break’
“Point Break” is a classic in its own right, and I credit the iconic cast for its staying power. Starring the late Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves, the film spotlights a group of rogue surfers who rob banks while wearing masks of former presidents. Johnny Utah (Reeves), a rookie FBI agent, goes undercover to infiltrate the surfing community and track down the gang’s charismatic leader, Bodhi (Swayze).
Bodhi eventually invites Johnny into his inner circle, and Swayze shines as the leader who lives every moment to the fullest. A complex bond emerges between the two men, despite being on opposite sides of the law. Be prepared for this one to trigger some internal debate as you watch Johnny’s motivations start to shift. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, it’s an intense action flick with surprising depth.
Watch on Peacock
‘Now You See Me’
I’m a sucker for movies that use magic and trickery within the plot. Now You See Me is the perfect choice if you want a heist film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco, the story follows four magicians—each with their own “unique bag of tricks” (pun intended)—who are brought together as “The Four Horsemen.” They perform elaborate stunts that seem impossible, ending with stolen money being showered upon their audience.
When an actual bank vault is emptied thousands of miles away during their show, FBI Agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) and Interpol detective Alma Dray (Mélanie Laurent) team up to solve the puzzle. Don’t try to overthink the logic too much—just let the spectacle sweep you away.
Rent/buy on Prime Video or Apple TV
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