Well, Netflix all we want in our dreams is always somehow linked to money. Hence, envisioning currency notes falling from the sky as rain or the sun lying on a mattress made of money certainly seems like a good time. Alas, in reality, money tends to drive people to do weird and dangerous things. Enter the heist genre.

The adrenaline rush and thrill are the number one reasons why bank robbery movies have become such a massive hit. Those dreams last for not more than two hours, but there the viewership actually begins to identify themselves with the robbers, who are mostly given the role of heroes, and sympathize with their social circumstances. In fact, these films might very well be the closest one can get to see what their dreams would look like if ever realized. Netflix undoubtedly has some of the best productions available that bring these situations to life.

1. Now You See Me (2013) & Now You See Me 2 (2016)

Magic has been used to sustain the heist narrative in Louis Leterrier’s Now You See Me and Jon M. Chu’s Now You See Me 2. The Four Horsemen is a group of street magicians that use their illusions to fool the common man for fun and profit, as well as to swindle the rich and the powerful. In the first movie, they rob Arthur Tressler, an insurance magnate; in the second, they are forced by Walter Mabry, a tech magnate, to steal a chip from a secure facility. In consideration of cinephiles, it is more about how the gangsters carry out their acts than what they carry out. The other element that raises the stakes is the FBI, which is after the Four Horsemen. Some thorough cinematic binge-art right there aided by camera work and effects. They can be streamed here.

2. Inside Man (2006)

In Spike Lee’s ‘Inside Man,’ Denzel Washington plays Detective Keith Frazier, who must negotiate with Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), whose gang has entered a bank to rob it and taken every soul inside hostage. Upon receiving that Russell wants the details for his demands, Frazier tries to buy time until he figures out a solution. And in doing so, he gets in the way of a fixer, Madeleine White (Jodie Foster), who was hired by the chairman of the bank. The chairman seems to have hired Madeleine to keep the bank’s interest “safe” during this situation, and obviously something within the bank must not fall into anyone else’s hands but his. With so many lives at stake, navigating through this whole situation turns ‘Inside Man’ into an enthralling, multi-layered drama that questions the way any crime is judged. You can watch it here.

3. Red Notice (2021)

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, “Red Notice” is a heist film featuring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. The story centers on three ancient Egyptian jeweled eggs and the rivalry between antique thieves Nolan Booth (Reynolds) and the Bishop (Gadot). Booth manages to steal the first egg, but it eventually ends up with the Bishop. FBI profiler John Hartley (Johnson), who is pursuing Booth, gets framed for the theft and finds himself in prison alongside Booth. The film follows their efforts to escape from prison, locate the other two eggs, and stop the Bishop before she can reach them. It’s an action-comedy with plenty of excitement. You can watch “Red Notice” here.

4. Triple Frontier (2019)

Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, and Garrett Hedlund lead this Netflix original heist movie as former U.S. Special Forces soldiers who decide to leverage their military skills for personal gain. They plan to venture into the jungles of Colombia to steal the fortune hoarded by a drug lord. However, the mission proves to be much more complicated than they anticipated. As they execute their plan, the trio finds themselves in a challenging situation that tests both their abilities and their friendship. This gritty heist thriller moves away from the high-tech and glamorous elements seen in films like the ‘Ocean’s’ series, instead highlighting raw human bravery, determination, and resolve. You can watch ‘Triple Frontier’ on Netflix.

5. The Highwaymen (2019)

Directed by John Lee Hancock, ‘The Highwaymen’ offers a fresh take on the infamous ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ story. The FBI and its affiliates attempt to track down one of history’s most notorious criminals, but their efforts are futile. With no other options, they enlist the help of two former Texas Rangers, Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, portrayed by Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson. Known for their sharp instincts and traditional tactics, this duo is hired as special investigators by a group of banks eager to put an end to the robbery spree that has claimed the lives of 13 officers and affected numerous bank vaults. If you’re curious about how it all unfolds, you can watch the movie here.

6. Army of the Dead (2021)

The follow-up to ‘Army of Thieves,’ Zack Snyder’s ‘Army of the Dead,’ has all the elements of an exciting heist film set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse. After an alpha zombie escapes and turns Las Vegas into a zombie-infested area, the military decides to destroy the city with a bomb. In response, casino owner Bly Tanaka hires mercenary Scott Ward and his team to retrieve $300 million from a bank vault deep within the city. The film then unfolds like a classic bank heist, as the crew navigates the city, strategizes their plan, and attempts to access the vault. However, the looming threat of a zombie outbreak complicates matters, leading to a dramatic showdown with a large horde of the undead. You can watch the film here.

7. Army of Thieves (2021)

‘Army of Thieves,’ directed by Matthias Schweighöfer, serves as a prequel to ‘Army of the Dead’ and takes on a more classic heist film approach. The story centers around Sebastian Schlencht-Wöhnert, a skilled safecracker who is dissatisfied with his dull, everyday life. His fortunes change when he gets invited to a unique safecracking competition, which he wins, leading to his recruitment into a team planning a bank heist. They aim to break into three famous safes designed by Hans Wagner, embarking on a challenging mission while being pursued by the police. While it is primarily a heist film, ‘Army of Thieves’ also includes emotional moments and unexpected twists, particularly as Sebastian develops a romantic connection with his teammate Gwendoline Starr, who has to deal with her ex, Brad Cage, who often targets and mocks him. You can watch ‘Army of Thieves’ here.

8. Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Not all heists focus on theft; some are about reclaiming what belongs to you. Spike Lee’s film ‘Da 5 Bloods’ emphasizes this idea. Set during the Vietnam War—both literally and metaphorically—it follows four U.S. Army veterans, known as the “4 Bloods,” who fought together in Vietnam. They return to the war-torn area to retrieve the body of their fallen leader, the “5th blood,” and to recover gold bars they buried years earlier. The impressive cast features Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Chadwick Boseman, and Jonathan Majors. To distinguish between past and present, Lee employs various aspect ratios and formats, effectively capturing the war as it was broadcasted at the time. ‘Da 5 Bloods’ has garnered numerous awards and successfully elevates the heist genre while adding depth to it. You can watch the film here.

9. A Man of Action (2022)

‘A Man of Action’ (Un hombre de acción) is a Spanish biographical heist drama inspired by the life of Lucio Urtubia, a Spanish anarchist and forger often likened to Robin Hood. During the 1960s and 1970s, Urtubia was involved in bank robberies and forgeries, with the most notable being the First National City Bank scam. He created printing plates and forged traveler’s checks to support those in need. The French police were unable to locate the plates, leading to a deal between him, the government, and the bank. Juan José Ballesta portrays Urtubia, effectively capturing both his criminal side and his role as a family man. The film is directed by Javier Ruiz Caldera and is available for streaming.

10. Don 2 (2011)

In ‘Don 2’, which stars Shah Rukh Khan as Don and is a sequel to ‘Don’ (2006), the story unfolds five years after the first film. Don pretends to surrender to the police, knowing that being in prison will protect him from the various criminal organizations that are out to get him. While incarcerated, he devises an escape plan with his rival Vardhaan, and they aim to steal plates from the D. Z. Bank in Berlin. Will they succeed? Can Vardhaan be trusted not to betray him? Directed by Farhan Akhtar, ‘Don 2’ features an engaging heist storyline that showcases Don’s cleverness and cunning. You can watch the movie here.

11. How to Rob a Bank (2024)

This captivating documentary explores a series of 19 confirmed bank robberies that took place in Seattle during the 1990s. The heists, orchestrated by Scott Scurlock and executed by Mark Biggins and Steve Meyers, resulted in the theft of over $2.3 million. They were apprehended while trying to flee on November 27, 1996, after a shootout with the police, during which Scurlock took his own life. Biggins and Meyers were subsequently arrested and sentenced to 21 years in prison. The film features interviews and archival footage, offering insights from the robbers, their families, friends, and law enforcement about the robberies, their execution, the impact on the community, and how the police managed to capture the criminals. Directed by Seth Porges and Stephen Robert Morse, the documentary is available for streaming.

12. Coin Heist (2017)

Written and directed by Emily Hagins, this film follows four school students who team up to execute a significant heist in order to save their school. Each of the four characters has a distinct personality: one is a skilled athlete, another excels academically, a third is a tech whiz, and the last is a classic slacker. What stands out in the film is that, despite these descriptions, each teenager is well-developed and has a compelling backstory. The protagonists are portrayed in a way that commands respect from the audience. They plan to rob the U.S. Mint after discovering that it produces about one million coins every thirty seconds. ‘Coin Heist’ offers a mix of excitement and drama while raising important ethical and moral questions. You can watch the movie here.

13. Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga (2023)

“Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga” is a Hindi film directed by Ajay Singh, featuring Yami Gautam and Sunny Kaushal. The story follows a couple, Ankit (Kaushal) and Neha (Gautam), who devise a plan to steal diamonds in order to help Ankit repay a client whose Rs. 20 crores worth of diamonds were lost by his insurance company. Their target is a shipment of smuggled diamonds on a flight from Al-Barkat to India. However, just as Ankit and Neha are about to execute their plan, the flight is hijacked by terrorists, adding an unexpected twist to their heist. “Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga” promises to be an entertaining film that combines the excitement of a heist with the suspense of a hijacking. You can check it out here.

14. Yucatán (2018)

Comedy can enhance any action movie, and there are numerous examples that support this idea. ‘Yucatán’ is a Spanish thriller that follows this trend. The plot revolves around an elderly baker who recently won a lottery jackpot and boards a cruise ship, where two con artists plan to steal his winnings. The film features plenty of humorous moments, mostly driven by a more sophisticated type of comedy. Additionally, the storyline is engaging and straightforward. While ‘Yucatán’ is longer than many other films in its genre, this doesn’t detract from the experience. You can watch it here.

15. Wheelman (2017)

First-time director Jeremy Rush delivers an intense adventure-drama with ‘Wheelman,’ which is sure to captivate fans of bank heist films. The story centers on the Wheelman, portrayed by Frank Grillo, who serves as the getaway driver in a perilous and enigmatic bank robbery. As the heist unfolds, he uncovers a shocking truth: someone close to the operation has betrayed him. Fueled by a desire for revenge, the Wheelman sets out to find the traitor while evading the police. You can watch the movie here.

16. The Last Days of American Crime (2020)

Inspired by the graphic novel by Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini, this action movie takes place in a near-future dystopia. The U.S. government plans to send out a signal designed to stop people from committing crimes. Amid this tension, a heist unfolds, adding to the film’s intrigue. The cast includes Édgar Ramírez, Anna Brewster, Michael Pitt, Patrick Bergin, and Sharlto Copley. While it has received some negative reviews, the film is still worth watching for its thrilling action scenes. You can find the film here.

17. Time to Hunt (2020)

Set against the backdrop of a significant economic downturn in South Korea, the film centers on Jun-Seok, who has just been released from prison. A former bank robber, he gathers his friends Jang-ho and Ki-hoon to plan one last heist before they leave the country. They target an illegal gambling establishment and successfully make off with a large sum of money. However, things take a turn when the owners of the gambling house hire a hitman to retrieve a stolen hard drive along with the cash. This leads to a tense and thrilling chase, putting the friends’ lives in jeopardy and culminating in an exciting climax. You can watch the movie here.

18. Shimmer Lake (2017)

At first glance, ‘Shimmer Lake’ appears to be a captivating crime thriller centered on a small-town sheriff named Zeke Sikes. He investigates a bank robbery involving three suspects, one of whom is his brother. The story unfolds in reverse chronological order, starting with the troubled relationship between Zeke and his brother Andrew, who is suspected of being involved in the robbery. This suspicion is soon validated when Andrew, along with his accomplice’s wife, is seen loading stolen money into her car for safekeeping. However, the situation takes a dark turn when a gunshot rings out, and Andrew is shot dead, leading to a cut to black. The film then reveals the identity of the murderer, and the reverse narrative takes viewers through the planning and execution of the heist. With its unique twist, ‘Shimmer Lake’ offers an engaging experience for fans of heist films. You can stream it here.

19. Justice (2024)

Michal Gazda’s ‘Justice,’ AKA ‘Napad,’ is a Polish drama that follows disgraced former Security Service agent Tadeusz Gadacz (Olaf Lubaszenko), who is tasked with solving a bank heist that cost the lives of four people. With only 15 days to solve the case, Tadeusz teams up with police officer Aleksandra Janicka (Wiktoria Gorodecka). It is via their investigation that the film shows the robbery and how things occurred on the day the heist took place. ‘Justice’ is a gritty crime drama layered with politics, socio-economics, and media scrutiny. It does a pretty good job as a heist movie set in playback mode and can be streamed here.

20. Wingwomen (2023)

Mélanie Laurent not only stars in but also directs this French heist action comedy. The story revolves around two skilled thieves, Carole (Laurent), a burglar, and Alex (Adèle Exarchopoulos), a sniper, who execute heists for their boss, Marraine (Isabelle Adjani). However, both Carole and Alex yearn for independence, which Marraine is unwilling to grant. As they prepare for what is meant to be their final heist before retirement (according to Marraine), they bring in race car driver Sam (Manon Bresch) to help with their plans. The heist proves challenging, requiring them to steal architectural plans, acquire weapons from an arms dealer, and ultimately take a rare painting, all located in different cities. The film successfully combines action, humor, and the dynamic between the three main characters, making it a genuine heist drama with appealing chick-flick elements. You can check out ‘Wingwomen’ here.

21. Robbing Mussolini (2022)

Originally named ‘Rapiniamo il Duce,’ this Italian film directed by Renato De Maria is loosely based on a true story. Set during the final days of World War II, it follows Pietro, also known as Isola (played by Pietro Castellitto), a thief who discovers that Benito Mussolini and his close associates plan to flee to Switzerland with the treasure Mussolini accumulated in Milan during his rule. Pietro decides to steal this treasure with the help of his crew, but the task proves challenging as they must retrieve it from the heavily guarded Black Zone. Although Mussolini’s treasure is mentioned in the film, its actual fate remains uncertain. The movie combines elements of romance, comedy, and a heist, making it an engaging historical film that is definitely worth watching. You can check it out here.

22. The Out-Laws (2023)

If you’re in the mood for a fun heist film, ‘The Out-Laws’ is a great option. Directed by Tyler Spindel, the story follows Owen (Adam DeVine), a young bank manager whose bank is robbed by the notorious Ghost Bandits right after he meets the parents of his fiancée, Parker (Nina Dobrev). The twist is that Owen mistakenly believes that Parker’s parents, Billy (Pierce Brosnan) and Lilly (Ellen Barkin), are the ones behind the robbery. Additionally, there’s a crime boss named Rehan (Poorna Jagannathan) who wants her money back from Billy and Lilly, leading her to take Parker hostage. As the plot unfolds, the film delivers plenty of laughs while maintaining an exciting atmosphere. You can check out the movie here.

23. Bank Robbers: The Last Great Heist (2022)

‘Bank Robbers: The Last Great Heist’ is a thrilling documentary that tells the story of a robbery at the Banco Río branch in Acassuso, Buenos Aires, which took place on January 13, 2006. The film features interviews with the robbers themselves, who share their personal experiences and insights, alongside dramatic reenactments of the heist. Additionally, it employs miniature sets, detailed maps, and mannequins to illustrate how the criminals successfully made off with $15 million. You can watch it here.

24. Stealing Raden Saleh (2022)

“Stealing Raden Saleh,” directed by Angga Dwimas Sasongko, is an engaging heist film that tells the story of Piko, an art student who forges paintings to earn money for his father’s legal fees to secure his release from prison. When Piko is offered a substantial sum for a replica of Raden Saleh’s “The Arrest of Pangeran Diponegoro,” he takes the opportunity. However, after delivering the replica, he finds himself blackmailed into stealing the original painting housed in the Presidential Palace. To Netflix accomplish this, Piko assembles a team of skilled individuals, each an expert in areas such as technology, machinery, athletics, and car racing. The film follows their attempts to pull off the heist while being pursued by detectives. With plenty of unexpected twists, “Stealing Raden Saleh” is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. You can watch the film here.

25. Deidra & Laney Rob a Train (2017)

Directed by Sydney Freeland, ‘Deidra & Laney Rob a Train’ tells the story of sisters Deidra (Ashleigh Murray) and Laney (Rachel Crow), who Netflix  turn to stealing from freight trains at night to support themselves and their younger brother after their mother is imprisoned due to a breakdown linked to their life in poverty. Their father is unreliable, leaving them with no choice but to find a way to earn money and prevent Child Protection Services from intervening. As a result, they embark on the train heists mentioned in the title. The film features strong performances and tackles important social issues, making it more than just a typical heist movie. You can watch it here.

26. Lift (2024)

In F. Gary Gray’s heist comedy, ‘Lift,’ a talented cast featuring Kevin Hart and Gugu Mbatha-Raw takes on a thrilling adventure. Hart portrays Cyrus, a skilled thief who heads a team executing simultaneous heists in London and Netflix  Venice. When Interpol agent Abby Gladwell uncovers crucial evidence, an unexpected agreement arises, forcing the crew to work alongside law enforcement. The story unfolds with complex plans, unexpected obstacles, and character interactions, mixing humor, tension, and a hint of romance. You can find the movie available for viewing here.

27. Biggest Heist Ever (2024)

The documentary ‘Biggest Heist Ever’ explores the largest financial crime in history, focusing on Heather “Razzlekhan” Morgan and Ilya “Dutch” Lichtenstein, who were charged with laundering over $4 billion in bitcoins. Through Netflix  a mix of archival footage, re-enactments, and interviews with investigators, former friends, and ex-cyber criminals, the film reveals how this tech entrepreneur couple, known as Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde, executed their elaborate scheme using their expertise in cryptocurrency. If you’re interested in learning more about cryptocurrency and its risks, you can watch the documentary here.