There’s something undeniably thrilling about bank robbery movies. The tension, the strategy, the high-stakes drama—it’s all there. Since inception, Hollywood has given us some seriously adrenaline-pumping heist films that have kept us on the edge of our seats.
From complex plots to explosive action scenes, these movies showcase the allure of the ultimate crime: robbing a bank. So, let’s break down 13 bank robbery movies that have left audiences wanting more.
The Town
Kicking off our list is Ben Affleck’s gritty Boston-based thriller, The Town. Affleck not only directed but also starred in this intense movie about a group of lifelong friends from Charlestown who rob banks. The movie is a masterclass in tension, with
an unforgettable car chase scene through the narrow streets of Boston. The film delves deep into the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, with a standout performance by Jeremy Renner as the unpredictable best friend. It’s a perfect blend of action and character study, making it a must-watch.
Inside Man: Most Wanted
A sequel to the 2006 hit Inside Man, Inside Man: Most Wanted doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, but it’s still a solid heist flick. The plot centers around an NYPD negotiator and an FBI
agent who team up to stop a brilliant heist on the Federal Reserve. While it might not be as slick as the original, it offers plenty of twists and turns, and Rhea Seehorn delivers a strong performance as the lead investigator.
Den of Thieves
Den of Thieves takes the classic heist movie formula and adds a layer of grit and realism. Gerard Butler stars as a hard-nosed cop obsessed with taking down a gang of bank robbers planning an impossible heist on the Federal Reserve.
The movie is a testosterone-fueled thrill ride, with intense shootouts and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end. It’s rough around the edges but delivers a satisfying, explosive climax.
Triple 9
Triple 9 brings together an ensemble cast for a dark, brutal look at corruption and crime. The movie follows a group of criminals and corrupt cops planning a major heist. The title refers to the police code for “officer down,” which is a key part of their
plan. With a cast that includes Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Kate Winslet, Triple 9 is packed with tension and features a heist that goes horribly wrong, leading to an all-out bloodbath. It’s a raw, unflinching look at the cost of crime.
Hell or High Water
Hell or High Water is not your typical bank robbery movie. It’s a modern-day Western that’s more about character and atmosphere than action. Chris Pine and Ben Foster play brothers who rob a series of banks to save their family farm, while Jeff Bridges
is the grizzled Texas Ranger on their tail. The movie is beautifully shot and has a haunting score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. It’s a slow burn, but it’s one of the most critically acclaimed films on this list.
Baby Driver
Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver is a stylish, music-driven heist movie with a heart. Ansel Elgort stars as Baby, a getaway driver with tinnitus who relies on music to drown out the noise in his head. The movie is a fast-paced, visually stunning ride with a killer
soundtrack that perfectly syncs with the action. With a supporting cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, and Jon Hamm, Baby Driver is a heist movie that feels fresh and original.
Logan Lucky
Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky is often described as a blue-collar Ocean’s Eleven. The movie follows two brothers, played by Channing Tatum and Adam Driver, who plan a heist during a NASCAR race. It’s a fun, quirky caper that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The ensemble cast, including Daniel Craig as an eccentric explosives expert, delivers some great performances. Logan Lucky is a breezy, enjoyable heist movie that’s a little offbeat but highly entertaining.
Widows
Widows is a heist movie with a twist. Directed by Steve McQueen and based on the 1983 British series of the same name, the film follows four women who plan a heist to pay off a debt left by their dead husbands, who were all criminals.
The movie is intense and dramatic, with standout performances from Viola Davis and Elizabeth Debicki. Widows is not just a heist movie; it’s a powerful story about grief, survival, and empowerment.
The Vault
The Vault is a Spanish heist movie that takes place during the World Cup finals. It follows a genius engineering student who is recruited to help steal a legendary lost treasure hidden inside a vault under the Bank of Spain.
The movie is a mix of classic heist tropes and high-tech thrills, with a plot that keeps you engaged and a climax that’s genuinely exciting. It might not be groundbreaking, but it’s a solid addition to the genre.
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
While technically a TV series, Money Heist (originally La Casa de Papel) deserves a spot on this list for its epic portrayal of a bank heist that unfolds over several seasons. The Spanish series follows a group of robbers who take hostages and
lock themselves in the Royal Mint of Spain as they attempt to print billions of euros. The show is packed with suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists, making it one of the most popular heist stories of the decade.
Honest Thief
Liam Neeson stars in Honest Thief as a former bank robber who decides to turn himself in and go straight for the sake of his new love. But when corrupt FBI agents double-cross him, he has to fight
to clear his name. It’s a more low-key entry on this list, but Neeson’s performance elevates the movie, and there’s plenty of action to keep you engaged.
Ambulance
Directed by Michael Bay, Ambulance is an action-packed thriller that follows two robbers who steal an ambulance after a failed bank heist. Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II star as the desperate criminals, with the entire movie
essentially becoming a high-speed chase through Los Angeles. As expected from a Bay film, there’s no shortage of explosions, car crashes, and high-octane sequences that make this a thrilling, albeit chaotic, ride.
The Misfits
Wrapping up our list is The Misfits, a globetrotting heist film directed by Renny Harlin. The movie follows a band of unconventional criminals who recruit a master thief, played by Pierce Brosnan, for a massive gold heist in the Middle East.
The film is filled with flashy action scenes, exotic locations, and a plot that keeps you guessing. It’s not the most sophisticated heist movie out there, but it’s a fun, entertaining watch with plenty of style.
From gritty, realistic dramas to high-octane thrillers, the bank robbery genre has evolved in fascinating ways over the past decade. These 13 bank robbery movies offer a little something for everyone—
whether you’re into character-driven stories, stylish action, or edge-of-your-seat suspense. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a heist movie, give one of these a try and prepare to be taken for a wild ride.
