With all the movies and TV shows about cops and catching criminals, you’d think that there’d never be any circumstances that would have us cheering for the bad guys. After all, they’re breaking the law. They should be arrested and tried and put in jail.
But clever robberies? Against some big company or crooked businessman? Or maybe out-conning a con man who cheated people out of their hard-earned money? Or maybe stealing for some greater good? Well, that’s very different.
We really can’t help it. Sometimes we have to cheer for the robbers and con men and grifters. It’s all in the context. Perhaps it’s because we believe the targets or marks deserve to be cheated. Or perhaps we’re just amazed and impressed by the complexity of the crime and the intelligence of those who plan it and carry it out. And then we just get involved in the action and hope that our heroes don’t get caught.
Whether the perpetrators are in it for money or justice or revenge, for family or friends – or just to get inside someone’s head -- their adventures are entertaining and intriguing.
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The Asphalt Jungle [2] The Lavender Hill Mob [3]
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The Bank Job [4] Leverage [5]
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Bottle Rocket [6] Mad Money [7]
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Entrapment [8] National Treasure [9]
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The Great Train Robbery [10] National Treasure 2 [11]
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How to Steal a Million [12] Ocean’s Eleven (1960) [13]
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Inception [14] Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and sequels [15]
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Inside Man [16] The Sting [17]
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The Italian Job (1969) [18] The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) [19]
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The Italian Job (2003) [20] The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) [21]
Did I miss your favorite? What movie would you add to the list?
- caper films [22]
- caper television programs [23]
- heist films [24]
- heist television programs [25]
- Movies [26]
- Television [27]
