The 50+ Best Movies About Con Artists

Ranker Film
Updated April 29, 2024 120.0K views 57 items
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1.5K voters
3 reranks
Voting Rules
Films about con artists and confidence men
Latest additions: Lift
Most divisive: The Distinguished Gentleman
Over 1.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Movies About Cons and Con Artists

List of the best con movies of all time. Stories about con artists have been around since man could pick up a pen. The tales are thrilling because they feature people smart enough to steal from the rich to fill their own pocketbooks using complicated tricks. Some of the best movies ever made are about con men and their fascinating schemes. Con artist movies range from exciting heist adventures to following a scammer as he or she flits from town to town, scamming all in sight. Although these movies are - on the surface - about characters who are unscrupulous and willing to screw over anyone for a buck, there are still universal themes involved. Themes like trust, family, friendships, and loyalty appear in most of these movies and are therefore compelling to the average viewer.

This list includes movies from all different time periods, from a father daughter team in the 1920s to modern day scam partners. Some of the characters have close relationships to their con artist partners, while others are desperately searching for somebody to connect with, like Matt Damon's character in The Talented Mr. Ripley.

What are the best movies about con artists? This list features characters who could get you to hand over your wallet with a simple conversation and the exhilarating scams they think up.

  • The Sting
    1

    The Sting

    Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw
    473 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Comedy, Drama, Caper
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: The Sting masterfully showcases the art of deception and teamwork, as two skilled con artists, played by the legendary duo Paul Newman and Robert Redford, attempt to take down a mob boss. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Chicago, this Oscar-winning film weaves intricate plot twists and clever schemes together, providing an exhilarating and entertaining depiction of con artistry at its finest.

    Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won't even know he's been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don't go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.
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  • The Usual Suspects
    2

    The Usual Suspects

    Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
    369 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: In The Usual Suspects, a group of criminals are brought together for what appears to be a simple heist; however, they soon realize that they have been manipulated by the enigmatic mastermind Keyser Söze. This suspenseful neo-noir crime thriller explores themes of deceit and betrayal while leaving viewers guessing until the very end about who is truly pulling the strings.

    The Usual Suspects is a mystery-thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Five criminals, including Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne) and Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey), meet during a police lineup. Soon after, they are entangled in an intricate plot involving a legendary criminal mastermind named Keyser Söze. The movie won two Academy Awards, one for Best Original Screenplay and another for Best Supporting Actor (Spacey). Directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie, it's a film of deception, power plays, and secrets that constantly challenges its audience.
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  • Ocean's Eleven
    3

    Ocean's Eleven

    George Clooney, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia
    451 votes

    For Fans Of: Heist, Crime, Comedy, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Ocean's Eleven brings an all-star ensemble cast to tell the story of Danny Ocean (George Clooney) assembling a team of expert thieves for an elaborate casino heist in Las Vegas. Showcasing an array of diverse cons and scams throughout its runtime, this stylish and witty heist film offers both thrilling action sequences and fascinating insights into the world of high-stakes deception.

    Ocean's Eleven, a stylish heist film, revolves around the suave mastermind Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his handpicked crew of specialists. The team, including the likes of Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) and Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), embarks on an audacious mission. They aim to simultaneously rob three Las Vegas casinos - Bellagio, Mirage and MGM Grand - all owned by ruthless tycoon Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). Director Steven Soderbergh expertly weaves this intricate plot with wit and slick dialogue, earning the film five nominations at the 2002 BAFTA Awards. With its blend of crime, comedy, and suspense, Ocean's Eleven is a cinematic rollercoaster ride in the world of high-stakes thievery.
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  • Catch Me If You Can
    4

    Catch Me If You Can

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken
    605 votes

    For Fans Of: Biography, Crime, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Based on a true story, Catch Me If You Can follows young Frank Abagnale Jr., who manages to impersonate various professionals while eluding FBI agent Carl Hanratty. Leonardo DiCaprio's charismatic portrayal combined with Steven Spielberg's direction create an enthralling tale that delves deep into the life of one extraordinarily skilled con artist whose escapades become increasingly audacious over time.

    In the thrilling film Catch Me If You Can, we follow the intriguing escapades of Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), a master of deception and a skilled forger. With his cunning, he successfully poses as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer, all while cashing millions in fraudulent checks. Hot on his heels is seasoned FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks), who's made it his mission to capture him. Navigating through this cat-and-mouse game, the movie explores themes of identity and deception. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this biographical crime film was nominated for two Academy Awards.
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  • Trading Places
    5

    Trading Places

    Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy
    182 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: In Trading Places, a Wall Street executive and a street hustler are unwittingly thrown into each other's worlds as part of a bet between two wealthy brothers. The film is an insightful satire on the class divide and showcases both Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd in top form, navigating their newfound circumstances while plotting revenge against the scheming siblings who set them up.

    In the uproarious comedy Trading Places, Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd), an affluent commodities broker, and Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy), a streetwise hustler, find their worlds flipped upside down. Orchestrated by the devious Duke brothers (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy), this unlikely pair are thrust into each other's lives in a social experiment of wealth versus poverty. As they navigate their new realities, they uncover the brothers' nefarious scheme. Armed with insider knowledge, they conspire to turn the tables on their puppeteers in this delightful tale of cunning and comeuppance.
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  • Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
    6

    Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

    Steve Martin, Michael Caine, Glenne Headly
    226 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Crime, Caper
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels follows two con artists - a suave European played by Michael Caine and a brash American played by Steve Martin - as they compete against each other on the French Riviera. This comedic caper offers entertaining schemes, hilarious hijinks, and engaging performances from its talented leads while illustrating how deception can sometimes be just another tool for survival.

    In the comedic caper, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Lawrence Jamieson (Michael Caine) is a cultured and sophisticated con artist who makes his living swindling money from rich women on the French Riviera. Freddy Benson (Steve Martin), a small-time American hustler with less refined methods, enters Lawrence's territory. The two engage in a contest of scams, with the loser leaving town forever. Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly), a naive American heiress, becomes their unsuspecting target. This film, directed by Frank Oz, is filled with clever twists and unforgettable characters. It's a humorous exploration of deception and rivalry that keeps viewers guessing until the end.
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  • The Wolf of Wall Street
    7

    The Wolf of Wall Street

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
    167 votes

    For Fans Of: Biography, Drama, Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: The Wolf of Wall Street tells the true story of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), whose unscrupulous rise and fall from power is depicted through his relentless pursuit of wealth, women, and hedonism. Martin Scorsese's masterful direction highlights both the glamour and corruption that come with high-stakes financial fraud, offering an unflinching look at one man's descent into greed-fueled excess.

    In the riveting film The Wolf of Wall Street, we follow the life of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a Wall Street stockbroker. Driven by ambition, he plunges headfirst into a world of greed and excess. His right-hand man, Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill), aids him in his unscrupulous endeavors. The movie, directed by Martin Scorsese, showcases their rise to immense wealth and subsequent fall into crime and corruption. It's a tale fraught with fraud, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of power. This critically acclaimed drama won multiple awards for its exceptional storytelling and stellar performances.
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  • The Italian Job
    8

    The Italian Job

    Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Ed Norton
    282 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Crime, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Featuring exhilarating car chases and elaborate heists that have become synonymous with the genre, The Italian Job sees a group of thieves led by Charlie Croker (Michael Caine) looking to steal gold bullion from an impenetrable vault beneath Turin's streets. As alliances shift throughout the film, viewers are treated to an intricate web of deceit where trust is constantly in question.

    In The Italian Job, Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) leads a team of skilled thieves, including computer wizard Lyle (Seth Green) and wheelman Handsome Rob (Jason Statham). They plan an elaborate gold heist against their former ally, Steve (Edward Norton), who betrayed them in Venice. The revenge plot takes them to Los Angeles, where they manipulate traffic signals and navigate the labyrinthine sewer system to pull off the audacious theft. A thrilling blend of action and comedy, this film is a modern reimagining of the 1969 British classic, delivering high-speed car chases and intricate plot twists.
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  • Maverick
    9

    Maverick

    Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner
    157 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Adventure, Comedy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Blending western action with witty humor, Maverick follows an intrepid gambler (Mel Gibson) as he seeks to win a high-stakes poker tournament while navigating a series of swindles and double-crosses. Alongside its engaging narrative and performances by Jodie Foster and James Garner, the film presents an enjoyable depiction of cunning deception set against the backdrop of the Wild West.

    The film Maverick, an intriguing blend of Western and comedy, showcases the adventurous life of Bret Maverick (Mel Gibson), a charming poker player. Not just seeking fortune, he aims to secure a spot in a high-stakes poker game. Alongside him is Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster), a crafty thief and Cooper (James Garner), a lawman with secrets. The trio navigates through con artists, outlaws, and Native American warriors. The narrative, studded with twists and humor, culminates at the poker table where hidden truths unfold. Garnering an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design, Maverick remains a delightful watch.
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  • A Fish Called Wanda
    10

    A Fish Called Wanda

    John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline
    151 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Comedy, Romance
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: A clever blend of crime caper and comedy, A Fish Called Wanda sees a group of likable but morally dubious characters attempt to recover stolen jewels while betraying one another for personal gain. With sharp wit, complex schemes, and comical misunderstandings, this film showcases the entertaining chaos that can ensue when con artists clash.

    In A Fish Called Wanda, a lighthearted crime-comedy, four unlikely thieves led by Otto West (Kevin Kline), an intellectual with no proof, and Wanda Gershwitz (Jamie Lee Curtis), a seductress with a plan, bungle their way through a diamond heist. The group includes George Thomason (Tom Georgeson), the ringleader, and Ken Pile (Michael Palin), an animal lover with a stutter. Their score is massive but trust is thin. As the plot thickens, barrister Archie Leach (John Cleese) gets entangled in their web of deceit and confusion. Kevin Kline's performance won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
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  • Matchstick Men
    11

    Matchstick Men

    Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Alison Lohman
    250 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Crime, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Directed by Ridley Scott, Matchstick Men follows an obsessive-compulsive con man (Nicolas Cage) who, after discovering he has a teenage daughter, is forced to reevaluate his life of crime. The film brilliantly captures the emotional turmoil of its protagonist while showcasing the manipulative and cunning tactics employed by skilled con artists in their never-ending pursuit of wealth.

    Roy (Nicolas Cage), a depressed con artist with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Frank (Sam Rockwell), his partner, find their line of work complicated by the arrival of Roy's teenage daughter, Angela (Alison Lohman). Angela brings some spirit back into Roy's life, and some of his disorder symptoms seem to disappear. But when Angela wants to learn the family business, and Roy allows her to assist on a big scam concerning a businessmen (Bruce McGill), he reconsiders his parenting techniques.
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  • Rounders
    12

    Rounders

    Matt Damon, Ed Norton, John Turturro
    178 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Rounders delves into the high-stakes world of underground poker, with Matt Damon and Edward Norton playing two friends attempting to build a bankroll through card games and deceitful tactics. This dramatic film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and ambition against a backdrop teeming with colorful characters who navigate moral ambiguity on their quest for success.

    Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) loses his money in a poker game against Russian gangster Teddy "KGB" (John Malkovich). Under pressure from his girlfriend, Jo (Gretchen Mol), he promises to quit gambling. This lasts until his friend, Lester "Worm" Murphy (Edward Norton), gets out of prison and needs to pay off an old debt. The pair come close to earning the money back but are caught cheating. Then Mike finds out the debt is owed to Teddy and makes one last-ditch effort to beat the Russian.
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  • The Talented Mr. Ripley
    13

    The Talented Mr. Ripley

    Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law
    165 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Starring Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, a young man who manipulates his way into high society by assuming the identity of his wealthy friend Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), The Talented Mr. Ripley offers a chilling look at how far one might go to maintain their elaborate charade. This psychological thriller explores themes of envy, obsession, and deception while providing viewers with an unnerving portrayal of a master manipulator.

    In The Talented Mr. Ripley, a psychological thriller, Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), a man of modest means, is sent to Italy to bring back the wayward son of a wealthy businessman. Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), the playboy heir, and his girlfriend Marge Sherwood (Gwyneth Paltrow) introduce Ripley to a world of elegance and luxury he's never known. As he becomes more entwined in their lavish lifestyle, Ripley resorts to deceit, fraud and even murder to maintain it. Directed by Anthony Minghella, this film earned five Oscar nominations.
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  • House of Games
    14

    House of Games

    Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, Mike Nussbaum
    152 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Thriller, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Directed by David Mamet, House of Games takes viewers into the shadowy underworld of con artists as a psychoanalyst (Lindsay Crouse) becomes entwined with a charismatic hustler (Joe Mantegna). This masterful thriller showcases the intricacies and psychological manipulation inherent within the world of deception, creating an engrossing portrayal of obsession and betrayal.

    After one of her patients threatens suicide, psychiatrist Margaret Ford (Lindsay Crouse) confronts the source of his anxieties, a downtown bookie named Mike (Joe Mantegna). Once she decides that Mike is not a serious threat, however, she herself becomes interested in his world of high-stakes gambling, and makes use of her skills at reading "tells," becoming entrenched in his dealings. Things get dangerous, though, when Mike turns out not to be a bookie at all, but a con man.
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  • The Hustler
    15

    The Hustler

    Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, George C. Scott
    127 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Sport
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: An insightful character study focusing on pool hustler "Fast" Eddie Felson (Paul Newman), The Hustler delves deep into the artistry behind deception as Eddie navigates both success and failure within his chosen profession. Through captivating performances and striking cinematography, this classic film explores themes such as ambition, redemption, and human nature amidst a world where manipulation is the key to survival.

    Story Fast Eddie Felsen (Paul Newman) and his adventures in the world of professional pool. Fast Eddie is a young hopeful on his way to challenging Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason) for his world title. When he starts getting feelings for a woman he gets into a dilemma.
  • Ocean's Thirteen
    16

    Ocean's Thirteen

    George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon
    224 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Thriller, Heist
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: In this third installment of the successful Ocean's series, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his team return for another elaborate casino heist designed to exact revenge on a ruthless hotel magnate (Al Pacino). Showcasing intricate cons and clever schemes alongside its trademark wit and style, Ocean's Thirteen offers viewers another entertaining glimpse into the high-stakes world of professional swindling.

    In Ocean's Thirteen, the stakes are higher than ever. Reformed criminal mastermind Danny Ocean (George Clooney) is back, and this time, he's out for revenge. When ruthless casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) double-crosses one of their own, Ocean and his crew hatch a plan to take him down. Set against the glitzy backdrop of Las Vegas, this thrilling caper features an all-star cast that includes Brad Pitt as Rusty Ryan and Matt Damon as Linus Caldwell. With its blend of high-stakes heists and slick humor, Ocean's Thirteen is a stylish addition to the classic heist genre.
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  • Confidence
    17

    Confidence

    Edward Burns, Rachel Weisz, Andy Garcia
    173 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Thriller, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Starring Edward Burns as a grifter who must repay a debt to a mob boss after accidentally scamming him, Confidence explores the complex dynamics within the world of professional deception. With an impressive ensemble cast and an intricate plot filled with twists, this stylish crime caper provides a fascinating look at how con artists ply their trade amidst dangerous circumstances.

    In this glossy neo-noir caper, expert grifter Jake Vig (Edward Burns) inadvertently crosses volatile crime boss the King (Dustin Hoffman) and, to make it right, he must agree to con banker Morgan Price (Robert Forster). He assembles his team, including Lily (Rachel Weisz) and Gordo (Paul Giamatti), but things get complicated fast with the arrival of Special Agent Gunther Butan (Andy Garcia), who has been tracking Jake for years. As the con goes down, Jake can't say who's double crossing whom.
  • The Game
    18

    The Game

    Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Deborah Kara Unger
    144 votes

    For Fans Of: Mystery, Thriller, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Directed by David Fincher, The Game follows wealthy financier Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas) as he becomes embroiled in a manipulative game designed to shatter his privileged existence. This thrilling mystery delves into themes of control, paranoia, and deception while examining how easily one's life can be upended by unseen forces.

    Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas), a wealthy banker with a sharp intellect, receives an unusual birthday gift from his estranged brother Conrad (Sean Penn). It's a live-action game from a company called CRS, promising an unmatched experience that begins to dissolve the boundaries between reality and illusion. The Game, directed by David Fincher, is a psychological thriller that sends Nicholas on an unpredictable journey of self-discovery and danger. As the stakes escalate beyond what he could've ever imagined, Nicholas must distinguish the game from reality before it consumes him completely.
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  • The Italian Job
    19

    The Italian Job

    Michael Caine, Noel Coward, Benny Hill
    152 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Crime, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: This modern remake of the classic 1969 film features Mark Wahlberg leading a team of skilled thieves looking to reclaim stolen gold from a former ally. With exhilarating action sequences, intricate heist planning, and a sense of camaraderie amongst its criminal protagonists, The Italian Job (2003) provides an engaging look at the ingenuity required for successful deception.

    A British crook (Michael Caine) robs gold ingots in Italy by having a computer expert (Benny Hill) cause a traffic jam.
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  • The Color of Money
    20

    The Color of Money

    Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
    121 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Sport
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: A sequel to The Hustler, The Color of Money sees an older "Fast" Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) mentoring a young pool hustler named Vincent (Tom Cruise) in the art of deceit and manipulation. This character-driven drama offers insightful performances and explores themes such as redemption, ambition, and the complexities of mentorship within the world of professional gambling.

    The Color of Money, a dramatic sports film, spotlights the seasoned pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) who, after years in retirement, reenters the competitive scene. He encounters Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise), a young and cocky talent. Seeing potential, Felson takes Vincent under his wing, seeking not just to tutor him in the art of the hustle but also to exploit his skills for financial gain. As their journey unfolds, a complex relationship develops. The film's narrative is infused with tension and strategy, earning Newman an Academy Award for Best Actor.
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  • Now You See Me
    21

    Now You See Me

    Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson
    113 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: This magical heist film follows a team of illusionists called "The Four Horsemen" as they use their skills to pull off elaborate robberies while evading the authorities. Combining mind-bending illusions with thrilling action sequences, Now You See Me presents an intriguing spin on the con artist genre, showcasing how deception can be wielded for both personal gain and greater justice.

    Now You See Me is a captivating tale of illusion and intrigue. The story centers on four talented street magicians, Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) who are brought together by an unknown benefactor. Rebranded as 'The Four Horsemen', they embark upon a series of grand scale performances that stun audiences with their seemingly impossible feats. But these aren't mere magic tricks - the Horsemen are executing meticulously planned heists right under everyone's noses. Hot on their tails is FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) and Interpol detective Alma Dray (Mélanie Laurent), desperate to uncover the truth behind these illusory crimes. A blend of crime, mystery, and thriller genres, this film takes its viewers on a roller coaster ride through the world of magic like never before.
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  • White Men Can't Jump
    22

    White Men Can't Jump

    Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez
    114 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Drama, Sport
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: In this sports comedy, streetball hustlers played by Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson form an unlikely partnership to con opponents on the basketball court. While offering engaging performances and exciting gameplay sequences, White Men Can't Jump also delves into themes such as trust, friendship, and redemption within the world of athletic deception.

    In White Men Can't Jump, Billy Hoyle (Woody Harrelson) is a former college basketball player hustling street games with an unexpected twist - he's white, and his opponents underestimate him. He strikes an unlikely partnership with Sidney Deane (Wesley Snipes), a talented player and savvy hustler himself. Their dynamic partnership, rife with comedy and tension, leads them through high-stakes street ball games across Los Angeles's asphalt courts. The movie, directed by Ron Shelton, masterfully blends sports drama and comedy, creating a unique narrative about friendship, rivalry, and the love of the game.
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  • Midnight Run
    23

    Midnight Run

    Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto
    85 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Comedy, Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: In this buddy action-comedy, a bounty hunter (Robert De Niro) must track down and bring in an elusive accountant (Charles Grodin) who has stolen millions from the mob. With its blend of humor, action, and engaging performances, Midnight Run offers a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between two skilled deceivers while exploring themes such as loyalty and redemption.

    In Midnight Run, bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) is tasked with apprehending Jonathan The Duke Mardukas (Charles Grodin), an accountant who embezzled millions from a mob boss. As they traverse the country, evading the FBI and mobsters, their antagonistic relationship evolves into an unlikely friendship. A blend of action, comedy, and crime genres, this movie weaves a compelling narrative of redemption and camaraderie. Directed by Martin Brest, it won the BMI Film & TV Awards in 1989 for its captivating story.
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  • Paper Moon
    24

    Paper Moon

    Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal, Madeline Kahn
    111 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Crime, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Set during the Great Depression, Paper Moon follows a charming father-daughter duo who traverse the American Midwest running small-time cons on unsuspecting victims. Starring real-life father and daughter Ryan O'Neal and Tatum O'Neal, this bittersweet film offers a heartening exploration of familial bonds amidst a backdrop of economic hardship and deceitful scheming.

    Real-life father and daughter Ryan and Tatum O'Neal team up as slick con-artists Moses Pray and Addie Loggins in 1930s Kansas. When "Moze" is unexpectedly saddled with getting the 9-year-old Addie to relatives in Missouri after the death of her mother, his attempt to dupe her out of her money backfires, and he's forced to take her on as a partner. Swindling their way through farm country, the pair is nearly done in by a burlesque dancer (Madeline Kahn) and an angry bootlegger.
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  • Heist
    25

    Heist

    Gene Hackman, Danny DeVito, Delroy Lindo
    133 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Crime, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Written and directed by David Mamet, Heist follows an aging thief (Gene Hackman) looking to pull off one final score before retiring from his life of crime. As plans begin to unravel and allegiances shift, this taut thriller offers viewers an intricate look at the precarious nature of trust between criminals and showcases Mamet's signature knack for witty dialogue laced with deception.

    Joe Moore (Gene Hackman) has a job he loves. He's a thief. His job goes sour when he gets caught on security camera tape. His fence, Bergman (Danny DeVito) reneges on the money he's owed, and his wife (Rebecca Pidgeon) may be betraying him with the fence's young lieutenant (Sam Rockwell). Moore and his partner, Bobby Blane (Delroy Lindo) and their utility man, Pinky Pincus (Ricky Jay) find themselves broke, betrayed, and blackmailed. Moore is forced to commit his crew to do one last big job.
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  • Jackie Brown
    26

    Jackie Brown

    Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster
    132 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Thriller, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Quentin Tarantino's adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel features Pam Grier as Jackie Brown, a flight attendant drawn into a scheme involving gunrunning and double-crosses. Showcasing Tarantino's trademark wit and style alongside compelling performances by an ensemble cast, this crime caper explores themes such as trust, betrayal, and survival within a world where deception is currency.

    In Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown, Pam Grier stars as the titular character, a flight attendant turned smuggler. When she gets caught in the crosshairs of law enforcement and her dangerous boss Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson), Jackie devises an audacious plan. Assisted by bail bondsman Max Cherry (Robert Forster), they navigate a world rife with crime and deception. A crime thriller infused with black comedy, this movie showcases Tarantino's knack for dialogue and intricate plotting. It also earned Forster an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. With memorable performances and a gripping storyline, Jackie Brown is a testament to Tarantino's film-making prowess.
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  • The Spanish Prisoner
    27

    The Spanish Prisoner

    Campbell Scott, Rebecca Pidgeon, Steve Martin
    119 votes

    For Fans Of: Mystery, Thriller, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Another David Mamet-helmed thriller, The Spanish Prisoner follows an unsuspecting businessman (Campbell Scott) who becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit orchestrated by devious con artists. As paranoia mounts and allegiances shift throughout the film, viewers are treated to an intricate exploration of manipulation and confidence games that keep them guessing until the very end.

    Everything changes for rising corporate star Joe Ross (Campbell Scott) when he meets the wealthy and mysterious Jimmy Dell (Steve Martin) at a tropical resort. Dell offers to help Ross protect his new business process invention, but in short order Ross finds himself falsely accused of murder. Working with the FBI and his assistant, Susan Ricci (Rebecca Pidgeon), Ross sets out to prove his innocence and disentangle himself from the diabolical entrapment.
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  • The Grifters
    28

    The Grifters

    John Cusack, Anjelica Huston, Annette Bening
    138 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Delving into the seedy underworld of con artists and their schemes, The Grifters stars Anjelica Huston, John Cusack, and Annette Bening as three skilled deceivers caught in a web of betrayal and double-crosses. This darkly compelling neo-noir film expertly showcases the psychological toll such a life can take on its practitioners while providing an insight into the intricate workings of their cons.

    Hard-as-nails Lily Dillon (Anjelica Huston) works as a swindler for dangerous bookie Bobo (Pat Hingle), probably the only man she fears. Arriving in Los Angeles on "business," Lily looks up her son, Roy (John Cusack), a small-time con artist content with paltry sleight-of-hand cheats. Roy's girlfriend, Myra (Annette Bening), looks like an All-American type but is a grifter looking to pull off another big-time con. The convergence of the three hustlers inevitably means trouble for all of them.
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  • Wall Street
    29

    Wall Street

    Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen
    84 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Oliver Stone's tale of greed and corruption within the financial industry follows ambitious stockbroker Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) as he becomes entwined with ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas). A thought-provoking examination of moral compromise in pursuit of wealth, Wall Street offers an unflinching look at high-stakes deception within the world of finance.

    In Oliver Stone's riveting drama, Wall Street, we follow the journey of ambitious stockbroker Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen). Intoxicated by the promise of power and wealth, Fox finds a mentor in the ruthless, yet charismatic, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a titan of high-stakes trading. As Gekko's underhand tactics become clear, Fox is torn between his desire for success and his moral compass. Douglas's riveting performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film dissects the greed-infested world of Wall Street, serving as a stark reminder of the dangerous allure of unchecked ambition.
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  • Glengarry Glen Ross
    30

    Glengarry Glen Ross

    Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin
    98 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Con Artists: Adapted from David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this drama follows the desperate attempts of real estate agents to save their jobs by using dishonest tactics with potential clients. Featuring powerhouse performances from an all-star ensemble cast, Glengarry Glen Ross shines a light on the morally dubious nature of salesmanship and the lengths some individuals will go to achieve success.

    Glengarry Glen Ross, a drama film based on David Mamet's Pulitzer-winning play, revolves around a group of desperate Chicago real estate salesmen. Shelley Levene (Jack Lemmon), an aging salesman struggling to close deals, Ricky Roma (Al Pacino), a suave top seller, George Aaronow (Alan Arkin), the timid and anxious one, and Dave Moss (Ed Harris), the aggressive instigator, all find themselves in a high-stakes competition set up by their boss. When office theft turns the heat up further, the men resort to unscrupulous tactics. Pacino's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
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