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6 Best Heist Movies Released Since 2000
This Collider article rounds up six of the best heist films released since 2000, an era the writer argues has produced some of the strongest entries in the genre's long history, which traces back to outlaw Westerns and Golden Age "gentleman thief" stories. The selection spans very different styles, from a modern neo-Western to arthouse crime cinema to glossy studio capers, reflecting the genre's broad appeal and versatility over the past 26 years.
Among the films discussed are David Mackenzie's "Hell or High Water" (2016), a neo-Western starring Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine and Ben Foster that earned four Oscar nominations including Best Picture, and Josh and Benny Safdie's "Good Time" (2017), an intense crime thriller credited with boosting Robert Pattinson's career. Other titles referenced include "Ocean's Eleven", with the full list ranking six films the author considers essential viewing for fans of the genre.
In short
- Collider lists six standout heist films made since 2000.
- "Hell or High Water" and "Good Time" feature among the picks.
- List highlights the genre's range from Westerns to capers.
Explained simply
The heist film is a cinema genre spanning over a century, with early roots in outlaw Westerns and gentleman thief stories. These films follow the planning and execution of elaborate crimes, typically combining suspense, clever plotting and moral complexity. The genre has remained popular across different eras and filmmaking styles.
Since 2000, the heist genre has experienced a particularly strong period. Filmmakers have approached it in diverse ways: from neo-Western retellings to psychological crime thrillers to glossy studio capers. This variety reflects the genre's flexibility and its continued appeal to both filmmakers and audiences.
Critical selections of the best heist films help highlight which works have defined particular eras and shaped the genre's evolution. Such roundups offer guidance to viewers seeking to understand how heist cinema has developed over time. For those new to the genre, these curated lists provide a useful entry point into some of cinema's most enduring storytelling traditions.