The recent daring Louvre heist has captivated public interest, sparking fascination with the world of high-stakes theft. Instead of contemplating your own criminal escapade, immerse yourself in the thrill of a heist movie. To satisfy your vicarious desires, we’ve curated a list of top-notch films in this genre that revolve around art thefts near the Louvre, offering a unique twist on the typical money-focused narratives.
### Contemporary Heists
**The Mastermind**: Inspired by the Worcester Art Museum heist, this film follows a man’s leisurely attempt to steal Arthur Dove paintings. A slow-burning tale devoid of flashy action.
**The Gold**: Following the aftermath of the Brink’s-Mat gold robbery, this British series shifts the focus to the police pursuing the thieves.
**Crime 101**: Chris Hemsworth stars as a jewel thief embarking on a high-stakes heist along the 101 freeway, evading a persistent detective.
### Classics
**Le Cercle Rouge**: A French heist film delving into the intertwined destinies of burglars planning a daring jewel theft.
**Rififi**: Regarded as a top-tier heist movie, this film showcases the meticulous planning and execution of a complex jewelry heist.
**How To Steal a Million**: Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole team up in a comedy about retrieving a forged statue before it’s exposed.
### Underrated Gems
**Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead**: A dark tale of two brothers orchestrating a risky jewelry store heist, showcasing intense performances.
**Nine Queens**: A conman duo targets rare stamps in a plot reminiscent of a captivating blend of “The Usual Suspects” and “Ocean’s 11.”
**Headhunters**: A thrilling story of a headhunter turned art thief facing dire consequences after stealing from the wrong client.
### True Story
**The Bling Ring**: Inspired by real-life celebrity home heists, this film sheds light on fame-obsessed youth and materialistic culture.
**American Animals**: A unique blend of comedy and documentary style, narrating the bizarre tale of young men attempting to steal a rare illustrated book.
**Museo**: Based on Mexico’s largest museum heist, the film explores themes of cultural preservation and anti-capitalism.
### Modern Milestones
**Inside Man**: A gripping tale of a bank heist entangling cops and criminals in a web of intrigue and revenge.
**The Thomas Crown Affair**: A billionaire art thief’s cat-and-mouse game with an investigator, offering a thrilling mix of suspense and entertainment.
**Dragged Across Concrete**: A gritty noir film following two men’s pursuit of a daring gold bullion heist, leading to unforeseen consequences.
Dive into these cinematic masterpieces to experience the adrenaline and intrigue of high-stakes heists without the risk of breaking the law.