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11 True-Story Heist Movies Based on Real Crimes

11 True-Story Heist Movies Based on Real Crimes

11 True-Story Heist Movies Based on Real Crimes

Photo by Scott Olson / Getty Images

"This Is a Robbery: The World's Biggest Art Heist" (2021)

Courtesy of Netflix

"Museum" (2018)

Courtesy of Cinépolis Distribución

"The Theft of the Mona Lisa" (1931)

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

"American Animals" (2018)

smirart / Shutterstock.com

"Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art" (2020)

Courtesy of FremantleMedia

"The Bank Job" (2008)

Courtesy of Alexandra Films

"Masterminds" (2016)

Courtesy of Relativity Media

"30 Minutes Or Less" (2011)

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

"Sour Grapes" (2016)

meltonmedia / E+ via Getty Images

"The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013)

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

"Catch Me If You Can" (2002)

Courtesy of DreamWorks Distribution

11 True-Story Heist Movies Based on Real Crimes
"This Is a Robbery: The World's Biggest Art Heist" (2021)
"Museum" (2018)
"The Theft of the Mona Lisa" (1931)
"American Animals" (2018)
"Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art" (2020)
"The Bank Job" (2008)
"Masterminds" (2016)
"30 Minutes Or Less" (2011)
"Sour Grapes" (2016)
"The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013)
"Catch Me If You Can" (2002)

11 True-Story Heist Movies Based on Real Crimes

Real-life heists have inspired some of the most gripping crime movies ever made. From stolen masterpieces and museum break-ins to elaborate robberies involving cash, jewels, and other valuables, these films show how ambition, greed, and careful planning can turn into unforgettable true-crime stories.

This list looks at movies based on actual thefts, including major art crimes like the Mona Lisa heist as well as other famous robberies from history. Some follow the real events closely, while others use true crimes as the foundation for a more dramatic story. Together, they show why real heists continue to fascinate audiences long after the crimes themselves are solved.

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