
Photo by Scott Olson / Getty Images

Courtesy of Netflix

Courtesy of Cinépolis Distribución

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

smirart / Shutterstock.com

Courtesy of FremantleMedia

Courtesy of Alexandra Films

Courtesy of Relativity Media

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

meltonmedia / E+ via Getty Images

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Courtesy of DreamWorks Distribution












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.
"This Is a Robbery: The World's Biggest Art Heist" (2021)
- Director: Colin Barnicle
- Running Time: 50–57 minutes
- Release: April 7, 2021
"Museum" (2018)
- Director: Alonso Ruizpalacios
- Running Time: 128 minutes
- Release: August 23, 2018
"The Theft of the Mona Lisa" (1931)
- Director: Géza von Bolváry
- Running Time: 89 minutes
- Release: August 25, 1931
"American Animals" (2018)
- Director: Bart Layton
- Running Time: 116 minutes
- Release: June 1, 2018
"Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art" (2020)
- Director: Barry Avrich
- Running Time: 94 minutes
- Release: April 16, 2020
"The Bank Job" (2008)
- Director: Roger Donaldson
- Running Time: 112 minutes
- Release: February 29, 2008
"Masterminds" (2016)
- Director: Jared Hess
- Running Time: 94 minutes
- Release: September 30, 2016
"30 Minutes Or Less" (2011)
- Director: Ruben Fleischer
- Running Time: 83 minutes
- Release: August 12, 2011
"Sour Grapes" (2016)
- Director: Jerry Rothwell and Reuben Atlas
- Running Time: 85 minutes
- Release: October 2016
"The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013)
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Running Time: 180 minutes
- Release: December 25, 2013
"Catch Me If You Can" (2002)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Running Time: 141 minutes
- Release: December 25, 2002