Top 5 Most Entertaining Con-Movies

For a long time, I have meant to write about Con movies, or rightly said, movies about Conmen. This dormant thought resurfaced a few days back while watching one of my favourite Con films for the 2nd time. I will talk about the film later in the post, but for now, let me tell you why one of the most popular films in this genre did not make it to my list. I am talking about Ocean's Eleven. When I watched it at the time of its release in theatres, I was more into romantic films and would have picked Pearl Harbor instead of this kind of film. However, when I watched it now, I watched it from a point of general interest in the specific genre. And I had so many other films to discuss that this does not make a mark on that list. I am writing about the movie because it is one of a kind and a pioneer in film about organized conning. I have not watched the original 1960 version, though. It's the 2001 remake and its 3 sequels I am talking about. (I have yet to watch Ocean's Thirteen.)

1. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988): Two very sly conmen are in a race to woo and get to the good books of a wealthy woman. They take different approaches to win her heart. However, in the end, both get outsmarted by that very woman. This film was out and out hilarious. With their outstanding performances, Steve Martin and Michael Caine made the movie a laugh riot. The way they were conned and their ego shattered at the end was funny. It is a must-watch if you enjoy comedy or even Con films.

2. Catch Me if You Can (2002): The more you say about the film, the less. Tom Hanks and Leonardo di Caprio's Cat and Mouse Chase has to be the most iconic in this film genre. Based on actual events, everything about the film was excellent. The exciting turn of events, the intelligence of the conman turning the FBI Agent who was chasing him to almost respect him, the effortless charm of Caprio as the conman and the sincere portrayal of Hanks as the FBI agent - all spice up the audience for the entire runtime. 

3. Now You See Me (2013): I simply love this film. The almost 2-hour runtime is filled with exciting moments where you never have the chance to get bored. The performances are excellent, especially since I liked Woody Harrelson as McKinney. The way the robbery was carried out in front of an entire gallery filled with an audience that was in a different city was outstandingly shown. Mark Ruffalo's character as Dylan Rhodes- the Mastermind or, rightly said, the puppeteer was able to create the right amount of mysterious aura around him and his authenticity (an element necessary for Con movies). Oh yes, this is my favourite Con Movie, and I began the post by referring to this.

4. Focus (2015): Will Smith stars as Nicky- a notorious conman who has an affair with his assistant, Jess, played by Margot Robbie. Their romance is short-lived as Nicky abandons Jess only to return years later for some big scam, but she has other plans now. The chemistry between the 2 leads is unmistakable, and although, unlike the other films, it had romance still the cons performed by Nicky and Jess were quite interesting and offbeat. This film can be a good one-time watch. 

5. Ocean's 8 (2018): This has a connection to the actual Ocean series; however, it's a completely different film with different characters; most importantly, it's an all women's film, which makes it more interesting for me. Sandra Bullock is Debbie Ocean, the late Danny Ocean's sister. She is a con artist too, and is released after a 5-year jail sentence. She comes out of jail, partnering with a few more women of her sort to perform a huge jewellery theft. The film is fast-paced and smart. We get some funny moments, too, and the ensemble cast never fails to slip the film out of its grip (despite a few very foolish and raw gigs).