Few figures attract audiences to the theatre like con-artists. Since the 1970’s, con-artists have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s Wall Street stockbrokers, casino robbers or parasitic housekeepers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite con-artist movies that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Parasite
Housekeepers have impacted my family. Several years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they discovered that their beloved housekeeper was a thief. I remember that he was a generous housekeeper that would regard my grandparents in a compassionate manner. However, my housekeeper’s strong bond with my family ended when he engaged in grim criminal behaviour. My grandparents were shocked to find that he had stolen precious jewelry. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the tight social class barriers that housekeepers fight as powerfully as “Parasite”. Ever since its release in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about con-artists. With the greatest film of his career, Bong Joon-ho used innovative cinematic techniques to capture con-artist housekeepers com mitting crimes causing despair. Bong Joon-ho has always had an aptitude for making great movies about social class in Korea, and “Parasite” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Ki-woo poses as a school tutor to be hired by the Park family in Korea is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Song Kang-ho, who demonstrated a Korean man seeking to commit crimes to provide for his family. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” my favourite con-artist film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in South Korea that are targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a heartbreaking message concerning social class which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of parasite barriers that housekeepers in South Korea fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing commemorated movies which deserve to achieve the spotlight.
2. Catch Me if You Can
Con-artists that engage in criminal behaviour always fascinated my father. I remember my father was fascinated with con-artists facing grim disaster. He would always marvel at the clever way con-artists got away with committing crimes without facing a serious price to pay. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a father that adored con-artists with a plan, I adored “Catch Me if You Can”. Released in 2002, Steven Spielberg’s movie captured the life of renowned con-artist Frank Abagnale. With the most entertaining film of his career, Spielberg captured the life of a real-life con-artist that engaged in crimes causing despair. Spielberg uses bold non-linear storytelling capturing a con-artist committing crimes which are shocking. For instance, the scene in which Frank Abagnale poses as a doctor attracting attention of media is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a superb performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrays a clever con-artist that committed crimes years ago. Ultimately, what makes “Catch Me if You Can” a con-artist classic is its bold message. The film delivers a bold message about con crimes which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years after Frank Abagnale did crimes without fail, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great films about con-artists with detail.
3. Inception
Dreams have always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a mother that was fascinated with dreams causing damage. She would often love sharing her dreams with my family which she remembered clearly. My mother always rare abilities to accurately recall dreams she experienced that were ingrained in her memory. As someone treasuring fond memories of a mother that fondly remembered her dreams with passion, I adored “Inception”. Released in 2010, Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece captured con-artists infiltrating dreams. Nolan has an aptitude for making movies about con-artists, and “Inception” showcased his strengths. Nolan uses non-linear storytelling capturing con-artists infiltrating dreams that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Cobb and his team experience the final stage of their dream causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodied a con-artist facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Inception” a classic is originality. Unlike most movies about con-artists, it tackled ideas that weren’t seen before in the genre. As strong as Cobb’s desire to make his dreams come true, it’s a mesmerizing reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies which audiences value.
4. The Talented Mr. Ripley
Con-artists are often hard to trust. In high school, I formed a strong friendship with a kid that engaged in con crimes that were cruel. Seeking to become a con-artist with success, he would often dress up as various people. His bad habit to lie about things he had done in his life made him a difficult person to trust. As someone haunted by memories of a friend that was talented at being a con-artist, I adored “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Released in 1999, Anthony Minghella’s movie honoured a beloved book about con-artists. Minghella used captivating montages capturing a talented con-artist deceiving a wealthy family. For instance, the scene in which Marge becomes aware that Ripley murdered her husband causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Matt Damon, who embodied a con-artist with dedication. Ultimately, what makes “The Talented Mr. Ripley” a classic is its universal message. The film delivers a meaningful message about false identities that would resonate with everyone. A terrific adaptation of a book about con-artists that are talented, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has created timeless movies which deserve to be appreciated.
5. The Wolf of Wall Street
Jordan Belfort is a legendary stockbroker that earned my cousin’s appreciation. I remember my cousin was fascinated with stockbroker that engaged in criminal behaviour. He would always marvel at the way in which Jordan Belfort got away with crimes on Wall Street without facing a price to pay. In 2013, Martin Scorsese honoured the Wall Street con-artist in his movie “The Wolf of Wall Street”. With the most entertaining film of his career, Scorsese honoured a real-life stockbroker that engaged in crime causing despair. Scorsese used captivating voice-over narration to capture the life of a stockbroker that committed crimes causing destruction. For instance, the scene in which Jordan Belfort delivers a speech to his employees about poverty causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a commanding performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrays a real-life stockbroker that committed cons years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies about Wall Street, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with finance to appreciate it. 30 years after Jordan Belfort committed crimes on Wall Street, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which audiences consider a treat.
6. American Hustle
When it comes to the notorious scandals in American history, it’s worth discussing ABSCAM. During the 1970’s, the ABSCAM scandal was an event in which con-artists committing felonies. In 2013, David O. Russell captured the painful real-life scandal in his movie “American Hustle”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “American Hustle” stand out is its production-design. O. Russell uses captivating costumes to capture lives of con-artists that committed crimes in the 1970’s. Assisted by Christian Bale who is amazing in the lead role, O. Russell created a captivating con-artist period piece. Nearly 40 years after the ABSCAM scandal in which con-artists committed crimes through their hustle, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies which audiences consider special.
7. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a great book about con-artists that has built a lasting legacy. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a commemorated classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of millionaires. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of a mysterious millionaire committing crimes attracting media attention. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours a book published years ago. A great adaptation of a larger-than-life book about a mysterious con-artist millionaire, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about which audiences care.
8. Hit Man
Few con-artists in American history have earned recognition of Gary Johnson. During the 1990’s, Johnson was a notorious con-artist that worked for the police in Houston. A clever conman with a gifted mind, Johnson left a lasting legacy behind. In 2024, Richard Linklater honoured the iconic hitman in his movie “Hit Man”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Hit Man” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Linklater uses clever humour to capture the life of a professor that committed con crimes causing disaster. Assisted by Glen Powell who is amazing in the lead role, Linklater honoured a real-life con-artist that’s successful. As strong as Gary Johnson’s desire to be a hit man, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that accomplished a huge fan following making memorable movies with a strong plan.
9. Ocean’s Eleven
Teamwork has never come naturally to me. As far as I remember, I have found it challenging to work within groups. As someone that has always struggled working in teams to complete a mission, I loved “Ocean’s 11”. Released in 2001, Steven Soderbergh’s movie captured a team of con-artists robbing a Las Vegas casino. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Ocean’s Eleven” stand out is its strong sense of style. Soderbergh uses stylish costumes to capture a team of con-artists robbing a casino with severe repercussions. Assisted by George Clooney who is amazing in the lead role, Soderbergh created a captivating casino con-artist movie. As strong as Danny Ocean’s desire to rob a casino, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
10. The Usual Suspects
Few films ever made about con-artist suspects are as beloved as “The Usual Suspects”. Since its release in 1995, Bryan Singer’s movie has become a con-artist classic. I may be in the minority but I’ve never been a big fan of the movie. Singer used captivating plot twists to capture con-artists committing crimes that are shocking. Assisted by Kevin Spacey who is amazing in the lead role, Singer created a captivating con-artist movie. However, the film’s focus on style leaves little room for storytelling. We’re barely given reasons to care about suspects. Nevertheless, it’s still a great addition to the genre. As powerful as Keyser Soze, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies that portray con-artists facing a price to pay which I will forever treasure for pulling off the greatest trick of inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking today.
The Film Buff 