People are obsessed with those that break the rules and take shortcuts. That’s because, on some level, we all wish that we could be the ones brazen enough to break the rules and live differently. This is why the following movies about con artists are sure to entertain you because you don’t have to commit crimes or scam anybody to enjoy the following films.
Movies About Con-Artists
1. The Sting
This comedy and crime drama stars the great Paul Newman and Robert Redford as Henry Gondroff and Johnny Hooker respectively. The film is about two master con artists attempting to pull off the ultimate con. You can’t go wrong with a Paul Newman flick, especially one that co-stars Robert Redford.
2. Catch Me If You Can
Frank is a skilled con artist that has pulled off several jobs in the past but this only draws the attention of FBI Agent Carl. Carl becomes obsessed with the idea of arresting Frank, much to the enjoyment of the con artist. Leonardo Dicaprio plays the role of Frank in this biographical crime drama. With Tom Hanks playing the role of Carl.
3. The Grifters
A crime drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A story about three con artists, one man that is torn between siding with his mother or his girlfriend as they each attempt to further their goals. The sultry Anjelica Huston plays the role of Lilly Dillon and John Cusack is her son, Roy Dillion.
4. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Two con artists compete to try and con a young heiress out of fifty-thousand dollars. This comedy crime film is led by Steve Martin who plays the role of Freddy Benson and Micheal Caine who portrays Lawrence Jaimeson. They are joined by Glenne Headly as the Janet Colgate. The funniest film on the list.
5. Matchstick Men
A comedy crime drama about a con artist and his gifted student about to successfully pull of a con, until the con artists daughter makes an appearance and throws a wrench in their plans. Nicholas Cage leads as Roy Waller and his student is played by Sam Rockwell. Daughter Angela is played by Alison Lohman.
6. American Hustle
A crime drama with a star studded cast. Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and Jennifer Lawrence combine forces in this film about con artist Irving Rosenfeld and his partner Sydney Prosser as they are forced to work with FBI Agent Richie DiMaso. The three of them must work to take down the mafia. Irving is played by Christian Bale and Sydney is played by Amy Adams.
7. Confidence
A crime thriller that focuses on the story of Jake Vig. Jake Vig is a con artist that sets out to avenge his friends murder but because of his debt, Jake is beholden to the whims of a mob boss. Jake Vig is played by Edward Burns and the mob boss is brought to life by Dustin Hoffman.
8. The Brothers Bloom
An action adventure that centers around the greatest con artists in the world. After having pulled of many successful heists, there last con is to show a beautiful heiress the time of her life as they travel the world together. Rachel Weisz plays the role of the young heiress, while Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo become the brothers Bloom.
9. Paper Moon
A comedy crime drama that sees a con artist stuck with the task of raising a daughter that may or may not be his. The film is set during the great depression and sees Ryan O’Neil play the role of Moses Pray, with the enchanting Tatum O’Neal playing the role of potential daughter Addie Loggins.
Conclusion
Con artists lead interesting and dangerous lives, the movies about con artists above can attest to that. Be sure to remember that while it may be fun to imagine ourselves as the main characters of a crime film, it is a whole other thing to live it.