8 Awesome Movies Inspired By Real-Life Con Artists

I CON't believe it (sorry).

With the hype around Ocean's 8 hitting a fever pitch, it's reminded me of just how fun and badass con films are.

Warner Bros

But, as I've found, some of the very best con films are actually based on REAL-LIFE events.

Paramount Pictures

So, I took the liberty of rounding up a few of the coolest con artist films ever made, all based on REAL-LIFE people. You're welcome:

1. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

DreamWorks Pictures

As you're about to see from this list, Leonardo DiCaprio is Hollywood's go-to con artist actor (probably because I'd believe anything coming out of that GORGEOUS FACE). Anyway, as unbelievable as it may seem, the story of Frank Abagnale Jr. is 100% true. He was a master manipulator, an expert forger, and was the youngest person ever on the FBI's most wanted list (at the time). This film, based on Abagnale Jr.'s book, documents his rise to ridiculous infamy, and the relationship he developed with the FBI agent (Tom Hanks) pursuing him.

2. American Hustle (2013)

Columbia Pictures

Like a moving mood board of my ideal '70s fashion aesthetic, American Hustle is filled with groovy greatness. The movie is based on the ABSCAM case and follows con artist Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who falls for Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), a fellow grifter. Their lives change when they're forced into a sting operation lead by Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), an FBI agent trying to catch a New Jersey mayor (Jeremy Renner). Oh, and they also all have to worry about Rosenfeld's jealous wife (Jennifer Lawrence) outing them all at any moment.

3. American Animals (2018)

The Orchard / Via youtube.com

A brand new true crime film to sink your teeth into, American Animals was just released nation-wide June 1, 2018! The story follows the events of the "Transy Book Heist," a half-baked plan developed by four college boys which involved stealing millions of dollars worth of rare books from Kentucky’s Transylvania University. The heist goes completely sideways and, well, you'll have to watch it. Also, cutie Evan Peters in it, sooo...there's that (he must have a thing for projects that include the word "American" in the title).

4. The Bling Ring (2013)

A24

Emma Watson's first break-out role post-Harry Potter saw her as a fame-obsessed teenager who, alongside her buddies, used the internet to track the whereabouts of celebrities, before robbing their Hollywood Hills homes. The movie's a colorful look at some of the most privileged kids in America who literally had nothing better to do than rob famous people, and balances humor and bleakness perfectly, as we've come to expect from a Sofia Coppola film.

5. Molly's Game (2017)

STXfilms

In this drama, Jessica Chastain plays real-life Olympic-class skier Molly Bloom, who went on to run the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game for over a decade. Her players included Hollywood stars, well-known athletes, billionaire business men, and the Russian mob (though, she was unaware of that last one). Once she's arrested by the F.B.I., her only friend and confidant is her criminal defense attorney, played by human perfection in man form, Idris Elba.

6. I Love You, Phillip Morris (2009)

LD Entertainment

After a life-threatening car accident, former police officer Steven Jay Russell (Jim Carrey) decides to live life as his true, authentic self. He comes out of the closet, leaves his wife and child, moves to Florida, and sets up a lavish life through fraud. While in prison, he falls in love with his fellow inmate, Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). Russell is released from prison, but cannot bear being separated from Morris, so he poses as a lawyer and gets Morris released from prison.

7. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

Warner Bros

Easily the most romanticized robbers in American history, the true story of Clyde Barrow, Bonnie Parker, and their many bank robberies is widely known. The film was met with intense controversy upon it's release in 1967 for everything from its openness about sexuality, to what was described as it's "glorification of violence." The film still holds up today, and is an undeniable classic in the genre. Plus, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway are equally easy on the eyes.

8. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Paramount Pictures

I told you he'd be back. DiCaprio comin' in strong with another great con film. If you haven't seen The Wolf of Wall Street yet, set aside three hours (yes, THREE HOURS) and watch it. Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio) is a stockbroker in New York City whose firm engages in comically extravagant fraud and corruption. We're talking everything from doing cocaine at work in plain view of everyone to writing off prostitutes in their taxes kind of corruption. The movie, much like the true story, is a lush mess of ridiculousness and I highly suggest you DO NOT watch this with your parents (just...throwing in some personal experience advice).

What con movie is your favorite? What do YOU think is the craziest true story movie ever? Sound off in the comments below!