Best Heist Movies to Watch If You Loved Saif Ali Khan’s Jewel Thief

Thrilling Heist Films to Enjoy Post-Jewel Thief

Imagine the high-octane thrill of a meticulously planned heist, with a charismatic thief outsmarting the odds. Saif Ali Khan's Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins (2025) has left audiences craving more sophisticated capers, despite its underwhelming release. 

The Netflix film, which dropped on April 25, 2025, follows the suave Rehan Roy as he pulls off daring diamond heists. For fans of twists, charm, and adrenaline-fueled action, we've curated a list of the best heist movies that blend the best of Bollywood and Hollywood, promising to amplify the thrill.

Ocean's Eleven (2001)-The Template for Heist Films

With the A-list cast, witty dialogue, and seemingly impossible casino caper, Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven redefined the heist film. Clooney, Pitt, Damon, and their cohorts of professionals pull off what is almost a flawlessly choreographed heist in style and tension. It’s a game of deception and style.

Dhoom 2: Bollywood's High-Octane Heist Classic

Bollywood film enthusiasts perceive Dhoom 2 (2006) as a counterpart to Jewel Thief. This time around, the charming Hrithik Roshan, as Aryan, pulls off nerve-wracking jewel heists while eluding the cops— a cocktail of glamour, action, and an electrifying soundtrack in keeping with the spirit of Jewel. The strange twist is that Jewel Thief had the soul, while Dhoom 2 had the brilliant execution. It'll be shocking if someone says he doesn't like this movie, which grossed almost US$11 million worldwide. This mad-set piece will also please fans of Saif Ali Khan's style.

Inception (2010)-A Heist in the Mind

Christopher Nolan married sci-fi to heist suspense in Inception, where Leonardo DiCaprio's crew goes around invading dreams to steal or implant thoughts. With its complex story twists and dreamlike imagery, the movie stands out on its own, just as Jewel Thief does with its heist theme.

Inside Man (2006)—The Unprecedented Bank Heist

"Spike's Inside Man," starring Denzel Washington and Clive Owen, plays a game of cat and mouse, with the real motive behind the heist revealed only in the end. It has the suspense and surprise in its plot characteristic of the sudden twists and turns in "Jewel Thief."

The Italian Job (2003)—Fast Cars and Even Bigger Heists

An energetic heist film inspired by the tale of a gang that orchestrates revenge after a betrayal, when they stage a gold heist— a must-see for viewers of high-octane scenes in between the Mini Cooper chases and the suspenseful finale, in comparison to Jewel Thief.

Now You See Me (2013)—A Meeting of Magic and Heist

A group of illusionists execute bank heists in the guise of a magic trick, thus establishing an uncertain boundary between truth and lie. Similar to Jewel Thief, it maintains the viewer's curiosity until the ultimate revelation.

Heat: The Ultimate Heist Battle

Michael Mann's Heat (1995) is often regarded as a grit-perfect drama, featuring a masterful performance by Robert De Niro as a thief and Al Pacino's unyielding detective. It has the now-legendary coffee shop scene and an explosive bank heist that sets it apart from Jewel Thief's glossy-but-weightless action. Heat grossed over US$ 187 million worldwide; thus, it can be said that the film had a lasting impact on its genre. The raw intensity of it is enough to make an avid fan want to see high-stakes drama. There are iconic moments in the cinema's most incredible scenes of all time.

Reasons Why Heist Films Are Exceptional

While Jewel Thief was criticized for its "forgettable" plot and "clichéd outcome" (Hindustan Times, April 2025), these films manage to achieve ammunition amid style and heft. Ocean's Eleven and Dhoom 2 are charismatic performers. Inside Man, heat the intellectual heft. The Italian Job has that playful dynamic, unlike Jewel Thief. For further insights into the evolving Bollywood genres, check out our analysis of Bollywood trends for 2025. External links for even greater depth of viewing: movie rankings on IMDb for the heist movie and thriller reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

Conclusion: Unforgettable Heist Adventures Await 

While Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins offers a unique take on the heist genre, it cannot compete with the charm of classics such as Ocean's Eleven, Dhoom 2, Inside Man, Heat, and The Italian Job. These films have stood the test of time, featuring captivating storylines, unforgettable characters, and thrilling twists that keep audiences engaged. For any thrill-seeker, this carefully curated selection provides a delightful blend of Bollywood and Hollywood genres. So, immerse yourself in these heist movies for an exhilarating experience filled with deception and excitement that lingers long after the credits roll.