Movies Like Den Of Thieves You Need To Watch Next

In 2018, Gerard Butler, a B-movie star, found himself cast as Nicholas O’Brien, a rugged, no-nonsense LAPD officer on the hunt for the perpetrators of a gruesome heist. With the criminals planning another major heist, time is running out. The film’s dramatic shootouts and intense action sequences contributed significantly to its popularity. However, every excellent crime thriller requires a shocking twist at the end, and “Den of Thieves” delivers on this perfectly.

Following an extended period of anticipation, the eagerly-awaited follow-up to the widely acclaimed Butler film was finally released in 2025. Known as “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” this sequel garnered even more praise than its original, featuring the return of Butler and co-star O’Shea Jackson Jr. in a story about an audacious diamond heist across Europe. As we eagerly await news of a third installment, you may be seeking something comparable to keep you entertained in the meantime. So grab a cold one and settle into your favorite chair — we’ve put together a list of top movies that are similar to “Den of Thieves.

The Town

Starring notable actors such as Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, and Jon Hamm, “The Town” premiered in 2010 and swiftly became one of the top-tier heist films ever made. Directed by Affleck himself, this film is based in Boston and follows a group of criminals who pull off a bank robbery that nearly turns fatal when they take a hostage, Claire Keesey (Hall). After surviving the ordeal, she unwittingly enters a romance with one of her captors, Douglas MacRay (Affleck). As his emotions for her deepen and his dual life of violence becomes more challenging to conceal, he finds it harder to ignore the dangerous heists he continues to carry out with his fellow crew members, potentially putting their lives at risk.

As a gamer, diving into “The Town” feels like stepping right into an intense heist game. Just like “Den of Thieves,” it’s got this gritty, raw vibe that makes you feel the tension and reality is palpable. The action is non-stop, but it’s not just about the chase – it’s about survival. Special Agent Adam Frawley (Hamm) is a relentless force, constantly closing in, adding another layer of suspense to an already gripping story. If you’re a fan of “Den of Thieves,” “The Town” is definitely worth checking out.

Die Hard with a Vengeance

1988’s “Die Hard” starring Bruce Willis marked his cinematic breakthrough and transformed into a beloved holiday action film due to its Christmas backdrop. This timeless ’80s action movie was highly influential, leading to numerous copies and even several sequels. Among the series, the third installment, “Die Hard With a Vengeance” (1995), stands out as the best.

Instead of the initial two films set in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., the third installment of Die Hard shifts to the bustling ’90s New York City. John McClane, now partnered with an everyday hero named Zeus Carver (played by Samuel L. Jackson), finds himself drawn into another terrorist scheme involving a string of explosives. The bombs are designed to detonate unless McClane fulfills the bizarre demands of a shrouded criminal. As it turns out, these threats of violence serve as a diversion – much like in “Den of Thieves” – and the real focus is a daring heist of a Federal Reserve building at the heart of the third Die Hard movie.

Circling back, it’s Simon Gruber (played by Jeremy Irons), Hans Gruber’s brother, who takes the lead in this installment – the very villain McClane sent flying from Nakatomi Plaza in the initial movie. A delightful blend of ’90s action flair and buddy cop humor courtesy of Willis and Jackson’s chemistry, “Die Hard with a Vengeance” is a highly entertaining addition to our list.

Olympus Has Fallen

Initially, “Olympus Has Fallen” and “Den of Thieves” may not appear to have much in common; however, let’s delve a bit deeper. In “Olympus Has Fallen,” an unexpected terrorist assault by radical North Korean militants results in the capture of the White House, causing the death of many Americans, including President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart). Amidst confusion and disarray among high-ranking security personnel and military leaders, it falls upon discredited former Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) and Speaker of the House Allan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman) to rescue the President and prevent the nation from impending nuclear destruction.

In the movie “Olympus Has Fallen,” there are no heists like in “Den of Thieves,” but both films feature actor Gerard Butler, who is often referred to as the reigning monarch of modern action cinema. The film offers an abundance of extreme action sequences, and if you can overlook the plot’s improbabilities, it provides a dependable viewing experience that makes it an excellent choice for watching after “Den of Thieves.

Extraction

If you’re in search of top-notch action, rivaling or even surpassing that found in “Den of Thieves,” then the film to watch first is Chris Hemsworth’s Netflix hit “Extraction.” Released in 2020, this movie pairs Hemsworth with Sam Hargrave, the stunt coordinator from “Avengers: Endgame,” who has now stepped into the director’s role. While Hargrave may seem an unexpected choice, given that the film’s main attraction is heart-pounding, relentless action, he proves to be the ideal candidate for this high-octane production.

Similar to Gerard Butler, Hemsworth portrays the head of a group, although much of the action revolves around him. In this role, he plays Tyler Rake, an elite mercenary tasked with an unconventional job: He and his team are contracted to infiltrate a foreign nation, specifically Bangladesh, and retrieve the kidnapped teenage son of a drug lord who’s been taken by a rival. This mission requires him to confront the powerful private army of a ruthless criminal mastermind, as well as corrupt local law enforcement and government officials. However, Rake also has to deal with a former accomplice of the very person who hired him – an individual who aims to regain his boss’s favor by rescuing the boy himself.

Known for a lengthy, uninterrupted action scene where Rake brutally takes out enemies as easily as mowing down grass, “Extraction” could well be the top action movie of the last ten years and is definitely worth watching if you’re a fan of “Den of Thieves.

The Italian Job

Among today’s action movie stars, Gerard Butler is one with a powerful screen presence, and Jason Statham is certainly another. Known for high-octane action films such as “The Transporter” and “Crank,” Statham is one of the rare actors who can draw crowds just by his name, having contributed significantly to the box office success of recent hits like “The Beekeeper.” However, let’s not forget that he was also part of the ensemble cast in “The Italian Job” back in 2003. This heist movie is a great choice for viewers following the release of “Den of Thieves.

In this movie, Statham joins forces with Edward Norton, Charlize Theron, and Mark Wahlberg, forming a team of highly skilled professional thieves. A year after a failed heist results in one of their own losing his life, they reunite to seek retribution against the traitor who walked away with their most valuable loot.

A modern adaptation of the 1969 film “The Italian Job,” starring Michael Caine, is an exciting, high-speed, unapologetic heist movie. Packed with edge-of-your-seat car chases, boat chases, captivating characters, and skillful direction from future director of the “Fast and Furious” series, F. Gary Gray, it’s a thrilling ride from beginning to end.

Heat

Speaking from a narrative standpoint, there aren’t many films on our list that come as close to “Den of Thieves” as Michael Mann’s 1995 masterpiece, “Heat.” Over the years, countless heist thrillers have tried to emulate it, but few can compare. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Val Kilmer, Robert De Niro, Danny Trejo, and Tom Sizemore as a group of criminals planning a major bank robbery in L.A., following a series of smaller heists. Al Pacino stars as Vincent Hanna, a tenacious detective chasing them, with Natalie Portman making her film debut as his stepdaughter Lauren.

Drawing comparisons, although both films are not exhaustive accounts of actual events, “Heat” and “Den of Thieves” share many similarities. They both take place in Los Angeles, feature a tense game of cat-and-mouse between detective Hanna and criminal mastermind McCauley. The stories culminate in an intense street gunfight that’s said to be so authentic it has been utilized for military tactical training – demonstrating the meticulous attention given to crafting “Heat” into one of the most suspenseful crime thrillers you can experience.

Triple Frontier

If you replace “Den of Thieves” with an ensemble of top-tier actors, you’d end up with something similar to “Triple Frontier,” a Netflix production that didn’t garner much attention in 2019. It’s quite surprising it was overlooked since the cast is among the best in recent years, with Ben Affleck, Pedro Pascal, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, and Garret Hedlund as the headliners. Unlike “Den of Thieves,” the protagonists here are ex-military personnel planning to steal the treasure instead.

At the start, we encounter Santiago “Pope” Garcia (Isaac), a previous Delta Forces agent, now operating in South America where he fights drug lords as a mercenary. However, when he discovers the hideout of notorious crime lord Gabriel Martin Lorea, he devises an intricate scheme to penetrate his jungle fortress and steal $75 million in cash. To execute this plan, he requires the assistance of his former team, a band of seasoned soldiers grappling with financial difficulties following their military service exit.

In this version, the action is strong and the suspense is noticeable; however, it’s important to mention that while Butler makes “Den of Thieves” a must-watch, it’s the ensemble in “Triple Frontier” that truly shines.

Triple 9

If you appreciated the star-studded cast of “Triple Frontier,” don’t miss out on the movie with a similar title, “Triple 9.” It’s another heist film packed with big names. This time around, we have Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet, Anthony Mackie, Casey Affleck, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot, and Woody Harrelson. Unlike some heist movies that focus heavily on action or drama, “Triple 9” balances both elements skillfully, much like the movie “Den of Thieves.” In essence, it offers a blend of gripping action and pulp-style drama.

In this film, titled “Triple 9,” an officer-in-distress situation serves as a smokescreen for a band of bold daylight robbers, who are preparing for their next big heist. The team comprises ex-Navy SEALs Michael (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Russell (Reedus), disreputable former cops Gabe (Aaron Paul) and Franco (Clifton Collins Jr.), as well as corrupt detective Marcus (Anthony Mackie). Their strategy involves using Marcus’s new partner Chris (Affleck) to bait all the city’s police officers away from their chosen target. However, when one of their team members perishes, Gabe starts to have second thoughts and potentially jeopardizes the entire plan.

If you enjoyed the intense action and gripping thrills of “Den of Thieves,” then “Triple 9” shouldn’t be missed as it delivers a similar experience, relying on its powerful cast and minimal yet impactful action sequences.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans

In 2009, Nicolas Cage took on an extraordinary character in “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans,” a role that marked a significant departure from his previous work, 17 years after Harvey Keitel starred in the original “Bad Lieutenant.” Despite sharing the same general concept of portraying a morally questionable police officer spiraling out of control, the two films bear little resemblance. In this installment, Cage embodies New Orleans police officer Terence McDonagh, a character so corrupt and detestable that it’s challenging to perceive him as the film’s protagonist.

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, we encounter McDonagh in a downward spiral. He’s drowning in debt, hooked on painkillers, and is forced to steal evidence to keep afloat. His relationships with his girlfriend (Eva Mendes) and partner (Val Kilmer) are crumbling when he receives a new assignment: a murder case involving a series of deceased bodies.

Under the guidance of director Werner Herzog, the movie titled “Bad Lieutenant” may not be grabbing any awards, but much like “Den of Thieves,” it offers an abundance of captivating chaos that makes it challenging not to appreciate it. A significant factor contributing to this appeal is the outstanding performance delivered by Nicolas Cage.

Ambulance

Renowned for directing high-octane action thrillers, Michael Bay stepped back into the director’s chair in 2022 with “Ambulance,” a reimagining of a 2005 Danish film bearing the same title. Brothers Danny (Jake Gyllenhaal) and William Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) hatch a plan to rob a bank in Los Angeles to meet the astronomical expenses for William’s wife’s urgent surgery. However, when the robbery goes awry and transforms into a high-stakes gunfight between their team and the authorities, an officer is critically wounded. In a last-ditch effort to evade capture, William and Danny commandeer an ambulance carrying the injured officer, leading police on a thrilling chase across the streets of L.A.

In the movie “Ambulance,” a daring heist serves as the main storyline, later evolving into an exhilarating car chase film that has left audiences breathless in recent times. The narrative unfolds when the duo flees with two hostages on board; EMT Camille Thompson (played by Eiza Gonzalez) and the injured police officer, Zach Parker (Jackson White). They find themselves in a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with the LAPD, while simultaneously debating whether to keep their two reluctant passengers safe. Though Michael Bay is known for his polarizing approach to filmmaking, his flamboyant style effectively complements the nerve-wracking scenario presented by “Ambulance,” making it unique yet equally captivating as “Den of Thieves.

Point Break

Step back into the ’90s, and you’ll encounter films similar to “Den of Thieves.” One that truly stands out is the 1991 masterpiece, “Point Break.” This film has gained immense popularity over the years, largely due to its role in shaping Keanu Reeves into an action icon, long before he donned the leather coat for “The Matrix.” However, it’s not just about Reeves; it’s a top-notch thriller and heist movie reminiscent of “Den of Thieves.” The story revolves around a tenacious cop on a mission to apprehend an enigmatic group of bank robbers.

Point Break,” an action-packed movie set against the laid-back, carefree atmosphere of Southern California’s surfing culture, follows FBI agent Johnny Utah as he delves into the mystery of a group of bank robbers who wear masks of past U.S. presidents and may be connected to the surfing community. In order to infiltrate their inner circle, Utah takes up surfing himself. He encounters Bodhi, the charismatic yet dangerous leader of the gang, who revels in the thrill of the heist but manages to avoid capture. As Utah becomes more involved, he develops feelings for Tyler, a member of the gang and former love interest of Bodhi, which causes him moral conflict.

Reminiscent of 90s cinema, this action-packed flick delivers all the thrilling gun battles, hand-to-hand combat, and daring robberies that would captivate fans of “Den of Thieves.” From beginning to end, you’ll be on the edge of your seat!

Dead Presidents

A couple of years after the release of “Point Break”, came “Dead Presidents”. This film, unlike “Point Break”, is about a gang of criminals carrying out bank heists, this time in New York City. The 1995 thriller, set in the 1970s, focuses on a group of veterans from the Vietnam War who, upon returning home, face hardships and grapple with the psychological effects of their military service. Unlike “Point Break” and “Den of Thieves”, these crooks aren’t portrayed as villains, but they’re not depicted as heroes either.

1968, smack-dab in the heat of the Vietnam War, we encounter Anthony Curtis, portrayed by Lorenz Tate, a young soul seeking structure through military service. Yet, after enduring the tragic loss of many comrades and being pushed to acts he never imagined, Curtis struggles tremendously upon his return home five years later, unable to readjust to civilian life. Crossing paths once more with fellow veterans, each grappling with their own hardships, Curtis joins forces with militant activist Delilah (N’Bushe Wright) in a daring scheme to rob an armored car.

Dead Presidents,” an exhilarating action-thriller intertwined with deep emotional drama, portrays the tough decisions we may have to make to stay alive. Although it didn’t quite reach classic status, it certainly has the potential to earn that title.

Fast Five

The “Fast and Furious” series kicked off in summer 2001 with “The Fast and the Furious,” starring Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. Initially focusing on street racing and petty crimes, the franchise eventually morphed into Dominic Toretto (played by Diesel) and his crew regularly saving the world from danger. As the series grew in popularity, it attracted a host of A-list Hollywood stars. “Fast Five” introduced Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Luke Hobbs, a federal agent who mistakenly believes the team is guilty of murder. Simultaneously, Toretto and his family are plotting to rob Hernan Reyes (played by Joaquim de Almeida), a criminal mastermind who’s actually responsible for the murders, of millions in an epic heist.

In a shift from the initial, more straightforward series plots and the introduction of more extraordinary elements, “Fast Five” marked a significant change in direction for the franchise. Partially resembling “Ocean’s Eleven” due to the large number of returning characters as the gang plot their grand heist, and partially echoing “Fast and Furious,” “Fast Five” was exceptionally well-received within the series and serves as an entertaining continuation following “Den of Thieves.

2025-05-30 19:32