In the gripping film Widows, Viola Davis takes on the role of Veronica Rawlings, a Chicago teacher’s union representative who faces the aftermath of her husband’s fatal heist. After a botched robbery leaves her husband and his crew dead, Veronica unites with the widows of the other fallen men to complete the heist their spouses could not finish—all while contending with various menacing adversaries.
The ensemble cast, which includes Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo, enhances the film’s depth. Released in 2018, Widows stands out as a stylish and thought-provoking addition to the heist genre, delving into themes of female resilience against overwhelming odds. Its shocking conclusion leaves a lasting impact, making it a must-see for enthusiasts of thrilling cinema. If you’re drawn to Widows and are seeking similar films that evoke the same thrill, consider the following recommendations.
10 Triple 9 (2016)
Directed By John Hillcoat
Triple 9 offers a dark and tense narrative featuring a stellar cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Anthony Mackie as thieves planning a significant heist. Their plan involves murdering a rookie cop, portrayed by Casey Affleck, as a diversion for their crime. This film’s raw and often brutal depiction of crime parallels Widows in its unflinching portrayal of the criminal underworld. While it lacks a female-centric perspective, it remains a compelling choice for viewers who relished the intense dynamics present in Widows.
9 Ocean’s Eight (2018)
Directed By Gary Ross
A vibrant spinoff of the classic Ocean’s Eleven franchise, Ocean’s Eight offers humor alongside its heist narrative, showcasing Sandra Bullock as a recently released prisoner who rallies a team of women—including Cate Blanchett, Awkwafina, Rihanna, and Mindy Kaling—to execute a daring theft at the Met Gala. This film distinguishes itself by centering female characters in a genre typically dominated by male leads, providing an engaging and fresh perspective. Under Gary Ross’s thoughtful direction, Ocean’s Eight also pays homage to its predecessors while forging its own entertaining path.
8 Ronin (1998)
Directed By John Frankenheimer
Ronin is another exemplary heist film, helmed by the talented John Frankenheimer. The film features Robert De Niro as a mercenary working with a team assigned to secure a highly coveted package from hostile adversaries. Known for its nail-biting action sequences, Ronin delivers a thrilling experience while touching on different themes than Widows. Nevertheless, its compelling characters and intense storyline make it a noteworthy addition to this genre.
7 Sicario (2015)
Directed By Denis Villeneuve
Both Widows and Sicario excel in building suspense and tension. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Sicario stars Emily Blunt as an FBI agent embroiled in a covert operation aimed at dismantling drug cartels along the Mexico-U.S. border. Its dark atmosphere and riveting narrative make it a captivating watch that echoes the elevating themes found in Widows.
6 Hell or High Water (2016)
Directed By David Mackenzie
Hell or High Water presents a riveting story of two brothers, portrayed by Chris Pine and Ben Foster, who rob banks to prevent their family home from foreclosure. This film delves into the moral complexities of crime similar to Widows, emphasizing the heavy burdens and risks associated with their choices. A standout in the neo-Western category, Hell or High Water artfully blends intense action with emotional depth, solidifying its status as a modern classic.
5 The Departed (2006)
Directed By Martin Scorsese
Featuring one of the finest ensembles in crime cinema, The Departed is a gripping tale of deception and duality. With Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon playing undercover operatives on a collision course, the intense dynamics and character motivations create a richly layered narrative. While its scope may differ from that of Widows, both films focus on the psychological depth of their characters, setting them apart from conventional crime thrillers.
4 Prisoners (2013)
Directed By Denis Villeneuve
In this powerful drama, Denis Villeneuve returns to deliver another riveting narrative. Prisoners stars Hugh Jackman as a father pushed to extremes in the search for his missing daughter. This deeply unsettling film explores morality, desperation, and the psychological toll of such a harrowing experience. The performances, particularly Jackman’s, along with the film’s dark tone, resonate deeply, showcasing Villeneuve’s ability to craft tense stories that grip viewers throughout.
3 The Town (2010)
Directed By Ben Affleck
The Town, directed by and starring Ben Affleck, offers a gripping look at the lives of bank robbers in Boston’s Charlestown. Much like Widows, it combines a grounded perspective on crime with thrilling heist sequences, portraying the emotional stakes for its characters. Affleck’s direction and performance, paired with a compelling supporting cast, solidify The Town as a remarkable crime film that balances tension and human emotion.
2 Set It Off (1996)
Directed By F. Gary Gray
Set It Off may adopt a lighter tone, but it similarly addresses themes of economic desperation and empowerment through its ensemble of four Black female leads. As Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise embark on their journey of bank heists, the film challenges the conventional narratives surrounding crime. Celebrated for its strong performances and authenticity, Set It Off remains a notable landmark in crime cinema, paving the way for greater representation in the genre.
1 Heat (1995)
Directed By Michael Mann
Heat is frequently cited as one of the greatest heist films ever created, masterfully directed by Michael Mann. The film intricately weaves together the lives of criminals and law enforcement, embodied in a powerful performance by Robert De Niro alongside Al Pacino. Focused on the profound implications of criminal life, Heat explores the psychological depths of its characters, setting a benchmark for the genre. For those who appreciated the thematic intricacies of Widows, Heat is an essential watch that brilliantly highlights the converging paths of ambition and morality.