After almost a decade, everyone’s favorite magic franchise has finally made its way back to the big screen. It’s no surprise how the Now You See Me films brilliantly blend heists, illusions, and high-energy spectacle in a way that’s uniquely addictive: they’re clever without taking themselves too seriously, theatrical without losing narrative bite—and let’s not forget how endlessly entertaining they are thanks to their twisty plots and whip-smart ensemble dynamics.
If you’re like me, you know Now You See Me: Now You Don’t managed to deliver every beat. It’s big, loud, ridiculous in all the right ways, and proof that the franchise could (and should) be the next Fast & Furious. But now that the credits have rolled, all we can do is wait. Or is it? Luckily for us, there are tons of heists and mysteries that can scratch that theatrical itch. So whether you’re desperate for another team-based mind game or a mere distraction as the Horsemen plot their next scheme, here are the movies you should watch next.
10
‘The Spanish Prisoner’ (1997)
Joe Ross (Campbell Scott) has invented a groundbreaking process that could help his company become incredibly lucrative, but he doesn’t know who to trust when higher-ups seemingly want to steal it. He soon strikes up a friendship with the wealthy and mysterious Jimmy Dell (Steve Martin), who offers to help protect the invention. Instead, Joe becomes entangled in a conspiracy that leaves him falsely accused of murder.
David Mamet’s The Spanish Prisoner is a slow-burn confidence game thriller that rewards patient viewers with a labyrinth of twists and double-crosses. Indeed, it’s a film that keeps you guessing until the very last frame, playing out like an elegant puzzle where every detail matters. For fans of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, Mamet’s meticulous plotting scratches that same itch for clever mechanics, misdirection, and satisfying reveals. It also showcases a new side to actors we’ve never seen before—notably, Martin, who dons a menacing demeanor that makes the whole movie even more unsettling than it already is.
9
‘The Incredible Burt Wonderstone’ (2013)
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Longtime Vegas magicians Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) have dominated the strip for decades—but as their partnership crumbles, audiences begin flocking to the edgier, street magician Steve Gray (Jim Carrey). Determined to reclaim their status, the duo realizes that they must not only learn some new tricks but also repair their relationship along the way.
Let’s be honest, most of us who love the Now You See Me films are in it for the goofy showmanship—and no film captures this more than The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, which offers a comedic twist on the world of illusionists. Yes, it may be significantly lighter and sillier than Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, but it still taps into the psychology of performers and the desperation behind keeping the magic alive. The reveals may not be as grand, but it’s guaranteed to be a breezy, charming watch that channels the same charisma and joy for those fascinated by stage magic.
8
‘Sneakers’ (1992)
A group of security specialists, led by Martin Bishop (Robert Redford), is hired by National Security Agency officers to steal a mysterious black box. The job is simple—until they discover the device is a universal code-breaker that could threaten global security. They soon become embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy that only escalates once Martin realizes the NSA agents were rogue.
With stellar ensemble chemistry, witty banter, and a clever plot device that gives it its timeless charm, Sneakers is a tale that’s both playful and psychologically thrilling. Fans of Now You See Me will love how the film blends slick teamwork with intricate cons and morally ambiguous stakes. Plus, it delivers twisty plotting without ever being too corny, making it not only one of the best “smart caper” films of the 90s, but a film that reminds us why Redford was the great heist movie king.
7
‘Inside Man’ (2006)
When a gang of robbers, led by mastermind Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), takes hostages in a Manhattan bank, Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) is brought in as the hostage negotiator—but soon realizes that the robbery isn’t exactly what it seems. Making matters more complicated, the detective is forced to work with Madeleine White (Jodie Foster), whose hidden agenda muddies every attempt at resolution.
Spike Lee’s Inside Man is easily one of the most sophisticated heist films of the 21st century. What starts as a straightforward siege story evolves into a layered mystery filled with razor-sharp dialogue, social commentary, and a masterclass in narrative misdirection. Washington and Owen’s cat-and-mouse dynamic is magnetic, grounding the film even as the secrets become increasingly elaborate. Better still, like Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, Inside Man thrives on its big, punchy reveals. So, if you love the feeling of being outsmarted in the best possible way, start here.
6
‘Logan Lucky’ (2017)
When Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum) is fired from his construction job, he convinces his brother Clyde (Adam Driver) and sister Mellie (Riley Keough) to help him rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway during a NASCAR Race. But in order to do so, the siblings require the help of Joe Bang (Daniel Craig), a convicted safe-cracker who’s currently serving his prison sentence.
Bringing a delightfully offbeat flavor to the heist genre, Logan Lucky mixes deadpan humor with meticulously planned criminal chaos—all of which is beautifully counterbalanced by a surprisingly heartfelt story about family, second chances, and the art of the long con. Much like Now You See Me, Logan Lucky brilliantly marries brainy scheming with irresistible entertainment value. But of course, this isn’t surprising given that this isn’t Steven Soderbergh’s first stint with a heist flick.
5
‘F/X’ (1986)
Rollie Tyler (Bryan Brown), a special effects expert, is hired by the government to stage the assassination of a mobster going into the witness protection program. But when the job goes awry and the agency double-crosses him, Rollie becomes a target himself. Meanwhile, Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy), an NYPD detective, is determined to investigate the “murder,” even as he becomes suspicious of the “official” story.
Part thriller, part behind-the-scenes love letter to the artistry of movie magic, F/X parallels Now You See Me, which celebrates how illusions aren’t just used for entertainment—they’re also survival tools. Indeed, the film embraces the thrill of deception, with Rollie weaponizing misdirection and showmanship to stay one step ahead of his pursuers. It’s a story that’s inventive, intense, and full of old-school movie wizardry.
4
‘The Prestige’ (2006)
Set in 1800s London, magicians Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) begin as friends but quickly devolve into bitter rivals after a devastating tragedy. Over the years, they devote themselves to this informal war, obsessing over a rival trick where they hope to best one another—even if it comes at the expense of destroying their personal lives.
If Now You See Me: Now You Don’t hooked you with its mystery and theatricality, The Prestige offers a darker, richer take on the mechanics of deception. Here, Christopher Nolan dives deep into the psychology of the artist, turning the film into a haunting meditation on the price of creating the perfect illusion. It’s atmospheric, tightly constructed, and full of underrated narrative twists that keep you second-guessing everything. Plus, the film revels in the structure of a magic trick, revealing the intricacies of the setup, performance, and a heartbreaking turn.
3
‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ (2011)
When the IMF is disavowed by the U.S. government after they are blamed for bombing the Kremlin, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his new team must operate without any resources or backup to clear the agency’s name. Meanwhile, they must also track down nuclear terrorist Kurt Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist) before he’s able to start a devastating global war.
Arguably more theatrical than the installments that preceded it, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol revitalized the franchise with its blend of inventive action, covert operations, and well-planned spectacle. Like Now You See Me, it wasn’t afraid to be bold and wholeheartedly embraced the elaborate cons, high-stakes coordination, and stylish trickery. In many ways, it’s playful spycraft, breathtaking stunts (note Cruise’s crazy Burj Khalifa climb), and dynamic group chemistry, which make it the Mission: Impossible franchise’s most entertaining and re-watchable entry.
2
‘Inception’ (2010)
Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a thief who uses special technology to enter people’s dreams and steal their secrets deep within the subconscious. One day, he’s offered the chance to have his criminal history erased, but only if he can accomplish the impossible: the inception. Rather than pulling ideas out, Cobb and his team must implant one into the mind of a CEO.
With its mind-bending visuals and emotional core, Inception is a heist film dressed as a metaphysical puzzle. Similar to the Now You See Me films, it famously showcases the art of timing, coordination, and psychological finesse. Only this time, the spectacle and deception occur in a richly imaginative dimension, allowing every minute to be packed with new revelations, rules, and breathtaking set pieces. It’s a true masterclass in writing, with every twist heightening the stakes and every layer adding to its reputation as one of the best and most inventive modern action blockbusters.
1
The Ocean’s Franchise (2001–2018)
Whether you prefer the early 2000s trilogy or the all-women’s reboot in 2018, the Oceans film series remains the gold standard for stylish ensemble heists. Each entry follows Danny (George Clooney) or Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) and their motley handpicked crews as they execute increasingly complex capers—from casino raids to art heists to revenge jobs. Indeed, these films thrive on sharp dialogue, cool chemistry, and intricate planning that unfolds like a well-practiced stage performance.
The joy is in watching a perfectly calibrated team do what they do best—steal with flair. And that’s the exact DNA that is seen throughout the Now You See Me films: charming group dynamics, theatrical reveals, and the irresistible thrill of being in on the trick. Every heist hinges on misdirection and precise coordination, and the payoff always lands with a grin. If you love crime done with elegance and swagger, the Ocean films are a must-watch.
