Thanks to its riveting plot, ingenious ruses, and star-studded cast, the Ocean’s film series has easily gained cult status. From the original 2001 film to the latest installment with an all-female crew, we’ve seen some truly remarkable heists that can only be described as genre-defining. So come along as we assess each Ocean’s movie from best to worst and see what exactly makes these films so enticing.
Ocean’s Eleven
For any lovers of heist movies, you have the 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven to thank for revolutionizing the genre. This movie tells the story of Danny Ocean and his skilled team, as they attempt to pull off an ambitious casino robbery in Las Vegas. So, lovers of the best online casino Canada games will certainly adore the myriad of casino-inspired scenes, depicting the top brick-and-mortar venues in the world, such as the Bellagio.
One of the most impressive aspects of this film is its intricate plotline. The audience is taken on a thrilling ride as each member of the team brings their unique skillset to contribute towards their grand scheme of robbing three casinos simultaneously. From setting up fake electrical repairs to creating distractions with fake explosions, every detail has been accounted for.
Another standout feature of Ocean’s Eleven is its stylish cinematography and sleek editing techniques. Director Steven Soderbergh expertly weaves together multiple subplots with flashy visuals and snappy dialogue that keeps viewers engaged throughout the entire runtime. Ocean’s Eleven set a new standard for heist films with its clever writing and top-notch performances from its ensemble cast and it remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences today.
Ocean’s 8
Ocean’s 8 is the latest addition to the Ocean’s franchise that features an all-female cast, led by Sandra Bullock. The film follows Debbie Ocean, sister of Danny Ocean from the original trilogy, as she gathers a team of women to pull off the most fashionable heist at New York City’s annual Met Gala.
The film is filled with witty dialogue and showcases the talents of its star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Rihanna, Awkwafina, and Helena Bonham Carter amongst others. Each character brings their own unique skills to the table making for an entertaining watch.
One aspect that sets this film apart from its predecessors is its focus on fashion. With much of the movie taking place at one of fashion’s biggest events – The Met Gala – it provides plenty of opportunities for amazing outfits and stunning settings. While not without flaws, Ocean’s 8 offers an enjoyable spin-off and continuation to the original trilogy with exceptionally strong performances from its talented female cast.
Ocean’s Thirteen
Ocean’s Thirteen is a fantastic ending to the original Ocean’s Eleven heist series, which is why it ranked third overall for us. Featuring Danny Ocean and his team, the film follows a similar plotline to its predecessors as they attempt to rob another casino, but obviously with an added twist that we shall not spoil for you.
The chemistry between the characters is probably one of Ocean’s Thirteen’s finest elements. As usual, Danny (Clooney) and Rusty (Pitt) lead the group with their endearing wit and banter, however, the peak performance may be by the villain in this movie. Willy Bank is portrayed by Al Pacino, who gives a superb performance, and he adds an intensity to the series that was lacking from earlier antagonists.
Another standout element in Ocean’s Thirteen is its visuals. Las Vegas looks stunning onscreen with its bright lights and luxurious interiors making for some truly mesmerizing shots. While not quite reaching the heights of Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Thirteen manages to deliver another entertaining heist movie that fans will enjoy watching unfold.
Ocean’s Twelve
While Ocean’s Twelve, the second film in the original trilogy, may rank last for us it is still a solid heist movie. It takes place approximately three years after the successful heist of Terry Benedict’s casinos with a different approach than its predecessor. Instead of focusing solely on one big heist, Ocean’s Twelve has multiple smaller heists in Europe and cons that eventually lead up to one grand finale.
From Amsterdam to Rome, we’re treated to some truly breathtaking scenery as the crew goes about their business. And while some may argue that the plot gets a bit convoluted at times, there’s no denying that this movie is just plain fun to watch. Moreover, the cast remains top-notch with returning favorites joined by new additions Catherine Zeta-Jones who plays Isabel Lahiri, their formidable Europol opponent.
Ocean’s Twelve nevertheless manages to provide plenty of thrills and chuckles, even though it isn’t quite as excellent overall as its predecessor (or even its successors). Therefore, the finale of the original trilogy is still a great option if you’re looking for a fun heist movie featuring your favorite actors combined with some stunning visuals.
Conclusion
Regardless if you decide to watch the Ocean’s film series chronologically or as per our ranking, from the iconic Las Vegas Bellagio robbery in Ocean’s Eleven to Debbie Ocean’s Met Gala heist in Ocean’s 8 you won’t be disappointed. While all of the films had their strengths and weaknesses, Ocean’s Eleven wins at number one for its perfect combination of storytelling, humor, and action. Following closely behind is Ocean’s 8 with its diverse cast and fresh take on the franchise, but ultimately all of the movies in the series are a must-watch.