So this weekend I saw A Fish Called Wanda and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with a buddy who’d seen neither.
First–even though they don’t seem to be thought of as caper movies, they pretty much are (most of the movies are about either planning for or dealing with the aftermath of a heist/scam). Let’s just go on the assumption that they are and not quibble.
What I’m looking for is more movies in that sub-genre. Swindles/heist movies that are funny. Anyone have any suggestions?
Midnight Run and What’s Up, Doc? are both funny and though they aren’t really about planning and pulling off a swindle or heist, have elements of both fizzing around in the background.
If you don’t mind a book recommendation that perfectly fits your requirements, there’s Metzger’s Dog, by Thomas Perry. Arguably the funniest, smartest zany heist/caper book, ever!
I think “Blazing Saddles” would count as a swindle but not a heist.
Fun With Dick and Jane is a fun romp, especially if you’re a fan of Téa Leoni.
If kidnapping counts, *Ruthless People *is hilarious, IMO.
Ocean’s Eleven certainly counts as a comedy, though not as madcap as the ones you mentioned.
There’s a lot of humor in Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.
After The Fox with Peter Sellers.
Snatchis one of my favorites.
I keep mentioning it, but I think I’m still one of only like 4356 people who has seen and remembers 1973’s Cops and Robbers.
The Italian Job. (Original version only, don’t bother with the remake.)
The Pink Panther certainly fits the bill. As the series progressed it became more and more slapstick, but the original film was a pretty straightforward comedy/caper film.
The Wrong Trousers. Yes, it’s claymation, but it’s great.
The much malignedHudson Hawk, maybe?
The Thomas Crowne Affair and The Sting.
First one besides *Oceans *series and Italian Job, for me would be Sneakers.
Great ensemble of players and just enough witty humor to classify it into the comedy category.
How about It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World ?
Paper Moon, about a Depression-era con man and his maybe-daughter, is a classic. (The book which inspired it, Addie Pray by Joe David Brown, is even better, and includes some other cons that didn’t make it into the movie).
The original British movie The Ladykillers, with Alec Guiness, is great. The Coen Bros. remake with Tom Hanks is not quite as good, but still worth seeing.
I would second many that have already been mentioned here. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has long been a favorite of mine - Steve Martin’s portrayal of the moronic Prince Ruprecht ought to have netted him an Oscar IMHO: Steve Martin -RUPRECHT - YouTube
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is kind of a caper movie.