Genre · ranked
The best heist & caper series of all time
25 ranked · updated June 2026
The greatest heist and caper series masterfully blend high-stakes larceny with profound moral transformations. Whether through elaborate criminal schemes or the gritty pursuit of power, these selections define the genre by elevating complex anti-heroes and the intricate, often dangerous, games they play to outsmart their adversaries.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score (rating average + rating count) across series classified as Heist & Caper.
Better Call Saul
Vince Gilligan
This series earns its top spot by meticulously charting the psychological disintegration and eventual rebirth of a man trading legal ethics for criminal ingenuity.
Peaky Blinders
Steven Knight
The show captures the brutal intersection of post-war trauma and unchecked ambition, anchoring its historical scope in the singular, ruthless drive of Tommy Shelby.
Vincenzo
It masterfully balances dark comedy with a high-stakes legal thriller, showcasing a consigliere who uses Mafia-style ruthlessness to deliver a unique brand of justice.
Fargo
Noah Hawley
This anthology excels by placing ordinary individuals into extraordinary, violent circumstances, highlighting the absurdity and moral ambiguity inherent in small-town criminal conspiracies.
Money Heist
Álex Pina
The series defines the modern heist genre by focusing on the meticulous orchestration of a master plan executed by an underdog crew with nothing left.
Tulsa King
Taylor Sheridan
This narrative thrives on the fish-out-of-water dynamic, examining the struggle of a seasoned mobster attempting to build a new empire in an unfamiliar setting.
White Collar
Jeff Eastin
It earns its place through the unlikely, compelling partnership between a charming con artist and an FBI agent, emphasizing the nuances of redemption and trust.
Los simuladores
Damián Szifron
This series offers a brilliant satirical edge, utilizing complex cons and ingenious problem-solving to address the everyday struggles and injustices faced by common people.
Locked Up
Álex Pina
The show provides a visceral look at survival within a high-security environment, focusing on the psychological toll of being wrongly imprisoned among ruthless criminals.
Moriarty the Patriot
It subverts the historical mystery genre by framing a brilliant mind's crusade for social justice as a calculated, anti-heroic campaign against systemic class warfare.
Power Book IV: Force
Robert Munic
The series succeeds by centering on an outsider’s relentless quest for power, highlighting the friction of rewriting local rules within an unforgiving urban landscape.
Boardwalk Empire
Terence Winter
This drama captures the chaotic transition of the Prohibition era, depicting the intersection of political corruption and organized crime through a powerful, central figure.
Power Book III: Raising Kanan
Sascha Penn
As a compelling coming-of-age story, it explores the weight of family loyalty and moral ambiguity within the dangerous, high-stakes environment of the drug trade.
The Artful Dodger
David Maher
This period drama stands out for its unique exploration of duality, following a former pickpocket who must navigate a complex path toward professional redemption.
Common questions
What are the best heist shows involving a mastermind?
Money Heist is the quintessential example, featuring a mysterious mastermind known as The Professor who recruits a team to execute the largest heist in history. Better Call Saul also features elaborate, long-term schemes orchestrated by a brilliant, evolving legal mind.
Are there any heist series that focus on con artists?
Yes, White Collar features a charming con artist who assists the FBI in catching other criminals. Additionally, the series Los simuladores focuses on a specialized team of con artists who use their unique skills to solve problems for everyday people.
Which crime series feature a Mafia or mobster theme?
Several series explore this, including Peaky Blinders, which follows a Birmingham gang, and Tulsa King, about a New York capo exiled to Oklahoma. Others include Vincenzo, centered on a Mafia consigliere, and Boardwalk Empire, which examines organized crime during the Prohibition era.