Lift is Netflix’s #1 movie but here are 3 superior crime capers to watch instead

Some critics say that Netflix’s airborne heist movie should have been grounded

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When a review includes the word “dismal” in the headline it’s rarely a good sign, and that’s exactly whatPolygon’sreview of theNetflix heist movieLiftbegins with. Rather than soar like an eagle, the movie “sinks like a stone”. The trailer suggested that the Kevin Hart actioner could beOcean’s Elevenin an airplane, but many critics seem to believe that it struggles to get off the ground.

Empiregave it just two out of five stars, praising Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s superbly athletic skills and the flashy special effects but unimpressed by a lifeless script.IGNsays it’s “exceedingly unremarkable”, whileThe Guardiansays it’s a “ho-hum heist flick”.

So what can you watch on thebest streaming servicesif you’re craving some whip-smart, wise-cracking action? I’m glad you asked. Here are three enormously entertaining crime capers you’re going to love watching or rewatching much more.

The Nice Guys

I love this film so much. It’s a brilliant example of the buddy movie done right, an odd-couple caper that’s entertaining from the very first scene to the feel-good conclusion. Ryan Gosling’s job is PI, and he teams up with hard-assed enforcer Russell Crowe to investigate a murder and a missing girl. It’s very funny – as you’d expect from a movie written by Shane Black – but it’s also a superb thriller, a noir that’s as hard-boiled as it is hilarious. ThinkLA Confidentialwith laughs.

Available to stream onNetflixin the US and Australia, and MGM in the UK.

Jackie Brown

For many reviewers, this is Quentin Tarantino’s most entertaining movie. Famed and sadly missed movie criticRoger Eberthas said that it’s the director’s “masterpiece”, featuring a wonderful performance by 70s screen goddess Pam Grier as well as unusual roles for Robert De Niro and Bridget Fonda. It’s an absolute blast, and it’s tightly written and very smart. As Ebert put it: “Tarantino leaves the hardest questions for last, hides his moves, conceals his strategies in plain view, and gives his characters dialogue that is alive, authentic and spontaneous… I wanted these characters to live, talk, deceive and scheme for hours and hours.”

Available to stream on Netflix in the US, Freevee in the UK and Stan in Australia.

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The Blues Brothers

Even if you don’t know the story, you know the look: black suits, pork pie hats and dark sunglasses. It’s ridiculously over the top, often very silly and the plot doesn’t really stand up to much scrutiny, but a career-best John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd make it a hoot from start to finish. It’s one of the great American comedies, arguably the best Saturday Night Live movie too, and while it’s showing its age a little bit you’ll forgive it pretty much anything for its superb soundtrack. Hit it!

Available to stream on Netflix in the US and Paramount Plus in Australia.

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Writer, broadcaster, musician and kitchen gadget obsessive Carrie Marshall has been writing about tech since 1998, contributing sage advice and odd opinions to all kinds of magazines and websites as well as writing more than a dozen books. Her memoir,Carrie Kills A Man, is on sale now and her next book, about pop music, is out in 2025. She is the singer in Glaswegian rock bandUnquiet Mind.

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