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15 Brilliant Movies Like Catch Me If You Can Filled With Deception

Updated:August 16, 2023
Movies Like Catch Me If You Can

If you’ve seen and loved movies like Catch Me If You Can, chances are you’re craving more thrilling cat-and-mouse tales filled with twists, turns, and compelling characters. Featuring the talents of Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio, this true-story adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg is lauded for its mix of melancholy and zany fun. So, we thought it’s about time we introduce you to some similar cinematic gems that will feed your appetite for adventure and deception.

In our quest to find movies that can hold their own against the memorable Catch Me If You Can, we’ve discovered a treasure trove of fascinating stories about cons, heists, and scams. Some are based on real-life events, while others are purely imaginative, but all of them are guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat. From classic capers to modern-day masterpieces, our list features a little something for everyone.

Stay with us as we embark on a journey through the world of cinema, exploring movies that not only match Catch Me If You Can‘s cleverness and charm but also offer fresh, exciting variations of the cat-and-mouse game. So grab some popcorn and prepare to immerse yourself in stories that showcase the lengths people will go to in pursuit of fortune, success, and perhaps, a sense of identity.

List of Movies Like Catch Me If You Can

  1. The Bourne Identity
  2. Talented Mr RIpley
  3. The Departed
  4. American Hustle
  5. Ocean’s Eleven
  6. Focus 
  7. The Founder
  8. 21
  9. The Terminal
  10. Now You See Me
  11. Spotlight
  12. Inception 
  13. The Wolf of Wall Street
  14. American Made
  15. The Truman Show

1. The Bourne Identity

Get ready for a thrilling roller coaster ride with The Bourne Identity! This action-packed film follows Jason Bourne, a man who wakes up with no memory and discovers he’s a highly trained assassin. As he unravels the truth about his past, Bourne finds himself pursued by both the authorities and dangerous enemies. 

Similar to Catch Me If You Can, this movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with its cat-and-mouse chase and unexpected plot twists. The Bourne series is known for its intense action sequences, gripping storyline, and the magnetic performance by Matt Damon. If you love suspenseful spy thrillers, this is a must-watch!

2. Talented Mr. Ripley

Welcome to a world of deceit and intrigue in The Talented Mr. Ripley! Tom Ripley, a young and cunning con artist, is sent to retrieve a wealthy playboy from Italy but soon becomes obsessed with his luxurious lifestyle.

This psychological thriller, like Catch Me If You Can, explores the theme of identity deception and showcases a brilliant performance by Matt Damon. With its stunning cinematography, complex characters, and a gripping narrative, The Talented Mr. Ripley will keep you guessing until the very end. Dive into this stylish and engrossing film that delves into the darker side of human nature.

3. The Departed (2006)

Prepare yourself for a gripping tale of loyalty and betrayal in Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, The Departed. Set in the gritty world of organized crime, the film follows an undercover cop and a mole in the police force, both trying to uncover each other’s identity.

Like Catch Me If You Can, this movie explores the blurred lines between good and evil and keeps you hooked with its intense cat-and-mouse game. With its stellar ensemble cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, The Departed delivers powerhouse performances and a riveting story. If you enjoy crime dramas filled with tension and moral dilemmas, don’t miss this thrilling ride.

Also Read: Movies Like Shutter Island

4. American Hustle (2013)

Step into the glitz and glamour of the 1970s with American Hustle! Inspired by true events, this film follows a pair of con artists who are forced to work for an ambitious FBI agent to expose corruption in the political arena.

 Just like Catch Me If You Can, American Hustle takes you into the world of deception, where nothing is as it seems. With its intricate plot, stylish costumes, and a stellar ensemble cast featuring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Jennifer Lawrence, this movie is a wild ride from start to finish. Experience the thrilling hustle and enjoy the captivating performances that make this film a must-watch for fans of clever con games.

5. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

5

Get ready to join an all-star cast on a heist of a lifetime in Ocean’s Eleven! This highly entertaining film revolves around Danny Ocean and his crew of skilled criminals as they plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously.

 Similar to Catch Me If You Can, Ocean’s Eleven offers a clever and intricate plot filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing. With a perfect blend of humor, style, and thrilling moments, this movie offers an exhilarating experience. The stellar cast, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts, delivers charismatic performances that make this heist film a true gem. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this stylish and witty adventure!

6. Focus (2015)

Prepare for a stylish and captivating tale of deception in Focus! Starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie, this film follows a seasoned con artist who takes a talented newcomer under his wing. Together, they form an unstoppable team as they navigate through the world of high-stakes cons and romantic entanglements.

Similar to Catch Me If You Can, Focus offers a thrilling blend of suspense, wit, and unexpected twists. With its dazzling visuals, charismatic performances, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this movie is a delightful treat for fans of clever con games. Get ready to be charmed by the chemistry between Smith and Robbie and enjoy the thrilling ride they take you on.

7. The Founder (2016)

Step into the captivating story behind one of the biggest fast-food empires in The Founder! Released in 2016, this biographical drama stars Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc, the man who turned a small burger joint into the global phenomenon known as McDonald’s. Similar to the tone of Catch Me If You Can, The Founder explores the ambition, ruthlessness, and entrepreneurial spirit of its central character.

Delve into the fascinating world of business and witness the rise of a fast-food empire, accompanied by outstanding performances and a compelling narrative. Whether you’re interested in the history of a fast-food giant or enjoy character-driven dramas, The Founder offers a captivating story that will leave you reflecting on the power of determination and innovation.

8. 21 (2008)

Get ready to count cards and take risks in 21! Based on a true story, this thrilling film follows a group of brilliant MIT students who master the art of card counting to win millions in Las Vegas casinos. Similar to Catch Me If You Can, 21 explores the allure of living on the edge and pushing the boundaries of legality.

 Through the fast-paced direction, and a charismatic performance by Jim Sturgess, this movie combines the excitement of gambling with the intellectual challenge of outsmarting the system. Experience the adrenaline rush of high-stakes gambling and the moral dilemmas that arise when the line between right and wrong becomes blurred.

9. The Terminal (2004)

Embark on a heartwarming and humorous journey in The Terminal! Directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 2004, this film stars Tom Hanks as Viktor Navorski, a man who finds himself stranded at New York’s JFK Airport when his country undergoes a political upheaval. Like Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal explores themes of identity and resilience in the face of adversity.

 Follow Viktor as he navigates the challenges of living in an airport terminal and forms unexpected connections with the people he encounters. With its endearing story, touching performances, and Spielberg’s masterful direction, this film offers a delightful blend of comedy, drama, and a reminder of the human spirit’s indomitable nature.

10. Now You See Me (2013)

Prepare to be amazed by the magic of Now You See Me! This thrilling heist film follows a group of illusionists known as the Four Horsemen who pull off seemingly impossible heists during their performances while pursued by an FBI agent. Similar to Catch Me If You Can, Now You See Me explores the world of deception and misdirection, keeping audiences guessing until the final act.

Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, and Woody Harrelson give some very dazzling performance, this movie is a thrilling blend of mystery and spectacle. Experience the excitement of the heists and the thrill of trying to unravel the secrets behind the illusions in this captivating cinematic experience.

Also Read: Movies like Now You See Me

11. Spotlight (2015)

Prepare to be moved by the powerful and thought-provoking Spotlight! Released in 2015, this gripping drama follows a team of investigative journalists from The Boston Globe as they uncover a widespread scandal of child abuse within the Catholic Church. Like Catch Me If You Can, Spotlight showcases the pursuit of truth and the determination to expose hidden secrets.

The film delivers exceptional performances that bring the emotional weight of the story to life. Dive into the dark corners of corruption and witness the journalists’ relentless pursuit of justice. Spotlight offers a compelling narrative, engaging performances, and a reflection on the power of investigative journalism to shed light on important societal issues.

12. Inception (2010)

Prepare to have your mind blown by the mind-bending masterpiece that is Inception! Directed by Christopher Nolan and released in 2010, this sci-fi thriller takes you on a journey into the world of dreams and subconscious manipulation. Similar to Catch Me If You Can, Inception explores the realm of deception and blurs the lines between reality and imagination.

 Cobb (Leonardo Dicaprio) a skilled thief navigates a complex heist within the dreams of his targets. Some of the best mind-bending concepts, stunning visuals, and a stellar ensemble cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page, Inception is an immersive cinematic experience not to be missed.

Also Read: Movies like Interstellar

13. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street takes you on a wild ride through the highs and lows of Wall Street. Similar to Catch Me If You Can, it showcases the charismatic charm of a flawed protagonist who pushes the boundaries of the law.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s powerhouse performance is a spectacle in itself, capturing the essence of Belfort’s larger-than-life personality. With Martin Scorsese’s masterful direction, the film offers a gripping narrative that balances comedy, drama, and debauchery. From outrageous parties to intricate scams, it never fails to entertain. Don’t miss out on this captivating rollercoaster of a movie that will leave you questioning the line between ambition and greed.

14. American Made (2017)

Buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled adventure in American Made. Inspired by true events, this film follows the story of Barry Seal, a talented pilot turned drug smuggler. Drawing parallels with Catch Me If You Can, it delves into the world of crime and deception.

Tom Cruise delivers a charismatic performance as Seal, infusing the character with his trademark charm and wit. Directed by Doug Liman, the movie presents a thrilling blend of action, suspense, and dark humor. With its fast-paced narrative and unexpected twists, American Made keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

15. The Truman Show

Catch Me If You Can shows a person living in delusion by conning others. What if everyone else was conning you? This thought-provoking film invites you into the life of Truman Burbank, a man unaware that his entire existence is a meticulously crafted reality show. Like Catch Me If You Can, it explores the theme of deception and the desire for freedom.

Jim Carrey’s exceptional performance as Truman captures both his innocence and growing curiosity. Directed by Peter Weir, the movie masterfully blurs the line between fiction and reality, leaving you pondering the nature of your own existence. The Truman Show is a cinematic gem that you should definitely watch once.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few movies Catch Me If You Can like that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. The Big Short
  2. Goodfellas
  3. I Care A Lot
  4. The Brother’s Bloom
  5. The Sting
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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