Break-in scenes have been featured in many classic films over the years, especially in the gangster genre. When done effectively, these scenes are suspenseful, exciting, and unforgettable. Here are the five greatest film break-in scenes of all time.

The Italian Job

This heist film depicts a group of robbers who deliberately create the most massive traffic jam in the history of the city of Los Angeles. This keeps police vehicles from arriving at the scene, buying the robbers more time to carry out the heist. However, the police find creative ways to try to stop them. “The Italian Job” is a clever and entertaining heist flick with a revenge theme.

Inside Man

Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) is the

leader of a gang of apparent bank robbers who take over a bank, disable its motion detector, and hold customers and employees hostage. They break into the bank vault, but don’t take the money inside. Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) attempts to figure Russell’s real goal. “Inside Man” is a cerebral thriller filled with twists and turns. The film is told in flashbacks of the break-in and the hostage situation that ensues.

Dog Day Afternoon

Sonny and his buddy Sal, played by Al Pacino and John Cazale respectively, attempt to rob a small New York City bank branch. They take the employees hostage, break into the bank vault, and stay holed up inside for hours. What ensues is an extended standoff with the police outside. A large crowd also gathers, with many of them cheering for Sonny.

A Clockwork Orange

Alex (Malcolm McDowell) and his “droogs” are a gang of thugs living in a dystopian future Britain. The film contains a graphic scene where the gang break-in to the house of a famous writer. They beat him brutally and Alex sexually assaults his wife while singing “Singing in the Rain”. This is one of the many disturbing scenes in the film. “A Clockwork Orange” has been acclaimed for its artistic merit. However, its disturbing content means it should only be watched by adults with strong stomachs.

Home Alone

Kevin McCallister (Maculay Culkin) is a kid who has accidentally been left alone in his house by his family, who have left on a trip. Two inept burglars break into Kevin’s home, but he finds clever ways to outwit the bumbling crooks. “Home Alone” was the biggest box office hit of 1990. Kevin’s hilarious cat and mouse game with

the burglars make it the best break-in ever.

About the Author:  Madyson Grant enjoys taking a look at the creative side of life.