100+ Movies like Catch Me If You Can
Matchstick Men
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "Matchstick Men" revolve around con artists and their intricate schemes. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Roy Waller, are skilled in deception and impersonation, assuming various identities to pull off elaborate cons. They form mentor-protégé relationships with Carl Hanratty and Frank Mercer, respectively, who are initially pursuing them but eventually become allies. The movies explore themes of identity, father-child relationships, and the consequences of leading a life of crime. Both protagonists ultimately find redemption and a chance at a normal life after facing the consequences of their actions. The movies share a similar narrative structure, with the protagonists constantly evading capture while executing daring cons, until they are eventually caught and forced to confront their past.
The Next Three Days
Both "The Next Three Days" and "Catch Me If You Can" center around protagonists who resort to deception and illegal activities to achieve their goals. In "Catch Me If You Can", Frank Abagnale Jr. becomes a skilled con artist and forger to survive after running away from home, while in "The Next Three Days", John Brennan meticulously plans and executes an elaborate prison break to free his wrongfully convicted wife Lara. Both protagonists are pursued by law enforcement agents, Frank by FBI agent Carl Hanratty and John by detectives investigating Lara's case. The movies follow the protagonists' increasingly daring schemes and narrow escapes, building tension as the stakes rise. Ultimately, both Frank and John demonstrate remarkable ingenuity and determination in overcoming obstacles to reach their objectives, even if their motivations differ. The movies explore themes of deception, the lengths people will go for loved ones, and the moral ambiguity of criminal acts committed for sympathetic reasons.
Ca$h
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "Ca$h" revolve around a skilled con artist who runs elaborate scams and impersonates various professions to defraud others. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Cash, are pursued by law enforcement agents, Carl Hanratty and Julia Molina respectively, who are determined to catch them. The movies follow the cat-and-mouse chase between the con artists and the agents, with the con artists constantly evading capture through their cunning and deception. Both films explore themes of identity, deception, and the thrill of the con game. The con artists form relationships with women who are initially unaware of their true identities, adding a romantic element to the stories. Ultimately, the con artists' skills are recognized, and they are offered opportunities to use their talents for legitimate purposes, suggesting a redemptive arc. The movies share a similar tone of stylish, high-stakes crime capers with a touch of humor.
Transporter 2
Both "Transporter 2" and "Catch Me If You Can" involve a skilled protagonist who uses deception and illusion to evade law enforcement while carrying out daring capers. In "Catch Me If You Can", Frank Abagnale Jr. impersonates various professions to commit fraud, while in "Transporter 2", Frank Martin is a skilled driver and fighter who becomes embroiled in a kidnapping and virus plot. Both Franks demonstrate exceptional abilities to think on their feet and outsmart their adversaries. The movies follow a cat-and-mouse dynamic, with the protagonists constantly staying one step ahead of the authorities pursuing them. Ultimately, the Franks' skills are recognized and they are recruited to work for the organizations they previously evaded.
Anthony Zimmer
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "Anthony Zimmer" revolve around a highly skilled and elusive con artist/criminal mastermind who is pursued by law enforcement. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Anthony Zimmer, use ingenious methods to evade capture, impersonating various professions and forging documents. Their romantic interests, Brenda and Chiara, become entangled in the chase, initially deceived but ultimately choosing to protect their lovers. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between the con artists and the determined agents/detectives, Carl Hanratty and Akerman, drives the central conflict. In the end, both Frank and Anthony decide to surrender their criminal lives, with Frank working for the FBI and Anthony leaving his fortune for Akerman to find, all for the sake of the women they love. The films explore themes of deception, pursuit, redemption, and the blurred lines between lawful and unlawful.
The Good Liar
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "The Good Liar" revolve around skilled con artists who deceive others through impersonation and forgery to steal money. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Roy Courtnay, adopt various false identities like pilots, doctors, and military officers to gain trust and access to their targets' finances. They engage in elaborate schemes spanning multiple locations, evading law enforcement agents pursuing them. The movies explore the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the con artists and the authorities trying to apprehend them. Ultimately, the con artists face consequences for their crimes but demonstrate their skills, leading to opportunities to utilize their talents legally. The films portray the thrill and risks of leading double lives through deception.
Colour Me Kubrick
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "Colour Me Kubrick" revolve around con artists who impersonate other identities to deceive people and gain benefits. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Alan Conway, adopt various personas like pilots, doctors, and famous directors to scam victims out of money, services, and favors. They display remarkable skills in deception and manipulation, fooling even authorities for extended periods. The movies follow their elaborate schemes and close brushes with the law, portraying the thrill and consequences of their fraudulent lifestyles. Ultimately, both characters evade prosecution through clever tactics, with the films exploring themes of identity, morality, and the human capacity for deception.
Masterminds
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "Masterminds" revolve around elaborate heists and con artists who evade law enforcement through clever deception and impersonation. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and David Ghantt, turn to fraud and theft to make money, assuming various false identities like pilots and doctors. They are pursued by determined FBI agents, Carl Hanratty and Agent Scanlon, who track their criminal exploits across multiple locations. The movies depict the cat-and-mouse chase between the con men and the authorities, with the former using their wits and charm to stay one step ahead. Eventually, the protagonists are apprehended but end up utilizing their skills to assist law enforcement due to their unique expertise in fraud detection. Both films explore themes of deception, ambition, and the blurred lines between crime and ingenuity.
Identity Thief
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "Identity Thief" revolve around a central character who engages in identity fraud and deception, evading law enforcement while assuming various false identities. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Diana, are skilled con artists who steal identities and commit financial crimes, leading to a cat-and-mouse chase with an FBI agent (Carl Hanratty) and a bounty hunter, respectively. The movies explore the themes of deception, the thrill of the con, and the consequences of criminal actions. Both protagonists form an unlikely bond with their pursuers, leading to a complex dynamic where the lines between right and wrong become blurred. Ultimately, the films depict the protagonists' eventual capture and redemption, with hints of their continued involvement in fraud prevention or related fields.
I Care a Lot
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "I Care a Lot" revolve around cunning con artists who exploit legal loopholes and impersonate professionals to defraud others for personal gain. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Marla Grayson, engage in elaborate schemes by forging documents and assuming false identities, evading law enforcement while amassing wealth through their illicit activities. Their cat-and-mouse games with the authorities, represented by Carl Hanratty and Roman Lunyov respectively, drive the central conflict. The films explore the moral ambiguity of the con artists' actions and their ability to manipulate the system, ultimately leading to their downfall or redemption. Both stories highlight the ingenuity and audacity of the protagonists while examining the consequences of their deceptions.
Con Man
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "Con Man" follow the stories of young con artists who engage in elaborate financial fraud schemes from a young age. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Barry Minkow, start small with petty crimes but progressively escalate their cons to forge checks, impersonate professionals, and defraud banks and investors out of millions of dollars. They live lavish lifestyles fueled by their illegal activities until they are eventually caught by law enforcement. However, their skills are later utilized by the authorities to help combat financial crimes. The movies explore themes of deception, ambition, and redemption through the lens of these charismatic yet flawed characters.
Honest Thief
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "Honest Thief" revolve around skilled con artists who engage in criminal activities like fraud and theft, but ultimately seek redemption and a normal life. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Tom Dolan, use their expertise to commit crimes but later turn themselves in, driven by a desire to start anew with the women they love. They form an unlikely bond with the law enforcement agents pursuing them, Carl Hanratty and Sam Baker/Sean Meyers, who come to respect their abilities despite their criminal pasts. The movies explore themes of deception, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong as the protagonists navigate their complex situations. Both films culminate in the protagonists facing consequences for their actions while also gaining a chance at redemption through their cooperation with the authorities.
A Score to Settle
Both "A Score to Settle" and "Catch Me If You Can" follow the story of a man who becomes involved in criminal activities from a young age, often impersonating different professions to commit fraud and evade the law. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. in "Catch Me If You Can" and Frank Carver in "A Score to Settle", are pursued by a determined law enforcement officer, Carl Hanratty and Jimmy respectively, who track their crimes and eventually catch up with them. The movies explore themes of deception, redemption, and the complex relationships between fathers and sons. Both Franks struggle with the consequences of their actions and their impact on their families, particularly their sons. Ultimately, they find a way to use their skills for good, with Frank Abagnale assisting the FBI and Frank Carver seeking closure and revenge for his son's death. The movies parallel each other in their depiction of the cat-and-mouse chase between the criminal and the law, as well as the emotional journey of the protagonists as they grapple with their pasts and seek redemption.
Big Momma's House
Both "Big Momma's House" and "Catch Me If You Can" revolve around FBI agents going undercover and assuming false identities to catch criminals. In "Catch Me If You Can", FBI agent Carl Hanratty pursues con man Frank Abagnale Jr., who impersonates various professions like a pilot and doctor. Similarly, in "Big Momma's House", FBI agents Malcolm Turner and John Maxwell disguise themselves, with Malcolm posing as the elderly "Big Momma" to get close to a suspect in a bank robbery case. The agents form bonds with the people they deceive, with Carl developing a friendship with Frank and Malcolm bonding with Sherry and her son Trent. The movies explore themes of deception, identity, and the moral ambiguity of undercover work. Both culminate in the agents catching the criminals while facing consequences for their lies, though Frank ultimately works with the FBI due to his skills.
The Family
Both "The Family" and "Catch Me If You Can" center around a family involved in criminal activities while being pursued by law enforcement. In "Catch Me If You Can", Frank Abagnale Jr. runs away from home and becomes a skilled con artist, impersonating various professions and forging checks worth millions. He is relentlessly tracked by FBI agent Carl Hanratty. Similarly, in "The Family", the Manzoni family enters witness protection after the mafia boss father testifies against a rival, but they continue their criminal ways in their new town, drawing the attention of the FBI agents assigned to watch over them. The protagonists in both films are forced to constantly relocate and assume new identities to evade capture, showcasing their ability to adapt and deceive. Frank and the Manzonis also demonstrate a talent for conning and manipulating those around them. Ultimately, both stories explore the dynamics of family bonds amidst a life of crime and the pursuit of law enforcement.
Madea's Witness Protection
Both "Madea's Witness Protection" and "Catch Me If You Can" involve ordinary people who get caught up in criminal activities and go on the run, evading law enforcement. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. in "Catch Me If You Can" and George Needleman in "Madea's Witness Protection", engage in financial crimes like fraud and money laundering. They use deception and assume false identities to avoid capture. The stories follow their cat-and-mouse games with determined federal agents, Carl Hanratty and Brian Simmons respectively, who pursue them relentlessly. The protagonists form unlikely bonds with the agents chasing them, and their experiences lead to personal growth and redemption. Both movies explore themes of family, identity, and finding one's purpose in life through the lens of crime and pursuit.
The Brothers Bloom
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "The Brothers Bloom" revolve around skilled con artists who engage in elaborate schemes and deceptions. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and the Bloom brothers, are masters of impersonation and fraud, assuming various identities and professions to pull off their cons. They target wealthy individuals, exploiting their vulnerabilities and desires for adventure or companionship. The stories follow the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the con artists and the authorities pursuing them, with a sense of thrill and suspense. Ultimately, the films explore themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of living a life of deception, as the protagonists grapple with their choices and seek redemption or a chance at a genuine life. The narratives are driven by the intricate plots and twists orchestrated by the con artists, keeping the audience guessing until the end.
American Hustle
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "American Hustle" revolve around con artists who engage in elaborate scams and fraudulent activities. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Irving Rosenfeld, are skilled at impersonating various professions and forging documents to pull off their cons. They become entangled with federal agents, Carl Hanratty and Richie DiMaso, who pursue them but also develop a begrudging respect for their abilities. The movies explore the themes of deception, identity, and the blurring of moral lines. The con artists form relationships with women, Brenda and Sydney, who become complicit in their schemes. There are also elements of family drama, with Frank's strained relationship with his father and Irving's troubled marriage to Rosalyn. Both films depict the cat-and-mouse game between the con artists and law enforcement, with the protagonists constantly staying one step ahead through their ingenuity and audacity. The climax involves a major sting operation orchestrated by the federal agents, leading to the eventual capture of the con artists but also a sense of admiration for their skills.
The Art of the Steal
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "The Art of the Steal" revolve around skilled con artists who engage in elaborate schemes of fraud and deception. The protagonists, Frank Abagnale Jr. and Crunch Calhoun, are highly intelligent and resourceful individuals who use their talents to impersonate various professions and forge documents for financial gain. The movies explore the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the con artists and law enforcement agents pursuing them. In "Catch Me If You Can," Frank is chased by FBI agent Carl Hanratty, while in "The Art of the Steal," Crunch and his team are tracked by Interpol Agent Bick. Both movies depict the thrill of the chase and the ingenuity of the con artists in evading capture. Themes of betrayal and trust are central to both films. In "Catch Me If You Can," Frank's father's criminal activities and his parents' divorce set him on a path of deception. In "The Art of the Steal," Crunch is betrayed by his brother Nicky, leading to his imprisonment and desire for revenge. The movies explore the complexities of familial relationships and the consequences of deceit. Both films also touch on the idea of redemption and second chances. Frank eventually works for the FBI, using his skills for good, while Crunch's ultimate goal is to outwit Nicky and reclaim his honor. The con artists' journeys involve self-discovery and the possibility of redemption through their actions and choices.
Anything for Her
Both "Catch Me If You Can" and "Anything for Her" revolve around protagonists who resort to elaborate deception and criminal activities to achieve their goals. In "Catch Me If You Can", Frank Abagnale Jr. becomes a skilled con artist and forger to survive after running away from home, while in "Anything for Her", Julien Aucler meticulously plans and executes an elaborate prison break to free his wrongfully imprisoned wife Lisa. The movies follow the protagonists' cat-and-mouse games with law enforcement agents pursuing them, Carl Hanratty in "Catch Me If You Can" and the police in "Anything for Her". Both films explore themes of love, family, and the lengths one is willing to go for those they care about, as well as the thrill and ingenuity of the protagonists' deceptions. The protagonists' resourcefulness, attention to detail, and ability to stay one step ahead of the authorities drive the suspenseful narratives in both movies.