Here’s a bold statement: one of the most star-studded heist movies of recent years has been quietly climbing Netflix’s top charts, and it’s a film you might have overlooked. But here’s where it gets controversial—Ocean’s 8, released in 2018 with little fanfare, is now sitting pretty at number 8 on Netflix’s top 10, proving that sometimes great movies just need a little time to shine. Directed by Gary Ross (of The Hunger Games fame), this all-female heist flick boasts a cast so talented it’s almost unfair—Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, and more—yet it initially flew under the radar, with critics unfairly comparing it to Steven Soderbergh’s iconic Ocean’s 11 remake. And this is the part most people miss: Ocean’s 8 isn’t trying to outdo Soderbergh’s masterpiece; it’s carving its own path as a fun, glamorous, and cleverly executed caper.
At its core, Ocean’s 8 follows Deborah ‘Debbie’ Ocean (Bullock), the sister of Danny Ocean, as she assembles a team of brilliant thieves to pull off a daring heist at the Met Gala. With a crew that includes a jeweler (Blanchett), a hacker (Awkwafina), a fashion designer (Helena Bonham Carter), and even a celebrity (Anne Hathaway), the film is a celebration of female talent and camaraderie. Here’s the kicker: while the plot is a classic heist, the setting—the Met Gala—adds a layer of extravagance and humor, especially when you consider Rihanna’s real-life status as a Gala icon. The costumes alone are worth the watch, and the chemistry among the cast is so genuine, it’s hard not to get swept up in their adventure.
What makes Ocean’s 8 truly underrated is its ability to balance humor, suspense, and style without taking itself too seriously. Sure, it might not reach the heights of Ocean’s 11, but it’s a refreshing and entertaining escape—a two-hour vacation into a world of high-stakes glamour and clever twists. But here’s the question: does Ocean’s 8 deserve more credit than it initially received, or is it just a fun but forgettable addition to the heist genre? Let’s debate it in the comments—because this is one film that’s sparking conversations long after its release.
