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Action documentary

How to Rob a Bank (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

How to Rob a Bank (2024) movie poster

How to Rob a Bank is a 2024 action documentary directed by Seth Porges and Stephen Robert Morse, starring Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Val Kilmer. It runs 1 hour 26 minutes and earned $12.6 million worldwide. IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
worldwide gross
$12.6M
Echo Score
73
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How to Rob a Bank (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 26m (86 min)
Genres
Documentary , Action , Crime
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is How to Rob a Bank About?

The premise of How to Rob a Bank without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Set in 1990s Seattle, this film follows a charismatic and elusive bank robber who has captivated the city with his daring heists and ability to disappear. Known for his good looks and Hollywood-quality disguises, he lives a seemingly idyllic life until the pressure from law enforcement intensifies. Facing mounting challenges, he must execute one final, risky heist to determine his fate.

How to Rob a Bank Themes & Keywords

· 42 tags
  • true crime documentary
  • reference to jeff bezos
  • seattle space needle
  • disguise
  • reference to robin hood
  • reenactment
  • seattle washington
  • bank robber
  • starbucks
  • italian restaurant
  • 1990s
  • stun gun
+30 more
  • reference to mark twain
  • year 1995
  • year 1992
  • male full frontal nudity
  • wanted poster
  • reference to ronald reagan
  • male nudity
  • reference to tarzan
  • getaway driver
  • treehouse
  • reference to nirvana the band
  • reference to johann sebastian bach
  • bank robbery
  • character says 'keep it simple stupid'
  • reference to d.a.r.e.
  • male rear nudity
  • nudity
  • year 1996
  • car chase
  • heist gone wrong
  • suicide by gunshot
  • police chase
  • suicide
  • social nudity
  • walking around house naked
  • pubic hair
  • walking around the house naked
  • male pubic hair
  • bare chested male
  • male frontal nudity
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Cast & crew

How to Rob a Bank Cast & Characters

Robert De Niro leads the cast, with Morgan Freeman and Val Kilmer. Directed by Seth Porges and Stephen Robert Morse; 20 actors are credited in all.

From the directors

More from Seth Porges and Stephen Robert Morse

More films directed by Seth Porges and Stephen Robert Morse, best-rated first: Class Action Park and Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story.

Ratings

How to Rob a Bank Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate How to Rob a Bank 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (65).

73 /100

How to Rob a Bank Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, the documentary offers an engaging visual presentation and a compelling central figure, but its narrative depth and pacing are uneven. Critics praise the inventive animation and archival footage, while some viewers find the documentary’s journalistic style cold and the storyline occasionally meandering. Audience reactions highlight the entertaining soundtrack and vivid 90s aesthetic, yet several note that key details remain unexplored. Consequently, the film delivers solid entertainment with notable shortcomings in coherence and emotional resonance.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 72

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels in its use of animated storyboards and archival material, creating a vivid visual texture. Critics note the vibrant, zesty presentation, and users commend the 90s aesthetic and creative illustrations. However, some reviewers criticize a cold, artificial feel when the documentary attempts to simulate real events. Overall, the craftsmanship is strong but occasionally hindered by a detached production style.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary paints a colorful, charismatic criminal whose motivations capture interest. Critics highlight the fascinating antihero nature, and users describe a nuanced portrait that prompts both admiration and ambivalence. The varied perspectives—from accomplices to law enforcement—add depth. While a few viewers remain uncertain about their feelings toward the protagonist, the overall impression is that the character work is compelling and well‑rendered.

  • Story & Flow 65

    Regarding story and flow, the film presents a fast‑moving, layered narrative that keeps many viewers locked in. Positive remarks focus on the intriguing plot twists and rich detail about the robber’s life. Conversely, criticism points to a lack of thorough examination, tunnel‑vision storytelling, and moments of tedium, especially toward the climax. The mixed feedback results in a moderately effective but occasionally uneven narrative structure.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    In sensory experience, the documentary delivers a strong soundtrack and striking visual style that reinforce its 90s vibe. Reviewers commend the effective use of music, animated sketches, and vivid archival footage, noting that these elements enhance immersion. Some viewers mention a cold, artificial atmosphere in certain segments, but the overall sensory design is praised for its energy and cohesiveness, contributing positively to the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    For rewatch factor, the film’s entertaining mix of animation, music, and riveting subject matter encourages repeat viewings for many audience members. Positive comments emphasize lasting appeal and a desire to revisit the story. Yet, a portion of reviewers find the pacing slow and detail‑heavy, reducing replay value for them. The balance of engaging moments and occasional sluggishness leads to a modestly favorable rewatch potential.

Plot

How to Rob a Bank Plot Summary

What happens in How to Rob a Bank from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As Jason “JINX” Taylor strives to access his dwindling funds from a bank ATM, he encounters a frustrating obstacle: the hefty transaction fee threatens to deplete his remaining balance. Frustration mounts as he realizes a web of hidden charges is working against him, and unexpectedly, he finds himself trapped in a bank vault with a striking woman named Jessica, who is both gagged and bound. However, first impressions can be misleading. Jessica is not just a simple hostage; she is in fact the mastermind of the heist alongside Simon and his armed partners.

Full summary

The whole story of How to Rob a Bank, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

How to Rob a Bank Box Office

How to Rob a Bank grossed $12.6 million worldwide.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$12.6M

International
$12.6M
Videos

How to Rob a Bank Trailers & Videos

The trailer of How to Rob a Bank.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know How to Rob a Bank?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What initially prevents Jinx from accessing his funds?

Details

How to Rob a Bank Also Known As

21 alternative titles, including “איך לשדוד בנק” and “Hvordan rane en bank”.

Also known as
  • איך לשדוד בנק
  • Hvordan rane en bank
  • スコット・スカーロック ハリウッド・バンディットと呼ばれた男
  • คู่มือปล้นแบงก์
  • 은행 터는 법
  • Como Roubar um Banco
  • Cách Cướp Ngân Hàng
  • Як пограбувати банк
  • Kako opljačkati banku
  • Hogyan raboljunk ki egy bankot
  • Braquages à l'hollywoodienne
  • Jak okraść bank
+9 more
  • 如何打劫银行:美国乔装大盗
  • Bir Banka Nasıl Soyulur?
  • Cómo robar un banco
  • Jak se vykrádá banka
  • 超會裝:銀行搶劫攻略
  • שוד נוסח הוליווד
  • Come rapinare una banca
  • スコット・スカーロック: ハリウッド・バンディットと呼ばれた男
  • 打劫銀行是咁的:美國喬裝大盜

Seen How to Rob a Bank?

FAQ

How to Rob a Bank FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of How to Rob a Bank, each answered in a sentence.

How long is How to Rob a Bank?

How to Rob a Bank runs 1 hour 26 minutes (86 minutes).

When was How to Rob a Bank released?

How to Rob a Bank was released on June 5, 2024.

Who directed How to Rob a Bank?

How to Rob a Bank was directed by Seth Porges and Stephen Robert Morse.

More films by Seth Porges

Who is in the cast of How to Rob a Bank?

How to Rob a Bank stars Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Val Kilmer, among 20 credited actors.

How much did How to Rob a Bank make at the box office?

How to Rob a Bank grossed $12.6 million worldwide.

How is How to Rob a Bank rated?

How to Rob a Bank has 6.6/10 on IMDb and 67% on TMDB.

Does How to Rob a Bank have a post-credit scene?

No. How to Rob a Bank has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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