mnet logo no padding

The best movie cons

News26 June 2023
Do you remember these sneaky con artists?
the estate

This Sunday, Toni Collette and Anna Faris go head-to-head in the black comedy, The Estate. The story is about two sisters who con their way into their rich aunt’s inheritance. We’re looking at memorable movies where the characters pulled off a perfect con.

The Addams Family

In this 1991 comedy, Fester (played by Christopher Lloyd) is brainwashed by con artist Abigail Craven who leads him on a mission to con the Addams out of their wealth. He returns to the Addams as Gomez’s long lost brother hoping to find their hidden treasure vault. However, in a turn of events, it’s revealed that Fester is indeed the real Fester, and no con can break the brotherly bond between him and Gomez.

© Alamy

Overboard

This 1987 comedy starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell is filled with twists and turns. Wealthy heiress Joanna Stayton (Hawn) hires carpenter Dean (Russel) to work on her lavish yacht. Unhappy with the results, she doesn’t pay him what’s due. After falling overboard and losing her memory, Dean plots revenge and dreams up a hilarious con to get his money. Anna Faris starred in the 2018 remake movie of the same name. 

© Alamy

Duplex

Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore play a young couple who move into a duplex apartment and encounter a tenant from hell. Ms Connelly appears to be a sweet old woman but ends up being the opposite. Fed up, they try to plot up a scheme to get rid of her, only for viewers to discover that Ms Connelly is a con artist trying to drive the couple out intentionally! The movie is filled with hilarious gags and elaborate schemes that will keep you hooked. 

© Alamy

The Good Liar

This dark drama starring Ian McKellan and Helen Mirren will keep you guessing. Roy (McKellan) is an old man living his life as a professional con artist. He meets his next victim Betty (Mirren), a sweet widow who befriends him and takes him under her wing. All is not what it seems, and Betty is not as naive as she appears. In a shocking twist of events, it's revealed who the good liar actually is between the two. 

© Alamy

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

This iconic film stars Steve Martin and Michael Caine as two old men who compete to scam a wealthy heiress out of her fortune. The two make a bet on who can successfully pull it off, and the loser must leave town for good. The audience is treated to fun as these two crazy conmen pull out all the stunts in hopes of outwitting each other. 

© Alamy

You’re in for the scheming and the backbiting on The Estate, airing on Sunday 3 July at 20:05 on M-Net 101.

Watch the trailer below:



Join the conversation on social media @mnetmovies  on Twitter, @MNet  on Facebook, @mnettv  on Instagram, and @mnet on TikTok.