The Ocean's series is a collection of American heist films anchored by a trilogy edited, directed or produced by Steven Soderbergh. The original three films were written by George C. Johnson, George Nolfi, along with Brian Koppelman and David Levien, for each respective film. Released from 2001 to 2007, the trilogy is often cited as defining its genre and leading to a proliferation and commercialization of heist films throughout the world. Based on the 1960 Rat Pack film, Ocean's 11, the series has seen mixed to favorable critical reception and substantial commercial success. Collectively grossing US$1.17 billion worldwide, the most commercially successful rendition was the first, Ocean's Eleven. It established the ensemble cast of George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Brad Pitt as Danny Ocean, Linus Caldwell, and Rusty Ryan, respectively. A long list of supporting cast members maintain the trilogy. The first sequel, Ocean's Twelve was released in 2004 with the third and final film, Ocean's Thirteen, following in 2007. An all-female spin-off written and directed by Gary Ross titled Ocean's 8 was released on June 8, 2018.
Master thief Danny Ocean, just out of prison, plans an elaborate Las Vegas three-casino-heist to win back his ex-wife, Tess. To that end, he recruits ten other thieves and con men to pull off the complex job, eventually stealing US$160 million.
''Ocean's Twelve'' (2004)
Ocean's crew is blackmailed by the Casino owner they stole from–Terry Benedict –into paying him just over $198 million. The team is given two weeks to come up with the money so they travel to Europe to execute three heists.
''Ocean's Thirteen'' (2007)
Ocean and his crew plan to rig a new casino's opening night to inflict ruinous losses after its ruthless owner Willy Bank double crosses one of the gang, with plans to make his life a worthless cesspit of misery, a figurative Tartarus of unending misfortune which needs no explanation apart from a vengeful crew of incredibly skilled thieves.
Spin-off
''Ocean's 8'' (2018)
Soderbergh and George Clooney initially downplayed the possibility of an Ocean's Fourteen or subsequent sequels after Bernie Mac's death in 2008. However, a new Ocean's Eleven spin-off with an all-female cast led by Sandra Bullock as the sister of George Clooney's Danny Ocean was put in development. It was conceived by producer Jerry Weintraub, Soderbergh and Clooney. Olivia Milch wrote the screenplay, and Gary Ross directed the film. Helena Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett and Mindy Kaling were later announced to star in the film. Elizabeth Banks had previously been attached to the project, but a deal between her and Warner Bros. could not be reached. The title of the spin-off was later revealed to be Ocean's Eight. In August 2016, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna and Nora "Awkwafina" Lum were also confirmed to join the cast. The night after her Emmy win, Sarah Paulson was announced as the final cast member of the titular eight. The film was released in the United States on June 8, 2018.
