The Sting

PG

Now Playing

2 hr. 9 min.

Comedy

Drama

List

93%

109 Reviews

Tomatometer

95%

50,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won't even know he's been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don't go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.

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Critics Consensus

Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and director George Roy Hill prove that charm, humor, and a few slick twists can add up to a great film.

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Ericka R

I love that I had the opportunity to see it on the big screen again. The first movie I saw in a theater that I remember. I was too young to understand most of it, I was 3, but I loved it all the same. Such a marvelous ensemble of stelar craftsmen. My mom suggested we get the soundtrack. I already have it for her. We were over joyed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/20/23

Full Review

Alec C

This is one con that'll leave you rolling! As an aspiring con artist's mentor is killed by a mob boss, he decides to get payback with the help of a more experienced scammer as the two attempt to pull off one of the most ballsiest rip-offs ever. With the exceptional chemistry of Redford and Newman, this film is fun, witty and or so satisfying!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/06/24

Full Review

Olivia V

This movie has aged flawlessly. A clever and touching escapade that has us rooting for two classic heartthrobs :)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/24

Full Review

Kyle C

There's not much wrong with this movie; it's the perfect con-man story told expertly with twists and misdirections. It drags on just a little too long, but everything comes together so nicely at the end that it's hard to be upset for long. It's a satisfying classic that holds up extremely well, if you can keep your focus long enough.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/24

Full Review

Alec B

George Roy Hill does his best to sell a pretty bleak story as fun and light-hearted. He certainly succeeds and I like how weird the final result is.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/14/23

Full Review

Jack V

Possibly the most brilliant plot and writing ever, paired up with perfect acting and an iconic soundtrack. A masterpiece from beginning to end, there's nothing more to say.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/02/24

Full Review

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George Roy Hill

Director

Paul Newman

Henry Gondorff

Robert Redford

Johnny Hooker

Robert Shaw

Doyle Lonnegan

Charles Durning

Lt. William Snyder

Ray Walston

J.J. Singleton

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The Sting: Official Clip - Name's Lonnegan

1:43

The Sting: Official Clip - You're a Gutless Cheat

2:34

The Sting: Official Clip - Johnny Gets the Girl

1:20

The Sting: Official Clip - It's Over, Hooker

2:58

The Sting: Official Clip - A Real Professional

1:35

The Sting: Official Clip - A Game of Jacks

2:59

The Sting: Official Clip - This is a Class Joint

2:59

The Sting: Official Clip - The Hook

1:55

The Sting: Official Clip - It's Close

2:31

The Sting: Official Clip - World's Easiest Five Grand

2:59

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Richard Roeper

Chicago Sun-Times

One of the most enduring and exquisitely crafted blockbusters of all time.

Dec 2, 2023

Full Review

Andrew Sarris

Village Voice

Pure popcorn like this is hardly worthy of serious analysis... Fortunately, the stars have not lost their charm and authority.

Aug 8, 2022

Full Review

Judith Crist

New York Magazine/Vulture

It's a joy to look at and has that rarest of present-day ingredients, Hill's hallmark -- taste. What glitters here is pure movie gold.

Aug 8, 2022

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

The Sting has everything going perfectly right from start to finish and still holds up 50 years later as one of the best films ever made. It is a masterclass in filmmaking.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 25, 2023

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

There's a playful allure that permeates much of the film and it has a cool retro style that calls back to the classic mob movies of Raoul Walsh and Lloyd Bacon. But it also has a touch of 1970s grit which helps sets it apart.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 21, 2023

Full Review

Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

The Sting is full of elaborate double-crossings, delightful shenanigans, and nostalgic ragtime-era costumes and music.

Jun 14, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won't even know he's been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don't go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.

Director: George Roy Hill
Distributor: Universal Home Entertainment, MCA/Universal Home Video, Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 1973, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015

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