Imagine two scam aces, a devilishly ingenious plan, and a swinging soundtrack: The Sting makes its grand comeback on Netflix just in time for fans of timeless cinema. This classic from 1973, which pits Paul Newman and Robert Redford against a formidable gangster, deserves a special place on your watchlist.
The scenario of a orchestrated revenge in the 1930s
In Chicago, during the Great Depression, a young trickster sees his partner murdered by a ruthless mobster. To retaliate, he teams up with an old fox in the art of trickery, a master in the art of deception. Together, they hatch a cunning plan: to trap their enemy with a fake horse race, in a whirlwind of deception and clever moves. Directed by George Roy Hill, the film delicately portrays the era, from the underground to clandestine clubs, weaving tension and lightness. David S. Ward’s script unfolds an impeccable mechanic, where each twist delights the viewer.
A triumphant success that conquered the box office
Released over 50 years ago, this feature film was a hit: with a modest budget of $5.5 million, it grossed nearly $160 million at the American box office, an impressive ratio that makes it one of the most profitable in history. At the Oscars, the harvest was abundant – seven statuettes, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. The ragtime score adapted by Marvin Hamlisch from works by Scott Joplin also triumphed, reviving a forgotten musical genre and winning a Grammy as well.
Lasting impact on heist films and pop culture
The Sting redefined the heist film genre, inspiring successes like Ocean’s Eleven with its layered structure and dry humor. The explosive chemistry between Newman and Redford, previously seen in Butch Cassidy, culminates here in a legendary duo – their final screen collaboration. In 2026, as it reappears on Netflix in France on April 21, this gem revives the interest in classic Hollywood films amidst the new streaming releases. Its recent presence on the platform in the United States, where it was even the oldest title available for a time, proves its eternal appeal.
Dive into this perfect sting and let yourself be carried away by its irresistible rhythm: a cinema lesson that transcends decades without aging a day.
