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21 January, 2025
Ocean’s Chronological Timeline
How to watch Ocean's films in chronological order. Following the heists of Danny & Debbie Ocean and their masterful crew members
Dive into the glamorous and thrilling world of high-stakes heists, the Ocean's film series captivates audiences with its intricate plots and dynamic characters. A common question is “are these films based on true events?”, and the answer is simple - no. The films are entirely fictional creations, starting with the original 1960 Ocean’s 11 featuring the legendary Rat Pack, through to the modern reboots and the 2018 spin-off, Ocean's 8, which introduces a new ensemble of characters. The series combines elements of action, suspense, and humour to craft an incredible cinematic experience.
This journey through the Ocean's chronological timeline showcases how each film contributes to the evolution of this storied franchise.
Ocean's 11 (1960)
The original Ocean’s 11 line up, featuring five members of the Rat Pack.
Eleven pals prepare to carry out a (seemingly) foolproof plan to rob five Las Vegas casinos at midnight on New Year's Eve. The plan depends on split-second timing, and everything goes like clockwork... at first. But even in this almost perfect scheme, things begin to go wrong.
Who are the members of the original Rat Pack in Ocean’s 11 (1960)?
- Danny Ocean (Frank Sinatra)
- Sam Harmon (Dean Martin)
- Josh Howard (Sammy Davis Jr.)
- Jimmy Foster (Peter Lawford)
- “Mushy” O’Connors (Joey Bishop)
Where can I watch Ocean’s 11 (1960)?
You can watch it here.
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Don Cheadle go for broke to pull off the most sophisticated and daring Las Vegas casino heist ever.
Less than 24 hours after being paroled, charismatic Danny Ocean (Clooney) handpicks a top-notch team of smooth operators to pocket $150 million--in one night! The mark: ruthless entrepreneur Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). Benedict controls three of the biggest casinos in Las Vegas ... and Ocean's sexy ex-wife (Roberts).
In any other place they'd be bad guys, but Ocean and his crew stick to the rules: Don't hurt anybody. Don't steal from anyone who doesn't deserve it. And play the game like you've got nothing to lose. Are you in or out?
How does Ocean’s Eleven (2001) compare to the 1960 original?
Ocean’s Eleven (2001) updates the 1960 original with a modern twist, retaining the core Las Vegas heist plot but enhancing it with a more sophisticated, high-tech approach. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and featuring a star-studded cast, the remake offers slick, fast-paced dialogue and complex, multi-layered schemes, contrasting with the original's laid-back cool and casual elegance. The 2001 film focuses more on character development and emotional depth, providing a fresher, more intricate narrative with a polished cinematic style. Both films, while distinct in presentation and tone, celebrate the cleverness and camaraderie involved in pulling off a seemingly impossible heist.
What is the significance of the title Ocean’s Eleven(2001)?
The title highlights the film’s central character, Danny Ocean, and emphasises the teamwork of his eleven accomplices in executing a complex casino heist. It conveys the ensemble nature of the plot, where each member's unique skills are essential to the group's success. The title also reflects the ambitious scale of their undertaking, making it clear that the heist is no ordinary feat but a grand, meticulously planned operation.
Where can I watch Ocean’s Eleven (2001)?
You can watch it here.
Ocean's Twelve (2004)
It's been three years since Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his crew - fronted by detail man Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), up-and-coming pickpocket Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), explosives expert Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle) and safecracker Frank Catton (Bernie Mac) - pulled off one of the most audacious and lucrative heists in history, robbing ruthless entrepreneur Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) of every dime stored in his impenetrable Las Vegas vault.
After splitting the $160 million take, each of the infamous Ocean's crew have tried to go straight, lay low and live a legit life...but that's proven to be a challenge, much to the chagrin of Danny's wife Tess (Julia Roberts). When someone breaks Rule Number One and rats them out to Benedict, going straight is no longer an option. He wants his $160 million back – with interest – or else. And, as the gang quickly discovers, Benedict isn't the only powerful person in the world looking for Ocean’s Eleven ...
How does Ocean’s Twelve (2004) compare to the first film?
Ocean's Twelve, the sequel to Ocean’s Eleven, presents a more complex plot that moves away from Las Vegas to various European settings. The sequel explores more character backgrounds and injects more humour, making it lighter in tone compared to the tightly focused Las Vegas heist of the original.
What is the significance of the character Night Fox?
The character of the Night Fox, played by Vincent Cassel, serves as a crucial antagonist and propels the plot by introducing a rivalry with Danny Ocean's crew. As a fellow master thief, the Night Fox challenges Ocean to prove who is the superior criminal, adding tension and a competitive edge to the storyline. This rivalry motivates Ocean's team not just to execute another heist, but to defend their reputation.
Where can I watch Ocean’s Twelve (2004)?
You can watch it here.
Ocean's Thirteen (2007)
It's bolder. Riskier. The most dazzling heist yet.
George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and more reteam with director Steven Soderbergh for a split-second caper that stacks the deck with wit, style and cool.
Danny Ocean again runs the game, so no rough stuff. No one gets hurt. Except for double-crossing Vegas kingpin Willy Bank (Al Pacino). Ocean's crew will hit him where it hurts: in his wallet.
On opening night of Bank's posh new casino tower The Bank, every turn of a card and roll of the dice will come up a winner for bettors. And they'll hit him in his pride, making sure the tower doesn't receive a coveted Five Diamond Award. That's just the start of the flimflams. The boys are out to break The Bank. Place your bets!
How does Ocean’s Thirteen compare to the previous films?
In Ocean's Thirteen, the team recruits Roman Nagel, played by Eddie Izzard, a new character who brings a specialised skillset to the group. Roman is a tech genius and an inventive engineer, whose expertise in security systems and high-tech gadgets is crucial for the crew’s plan to execute a sophisticated heist against a highly secure casino. His addition to the team adds a fresh dynamic and helps to reintroduce the technological and strategic elements that are fundamental to the series’ heist operations.
Where can I watch Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)?
You can watch it here.
Ocean's 8 (2018)
Five years, eight months, 12 days... and counting. That's how long Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) has been devising the biggest heist of her life. She knows what it's going to take—a team of the best in their field, starting with her partner-in-crime Lou Miller (Cate Blanchett). Together, they recruit a crew of specialists: jeweller Amita (Mindy Kaling); street con Constance (Awkwafina); expert fence Tammy (Sarah Paulson); hacker Nine Ball (Rihanna); and fashion designer Rose (Helena Bonham Carter).
The target is a cool $150 million dollars in diamonds—diamonds that will be around the neck of world-famous actress Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway), who will be centre stage at the event of the year, the Met Gala. The plan is rock solid, but everything will need to be flawless if the team is going to get in and get away with the ice. All in plain sight.
Is Ocean’s 8 a sequel to the original Ocean’s trilogy?
Ocean’s 8 is not a direct sequel to the original Ocean's trilogy but rather a spin. The film introduces a new lead, Debbie Ocean, played by Sandra Bullock, who is the sister of George Clooney’s character, Danny Ocean, from the earlier films. This familial connection links Ocean’s 8 to the trilogy, continuing the theme of sophisticated heists with a new ensemble cast, primarily featuring female leads. Hence, while Ocean’s 8 builds on the legacy of the original series, it introduces fresh characters and perspectives, expanding the Ocean's universe in a new direction.
Do any cast members from the original franchise make an appearance?
- Carl Reiner as Saul Bloom: Carl Reiner reprises his role as Saul Bloom, a con artist who was part of Danny Ocean's crew in the original trilogy. In Ocean's 8, Saul makes a brief appearance, tying the two films together and signalling that the events of Ocean’s Eleven are still part of the world.
- Matt Damon as Linus Caldwell: Matt Damon also makes a cameo as Linus Caldwell, a key member of Danny Ocean's team in the original trilogy. In Ocean's 8, Linus is seen briefly, adding a familiar face to the new heist crew. His appearance is a fun nod to the earlier films and the larger Ocean's universe.
You can watch it here.