The last time many of us interacted with any kind of 'choose your own adventure' scenario was probably R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books. Kaleidoscope, a new heist drama on Netflix, is set to change that. The series landed on the streaming platform on New Year's Day, and while it's grabbed our attention for the suspense-filled plotline, a large portion of its appeal has to do with the gimmick at the centre of the drama.
You see, as its name suggests, colour plays a functional role in the series. Kaleidoscope's creator, Eric Garcia, has made it so that each episode is titled after a colour, and as an audience you get to decide what colour order to view the series in. The only rule is that you watch the White episode last, as this follows the actual heist and serves as a finale connecting all the dots. Throw it into the mix any sooner, and a lot of the revelations will go over your head.
That being said, you're free to do as you please. While plenty of the internet have shared their own formulas for watching the series, be it in chronological order or starting the series with Yellow, where the heist team are assembled, we're here to aid you after you've completed your Kaleidoscope journey. Below, 6 more heist TV shows to get your blood pumping and your brain moving.
Money Heist
Remember Money Heist? When the Spanish thrilled burst onto the scene in 2017 it had us hooked, line and sinker. Turn the clocks forward five years and it would continue for a corresponding five seasons – safe to say, there's a lot for you to chew through. So what's Money Heist about? The first season kicks off with a team of thieves, each code-named after major cities and wearing a uniform of red overalls and Dalí masks, as they break into the Royal Mint of Spain to print 2.4 billion euros, and take 67 people hostage in the process. As always, not all goes to plan, but what happens next is for you to discover for yourself.
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
The heist movie to end all heist movies. Steven Soderbergh is behind the camera while the presence of a baby-faced Brad Pitt and George Clooney ensure we cannot look away – that's just basic science. We will always come back to the subtle plot twists and turns, in fact, once you start it's difficult to resist pressing play on the following films.
The Italian Job (1969)
Anyone who's privy to the cult around The Italian Job will have an opinion on which version is best. I say watch them both and enjoy the ride. Of course, we can never go past a young Michael Caine, who has enough nerve and charisma to coordinate a gold bullion heist in the wonderfully idyllic city of Turin. Even if you've never been a "car person", you'll find yourself fantasising about walking into your local Mini dealership and putting your name on a list.
St. Trinian's (2007)
Say what you will, but I would argue no one on this list pulls off heist with as much style as the students of St. Trinian's. What are they stealing? Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, naturally. There's some great cameos in here too; think Stephen Fry, Colin Firth, Juno Temple, Lily Cole, Mischa Barton, Rupert Everett, Lena Headey, Russell Brand. In fact, the more I think about it, this film is a masterpiece.
Drive (2011)
In Drive, a movie that would enter a category I like to think of as "Ryan Gosling manoeuvres vehicles dangerously", he plays Driver, a skilled Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. Things get dicey when he helps his hot neighbour's ex-con husband with a heist. Follow it up with The Place Beyond the Pines for maximum adrenaline.
Now You See Me (2013)
When you want to switch into smooth brain mode, this is a money heist movie that will go down with ease. It may be a little corny with the magician element, but there is something pleasurable about seeing Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo and Michael Caine mix.
While you're at it, take this list of TV shows to watch if you enjoyed The White Lotus.
