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Ocean's Eleven (2001 film)

Ocean's Eleven is a 2001 American heist comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ted Griffin.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ocean's Eleven is a 2001 American heist comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ted Griffin. It is a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack film and follows Danny Ocean and his crew as they plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos. The film became a major box-office success and launched a trilogy of sequels.

Plot

The story follows Danny Ocean after his release from prison as he recruits a team of specialists for a coordinated casino heist in Las Vegas. The heist is aimed at Terry Benedict, the owner of the targeted casinos and the partner of Ocean's ex-wife Tess.

Production

Ocean's Eleven was directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ted Griffin. It was produced as a contemporary remake of the 1960 Rat Pack film, updating the setting and ensemble style for a 2001 audience.

Release and reception

The film premiered in the United States on December 7, 2001, and was a commercial success. Sources describe it as a major box-office hit that grossed $450.7 million worldwide.

Legacy

The success of the film led to two sequels, *Ocean's Twelve* and *Ocean's Thirteen*. It also became the foundation for the modern *Ocean's* franchise.

Key facts

  • Ocean's Eleven is a 2001 American heist comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh.
  • It is a remake of the 1960 film *Ocean's 11*.
  • The plot centers on Danny Ocean assembling a team to rob three Las Vegas casinos.
  • The film grossed $450.7 million worldwide.
  • It was followed by *Ocean's Twelve* in 2004 and *Ocean's Thirteen* in 2007.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed in Canada as part of the international release of a major Hollywood studio production, and it remains a familiar title in Canadian home-video and television circulation.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ocean's Eleven?
It is a 2001 American heist comedy film about a team planning a casino robbery in Las Vegas.
Who directed Ocean's Eleven?
Steven Soderbergh directed the film.
Is Ocean's Eleven a remake?
Yes. It is a remake of the 1960 film *Ocean's 11*.
Who stars in Ocean's Eleven?
The ensemble cast includes George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy García, Julia Roberts, and others.
What casinos are targeted in the film?
The Bellagio, the Mirage, and the MGM Grand are targeted in the heist plot.
Was the film successful?
Yes. It received positive reviews and grossed $450.7 million worldwide.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0240772/
    Supports: Release date, plot premise, and cast information for the 2001 film.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean's_Eleven
    Supports: Director, screenplay, remake status, plot, release date, worldwide gross, and sequel information.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0240772/plotsummary/
    Supports: Detailed plot summary including the targeted casinos.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean's_11
    Supports: Details of the 1960 original film used to verify remake status.