Lupin the 3rd

Lupin the 3rd

Year: 2014

Runtime: 133 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Ryûhei Kitamura

CrimeActionComedyAdventure

A notorious thief, Arsène Lupin III, and his loyal companions embark on a daring mission to steal the "Crimson Heart of Cleopatra" from the heavily guarded "Ark of Navarone." Pursued relentlessly by Interpol Inspector Zenigata, Lupin must outwit authorities and navigate treacherous security measures to claim the world’s most beautiful prize. The chase spans the globe as Zenigata attempts to bring the infamous thief to justice.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Lupin the 3rd yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Lupin the 3rd (2014) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Lupin the 3rd (2014), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In Lupin Lupin III, the legendary gentleman thief’s grandson, the world of high-stakes crime revolves around the international guild known as The Works, a group that specializes in stealing priceless treasures from the ultra-wealthy. Early on, the young mastermind pulls ahead of his fellow members Fujiko Mine, Pierre, and Jiro to claim an ancient Olympic medal in Singapore, but is forced to surrender it to his rival Michael Lee when the latter menaces him and Fujiko.

At a Works gathering, Fujiko is celebrated as the prime suspect behind the medal theft, thanks to her calculated scheming, while Thomas Dawson, the organization’s leader and Lupin’s mentor, unveils the prize the guild guards: the Crimson Heart of Cleopatra, a necklace commissioned by Mark Antony to symbolize love for the Queen of the Nile. Yet the necklace is incomplete—a ruby is missing—setting off a chain of betrayals. A trio of thugs led by Michael—Royal, Saber, and Maria—steal the necklace and kill Jiro and Dawson, an act framed as revenge for the supposed betrayal of an earlier ally, Edward Lam, and this brutal strike leads to the disbanding of The Works. Grief-stricken by Dawson’s death, Lupin, Fujiko, Pierre, and Daisuke Jigen band together to recover the necklace and the ruby.

A year passes, and Lupin and Jigen have sharpened their thieving skills, but Jigen grows tired of Fujiko’s false leads. When Lupin is tipped off about trouble in Thailand, he is turned in to the police there and crosses paths with Interpol Inspector Koichi Zenigata. Zenigata reveals that Michael—now using the alias Georgio Zhang—is plotting a major auction with Momrachiao Pramuk, a Thai crime lord and the chairman of Navarone Security. The officer proposes a risky deal: Lupin should steal items that both he and the criminals intend to barter, so the police can arrest them and erase Lupin’s criminal record in the process. Reluctantly, Lupin agrees and enlists Goemon Ishikawa XIII into the crew.

As the players circle the chessboard, Fujiko meets with Michael, who explains that Edward Lam was a father figure to both of them and that Dawson’s betrayal in Egypt led to the loss of the Crimson Heart’s ruby. Pramuk is revealed as the thief who stole that ruby, and Michael resolves to purchase it to complete the necklace. Lupin, ever vigilant, uses lip-reading technology to listen in on Michael and Pramuk’s exchange and quietly declares that he will steal the necklace no matter who wins.

Disheartened by the turn of events, Michael offers to join Lupin’s team to reclaim the Crimson Heart and ruby from Pramuk’s fortress, the Ark, and Lupin accepts. The plan unfolds as Lupin and Michael infiltrate the Ark disguised as Zenigata and Narong, while Goemon, Jigen, and Fujiko breach the Ark’s defenses. Pierre and Joseph assist from the shadows, aided by Goemon’s prior research, as they reach the vault that holds the Crimson Heart. Pramuk traps the pair inside, intending to suffocate them, but Michael helps Lupin escape by placing him in the vault’s safe and detonating the door, sacrificing himself to save Lupin.

Pramuk hands Lupin and the others over to Zenigata and Narong, only to be arrested himself when the authorities use the Crimson Heart as evidence. Zenigata discovers too late that the necklace and ruby Lupin gave him are fakes. The pursuit continues as Lupin later tries to persuade Fujiko to wear the Crimson Heart, but she escapes with the necklace. In an epilogue of their endless chase, Lupin and Jigen slip away in their Fiat 500, leaving Zenigata to resume the chase once more.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:04

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Playful Heist Adventures like Lupin the 3rd

Charming thieves execute elaborate capers in a globe-trotting cat-and-mouse game.If you enjoyed the clever capers and charming antics in Lupin the 3rd, you'll love these movies. Discover similar stories of gentleman thieves, elaborate heists, and fun-filled chases that blend action and comedy in a high-energy, globe-trotting package.

action-packedplayfulsuspensefuladventurouscleverthrillingenergetic

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a clear goal—stealing a prized object—but the journey is filled with twists, betrayals, and complex security measures to overcome. The central dynamic is a cat-and-mouse chase between the thief and their foil, often building to a climax where the plan goes awry, requiring quick wit and teamwork to succeed.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared core of a lighthearted tone mixed with high-stakes action. They balance thrilling heist mechanics with the charismatic appeal of their protagonists, creating an experience that is more about the joyful execution of the crime than its moral weight.

Movies about a Found Family Crew like in Lupin the 3rd

A quirky team of specialists bands together for an impossible mission, forming a tight-knit bond.Fans of the Lupin crew's dynamic will enjoy these movies about teams on a mission. Explore similar films where a group of specialists with distinct personalities bands together, featuring playful teamwork, high-stakes action, and a strong sense of camaraderie amidst adventure.

adventurouslightheartedteamworkloyaltybantercompetent crewfound family

Narrative Summary

The narrative revolves around assembling a team and leveraging their combined talents to overcome obstacles. Conflict arises both from external threats and internal friction within the group, but the story ultimately reinforces the strength and necessity of their unity, often ending with the crew intact and ready for the next adventure.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific emotional core: the joy of collaboration. The focus is on the chemistry between characters, the trust they build, and the theme that a chosen family can achieve the impossible, making the experience as much about relationships as it is about the plot.

Unlock the Full Story of Lupin the 3rd

Don't stop at just watching — explore Lupin the 3rd in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Lupin the 3rd is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Lupin the 3rd Timeline

Track the full timeline of Lupin the 3rd with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Lupin the 3rd Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lupin the 3rd

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Lupin the 3rd. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lupin the 3rd

Lupin the 3rd Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Lupin the 3rd that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Lupin the 3rd Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Lupin the 3rd

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lupin the 3rd: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Lupin the 3rd