Ocean's 11

Ocean's 11

Year: 1960

Runtime: 127 min

Language: English

Director: Lewis Milestone

ThrillerComedyCrimeMusic

Danny Ocean, a charismatic thief, plans an elaborate and risky scheme: to rob three Las Vegas casinos owned by ruthless casino owner Terry Benedict. To achieve this seemingly impossible feat, he gathers a skilled team of specialists, each with unique talents. As they meticulously plan and execute their audacious heist, they face unexpected challenges and must rely on their wits and teamwork to overcome them. The success of the operation hangs in the balance, promising either a fortune or utter failure.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Ocean's 11 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!

Ocean's 11 (1960) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Ocean's 11 (1960), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

A group of World War II veterans from the 82nd Airborne Division finds themselves embroiled in a daring scheme concocted by the charismatic Danny Ocean and his trusted ally Jimmy Foster. Their audacious plan? To execute a meticulously orchestrated robbery targeting not one but five prominent Las Vegas casinos—the Sahara, Riviera, Desert Inn, Sands, and The Flamingo—during the electrifying atmosphere of New Year’s Eve.

With the precision and meticulous planning reminiscent of a military operation, the gang embarks on this thrilling adventure. Josh Howard, part of the ensemble, takes on a seemingly mundane job driving a garbage truck, while the others delve into their roles. Among them, Sam Harmon entertains guests in one of the lounges, adding an air of authenticity to their ruse. Meanwhile, elaborate demolition charges are strategically planted on an electrical transmission tower, while backup electrical systems are surreptitiously altered in each casino.

As the clock strikes midnight and revelers across Las Vegas join in singing > “Auld Lang Syne,” the chaos unfolds. The tower is detonated, plunging the city into darkness. In this opportune moment, the backup power opens the cashier cages, granting the inside men unfettered access to the cash reserves. Quick on their feet, they stow their ill-gotten gains into garbage bins before seamlessly blending back into the crowd as if nothing had occurred.

Everything appears to go according to plan until fate intervenes. Their ace electrician, Tony Bergdorf, suffers a heart attack on the bustling Vegas Strip, leaving the team in a precarious position. This unexpected twist arouses the curiosity of the police, who begin to suspect a deeper connection to the events surrounding the heist.

Enter Duke Santos, a reformed gangster with a stake in recovering the casino bosses’ money for a price. After learning that Ocean and Foster are in town, he soon realizes the tangled web connecting them—Foster being the son of Duke’s fiancée. As Santos pieces together the clues, it doesn’t take long for him to confront the gang, demanding half of their spoils.

In a desperate maneuver, the crew hides the money within Bergdorf’s coffin, setting aside $10,000 for the widow, Willes. However, their plans take a dark turn when the funeral home persuades Bergdorf’s widow to hold the funeral in Las Vegas. This misguided decision leads to a shocking revelation when the coffin is cremated along with all the money, leaving the gang to grapple with the consequences of their actions. The once-thrilling heist now devolves into a desperate scramble, as the stakes continue to rise and fate unleashes its merciless hand.

Last Updated: January 19, 2025 at 18:49

Unlock the Full Story of Ocean's 11

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ocean's 11 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 Ocean's 11 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ocean's 11 Timeline

Track the full timeline of Ocean's 11 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Ocean's 11 Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ocean's 11

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Ocean's 11. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ocean's 11

More About Ocean's 11

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ocean's 11: 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 Ocean's 11

Similar Movies to Ocean's 11

Discover movies like Ocean's 11 that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.