10 More Smartest Villain Plans In Movies

In 2008, 21 released recounting the true story of a group of MIT students who counted cards in Vegas. After taking the casinos on the strip for unthinkable amounts of cash, Jim Sturgess' Ben Campbell was caught by pit boss Cole Williams (Lawrence Fishburne), who beat him to a pulp before making him an offer. He would allow Ben one more night of gambling in his casino, he would even let him keep the winnings, so long as team leader Professor Rosa (Kevin Spacey) was brought into his grasp.

Williams didn't care about Ben, he held a long-time grudge against Rosa, who had taken his casino for seven figures while he was at his father's funeral, and in doing so cost him his job. The plan was executed perfectly, as Ben and his team made a profit of $640,000, while Rosa fell into the hands of Williams as agreed.

When the time came however, Cole went back on his word and demanded that Ben hand over the chips. Just to be certain, he made sure he was taken seriously with just a glance at his gun. The ruthless pit boss took the money and went from the brink of being forced out of a soon-to-be obsolete profession with no pension to speak of, to living the high life sunning himself by the pool.

Some villains find success with intricate plans, while the genius here was in its simplicity. Let Ben rob the casino blind, then intimidate him into handing the money over without so much as lifting a finger. Winner winner, chicken dinner.