Nearly a quarter-century after its release, Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can remains one of the most effortlessly entertaining crime capers ever made. And now, in May 2026, you can watch it for free on Pluto TV. The film pairs two Hollywood heavyweights—Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks—in a true-story game of cat and mouse that still feels fresh, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.
Based on the real-life exploits of Frank Abagnale Jr., the movie follows a teenage con artist who successfully impersonates an airline pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all while cashing millions in fraudulent checks. Hot on his trail is FBI agent Carl Hanratty, played by Hanks with a mix of dogged determination and weary empathy. The push-pull between these two characters gives the film an emotional depth that many crime thrillers lack.
Spielberg directs with a breezy confidence, making even the darker moments feel light on their feet. The film's stylish visuals, jazzy score, and constant forward momentum mirror its protagonist's restless energy. It's no wonder the movie earned a near-perfect 96% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 89% audience approval rating. The site's consensus calls it "stylish, breezily entertaining, and surprisingly sweet."
Beyond its critical acclaim, Catch Me If You Can was a box office powerhouse. Released on Christmas Day 2002, it grossed $352.1 million worldwide against a $52 million budget—an impressive 6.8 times its cost. It opened with $30.1 million and showed remarkable staying power, thanks to strong word of mouth. For a talky, character-driven drama, those numbers are nothing short of remarkable.
The supporting cast is equally stellar. Christopher Walken delivers a poignant turn as Frank's troubled father, while Amy Adams shines in an early role as Brenda Strong. Martin Sheen, Nathalie Baye, and James Brolin round out a cast that elevates every scene. Walken's performance, in particular, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
If you're in the mood for a crime thriller with heart, Catch Me If You Can is a perfect choice. It's also a great companion to other recent streaming hits like Tom Hanks' Saving Private Ryan dominating Tubi or the gripping Narcos on Netflix. For fans of true-crime stories, the film's blend of charm and tension remains unmatched.
So grab some popcorn and head to Pluto TV—this is one con you'll be happy to fall for.
