18 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Dog Day Afternoon

Serpico is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon because both movies delve into the gritty world of crime and corruption. While Dog Day Afternoon focuses on a bank robbery gone wrong, Serpico explores police corruption in New York City. Both films provide a captivating and intense look at the underbelly of society, showcasing the struggles faced by their respective protagonists. Al Pacino's powerful performances in both movies add an extra layer of authenticity and depth to the characters he portrays. However, while Dog Day Afternoon is more of a dark comedy mixed with drama and thriller elements, Serpico leans more towards a straightforward drama with a strong emphasis on ethics. Overall, if you enjoyed Dog Day Afternoon and want to witness another compelling story of moral struggle, Serpico is a must-watch.

Murph the Surf is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon because both movies revolve around daring heists gone awry. While Dog Day Afternoon focuses on a bank robbery turned hostage situation, Murph the Surf tells the true story of the audacious 1964 theft of the J.P. Morgan jewel collection from New York's American Museum of Natural History. Both films capture the chaotic and unpredictable nature of these criminal endeavors, showcasing the unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. However, the two movies differ in tone and genre. Dog Day Afternoon is a gripping drama and thriller with a dark and intense atmosphere, while Murph the Surf takes a more lighthearted approach, combining elements of biography, comedy, crime, and drama. So, if you enjoyed the thrilling intensity of Dog Day Afternoon and want to delve into another captivating true crime story, Murph the Surf is definitely worth a watch.

Charley Varrick is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon in its gripping portrayal of a bank robbery gone wrong. Both movies delve into the complexities and unexpected twists that arise from a seemingly simple heist. While Dog Day Afternoon takes place in Brooklyn in 1972, Charley Varrick is set in a small New Mexico town. Charley Varrick, played brilliantly by Walter Matthau, finds himself unwittingly stealing from the Mob, leading to a thrilling chase by both the law and a sadistic hitman. Matthau's understated performance as the cunning Charley Varrick is a stark contrast to Al Pacino's intense portrayal in Dog Day Afternoon. Directed by Don Siegel, Charley Varrick expertly balances character development, suspenseful storytelling, and well-executed action sequences. It serves as a reminder that cinema can be great without relying on constant action.

And Justice for All is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon because both movies revolve around a protagonist who is faced with a moral dilemma within the realm of law and justice. In Dog Day Afternoon, we see Al Pacino as Sonny, a bank robber turned hostage-taker, while in And Justice for All, Pacino plays Arthur Kirkland, a lawyer forced to defend a guilty judge. Both characters find themselves in situations where they must navigate the complexities of the legal system and wrestle with their own personal ethics. However, while Dog Day Afternoon focuses more on the events surrounding the bank robbery and the ensuing media circus, And Justice for All delves deeper into the corrupt and flawed nature of the justice system itself. It explores themes of corruption, the abuse of power, and the struggle to maintain one's integrity in a system that often seems stacked against them.

Donnie Brasco is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon. Both movies fall under the genres of Biography, Crime, and Drama, and they both involve undercover agents infiltrating criminal organizations. While Dog Day Afternoon focuses on a bank robbery gone wrong, Donnie Brasco delves into the world of the mafia. These films share a similar theme of individuals getting deeply involved in criminal activities, leading them to question their own identities and loyalties. Al Pacino delivers exceptional performances in both movies, showcasing his versatility as an actor. However, the main difference lies in the time periods and settings. Dog Day Afternoon takes place in 1972 Brooklyn, while Donnie Brasco is set in 1980s New York. Despite this, if you enjoyed the intensity and suspense of Dog Day Afternoon, you will undoubtedly appreciate the captivating story and stellar performances in Donnie Brasco.

American Animals, released in 2018, is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon. While Dog Day Afternoon tells the true story of a bank robbery turned hostage situation in 1972 Brooklyn, American Animals follows four young men attempting one of the most audacious heists in U.S. history. Both films explore the idea of ordinary individuals getting caught up in extraordinary situations. However, where Dog Day Afternoon is a tense drama with elements of comedy and thriller, American Animals is a unique blend of drama and documentary, with a more pronounced focus on the drama. Additionally, American Animals boasts a captivating soundtrack and offers a thought-provoking "where are they now" segment at the end, making it a crime film that stands out from the rest. If you're looking for a crime film that breaks the mold and offers an intriguing perspective on real-life events, American Animals is definitely worth watching.

The Old Man & the Gun takes us on a delightful journey into the life of Forrest Tucker, a septuagenarian bank robber. Just like Dog Day Afternoon, this film is also based on a true story, but with a twist of charm and comedy. While Dog Day Afternoon had us on the edge of our seats with its intense hostage situation, The Old Man & the Gun enchants us with Tucker's audacious escape from San Quentin and his string of heists that baffled authorities and captivated the public. Robert Redford's winks and nods serve as the perfect counterpart to Al Pacino's gripping performance, and both movies showcase the genius of their respective directors. The Old Man & the Gun may have a lighter tone, but it still manages to keep us entertained and engaged throughout. So if you're a fan of heist films with a touch of humor and a dash of romance, this is a must-watch.

The Easy Way is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon in its exploration of a bank heist gone wrong. Both movies delve into the intricacies of a seemingly simple robbery that quickly spirals into chaos. However, while Dog Day Afternoon maintains a balance between humor, drama, and thriller elements, The Easy Way struggles to find its identity, wavering between comedy and thriller genres. The Easy Way focuses on the infamous Albert Spaggiari, who pulls off one of the biggest bank heists of the last century. The film introduces us to Vincent Goumard, a freelance journalist who gets entangled in the investigation of Spaggiari's escape. Unfortunately, The Easy Way fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise, leaving the audience wanting more. Despite its flaws, fans of Dog Day Afternoon may still find The Easy Way worth watching for its unique take on a captivating real-life story.

"Carlito's Way" is reminiscent of "Dog Day Afternoon" in its portrayal of a flawed protagonist navigating dangerous circumstances. Both movies explore the consequences of criminal actions and the pressures surrounding the main characters. While "Dog Day Afternoon" is a gripping heist-turned-hostage situation, "Carlito's Way" focuses on a Puerto Rican ex-convict trying to turn his life around. The two films differ in their narrative approach, with "Dog Day Afternoon" offering a blend of humor, drama, and thriller elements, while "Carlito's Way" takes a more mature and introspective perspective. Director Sidney Lumet sets an immersive atmosphere in the former, while Brian De Palma brings a balanced mixture of storyline and directorial flair in the latter. Al Pacino delivers exceptional performances in both movies, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Violent Saturday takes you back to a small town in the 1950s, where three men meticulously plan to rob a bank. Similar to Dog Day Afternoon, this movie explores the chaos that ensues during a heist. However, Violent Saturday goes beyond the typical bank robbery narrative. It delves into the hidden secrets of small-town folks, showcasing their unscrupulous dealings and complex dynamics. The film is like a tribute to the noir tradition, blending it with a fifties family drama. Richard Fleischer's direction brings depth to the story, and Lee Marvin delivers a memorable performance as one of the bad guys. While some conversations between the doofy dad, played by Victor Mature, and his cute little son can be annoying, the drama between the town's weirder citizens is truly intriguing. With masterful camera work and a strident score, Violent Saturday offers a unique viewing experience that is definitely worth a look.

The League of Gentlemen is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon in its thrilling heist plot. While the first film revolves around a bank robbery turned hostage situation in 1970s Brooklyn, the latter takes a comedic approach with a disgruntled veteran recruiting a group of disgraced colleagues to carry out a bank robbery with military precision. Both movies explore the complexities and unexpected twists that arise during a heist, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. However, they differ in tone and setting. Dog Day Afternoon has a darker and more intense atmosphere, delving into the psychological and emotional aspects of the characters. On the other hand, The League of Gentlemen balances its thrilling elements with witty dialogue and a touch of British humor. While the former is set in gritty 1970s New York, the latter takes place in a more lighthearted and nostalgic 1960s Great Britain.

Odds Against Tomorrow is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon in its gripping heist storyline. Both movies take a seemingly simple bank robbery and turn it into a twisted nightmare. However, while Dog Day Afternoon focuses on the chaotic aftermath of the heist, Odds Against Tomorrow delves into the tension and animosity between the characters. The film brilliantly pairs the sharp-dressed, compulsive gambler Harry Belafonte with the southern-accented, hateful bigot Robert Ryan, creating a dynamic that builds toward an explosive finale. The jazz soundtrack, financed by Belafonte himself, adds an extra layer of energy to the film. With its noir atmosphere and excellent performances, Odds Against Tomorrow is a worthwhile watch for fans of both noir and Belafonte. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a bank robbery gone wrong, where the stakes are high and the tension is even higher.

The Day They Robbed the Bank of England is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon in its theme of a bank robbery gone wrong. While the latter is set in 1972 Brooklyn and focuses on the intense hostage situation that develops, the former takes us back to 1901 and introduces us to a group of IRA members who plan to rob the Bank of England to finance their movement and embarrass the British government. Both movies explore the complexities and unexpected twists that arise during a seemingly straightforward heist, but in their own unique ways. Dog Day Afternoon captivates the audience with its gripping drama and thrilling moments, while The Day They Robbed the Bank of England offers a more low-keyed, yet suspenseful, approach. The performances in both films are stellar, with Al Pacino delivering one of his best performances in Dog Day Afternoon, and Aldo Ray showcasing his quick-thinking nature and commanding presence in The Day They Robbed the Bank of England.

Out of Sight, released in 1998, is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon in many aspects. Both movies involve heists and bank robberies gone wrong, creating a thrilling and intense atmosphere. However, Out of Sight adds a unique twist by incorporating elements of comedy, romance, and drama into the mix. While Dog Day Afternoon focuses mainly on the heist and its aftermath, Out of Sight explores the relationship between a career bank robber and a U.S. Marshal he has kidnapped, showcasing an intriguing dynamic of opposites attracting. The witty and light-hearted dialogue, along with the charismatic performances by George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, elevate the film and give it an old-school hustler's charm. The non-linear storytelling and flashbacks, although not necessary, add depth to the characters and their actions. Don Cheadle's portrayal of the over-the-top villain creates a compelling contrast to Clooney's suave and street-wise character.

The Town is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon in many ways. Both movies revolve around bank robberies gone wrong, resulting in chaotic hostage situations. However, while Dog Day Afternoon focuses on the intense drama and thriller elements of the story, The Town adds an extra layer of complexity with a romantic subplot. The main character in The Town falls in love with one of the hostages, which adds an emotional twist to the already tense situation. Additionally, both movies feature stellar performances from their lead actors, with Al Pacino delivering one of his best performances in Dog Day Afternoon, and Ben Affleck impressing as both the director and star of The Town. While Dog Day Afternoon is a true story set in the 1970s, The Town brings a modern twist to the heist genre with its slick cinematography and fast-paced action.

The Split is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon in its heist theme, but with a twist. While Dog Day Afternoon focuses on a bank robbery turned hostage situation, The Split centers around a carefully planned robbery during a football game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Both movies share the element of thieves turning on each other when the money goes missing, leading to a web of accusations and betrayals. However, The Split takes a more old-fashioned approach, lacking the hyper-violent stunts and CGI bloodshed of modern films. It embraces the classic Hollywood heist film style and builds suspense through its taut direction, good cinematography, and a thrilling early action film music score by Quincy Jones. Despite being imperfect and dated at times, The Split still offers surface pleasures that make it worth watching, especially for fans of crime heist films.

The Red Circle, also known as Le cercle rouge, is a 1973 French crime thriller directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. Released two years before Dog Day Afternoon, it captures the essence of the latter in a unique way. Both movies revolve around heists gone wrong, showcasing the unexpected consequences of seemingly simple plans. However, while Dog Day Afternoon focuses on the intense drama and media attention that surrounds the heist, The Red Circle takes a more psychological approach. It delves into the minds of its characters, exploring their motivations and intricate relationships. The Red Circle also stands out for its deliberate pacing and deliberate silence, particularly during the mesmerizing heist scene. The film's title, derived from a Buddhist saying, reflects the fatalistic nature of the story, where all men ultimately end up in the same red circle, regardless of their divergent paths.

The Master Touch is reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon because both movies revolve around high-stakes heists that take unexpected turns. In Dog Day Afternoon, a simple bank robbery turns into a hostage situation, while in The Master Touch, a just-released professional thief decides to do one last high-risk heist. Both films keep you on the edge of your seat as you watch the plans unravel and the characters navigate through the chaos. However, the two movies differ in their tones and settings. Dog Day Afternoon takes place in 1970s Brooklyn and has a gritty, intense atmosphere, while The Master Touch is set in Hamburg, Germany and has a certain charm to it, thanks to the involvement of actors like Kirk Douglas and Florinda Balken. So if you enjoyed the thrilling ride of Dog Day Afternoon and want to see another heist film with its own unique charm, I highly recommend checking out The Master Touch.