19 Movies Like Heat: Exploring Action, Crime, and Drama

Sunshine Cops is reminiscent of Heat in the sense that both movies revolve around the lives of law enforcement officers. However, while Heat takes a serious and intense approach to the crime drama genre, Sunshine Cops takes a more light-hearted and comedic approach. Heat focuses on the complex lives of high-end professional thieves and the LAPD officers hot on their trail, while Sunshine Cops follows two young policemen who are selected to represent the Police Tactical Unit in an internal audition to enhance the image of the Hong Kong police force. Both movies explore themes of honor, criminal investigation, and gun battles, but Heat does so in a more gritty and dramatic way, while Sunshine Cops takes a more playful and exaggerated approach. Despite their differences, fans of Heat may enjoy Sunshine Cops for its humorous take on law enforcement and its entertaining action sequences.

Exterminator 2 is reminiscent of Heat in the sense that both movies fall under the genres of Action, Crime, Drama. However, that's where the similarities end. While Heat is known for its complex storyline and deep character development, Exterminator 2 takes a different approach. The plot of Exterminator 2 is much simpler, focusing on the flamethrower-wielding vigilante John Eastland as he takes on a drug lord and his gang in New York City. Unlike Heat, Exterminator 2 has a more action-oriented tone, with the protagonist wearing a welding mask and using a flamethrower to defeat his enemies. The acting and writing in Exterminator 2 are not as strong as in Heat, and the low budget of the film is evident in its production values. However, despite its flaws, Exterminator 2 has its own entertainment value, with a comic book feel and a hilariously entertaining main villain.

F9: The Fast Saga is reminiscent of Heat in terms of being an action-packed crime film with a mixture of drama and intense sequences. While Heat showcased the world of professional thieves and the cat-and-mouse game with the LAPD, F9: The Fast Saga takes us into the high-octane world of street racing and international crime. Both movies feature gun battles, shootouts, and epic car chases that keep you on the edge of your seat. However, the similarities end there. Heat was praised for its complex storyline and character development, with two main characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. On the other hand, F9: The Fast Saga focuses more on adrenaline-fueled action and larger-than-life set pieces, sacrificing depth for thrilling spectacle. While Heat was hailed as one of the best crime dramas, F9: The Fast Saga offers a different kind of entertainment, appealing to fans of fast cars, explosions, and over-the-top stunts.

My Father is a Hero, also known as "Kap ba ba dik sung," is reminiscent of the movie Heat in its gripping storyline and intense action. Both films revolve around characters who are deeply involved in crime and face immense challenges in their personal lives. While Heat focuses on a group of professional thieves and their encounters with the LAPD, My Father is a Hero follows an undercover cop who must infiltrate a ruthless gang while struggling to provide for his son and ailing wife.
The similarities between the two films lie in their exploration of the tension between professional obligations and personal relationships. In Heat, Vincent Hanna, brilliantly portrayed by Al Pacino, is torn between his dedication to catching criminals and saving his failing marriage. Similarly, the protagonist in My Father is a Hero, played by Jet Li, faces the heartbreaking dilemma of maintaining his cover as an undercover cop while trying to protect his son and cope with the loss of his wife.
However, the films also have distinct differences.

Tiger on the Beat 2 is reminiscent of Heat in its action-packed storyline and intense characters. Both movies revolve around the lives of law enforcement officers and criminals, showcasing the complexities of their relationships and the sacrifices they make. While Heat focuses on the high-stakes world of professional thieves and the showdown between detective Vincent Hanna and criminal Neil McCauley, Tiger on the Beat 2 follows Captain Lam, a cop on the verge of retirement who wants to accomplish something remarkable before leaving the force. Although Tiger on the Beat 2 lacks the star power of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, it still delivers thrilling fight choreographies by Liu Chia Liang and the charismatic performances of Conan Lee and Danny Lee. So, if you're a fan of Heat and enjoy action-packed movies with engaging characters, Tiger on the Beat 2 is definitely worth watching.

Scarface is reminiscent of Heat in several ways. Both movies fall under the crime and drama genres and feature intense and gripping storylines. They explore the lives of complex characters who are deeply involved in the criminal underworld. In Heat, we follow the lives of professional thieves and the LAPD officers trying to catch them, while Scarface takes us into the world of a Cuban immigrant who rises to power in the drug cartel. Both films showcase the struggles and conflicts faced by their protagonists, highlighting the choices they make and the consequences that follow. While Heat focuses on the intricacies of a heist and the personal lives of the characters, Scarface delves into the themes of greed and ambition. Despite their similarities, the movies differ in their settings and time periods. Heat is set in Los Angeles in the 1990s, while Scarface takes place in 1980s Miami.

Mercenaries from Hong Kong, released in 1982, is a captivating action film that showcases Shaw Brother's attempt to break into the modern action genre. Starring Ti Lung as an honorable mercenary-for-hire, the movie follows his team of ex-military men as they embark on a mission to Cambodia to capture an assassin who murdered a prominent industrialist. While the plot may be reminiscent of "Wild Geese," Ti Lung brings his own unique flair to the role, infusing contemporary Kung Fu moves into the action-packed sequences. Wong Jing, known for his low-brow humor, keeps it to a minimum in this film, allowing the story to flow smoothly. Although the gunplay and action in Mercenaries from Hong Kong may not reach the heights of John Woo's later films, it is still an enjoyable early Wong Jing popcorn action movie worth watching.

The Code, also known as La mentale, is reminiscent of Heat in many scenes and characters. Both movies fall under the genre of crime drama and involve armored car robberies. However, while Heat is hailed as one of the best crime dramas ever made, The Code falls short in its storytelling. Despite its honest and generous intentions, The Code feels a bit awkward and clumsy in its execution. It is still an excellent crime movie, with good character study and development, but it doesn't quite reach the epic proportions of Heat. Nevertheless, if you're a fan of gritty and poignant French crime films from the early 2000s, The Code is worth a watch. Just don't expect it to surpass the brilliance of its predecessor.

"Full Contact" is reminiscent of "Heat" in its portrayal of a group of criminals involved in illegal activities. Both movies explore the themes of crime, deception, and betrayal, as well as the consequences that come with them. However, while "Heat" focuses on a high-stakes heist and the cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a master thief, "Full Contact" takes a different approach. It delves into the dark underbelly of the criminal world through the story of two disreputable friends who get entangled with a violent and treacherous gang. The movie combines Western conventions with the trademark Hong Kong style, showcasing intense and graphic violence. While "Heat" balances action and drama, "Full Contact" leans towards stark and relentless brutality. Despite a weaker script, the characters in "Full Contact" still manage to evoke sympathy, and Chow Yun-Fat delivers a compelling performance as a morally ambiguous protagonist seeking revenge.

Casino, released in 1996, is reminiscent of Heat for several reasons. Both movies fall under the crime drama genre and feature a star-studded cast, including the legendary Robert De Niro. While Heat focuses on a group of professional thieves and their cat-and-mouse game with the LAPD, Casino takes us into the world of Las Vegas gambling, where two best friends, a mafia enforcer, and a casino executive compete for power. Both films explore themes of honor, criminal investigation, and the complexities of personal relationships. However, there are notable differences between the two. Heat, with its manifold storyline, offers a deep dive into the lives of its characters, while Casino takes a more narrative-driven approach, utilizing alternated narration from the two main characters. Additionally, Heat impresses with its action-packed gun battles and intense drama, while Casino captivates with its behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of a casino.

Lola the Truck Driving Woman is reminiscent of Heat in that both movies revolve around characters who find themselves caught in the dangerous world of crime. While Heat focuses on a group of professional thieves in Los Angeles, Lola the Truck Driving Woman follows a single woman who takes matters into her own hands after her father is murdered for refusing to work for a powerful cartel. Both movies explore themes of honor, criminal investigation, and the consequences of living a life on the wrong side of the law. However, there are also notable differences between the two films. Heat, with its star-studded cast including Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, is a gritty and intense crime drama that delves deep into the personal lives of its characters. On the other hand, Lola the Truck Driving Woman infuses elements of action, comedy, and even musical into its narrative, creating a unique blend of genres.

Tulisan is reminiscent of Heat in its portrayal of crime and its complex characters. While Heat focuses on a group of professional thieves and the LAPD's pursuit of them, Tulisan tells the story of warring women bandits and their battle for revenge. Both movies delve into the personal lives of their main characters, showcasing the struggles they face in their professional and personal lives. Heat's Vincent Hanna is torn between his work and his failing marriage, while Tulisan's Roberta fights to rescue her kidnapped twin sister. Both films feature intense performances from their cast, with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro delivering powerful performances in Heat, and Amalia Fuentes and Susan Roces bringing their characters to life in Tulisan. However, the two movies differ in their settings and tones. Heat is set in the gritty streets of Los Angeles, while Tulisan takes place in the Philippines.

The Killer is reminiscent of Heat in several ways. Both movies fall under the genres of Action, Crime, and Drama, and they both explore similar key topics such as gunfights and criminal investigations. However, while Heat focuses on a group of professional thieves and the heat they face from the LAPD, The Killer tells the story of a disillusioned assassin who takes on one last hit to restore the vision of a singer he accidentally blinded. The Killer, directed by John Woo, showcases his trademark style, including flying doves, reflections in mirrors, and strong Catholic symbolism, which can also be seen in his later American films. The action scenes in The Killer are beautifully filmed, surpassing the typical Hollywood action film. Although both movies contain violence, The Killer's action scenes are on a whole other level, making it a must-see for any fan of action films.

Sonatine, released in 1993, is reminiscent of Heat in its ability to captivate viewers with its unique take on the crime genre. While Heat focuses on a group of professional thieves and their cat-and-mouse game with the LAPD, Sonatine tells the story of yakuza members from Tokyo sent to Okinawa to resolve a gang war. Both films explore the complexities of their characters' lives and showcase the struggles they face in their personal relationships. In Heat, we witness the deteriorating marriage of Vincent Hanna and his stepdaughter's emotional turmoil, while in Sonatine, we are introduced to a man who leads a life without hope and is too scared to start anew. What sets Sonatine apart is its minimalistic and realistic storytelling approach, allowing viewers to study the protagonist and his comrades through their facial expressions, forcing us to interpret their thoughts and emotions.

This Man Is Dangerous, released in 1985, is reminiscent of Heat in many ways. Both movies fall under the genres of Action, Crime, and Drama, and revolve around the theme of robberies. While Heat focuses on a group of high-end professional thieves feeling the heat from the LAPD after leaving a clue at their latest heist, This Man Is Dangerous follows CID officers in Hong Kong who are transferred to an action squad to help solve robberies and murders committed by a notorious robber and killer. Both films feature intense gun battles, armored car robberies, and a sense of honor among the characters. However, there are also notable differences between the two movies. Heat, released in 1996, has a longer runtime of 10,200 seconds compared to This Man Is Dangerous, which runs for 5,520 seconds. Heat boasts a higher average rating of 8.

Looking for Richard, released in 1996, is a documentary film by Al Pacino that explores the significance and relevance of Shakespeare's "Richard III" in the modern world. While it may seem odd to compare a crime drama like Heat to a Shakespeare documentary, the connection lies in Pacino himself. In Heat, Pacino delivers an intense performance as Vincent Hanna, a detective torn between his personal life and his pursuit of a criminal. Similarly, in Looking for Richard, Pacino takes on the role of a man on a quest to understand and interpret Shakespeare's work, paralleling the power-hungry character of Richard III. Both films showcase Pacino's ability to portray complex characters with depth and emotion. However, the difference lies in the genres and themes of the movies. Heat delves into the world of crime and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, while Looking for Richard explores the complexities of Shakespearean plays and the impact they have on society.

Eye of the Widow is reminiscent of Heat in its genre and plot. Both movies fall under the action and crime genres, and revolve around intense gun battles and shootouts. However, that's where the similarities end. While Heat is known for its complex storyline, ensemble cast, and masterful direction by Michael Mann, Eye of the Widow falls short in comparison. The plot of Eye of the Widow centers around a CIA contractor hired to find and eliminate the terrorists behind an attack on an Austrian prince's castle. Although the movie tries to capture the excitement and intensity of Heat, it lacks the depth and character development that made Heat so successful. Despite its shortcomings, Eye of the Widow still offers an entertaining action-packed experience, especially for fans of the genre. So, if you're craving more gunfights and shootouts after watching Heat, give Eye of the Widow a shot, but don't expect it to reach the same level of greatness.

Angel Terminators II is reminiscent of Heat in several ways. Both movies fall under the genres of Action and Crime, and they both involve intense gun battles and criminal activities. However, while Heat focuses on a group of high-end professional thieves and the heat they face from the LAPD, Angel Terminators II tells the story of teens who help a friend forced into prostitution and end up upsetting dangerous people. Despite their differences in plot, these movies share a common thread of characters making choices that lead to a violent clash with tragic consequences. While Heat is a critically acclaimed crime drama with a complex storyline and an ensemble cast including Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, Angel Terminators II offers a more lighthearted approach with a balance of action, drama, and humor. The chemistry between the characters, particularly Bullet and her friends, adds depth to the story and makes it a fairly watchable movie.

"Soul Assassin" is reminiscent of "Heat" in the sense that both movies revolve around the world of crime and the consequences it has on the lives of the main characters. While "Heat" focuses on a group of professional thieves and the intense cat-and-mouse chase between a cop and a criminal, "Soul Assassin" tells the story of Kevin Burke, an executive turned revenge-seeking assassin after his girlfriend is killed. Both films explore the blurred lines between right and wrong, showcasing complex characters who are driven by their desires and personal struggles. However, "Soul Assassin" takes a different approach by incorporating elements of corporate espionage and international intrigue, offering a unique twist to the crime genre. With its fast-paced narrative and thrilling action sequences, "Soul Assassin" offers a fresh and exciting take on the genre, making it a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers.