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Heat

Play trailer 2:15 Poster for Heat R 1995 2h 50m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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84% Tomatometer 153 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is trying to control the rogue actions of one of his men, while also planning one last big heist before retiring. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Hanna (Al Pacino) attempts to track down McCauley as he deals with the chaos in his own life, including the infidelity of his wife (Diane Venora) and the mental health of his stepdaughter (Natalie Portman). McCauley and Hanna discover a mutual respect, even as they try to thwart each other's plans.
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Heat

Heat

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Critics Consensus

Though Al Pacino and Robert De Niro share but a handful of screen minutes together, Heat is an engrossing crime drama that draws compelling performances from its stars -- and confirms Michael Mann's mastery of the genre.

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Critics Reviews

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Geoff Brown The Times (UK) 12/21/2023
Stripped to its bones, Heat may sound trite. But Mann puts so much flesh on his characters that you never feel hungry. Go to Full Review
Jonathan Romney Guardian 12/21/2023
Like Kubrick, Mann takes a genre premise that seems like no big deal, and expands it into a cosmos of its own. Heat might simply be the most spectacular B-movie ever made, but that’s impressive enough. Go to Full Review
Rick Groen Globe and Mail 12/21/2023
Dream match-ups on paper don't always succeed on the screen -- like twin fires fighting for oxygen, will they merely cancel each other out? Hardly. This is one titanic clash that actually lives up to the billing. Go to Full Review
Noah Gittell Washington City Paper Jul 3
The plotting in Heat is immaculate. Go to Full Review
Justin Brown Medium Popcorn May 9
5/5
This is one of the best crime films of all time for a reason. Go to Full Review
Brandon Collins Medium Popcorn May 9
5/5
This is a crime classic. Between the cinematography, incredibly performances, Mann's attention to detail, and the pacing, this is a home run. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Dylan N. @dneman 1d Amazing Movie and plot line See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch 3d Heat stands as one of those rare films that come astonishingly close to perfection, and while it may not reach a full 100% for me personally, it’s easy to understand why so many consider it a flawless masterpiece. The film’s reputation has only grown over time, cementing its place as one of the most iconic crime dramas ever made. Its atmosphere, intensity, and character work remain some of the strongest the genre has ever produced. With Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Val Kilmer leading the charge, the film’s power is undeniable. That trio alone signals the level of talent and dedication built into every frame. Their performances are electric, and the narrative is constructed around their strengths in a way that feels purposeful, deliberate, and incredibly rewarding. It’s clear the casting director knew exactly the kind of presence the film needed, and the director makes full use of every ounce of their star power. And it isn’t just those three who elevate Heat. The supporting cast is stacked with actors who bring nuance, grit, and emotional complexity, collectively shaping a world that feels lived in and morally textured. Their contributions help build the film into something larger than a standard cops-and-robbers thriller—something layered, human, and deeply immersive. It’s a testament to how essential the ensemble is to the movie’s lasting impact. The screenplay is nothing short of remarkable. Every piece of dialogue, every moment of tension, and every carefully structured scene adds to an overarching sense of purpose. The storytelling is tight and diabolically sharp in the best possible way, merging character study with pulse-pounding action. Heat doesn’t just entertain; it constructs an entire cinematic reality with precision and artistry, proving just how effective a well-crafted script can be. Despite all its strengths, I hold back from calling it completely perfect, and that comes down to how the film feels on rewatch. It remains powerful and engaging, but it undeniably carries the weight of its era. Its age shows—not in a way that diminishes its craftsmanship, but in a way that limits its reach for newer audiences. For those who didn’t grow up with it or discover it early, that "old-school" feel may prevent the same emotional spark it ignites in longtime fans. Still, Heat holds up in almost every way that counts. It’s a cinematic milestone that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. While it may resonate most with those who experienced it closer to its release, its artistry, performances, and gripping storytelling ensure its legacy remains secure. It’s a film that earns its reputation—and one that will always stand tall in the history of crime cinema. See more Jalvzz .. @jalvzz 4d Peak cinema kinda wanted the villain to win See more Z D 6d Ridiculous movie. Unbelievable, and ridiculous, but provides some good laughs with its unintended absurdity. See more James E Nov 27 The absolute perfect Movie. So fantastic. Can't think of another film better than this one. See more Daniel S Nov 17 Unified Review: Heat , Crime Thriller with Brains, Brawn, and a Few Bumps 🔥 Heat isn’t just another cops-vs-criminals flick , it’s a full-on clash of legends, with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro delivering the kind of performances that remind you why their names stay iconic. The production? Clean. The cast? Elite. The acting? As sharp as a sniper shot. But what really hits different is the character development. For a crime movie, Heat goes surprisingly deep.. digging into the lives, motives, and mindsets of its two powerhouse leads. You don’t just watch a cop chasing a criminal - you feel the tension, the obsession, the strange respect between them, and the slow burn of their personal struggles. It adds a depth rarely seen in this genre. Still, the movie isn’t flawless. The plot walks a straight, predictable line.. more A → B → C than wild twists and galaxy-brain reveals. And yeah, it runs a little long, which might test your patience if you’re expecting nonstop chaos like in The Departed or The Usual Suspects. Bottom line? A stylish, well-acted, character-rich crime saga that hits hard.. even if it doesn’t completely outshine the genre’s GOATs. See more Read all reviews
Heat

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Heat

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Movie Info

Synopsis Master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is trying to control the rogue actions of one of his men, while also planning one last big heist before retiring. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Hanna (Al Pacino) attempts to track down McCauley as he deals with the chaos in his own life, including the infidelity of his wife (Diane Venora) and the mental health of his stepdaughter (Natalie Portman). McCauley and Hanna discover a mutual respect, even as they try to thwart each other's plans.
Director
Michael Mann
Producer
Art Linson, Michael Mann
Screenwriter
Michael Mann
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
New Regency Productions, Forward Pass, Regency Enterprises, Warner Brothers
Rating
R
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 15, 1995, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 19, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$66.2M
Runtime
2h 50m
Sound Mix
Surround, Mono
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