Heat (1995)
Kernel Score: 89% · 8,137 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Action
Released: 1995-12-15
Runtime: 170 minutes
Is Heat worth watching?
Must-watch. Michael Mann's three-hour heist drama pits Al Pacino's detective against Robert De Niro's master thief, and it's cool, serious and beautifully made. The mid-film shootout is one of the best action scenes ever filmed.
Watch it if you
- love crime dramas with real depth
- want Pacino and De Niro on screen together
- enjoy long, patient films
Skip it if you
- dislike long runtimes
- want a fast-paced, plot-heavy thriller
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Heat
- Stream: Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube TV
- Free with ads: Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Obsessive master thief Neil McCauley leads a top-notch crew on various daring heists throughout Los Angeles while determined detective Vincent Hanna pursues him without rest. Each man recognizes and respects the ability and the dedication of the other even though they are aware their cat-and-mouse game may end in violence.
Heat parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Heat is an R-rated crime epic with intense gun violence, including a famous street shootout, and strong language for mature viewers.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Intense, realistic gun violence including bank robberies, a major street shootout, murders, and deadly cat-and-mouse confrontations.
- Language: Strong — Strong profanity throughout this hard-edged crime drama.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Heat
If you liked Heat, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Collateral (2004) — 80%: Mann's other tense Los Angeles crime story.
- Thief (1981) — 82%: Mann's earlier, sparser portrait of a professional thief.
- The Dark Knight (2008) — 96%: Another crime epic about a cop and a criminal mastermind.
- The Insider (1999) — 83%: Mann's serious drama about courage and pressure.
- Infernal Affairs (2002) — 86%: Crime thriller about cop and criminal mirror images.
- GoodFellas (1990) — 92%: Another crime classic told with style.
Director
Cast
- Al Pacino as Lt. Vincent Hanna
- Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley
- Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis
- Jon Voight as Nate
- Tom Sizemore as Michael Cheritto
- Diane Venora as Justine
- Amy Brenneman as Eady
- Ashley Judd as Charlene Shiherlis
- Mykelti Williamson as Drucker
- Wes Studi as Casals
Heat FAQ
Is Heat worth watching?
Must-watch. Michael Mann's three-hour heist drama pits Al Pacino's detective against Robert De Niro's master thief, and it's cool, serious and beautifully made. The mid-film shootout is one of the best action scenes ever filmed.
Where can I watch Heat?
In the US you can stream Heat on Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Heat OK for kids?
Heat is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Heat is an R-rated crime epic with intense gun violence, including a famous street shootout, and strong language for mature viewers.
What movies are like Heat?
If you liked Heat, try Collateral, Thief, The Dark Knight and The Insider.