Thief (1981)

Kernel Score: 82% · 809 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama

Released: 1981-03-27

Runtime: 123 minutes

Where to watch Thief

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Frank is an expert professional safecracker, specialized in high-profile diamond heists. He plans to use his ill-gotten income to retire from crime and build a nice life for himself complete with a home, wife and kids. To accelerate the process, he signs on with a top gangster for a big score.

Thief parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Thief is an R-rated crime drama about a professional safecracker pulled into a big heist.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Crime thriller involving heists, gangsters, and a dirty cop, with tension and danger throughout.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

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Director

Michael Mann

Cast

  • James Caan as Frank
  • Tuesday Weld as Jessie
  • Robert Prosky as Leo Alderman
  • Willie Nelson as David 'Okla' Bertinneau
  • Jim Belushi as Barry Stratagakis
  • Tom Signorelli as Vincent Attaglia
  • Dennis Farina as Carl
  • Nick Nickeas as Nick
  • W.R. Brown as Mitch Kanoff
  • Norm Tobin as Guido

Thief FAQ

Is Thief good?

Thief has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 809 audience ratings.

Where can I watch Thief?

In the US you can stream Thief on Prime Video and The Criterion Channel, watch it free with ads on Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home and YouTube Free and rent it from Apple TV and Fandango At Home.

Is Thief OK for kids?

Thief is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Thief is an R-rated crime drama about a professional safecracker pulled into a big heist.

What movies are like Thief?

If you liked Thief, try The Outfit, Sexy Beast, Marathon Man and Primal Fear.