White Heat (1949)

Kernel Score: 84% · 528 ratings · Rated NR

Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Released: 1949-09-02

Runtime: 114 minutes

Where to watch White Heat

  • 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

A psychopathic criminal with a mother complex makes a daring break from prison and then leads his old gang in a chemical plant payroll heist. After the heist, events take a crazy turn.

White Heat parents' guide: ages 14+

Parents need to know that White Heat is a classic crime drama featuring a violent gangster, prison break, and shootouts.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes a prison break, heist, shootouts, and an explosion driven by a psychopathic criminal.

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

Movies like White Heat

If you liked White Heat, these are the movies we'd watch next.

Director

Raoul Walsh

Cast

  • James Cagney as Arthur 'Cody' Jarrett
  • Virginia Mayo as Verna Jarrett
  • Edmond O'Brien as Vic Pardo
  • Margaret Wycherly as Ma Jarrett
  • Steve Cochran as 'Big Ed' Somers
  • John Archer as Philip Evans
  • Wally Cassell as 'Cotton' Valletti
  • Fred Clark as Daniel Winston
  • Paul Guilfoyle as Roy Parker (uncredited)
  • Ford Rainey as Zuckie

White Heat FAQ

Is White Heat good?

White Heat has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 528 audience ratings.

Where can I watch White Heat?

In the US you can watch it free with ads on Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is White Heat OK for kids?

White Heat is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that White Heat is a classic crime drama featuring a violent gangster, prison break, and shootouts.

What movies are like White Heat?

If you liked White Heat, try The Killing, The Asphalt Jungle, Girl in the Basement and Cape Fear.