With the trailer for his new show Tokyo Vice being released a couple of weeks ago, it is as good of a time as any to start a Michael Mann-athon. Crime-fanatic and famed director/writer, Michael Mann has created over 18 films over the course of his nearly 50-year career. He's directed some of the most notable actors of each decade during that time from Al Pacino and Robert De Niro to Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx.
Though he has not won an Oscar, despite having three nominations, Mann's work is praised and some of his films even crack Letterboxd's "Top 250 Narrative Feature Films" List. Also with the help of Letterboxd, Mann's 10 best films can be fairly picked and ranked.
Public Enemies (2009) - 3.1
Stream On Netflix
Public Enemies is a biopic about real-life, depression-era bank robber John Dillinger. Despite being loved by many Americans, Dillinger becomes the first Public Enemy Number One as he his hunted down by J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI.
Filled with gun fights highlighted by crisp tommy-gun fire, this film has more than enough to get the audience excited. Johnny Depp plays the famed robber in one of his most exciting and interesting roles and Christian Bale as Melvin Purvis, is just another great example of him playing a real-life character. The film is nothing short of must-see action.
Miami Vice (2006) - 3.2
Rent On Apple TV
Based on the 1980s action-drama TV show, Miami Vice follows detectives Crockett and Tubbs. The two fall into danger as their professional and personal lives begin getting mixed together.
Mann won a few Emmys for his TV series back in the '80s and figured he may as well reprise the concept. It is a good thing he did because audiences seemed to appreciate this. Undeniably entertaining, Colin Farell and Jamie Foxx lead the way in this one.
The Jericho Mile (1979) - 3.3
Not Available To Stream
In The Jericho Mile, a man sentenced to life in prison, Rainn Murphy, decides to spend his time in isolation running laps. His form and speed make many believe he could even race in the Olympics. Though he originally shows disinterest, Murphy pursues the chance when his one friend in prison is murdered.
One of the best TV movies of all time, The Jericho Mile is extremely impressive. It was Mann's first full length film and he knocks the opportunity out of the ball park. His decision to spend time and film with real convicts comes through and is a large part in making the movie so impactful.
Ali (2001) - 3.4
Stream On Paramount+
Ali is a biopic chronicling the boxing and personal career of the legendary Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay). Ali, played by Will Smith, shows the boxer's rise to glory and his impact on African Americans in sports.
It's not the typical Mann film but an awesome movie nonetheless. Smith was nominated for an Oscar by portraying the legendary boxer so well. The movie is not just for sports fans, as Ali does a great job in explaining the political and social impact of Ali's career.
The Last Of The Mohicans (1992) - 3.6
Rent On Vudu
An 18th Century epic, The Last of the Mohicans follows Daniel Day-Lewis as Hawkeye, an orphan adopted by the Mohicans. While British and French soldiers fight for control of the colonies, Hawkeye takes no part in the fighting despite being asked to do so. However, he is soon involved as he must fight for the safety of the girl he falls for.
The movie is truly a love story, but Mann makes sure you know who directed it. Filling the film with beautiful shots and, of course, top notch action sequences, Mann leaves his mark on the film. Day-Lewis crushes in another one of his extreme method-acting performances.
Collateral (2004) - 3.8
Stream On HBO Max
2004's Collateral is about a cab driver, Max, who picks up a man that offers $600 to ditch his usual beat and drive him around for the night. The evening takes a turn when Max realizes his passenger, Vincent, is an assassin getting driven around to his targets.
Thrilling and packed with action, this film is a necessity for fans of Jamie Foxx, Tom Cruise, or anyone who enjoys epic shootout scenes. A gray-haired Tom Cruise portrays the assassin Vincent in one of his most terrifying and electric performances, as well as one of Cruise's best movies.
Manhunter (1986) - 3.8
Rent On Apple TV
Manhunter follows retired FBI agent, Will Graham, who retired after catching Hannibal Lecter but is asked to return to work in order to catch a new killer.
Somehow Brian Cox manages to match (or even top) Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Hannibal in this movie, which is enough of a reason to watch. The score is filled with awesome '80s synth toons that force the audience to be locked in. The film is a thrilling ride as it follows the brilliant and disturbed detective Graham unravel the mystery to who the murderer is.
The Insider (1999) - 3.9
Stream On Hulu
A true story, The Insider is about a 60 Minutes TV series about the uncovering of the tobacco industry. The film is told through the eyes of tobacco executive, Jeffrey Wigand.
The viewer is forced to deal with the outcomes of the main characters decisions, just as they must, in this thriller starring Russel Crowe and Al Pacino. Mann's talent is exemplified in this movie as he creates unparalleled drama in things like phone calls and simple conversations. For his effort with this film, Mann received his one and only Best Director nomination, and adds to Al Pacino's list of great directors he's worked with.
Thief (1981) - 4.0
Stream On Amazon Prime, Hoopla, Kanopy, & Tubi
Thief is about expert safe-cracker and professional thief, Frank. He joins up with a big-time gangster in order to speed up the process of retiring from the game and settling down with a wife and kids.
The idea that watching someone crack into a safe could make for one of the most entertaining scenes of all time is absurd until you see this movie. Mann's attention to little details and obsession depicting criminals allow him to direct his first non-TV movie beautifully. James Caan hones in on his inner tough-guy to perfection and gives a great performance as Frank.
Heat (1995) - 4.2
Stream On AMC+
Heat is Mann's magnum opus. Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) leads a high-class heist crew in Los Angeles. Detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) refuses to let his crimes go unpunished and seeks Neil without rest. While the two respect the dedication of their counterpart, they know that things must eventually end in violence and one of them going down.
When you get Al Pacino and Robert De Niro sharing the screen in a movie, greatness is inevitable. Filled with action scenes and heists that will get an audience to stand-up in exhilaration, Heat is simply incredible. While the action in the movie is top-notch, the drama surrounding the events that take place is what truly makes the film Mann's best.