Poster for Heat

Heat (1995) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

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.

Rated R • 1995 • 2h 50m

7.9
5K+
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Age
17+

This crime epic earns its R rating primarily for strong, intense, and bloody violence, as well as pervasive strong language. The film is famous for its realistic and prolonged gunfights, particularly a downtown shootout that features heavy automatic weapon fire and results in many bloody casualties. Beyond the violence, the film contains mature and somber themes, including a disturbing depiction of a teenager's suicide attempt… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Al Pacino
Al Pacino
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro
Val Kilmer
Val Kilmer
Jon Voight
Jon Voight
Tom Sizemore
Tom Sizemore
Diane Venora
Diane Venora
Amy Brenneman
Amy Brenneman
Ashley Judd
Ashley Judd
Mykelti Williamson
Mykelti Williamson
Wes Studi
Wes Studi
Ted Levine
Ted Levine
Dennis Haysbert
Dennis Haysbert
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Is Heat appropriate for kids?

This crime epic earns its R rating primarily for strong, intense, and bloody violence, as well as pervasive strong language. The film is famous for its realistic and prolonged gunfights, particularly a downtown shootout that features heavy automatic weapon fire and results in… Read more — free account

Content severity in Heat

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Moderate 3/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Heat, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
  2. 0:25 🍷 Substances 2/10
  3. 0:35 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
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Sex and nudity in Heat

Sexual content is minimal and not explicit. In one scene, a man and a woman kiss, and it is implied they have sex as the next scene shows them in bed the following morning with no nudity shown. A woman is briefly seen in a non-revealing bra and underwear. A married couple is also shown kissing in bed.

Violence and gore in Heat

Violence is strong, frequent, and central to the film's R rating. The opening heist involves the cold-blooded execution of three armored car guards with visible bullet impacts. The film's centerpiece is a prolonged and chaotic downtown shootout between police and bank robbers, featuring heavy automatic rifle fire and numerous characters being shot with bloody results. Other scenes include point-blank shootings, a character being mercy-killed after being found tortured, a man thrown through a glass door, and a…

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Language in Heat

The film contains pervasive strong language consistent with its R rating. The word "f--k" is used frequently and emphatically by many characters, particularly during moments of high stress or anger. Other profanity includes numerous uses of "s--t," "asshole," "goddamn," and other milder expletives, spread throughout the nearly three-hour runtime.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Heat

Substance use is present but not a central focus. Characters frequently smoke cigarettes in various scenes. Social drinking of alcohol (wine, beer, liquor) occurs in restaurants, bars, and homes. In one scene, a character's wife explicitly states that she is "stoned" during a tense marital discussion.

Mature themes in Heat

The film explores complex and mature themes of professional obsession, isolation, and moral ambiguity. The central relationship between the detective and the thief is one of mutual respect between adversaries operating on opposing sides of the law. The personal cost of their dedication is shown through failing marriages and strained family relationships. A highly distressing subplot involves a main character's teenage stepdaughter attempting suicide, with the bloody aftermath shown. There are also themes of…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Heat appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Heat is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. This crime epic earns its R rating primarily for strong, intense, and bloody violence, as well as pervasive strong language. The film is famous for its realistic and prolonged gunfights, particularly a downtown shootout…

What age rating does Heat have?

Heat is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.

What is Heat about?

This crime epic earns its R rating primarily for strong, intense, and bloody violence, as well as pervasive strong language. The film is famous for its realistic and prolonged gunfights, particularly a downtown shootout that features heavy automatic weapon fire and results in many bloody casualties. Beyond the…

Is there sex or nudity in Heat?

Sexual content is minimal and not explicit. In one scene, a man and a woman kiss, and it is implied they have sex as the next scene shows them in bed the following morning with no nudity shown. A woman is briefly seen in a non-revealing bra and underwear. A…

How violent is Heat?

Violence is strong, frequent, and central to the film's R rating. The opening heist involves the cold-blooded execution of three armored car guards with visible bullet impacts. The film's centerpiece is a prolonged and chaotic downtown shootout between police…

Is the language in Heat appropriate for kids?

The film contains pervasive strong language consistent with its R rating. The word "f--k" is used frequently and emphatically by many characters, particularly during moments of high stress or anger. Other profanity includes numerous uses of "s--t," "asshole,"…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Heat?

Substance use is present but not a central focus. Characters frequently smoke cigarettes in various scenes. Social drinking of alcohol (wine, beer, liquor) occurs in restaurants, bars, and homes. In one scene, a character's wife explicitly states that she is…

What mature themes appear in Heat?

The film explores complex and mature themes of professional obsession, isolation, and moral ambiguity. The central relationship between the detective and the thief is one of mutual respect between adversaries operating on opposing sides of the law. The…

How long is Heat?

Heat runs 170 minutes, directed by Michael Mann, released in 1995.

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