Netflix Quietly Drops a Star-Studded Thriller That’s Being Hailed as a Must-Watch Masterpiece

Why do the best actors in the world always find themselves on opposite sides of the law—or maybe I should say, opposite ends of the remote? Seriously, Netflix has just dropped what might just be the most pulse-pounding, white-knuckle, “put-your-phone-on-silent” film you could possibly stream this month…and I’m not being dramatic. July’s lineup is already crowded with chilling documentaries and future-predicting Tom Cruise escapades, but nothing—and I mean nothing—heats up your screen quite like “Heat.”

We’re talking about the first time legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino ever actually locked eyes and exchanged words on screen. (No, “The Godfather: Part II” does not count. Trust me, I checked.) If you’ve ever wondered what cinematic greatness looks like when two generational heavyweights collide, or debated whether an action thriller can also double as a meditative character study—here’s your answer. And I’m not even mentioning the stellar supporting cast, the labyrinthine plot, and Michael Mann’s neon-soaked direction.

If you need another reason to queue up “Heat,” how about this: it’s climbed from divisive reviews to all-out cult status—and boasts that rare combo of adrenalin and existential banter only the 90s could serve up. Ready to watch the ultimate cat-and-mouse chase explode on your living room TV? The next click should be obvious— LEARN MORE .

Netflix have added one of the most exhilarating films of all time with a cast full of all-time great actors.

The streamer often will add a host of films and shows on the first of the month, however, July is a particularly packed day for Netflix.

The most-high profile add is their newest documentary Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 Bombing, a four-episode doc covering the 7/7 bombings.

In addition to that they added the James McAvoy horror Split, a Tom Cruise sci-fi that managed to predict the future, and a high stakes action film with an incredible cast.

This is no exaggeration either as it marked the first time that Robert De Niro and Al Pacino shared scenes together in a film.

Called Heat, the 1995 crime thriller directed by Michael Mann also stars the late Val Kilmer, Diane Venora, and Jon Voight.

It follows De Niro as a professional thief Neil McCauley looking to pull off one last heist before retirement from a life of crime.

The only thing standing in his way is Vincent Hanna, a police detective played by Pacino who is constantly on his heels and looking to thwart him.

The 1995 film marked the first in which the pair shared the screen. Whilst both appeared in The Godfather: Part II they never interact due to De Niro playing a young version of Vito Corleone.

Netflix viewers considering putting on the film because of the pair, arguably two of the finest actors of their generation, are in for a treat.

The film is widely considered to be one of the most exhilarating of all time and one of the greatest heist films ever.

Heat has an average score of 8.3 on IMDb and, while it was met with less than perfect reviews at the time of release with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 84%, it has become a fan favourite over time.

The film also stars Al Pacino (Warner Brothers)

One 10/10 review on IMDb called it ‘Michael Mann’s finest work’, calling it ‘a brilliant character driven action thriller with drama and emotion all the way.’

Film YouTuber Patrick Willems gave the film a five star review on Letterboxd, saying: “It’s cool when a bunch of geniuses at the height of their powers all converge on one single perfect project.”

Legendary film critic Roger Ebert gave the film a 3.5 out of four star review, saying: “It’s not just an action picture.

“Above all, the dialogue is complex enough to allow the characters to say what they’re thinking: They are eloquent, insightful, fanciful, poetic when necessary.”

Todd McCarthy, writing for Variety, said of the film: “Pacino and De Niro are undiluted pleasure to watch in their top form here, and [Diane] Venora deserves special mention among a huge cast of outstanding actors, almost all of whom make an impression even in small roles.”

Heat is available to watch on Netflix now.