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The Heat

The Heat

They're just trying to stay alive long enough to kill each other.

2013117 minRMidcredits score: 66th percentile of all films
Director
Paul Feig
Starring
Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Demián Bichir, Marlon Wayans

Uptight and straight-laced, FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn is a methodical investigator with a reputation for excellence--and hyper-arrogance. Shannon Mullins, one of Boston P.D.'s "finest," is foul-mouthed and has a very short fuse, and uses her gut instinct and street smarts to catch the most elusive criminals. Neither has ever had a partner, or a friend for that matter. When these two wildly incompatible law officers join forces to bring down a ruthless drug lord, they become the last thing anyone expected: buddies.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Heat?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Heat streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Free

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Heat?

The Heat earns 8 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Box Office Hit.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is The Heat worth watching?

The Heat's Midcredits score is the 66th percentile of all films, from 386K ratings across 6 sources. 61% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

66th percentile

Better received than 66% of films

79th percentile among Action66th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)62nd
Approval (how many liked it)67th

65 /100

62nd percentile of all films

78th percentile among Action62nd percentile among 2010s

Critics 60 · Audience 65

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

61% liked it

67th percentile of all films

78th percentile among Action68th percentile among 2010s
61% rated it 7–1039% rated it 1–6

Critics 66% · Audience 71%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 7 wins / 16 noms overall

98th percentile

386K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Action98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 11% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$43M
Opening weekend$39M
Domestic gross$160M
Worldwide gross$230M

Returned 5.3× its budget — 92nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A formulaic buddy-cop comedy driven entirely by the chemistry of its two leads.

Fans praised

  • Lead chemistry is electric and carries the film
  • McCarthy's foul-mouthed, improvisational comedy lands
  • Bullock's straight-laced foil is perfectly timed

Detractors panned

  • Relentless profanity substitutes for actual humor
  • Plot is formulaic buddy-cop retread with zero surprises
  • McCarthy's character is obnoxiously over-the-top and grating

What stands out

ActingDivisive72

Bullock and McCarthy's chemistry is the film's engine; critics note McCarthy's improvisational energy and Bullock's timing

HumorDivisive62

Polarizing: fans call it laugh-out-loud; detractors find it unfunny and reliant on shock value

DialogueDivisive60

Rapid-fire, vulgar, and heavily improvised; praised for wit by fans, panned as crutch by detractors

CharactersDivisive55

Stock buddy-cop opposites: uptight rule-follower and foul-mouthed loose cannon; McCarthy's family adds color but is thin

PacingDivisive55

Brisk first half, drags in final act; overlong at nearly two hours

Emotional impactDivisive45

Drunk-bonding scene and family reconciliation attempt warmth, but feel forced

Plot and storyDivisive30

Generic drug-lord investigation merely a framework for comedy; called predictable and thin

OriginalityDivisive25

Derivative of Lethal Weapon/48 Hrs; female leads are the only fresh angle

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 21 points higher than men.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 12 points higher than over-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Heat like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It never lets up, swings between moods and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
TenseJoyfulAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Raunchy humor
Register
PlayfulWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its buddy cop premise with genuine comedic energy and affection for its characters, never undercutting the story.
The rideRaucous comedy punctuates a fairly standard action plot; the emotional stakes climb in the final act.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning-middle-end structure with the partnership arc and case resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you grinning and uplifted by the characters' friendship and successful teamwork.
How it ends · evidence
Happy endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% (this title) · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Buddy comedy: A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film is a buddy cop comedy built around the clash and eventual friendship of two mismatched law enforcement partners.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% (this title) · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Friendship · 9% of filmsJustice · 13% of filmsClass · 3% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeAn unwilling partnership grows into a genuine, cross-cultural friendship that ultimately matters more than the case itself.
StanceThe film wholeheartedly affirms that a deep, loyal friendship is worth more than professional prestige.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · hybrid · Michael Andrews
SettingFBI offices in New York and gritty Boston streets; also a suburban family home and an industrial warehouse.
MusicA punchy, percussive score that underscores both comedic and action beats.

Content guide

Is The Heat okay for kids?

R

The Heat is rated R: “Rated R for pervasive language, strong crude content and some violence” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (70/100), sexual content at moderate (41/100), language at severe (95/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at moderate (45/100). Overall it is heavier than 73% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 22 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15A
  • JapanR15+
  • Brazil16
  • Belgium16
  • BGC
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO18
  • Russia16+
  • SK15
  • Spain16
  • Taiwan輔12
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 84% of all filmsHeavier than 73% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 50%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 39%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 98%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 84%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 29%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language, violence, and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Heat have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Heat?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Sandra Bullock
as Ashburn
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Melissa McCarthy
as Mullins
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Demián Bichir
as Hale
Marlon Wayans
as Levy
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Michael Rapaport
as Jason Mullins
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Jane Curtin
as Mrs. Mullins
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Spoken Reasons
as Rojas
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Dan Bakkedahl
as Craig
Taran Killam
as Adam
Michael McDonald
as Julian
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Heat?

Movies like The Heat include Ted (2012), Running Scared (1986) and Superbad (2007). Of the 12 closest matches, several are undercover stories, and most are films about friendship.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its story type: buddy comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Heat?

2.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: action comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.