Where to start
Heat
3 versions · originally a film, 1995
The Heat franchise explores the high-stakes friction between professional criminals and the relentless law enforcement officers obsessed with stopping them.
✦ Most fans start here
Heat (1995)
The original movie
✦ Start hereHeat
Michael Mann · Film · 1995
Heat (1995) is the definitive cinematic cornerstone of the series, offering a masterclass in tension and character-driven crime drama that remains the gold standard for the modern heist genre.
2015 film
Wild Card
Simon West · Film · 2015
Wild Card (2015) serves as a loose, action-oriented adaptation that shifts the focus toward a singular, desperate protagonist navigating a gritty Las Vegas underworld, tailored for fans of stylized, punchy thrillers.
Inspired by
HEAT 2
Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner · Book
HEAT 2 (2022) functions as both a prequel and sequel, providing essential narrative expansion that deepens the mythology of the original characters and their complex, lifelong rivalries through a literary lens.
Common questions
Is Heat 2 a direct continuation of the 1995 movie Heat?
Yes, Heat 2 is a book that serves as both a prequel and a sequel to the 1995 movie Heat. It expands on the backstories of the main characters while also detailing events that take place after the conclusion of the original film.
Should I read Heat 2 before or after watching the movie Heat?
It is recommended to watch the movie Heat first to establish the primary narrative and characters. Once you are familiar with the film, reading the book Heat 2 provides additional context and depth to the events depicted in the 1995 production.
Is the movie Wild Card related to the plot of Heat?
No, the 2015 movie Wild Card is not a sequel or a narrative continuation of the 1995 movie Heat. While it may appeal to fans of the genre, it shares no direct story connections or universe ties with the characters found in Heat.
How long is the story covered in the book Heat 2 compared to the movie Heat?
The book Heat 2 covers a much broader timeline than the movie Heat. While the film focuses on a specific criminal operation in Los Angeles, the book spans decades, detailing the earlier lives of the characters and the aftermath of the events seen in the movie.