If you're a fan of the gritty, high-stakes action of 'Kill or Be Killed' (1976), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores titles that capture the same intense survival themes, brutal combat, and relentless tension that made the 1976 cult classic unforgettable. Whether you're revisiting the film or discovering it for the first time, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Dirty Harry (1971)
Description: A hard-boiled crime thriller featuring a no-nonsense cop who takes the law into his own hands to stop a psychotic killer.
Fact: The film popularized the phrase 'Do you feel lucky, punk?' and became a cultural touchstone for tough-guy cop movies.


The French Connection (1971)
Description: A raw and realistic police procedural that delves into the dark underbelly of drug trafficking and the lengths cops go to stop it.
Fact: The film's car chase scene under the elevated subway tracks is considered one of the greatest in cinema history.


The Getaway (1972)
Description: A high-octane crime drama about a convict and his wife on the run after a botched robbery, filled with tension and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Texas and features a famous car chase scene that became iconic in the genre.


The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
Description: A bleak and unflinching look at the life of a small-time criminal, filled with moral complexity and a sense of inevitable doom.
Fact: The film is noted for its authentic dialogue and realistic portrayal of the Boston underworld.


Death Wish (1974)
Description: A gritty urban vigilante film that explores themes of justice and revenge, set against a backdrop of urban decay and lawlessness.
Fact: The film was controversial for its portrayal of vigilantism and sparked debates about crime and justice in America.


The Outfit (1973)
Description: A taut crime thriller about a professional thief caught in a web of betrayal and violence, with a focus on meticulous planning and execution.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Richard Stark, a pseudonym for the acclaimed crime writer Donald E. Westlake.


The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: A tense, high-stakes thriller about a subway hijacking, showcasing the cat-and-mouse game between criminals and authorities.
Fact: The film's use of color-coded aliases for the hijackers inspired similar tactics in later heist movies.


The Killer Elite (1975)
Description: A high-stakes action thriller about mercenaries and betrayal, featuring elaborate set pieces and a focus on professional killers.
Fact: The film was one of the first to depict the shadowy world of private military contractors in detail.


The Yakuza (1974)
Description: A crime drama that delves into the codes of honor and loyalty within the Japanese underworld, blending action with deep emotional stakes.
Fact: The film was one of the first Hollywood productions to seriously explore the yakuza subculture.


Rolling Thunder (1977)
Description: A brutal revenge story about a Vietnam veteran who seeks vengeance after his family is attacked, marked by its raw intensity and psychological depth.
Fact: The film was co-written by Paul Schrader, who also penned 'Taxi Driver,' another gritty urban revenge tale.
