9 Movies and Shows Similar to To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

Description: 'The French Connection' shares with 'To Live and Die in L.A.' a gritty, realistic portrayal of police work and the pursuit of criminals. Both films feature intense chase scenes and a focus on the personal costs of obsession with the job. The directors of both films, William Friedkin and Michael Mann, are known for their meticulous attention to detail and realistic action sequences.

Fact: The famous car chase scene was filmed without permits and involved real pedestrians. Gene Hackman's character, Popeye Doyle, is based on a real-life NYPD detective. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Similar to 'To Live and Die in L.A.', 'Heat' is a crime thriller that delves deep into the lives of both criminals and law enforcement, showcasing the blurred lines between good and evil. Both films feature intense, realistic action sequences and a gritty portrayal of Los Angeles. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between the protagonists and antagonists is a central theme in both movies.

Fact: 'Heat' features the first on-screen collaboration between Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, despite their previous work in 'The Godfather Part II'. The famous shootout scene was praised for its realism and influenced many future action films. Director Michael Mann used real locations in Los Angeles to enhance the film's authenticity.

Description: 'L.A. Confidential' shares with 'To Live and Die in L.A.' a noir-inspired look at Los Angeles, filled with corruption, moral ambiguity, and complex characters. Both films explore the darker side of the city and the people who inhabit it, with a focus on crime and the police force. The stylish cinematography and period details in 'L.A. Confidential' echo the visual aesthetics of 'To Live and Die in L.A.'

Fact: The film is based on James Ellroy's novel of the same name, part of his 'L.A. Quartet'. Kim Basinger won an Academy Award for her role as Lynn Bracken. The film was a critical success but initially underperformed at the box office, later gaining a cult following.

Description: 'Training Day' and 'To Live and Die in L.A.' both explore the themes of corruption and moral ambiguity within the police force. Both films are set in Los Angeles and feature intense, character-driven narratives. The portrayal of the city's underworld and the relationships between cops and criminals are central to both stories.

Fact: Denzel Washington won an Academy Award for his role as Alonzo Harris. The film was shot on location in some of Los Angeles's most dangerous neighborhoods. Director Antoine Fuqua drew inspiration from real-life stories of police corruption.

Description: Like 'To Live and Die in L.A.', 'Collateral' is a tense, atmospheric thriller set in Los Angeles, focusing on crime and the unexpected relationships that form in its underworld. Both films use the city's landscape as a character itself, with nighttime scenes that heighten the tension. The moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists are central to both stories.

Fact: Tom Cruise, known for his heroic roles, played against type as the villainous Vincent. Director Michael Mann used digital cameras to capture the film's unique visual style. The jazz club scene was improvised by Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise.

Description: 'The Departed' and 'To Live and Die in L.A.' both delve into themes of identity, loyalty, and betrayal within the context of law enforcement and crime. Both films feature complex characters who operate in morally gray areas. The tension and suspense in both movies are driven by the constant threat of discovery and the high stakes of undercover work.

Fact: The film is a remake of the Hong Kong movie 'Infernal Affairs'. Jack Nicholson improvised many of his lines, including the famous 'I'm the guy who does his job' monologue. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Martin Scorsese.

Description: 'Drive' shares with 'To Live and Die in L.A.' a stylish, atmospheric portrayal of Los Angeles and its criminal underworld. Both films feature protagonists who are skilled drivers and get caught up in dangerous situations. The use of music and visual style to create mood is a hallmark of both movies.

Fact: Ryan Gosling learned to perform many of his own stunts, including the driving sequences. The film's soundtrack, featuring synth-pop, became a cultural phenomenon. Director Nicolas Winding Refn was inspired by 1980s neo-noir films.

Description: 'End of Watch' shares with 'To Live and Die in L.A.' a focus on the daily lives and dangers faced by law enforcement officers. Both films use a realistic, almost documentary-like style to portray the gritty realities of police work. The camaraderie between partners is a key element in both movies.

Fact: The film was shot in a pseudo-documentary style, with actors carrying cameras. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña underwent extensive training with real LAPD officers. The film's title refers to the police term for an officer killed in the line of duty.

Description: 'Nightcrawler' and 'To Live and Die in L.A.' both explore the darker side of Los Angeles, focusing on characters who operate on the fringes of society. Both films feature protagonists who are driven by ambition and willing to cross moral boundaries. The portrayal of the city as a place of both opportunity and danger is central to both stories.

Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal lost 20 pounds to play the gaunt, intense Lou Bloom. The film critiques the sensationalism of local news media. Director Dan Gilroy drew inspiration from real-life 'stringers' who film crime scenes for news outlets.