If you're a fan of the gritty, high-octane action of 'Overkill' (1987), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping thrills, intense fight scenes, and gripping storytelling. Whether you're looking for more underground crime dramas or explosive revenge tales, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Bullitt (1968)
Description: A groundbreaking police thriller featuring one of the most famous car chases in film history, with a stoic protagonist and a focus on procedural realism.
Fact: The car chase scene was filmed over three weeks in San Francisco, with no permits for some of the locations. Steve McQueen did many of his own driving stunts, adding to the scene's intensity.


The Italian Job (1969)
Description: A classic heist film with a clever, intricate plan, charismatic criminals, and a memorable Mini Cooper chase sequence that has become iconic in cinema history.
Fact: The film's famous cliffhanger ending was originally intended to have a sequel, which never materialized. The Mini Coopers used in the chase scenes were specially modified to handle the stunts.


The French Connection (1971)
Description: A gritty, realistic crime drama centered around a narcotics detective's relentless pursuit of a drug smuggling ring, featuring one of cinema's most thrilling chase sequences.
Fact: The film's famous car chase was filmed without proper permits, leading to real-life near-misses with pedestrians. The movie was based on a true story, adding to its raw, documentary-like feel.


The Getaway (1972)
Description: A high-stakes crime thriller featuring a meticulously planned heist gone wrong, intense chase sequences, and a gritty, realistic portrayal of criminals on the run.
Fact: The film was initially offered to Sam Peckinpah, who turned it down, but later directed it after Steve McQueen insisted on his involvement. Many of the car chase scenes were filmed without permits, adding to the film's raw, chaotic energy.


Thief (1981)
Description: A neo-noir crime film centered around a professional safecracker who gets entangled in a dangerous heist, showcasing meticulous planning, intense action, and a morally ambiguous protagonist.
Fact: The film's realistic heist scenes were praised for their authenticity, with real-life safecracker John Santucci serving as a technical advisor. The movie's electronic score by Tangerine Dream was groundbreaking for its time.


To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
Description: A stylish, violent crime thriller about a Secret Service agent's obsessive pursuit of a counterfeiter, featuring a morally ambiguous narrative and a standout car chase.
Fact: The film's car chase was shot against traffic on actual freeways, a risky move that added to the scene's realism. The movie's soundtrack was composed by Wang Chung, blending synth-pop with the film's dark tone.


Point Break (1991)
Description: A high-octane action film blending crime and extreme sports, featuring bank robbers who use surfing as a cover, leading to thrilling chase sequences and a deep undercover operation.
Fact: The film's surfing scenes were so intense that Keanu Reeves nearly drowned during filming. The original script was much darker, but was rewritten to focus more on the adrenaline-fueled action.


Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Description: A tightly wound crime thriller focusing on the aftermath of a botched heist, with non-linear storytelling, sharp dialogue, and a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot on a modest budget of $


Heat (1995)
Description: A gripping crime drama that delves into the lives of both criminals and law enforcement, featuring elaborate heists, intense shootouts, and a cat-and-mouse dynamic between the main characters.
Fact: The famous downtown shootout scene was filmed with live ammunition to enhance realism, a rarity in Hollywood productions. The film's runtime of nearly three hours was initially a point of contention with studios.


Ronin (1998)
Description: A sleek, international espionage thriller with a focus on a group of mercenaries pulling off a high-risk heist, featuring elaborate car chases and a shadowy, unpredictable plot.
Fact: The film's car chases were choreographed by the same team behind 'The French Connection,' known for their realistic and high-speed sequences. Many of the stunts were performed without CGI, adding to the film's authenticity.
