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Red Heat

Red Heat

Moscow's toughest detective. Chicago's craziest cop. There's only one thing worse than making them mad. Making them partners.

1988104 minRMidcredits score: 47th percentile of all films
Director
Walter Hill
Starring
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Belushi, Peter Boyle, Ed O'Ross

A tough Russian policeman is forced to partner up with a cocky Chicago police detective when he is sent to Chicago to apprehend a Georgian drug lord who killed his partner and fled the country.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Red Heat?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Red Heat to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Red Heat?

Red Heat earns 6 badges, led by Preferred by Men and Fun.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Red Heat worth watching?

Red Heat's Midcredits score is the 47th percentile of all films, from 123K ratings across 6 sources. 41% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

47th percentile

Better received than 47% of films

63rd percentile among Action49th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)54th
Approval (how many liked it)39th

63 /100

54th percentile of all films

71st percentile among Action57th percentile among 1980s

Critics 61 · Audience 63

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

41% liked it

39th percentile of all films

54th percentile among Action41st percentile among 1980s
41% rated it 7–1059% rated it 1–6

Critics 68% · Audience 38%

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

94th percentile

123K ratings across platforms

89th percentile among Action94th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 27% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$29M
Opening weekend$8.1M
Domestic gross$35M
Worldwide gross$35M

Returned 1.2× its budget — 74th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A formulaic buddy-cop action-comedy from the late 80s that relies on the clash between its two leads.

Fans praised

  • Entertaining buddy-cop chemistry between Arnie and Belushi
  • Solid 80s action with well-staged shootouts and bus chase
  • Funny culture-clash humor and deadpan one-liners

Detractors panned

  • Jim Belushi's annoying overacting kills the comedy
  • Derivative formula and slow, boring pacing
  • No chemistry between leads; action feels flat and cheap

What stands out

ActingDivisive65

Schwarzenegger's stoic Russian vs Belushi's loud-mouthed cop

Effects and spectacleDivisive60

Over-the-top bus chase and practical shootouts

DialogueDivisive55

Snappy one-liners mixed with forced, unfunny banter

HumorDivisive50

Culture-clash gags land for fans, fall flat for others

PacingDivisive50

Starts strong but drags in the middle; finishes with bus chase

Characters45

One-dimensional stock buddy-cop archetypes

Plot and story40

Generic revenge-and-drug-deal chase with little surprise

Originality25

Rehashes 48 Hrs. formula with a Cold War twist

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 20 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 12 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 14 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s even

Watch experience

What is Red Heat like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you entertained.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingAbsurdTense
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film embraces its genre conventions with a straight face, playing the premise earnestly while allowing humorous culture-clash dialogue.
The rideA steady mix of chase tension and comedic banter runs from the Moscow ambush through the Chicago bus finale.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional beginning-middle-end structure, from the setup in Moscow to the chase and climax in Chicago.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film delivers an entertaining buddy cop chase and leaves the viewer with a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

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).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · 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%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · 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%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA Soviet cop and a Chicago cop must recapture an escaped drug lord, leading to a culture-clash chase through Chicago.

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 filmsSelfLoyaltyBonds
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% (this title)
  • 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% · 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

Loyalty · 4% of filmsJustice · 13% of filmsFriendship · 9% 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 themeThe film centers on two cops from vastly different worlds who must stand by each other and their shared mission despite mutual suspicion and cultural clash.
StanceThe film celebrates loyalty and cross-cultural friendship as the two cops, despite their differences, forge a bond and win the day.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernForeground music · original score · James Horner
Setting1980s Chicago and Moscow
MusicHorner's synth-and-brass score amplifies the blockbuster action beats.

Content guide

Is Red Heat okay for kids?

R

Red Heat is rated R. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (82/100), sexual content at intense (65/100), language at severe (82/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (46/100) and frightening material at intense (60/100). Overall it is heavier than 74% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • UK18
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany18
  • FranceU
  • Ireland18
  • JapanR18+
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil14
  • Denmark15
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands16
  • Russia18+
  • SK15
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 84% of all filmsHeavier than 74% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 68%
Sex & Nudity
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 81%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 76%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 61%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 46%

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

Heavy almost across the board: violence, language, sexual content, and frightening material. 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 Red Heat have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Red Heat?

Cast

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

Arnold Schwarzenegger
as Ivan Danko
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.
Jim Belushi
as Art Ridzik
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Peter Boyle
as Lou Donnelly
Ed O'Ross
as Viktor Rostavili
Laurence Fishburne
as Lt. Stobbs
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Gina Gershon
as Cat Manzetti
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Richard Bright
as Sgt. Gallagher
Brent Jennings
as Abdul Elijah
Gretchen Palmer
as Hooker
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Pruitt Taylor Vince
as Night Clerk
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Red Heat?

Movies like Red Heat include Another 48 Hrs. (1990), Bad Boys for Life (2020) and 48 Hrs. (1982). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Walter Hill, and all are buddy-cop films.

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

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

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Red 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.