Before GTA 6 Launches: These Are the Movies Every Grand Theft Auto Fan Should Watch Before Release

Fans have had to wait a long time for "GTA 6", but the release of the highly anticipated open-world game is finally within reach. Until then, there's no better way to pass the remaining time than by watching a few fitting movies. After all, there are plenty of movies that feature spectacular bank heists, high-speed car chases, and shady gangsters—some of the very elements that make the "GTA" franchise so popular. Several of them also capture the setting and atmosphere of sunny Vice City particularly well. We've put together a list of 12 movies that will help fans get in the mood for "GTA 6".

Miami Vice (2006)

Michael Mann's "Miami Vice" is an excellent way to get in the mood for "GTA 6". Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx play two undercover agents who infiltrate Miami's drug scene to take down a powerful cartel. In the process, the two not only face dangerous gangsters but also find themselves drawn deeper and deeper into the criminal underworld. Among other things, the sun-drenched locations, fast cars, and neon lights at night are reminiscent of Vice City. Although Mann's "Miami Vice" received a rather mixed reception from audiences upon its release, it has since become a true cult classic.

Scarface (1983)

Of course, Brian De Palma's gangster classic "Scarface" can't be left off this list. Al Pacino plays Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who arrives in Miami and quickly rises to become a powerful drug lord. But as his influence grows, so do his enemies and his personal self-destruction. The film offers plenty of gangster action and an uncompromising story about power, money, and megalomania. Furthermore, "Scarface" is closely tied to the Miami vibe that often characterizes "GTA" as well.

Bad Boys (1995–2024)

If "GTA" makes you think primarily of high-speed car chases, wild shootouts, and plenty of chaos, you should check out the "Bad Boys" franchise. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence star as the mismatched detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, who regularly take on drug lords and other criminals in Miami.

The four films in the series combine explosive action with a healthy dose of humor, while featuring plenty of spectacular car stunts. The first films were directed by "Transformers" director Michael Bay. The sunny Miami setting also makes the series a particularly fitting recommendation for anyone looking forward to "GTA 6".

Pain & Gain (2013)

In "Pain & Gain", viewers are also transported to Miami. Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, and Anthony Mackie play three bodybuilders who hope to make a quick buck with a kidnapping plan that's as brazen as it is absurd. But as is so often the case in the world of crime, things don't go according to plan.

The film is based on a true story and combines dark humor with brutal action and plenty of megalomania. The mix of Florida vibes, crime, and increasingly outrageous situations should appeal to many "GTA" fans. Michael Bay, who also directed the "Bad Boys" movies, is behind the camera here as well.

Spring Breakers (2012)

If you're especially looking forward to the atmosphere of Vice City, you should also give "Spring Breakers" a chance. Harmony Korine's film tells the story of four college students who, during Spring Break in Florida, find themselves caught up in an increasingly dangerous world of drugs, guns, and crime. Along the way, they encounter the shady gangster Alien, played by James Franco. With its garish colors, neon lights, beach parties, and the dark side of American nightlife, the film captures an atmosphere that fits well with Rockstar's upcoming open-world adventure.

The Town (2010)

For anyone particularly interested in the world of gangsters and heists in "GTA 6", "The Town" is an excellent choice. Ben Affleck directed the thriller and also starred in the lead role. The story centers on a group of professional bank robbers from Boston. However, when one of the criminals falls in love with a woman he met during a heist, the entire operation is in danger of being exposed. For many, "The Town" is considered one of Ben Affleck's best works. The film has built up a loyal fan base over the years and remains very popular today.

Heat (1995)

With "Heat", master filmmaker Michael Mann delivers one of the greatest heist thrillers ever made. Robert De Niro stars as an experienced bank robber who pulls off numerous heists with his crew. However, persistent detective Vincent Hanna, played by Al Pacino, is hot on his trail. The movie is particularly famous for its meticulously staged shootout in the middle of Los Angeles, as well as the diner scene that brings two Hollywood legends, Pacino and De Niro, face to face. More generally, "Heat" has had an enormous influence on modern pop culture. The aesthetics and visual style of countless movies and video games have been inspired by Mann's masterpiece.

Drive (2011)

In "Drive", Ryan Gosling plays a quiet stunt driver who makes some extra money working as a getaway driver for criminals at night. But when a robbery goes wrong, he finds himself caught in an increasingly violent spiral. Nicolas Winding Refn's film focuses less on nonstop action and more on its atmospheric storytelling, stylish visuals, and intense suspense. The nighttime drives through the city should provide just the right mood for "GTA" fans.

To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

A slightly older but no less compelling classic is "To Live and Die in L.A" from "The Exorcist" director William Friedkin. The story follows a Secret Service agent who sets out to bring down a ruthless counterfeiter. However, he is more than willing to resort to questionable methods himself. The thriller offers a gripping story involving crime, counterfeit money, morality, and corruption. One particular highlight is an incredible car chase that is still considered one of the best of its kind.

Baby Driver (2017)

Edgar Wright's "Baby Driver" should also appeal to plenty of fans of the "GTA" franchise. Ansel Elgort stars as a young getaway driver who regularly works for bank robbers thanks to his exceptional driving skills. When he tries to leave the criminal world behind, however, he gets pulled into one final big heist. The movie stands out above all for its exceptionally choreographed car chases, with the entire action perfectly synchronized to the soundtrack. If you're looking forward to high-speed drives and spectacular getaway sequences, this is the movie for you.

Ambulance (2022)

And here's another Michael Bay movie: In the action thriller "Ambulance", two brothers, played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, plan a bank robbery that quickly spirals out of control. During their escape, they hijack an ambulance and find themselves caught up in a spectacular chase through Los Angeles. With explosions, shootouts, and driving stunts, the movie delivers virtually nonstop action – classic Michael Bay. Fans of the chaotic and action-packed moments in "GTA" should have a great time with this one.

Speed (1994)

If you're into spectacular car chases and plenty of thrills, you shouldn't miss "Speed" either. Keanu Reeves plays a police officer who must stop a bus rigged with a bomb. The explosive problem: as soon as the vehicle drops below 80 kilometers per hour, it threatens to blow up. Together with a courageous passenger, played by Sandra Bullock, he tries to prevent the disaster. This action classic by Jan de Bont offers gripping suspense, spectacular stunts, and high-speed driving maneuvers—just the thing for fans of the car chases in "GTA".

When is GTA VI coming out?

Whether it's spectacular bank heists, high-speed car chases, or life in a crime-ridden metropolis, these movies offer plenty of reasons to get even more excited about "GTA 6". Fortunately, the wait will soon be over: "GTA VI" is set to be released on November 19, 2026! By the way, players who have digitally pre-ordered the game can now preload it. You can, of course, still pre-order it as well. And if you're looking to get in the mood, you can watch the trailer again here: