The Heat

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The Heat

R

2013

1h 57m

Comedy

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

65%

Tomatometer

184 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) is a methodical investigator with a long-standing reputation for excellence -- and arrogance. In contrast, foul-mouthed, hot-tempered detective Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy) goes with her gut instincts and street smarts to remove criminals from the streets of Boston. Sparks fly when these polar opposites have to work together to capture a drug lord, but in the process, they become the last thing anyone expected -- buddies.

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Critics Consensus

The Heat is predictable, but Melissa McCarthy is reliably funny and Sandra Bullock proves a capable foil.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

Sep 5, 2018

This is a disappointment as, ultimately, the stars' chemistry just can't see off the lazy, sloppy formulaic execution.

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Wesley Morris

Grantland

Jan 6, 2014

McCarthy's an actress who needs a foil, and for now Bullock is more than good enough. I just wish these two had found each other 10 years ago.

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Max Kyburz

Film Comment Magazine

Nov 4, 2013

An all-female buddy cop movie that, for all its flaws, amounts to one of the ballsier attempts at the genre.

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Matt Oakes

Silver Screen Riot

Oct 15, 2026

D+

Had Feig cut down about 40 or more minutes in the editing room, he actually may have transformed this into something with more energy and axed most of the DOA jokes but, the way it is, this lifeless piece bobs and sinks.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Mar 18, 2026

3/5

‘an amusing cop movie parody from a female perspective…’

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Oct 17, 2024

2/5

That star power pair should be enough, but it's not.

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Alyssa B

@alyunlivre Oct 11, 2026

Honestly, it’s a good movie to watch when you just want to pass the time. It made me laugh and brought out a range of emotions, but it’s certainly not the best film out there. Melissa and Sandra are two of my favorite actresses, and I love seeing them share the screen. I’d say it’s worth watching at least once in your life!

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 14, 2026

The Heat = a *3.5* star Movie!

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P H

@Fozzie Aug 31, 2026

I found the movie started to grind after about 30 mins. The characters were typical stereotypes but way over-acted. Melissa McCarthy was always angry and I spent the 90 mins thinking I would have fired her ass before the movie even started. Bullock plays an narcissistic idiot but the shtick feels tired 30 minutes in. Both actors can do much better but blame the writing and direction; not them. Great for 16 year olds.

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William W

@RT19493452 Aug 22, 2026

A riot. These gals work well together. Perfect balance of swearing and prudishness. Love it

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Melissa M

@Lisey May 14, 2026

It's always awesome to see female protagonists. Female actresses playing the lead roles in action movies. Like most modern day action comedies there's a lot of gratuitous language, sex, & language. Even the music has gratuitous language. Sara & Shannon do make a badass team. There were some moments of hilarity. Like when Sara & Shannon we're doing surveillance at the club. When they met for the first time. When they get drunk at the bar & get their freak on. There's no denying that Sandra Bullock & Melissa McCarthy have great comedic timing & can be beyond LOL. Melissa McCarthy & Sandra Bullock could definitely fit into the action hero category. If you like trash talking comedies. And you'll like this movie.

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Raquel E

@raquelea May 14, 2026

A fun enough character dynamic helps carry the film, though uneven humor and a familiar structure limit its overall impact.

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Paul Feig

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Sarah Ashburn

Melissa McCarthy

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Synopsis

FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) is a methodical investigator with a long-standing reputation for excellence -- and arrogance. In contrast, foul-mouthed, hot-tempered detective Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy) goes with her gut instincts and street smarts to remove criminals from the streets of Boston. Sparks fly when these polar opposites have to work together to capture a drug lord, but in the process, they become the last thing anyone expected -- buddies.

Director: Paul Feig
Producer: Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping
Screenwriter: Katie Dippold
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox, Chernin Entertainment
Rating: R (Some Violence|Pervasive Language|Strong Crude Content)
Genre: Comedy, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 28, 2013, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 18, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $159.6M
Runtime: 1h 57m
Sound Mix: Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Stereo

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