5 Amazing Crime Thrillers That Most Need a Sequel Movie After Heat 2

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Since Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner’s Heat 2 was published in 2022, fans of both the new book and the original movie have been hoping for a big-screen adaptation. Now, that possibility is looking much more likely. While it’s been discussed for some time, the confirmed involvement of Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio makes it feel like a real project. Though it’s hard to imagine anyone matching the iconic performances of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Val Kilmer, Bale and DiCaprio are excellent choices. With Mann returning to direct, this new film is shaping up to be fantastic.

Beyond just discussing Heat 2, it makes you wonder which other great crime thrillers could be expanded with a sequel or continuation. Let’s explore some possibilities.

5) The Talented Mr. Ripley

Patricia Highsmith created a series of five novels centered around the manipulative criminal Tom Ripley, published over several decades from 1955 to 1991. Three of these books have been made into movies, and one – The Talented Mr. Ripley – has even been adapted twice. The 1960 film Purple Noon and the more well-known 1999 version starring Matt Damon both came from this novel. Many fans believe a follow-up movie to the 1999 version would have been a great addition.

Even after 27 years, a follow-up to The Talented Mr. Ripley is still possible. The original actors wouldn’t even need to be replaced. We could revisit Tom’s life decades later and see how he’s changed. Is he haunted by the people he killed – Dickie, Freddie, and Peter – or is he completely unconcerned? Has he spent all the money Dickie’s father left him? These are compelling questions that a sequel could explore.

Stream The Talented Mr. Ripley on Netflix.

4) The Nice Guys

We’re stretching the definition of “Thriller” a bit, but Shane Black’s The Nice Guys had all the makings of a great series, so it deserves a mention. Ultimately, the movie’s core mystery was captivating, and what’s the real difference between captivating and thrilling, anyway?

Despite being arguably the best movie of the summer in 2016, The Nice Guys didn’t do well in theaters. However, it’s gained a dedicated fanbase who appreciate the fantastic connection between Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, raising the possibility that a sequel could be even more successful.

3) L.A. Confidential

As a huge fan of both the book and the movie, I truly believe Curtis Hanson’s 1997 adaptation of James Ellroy’s L.A. Confidential is perfect. It wasn’t just critically acclaimed and a box office hit – it really launched the careers of Guy Pearce and Russell Crowe. Honestly, the story felt so rich, I always thought it had the potential to become a whole series!

L.A. Confidential isn’t a standalone story; it’s part of a larger series of novels called the L.A. Quartet. This opens the door to adapting the other three books in the series, building on the world created by director Hanson and writer Brian Helgeland. While The Black Dahlia was previously adapted, it felt like a separate project. If the key creative team, including the actors Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce, could reunite, a continuation could be fantastic. Though Crowe’s character and Pearce’s were primarily featured in L.A. Confidential and, in Pearce’s case, White Jazz, there’s potential to adapt White Jazz, The Black Dahlia, or The Big Nowhere to fit within the established continuity. Interestingly, an adaptation of one of these books was actually planned with Chadwick Boseman, but Warner Bros. ultimately decided not to move forward with it.

Stream L.A. Confidential on Prime Video.

2) Point Break

The original Point Break is a thrilling and fun ride with a satisfying conclusion, and it’s especially poignant knowing we’ve lost Patrick Swayze.

However, that still leaves the possibility of Keanu Reeves reprising his role as Johnny Utah. The character already feels similar to someone like Jack Reacher, and he’s capable of going undercover in many different situations, not just among surfers. Reeves remains a popular actor, and while they could potentially continue making John Wick movies indefinitely, those films can’t last forever. It would be interesting to see a more mature and experienced Utah return, perhaps even having ended up with Tyler, played by Lori Petty.

Stream Point Break on Hulu.

1) Wrath of Man

Similar to the movie Point Break, Guy Ritchie’s Wrath of Man tells a complete, standalone story. However, like Point Break, the main character feels like he could be part of something bigger, even though this story is deeply personal for him.

Jason Statham excels in action franchises, and his character in Wrath of Man is particularly captivating. The film itself is surprisingly good but doesn’t get the attention it deserves, boasting a stylish presentation and an interesting, non-traditional storyline. Given how well Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham work together, it’s likely they’ll continue to collaborate, and it would be fantastic to see Statham’s character take down another criminal operation.

Stream Wrath of Man on Netflix.

What sequel are you hoping for the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-04 00:18