#Movies Like The Town You Definitely Need To See

When “The Town” debuted, it instantly sparked comparisons with other bank robbery classics, most notably the work of director Michael Mann. An eclectic filmmaker known for creating masterful and atmospheric sequences of suspense, Mann has been a prominent figure within crime cinema since he began as executive producer on the classic ’80s cop series “Miami Vice.” Like Affleck, Mann draws a fine line between populist entertainment and elevated thrillers. His films are incredibly stylized and have unique visuals that are engaging on a visceral level but also raise serious moral questions about the nature of crime and the pursuit of justice.

Mann’s 1995 bank heist thriller “Heat” is most frequently compared to “The Town,” but Mann’s interest in the crime genre was evident from the very beginning of his career. As with Affleck, Mann’s first feature announced the writer-director as a new voice who could reinterpret classic tropes in his own style. His debut film, 1981’s “Thief,” remains one of the most stirring directorial debuts of all time, and forty years later, it’s still hailed as a beloved classic.

Like “The Town,” “Thief” focuses on a morally flexible bank robber who attempts to escape the consequences of his lifestyle but struggles to leave the only profession he knows. James Caan gives a terrific performance as Frank, a jewel thief who is called back to join a heist team after being released from prison.