With Grand Theft Auto VI finally on the horizon—just a few weeks away, barring any last-minute chaos—the gaming world is buzzing. It's been a staggering 13 years since the last numbered entry, and the anticipation is off the charts. While you wait, why not dive into some cinematic crime that captures the spirit of the game? These movies are perfect homework for the big release, whether you're craving high-octane chases, morally gray characters, or just some good old-fashioned mayhem.
Love and Crime: The Bonnie and Clyde Vibe
One of the most exciting things about GTA 6 is its dual protagonists, a couple in crime. That's a fresh twist for the series, and it's a dynamic that's been explored in some classic films.
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
This is the ultimate movie about a romantic couple on a crime spree. It's a direct influence on GTA 6's narrative, and it's a must-watch for its blend of romance, violence, and bank robberies. If you want to see the blueprint for the game's story, this is it.
Drive (2011)
For a more stylish and restrained take, Drive is a moody thriller with a love story at its core. It's not a non-stop action flick, but it's cool, tense, and features some unforgettable driving sequences—a perfect match for the driving-heavy gameplay of any GTA title.
Miami Vice: The Setting Comes Alive
Since GTA 6 is set in a fictionalized Florida (Leonida) with the neon-soaked Vice City at its heart, movies that capture that vibe are essential viewing.
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
This sequel is pure, campy fun, and it's set in Miami. The chemistry between Brian and Roman is a highlight, and the over-the-top car stunts feel right at home in the GTA universe. It's a great way to get in the mood for the game's sun-soaked setting.
Bad Boys II (2003)
If you want chaos, this is your movie. Bad Boys II is a wild, explosive action-comedy that turns Miami into a playground of destruction. It's the perfect cinematic equivalent of causing mayhem in a GTA game, with the city feeling just as exaggerated and larger-than-life as Vice City promises to be.
Miami Vice (2006)
Michael Mann's stylish update of the classic TV show is a more serious, gritty take on crime in Miami. It's a great contrast to the more cartoonish entries on this list, and it shows a different side of the city that GTA 6 will explore. Plus, it's a reminder of the 1980s setting of the original Vice City, making it a nice historical touchstone.
More Crime Classics to Fill the Time
These picks round out your viewing list with a mix of heists, action, and pure style.
- Scarface (1983): The definitive rags-to-riches crime epic, set in Miami and full of the excess and violence that GTA is known for.
- Heat (1995): A masterclass in heist cinema, with a famous shootout that has influenced countless video games, including GTA.
- The French Connection (1971): A gritty, realistic cop thriller with one of the greatest car chases in film history.
- Training Day (2001): A tense, morally complex story about corruption in the LAPD, with a powerhouse performance from Denzel Washington.
- Baby Driver (2017): A stylish, music-driven heist movie with incredible driving sequences that will get your adrenaline pumping.
- Goodfellas (1990): A classic mob movie that captures the allure and brutality of organized crime, a theme that runs through the GTA series.
These films aren't just great entertainment; they're a primer for the world of GTA 6. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these movies tide you over until you can finally hit the streets of Leonida. And if you're looking for more cinematic inspiration, check out our list of the most universally adored movies of the 21st century or dive into some top martial arts movies since 2020 for a different kind of action.
