๐ŸŽž MTDbBest ofBy yearBy genreBy runtimeBrowse (app)

MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1981 โ€บ Thief

Thief poster

Thief (1981)

โ€œTonight, his take home pay is $410,000... tax free.โ€

7.2/10 ยท 903 votes 2h 3m r ActionThrillerDramaCrime

#12 of 42 films from 1981 #442 of 2168 in action

Directed by Michael Mann ยท Written by Michael Mann, Frank Hohimer

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Frank is an expert professional safecracker, specialized in high-profile diamond heists. He plans to use his ill-gotten income to retire from crime and build a nice life for himself complete with a home, wife and kids. To accelerate the process, he signs on with a top gangster for a big score.

Cast

James Caanas Frank
Tuesday Weldas Jessie
Robert Proskyas Leo Alderman
Willie Nelsonas David 'Okla' Bertinneau
Jim Belushias Barry Stratagakis
Tom Signorellias Vincent Attaglia
Dennis Farinaas Carl
Nick Nickeasas Nick
W.R. Brownas Mitch Kanoff
Norm Tobinas Guido
John Santuccias Sgt. Urizzi
Gavin MacFadyenas Det. Boreksco
Chuck Adamsonas Det. Ancell
Sam Cironeas Det. Martello

Facts

Release dateMarch 27, 1981
Runtime123 min (2h 3m) โ€” longer as the 1981 average of 108 min
GenresAction, Thriller, Drama, Crime
LanguageEN
Budget$5,500,000
Box office$11,494,812 (2.1ร— budget)
IMDbtt0083190

More from Michael Mann

HeatHeat1995 ยท โ˜… 7.9 ยท 2h 50m The InsiderThe Insider1999 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 2h 38m The Last of the MohicansThe Last of the Mohicans1992 ยท โ˜… 7.4 ยท 1h 52m CollateralCollateral2004 ยท โ˜… 7.2 ยท 2h 0m ManhunterManhunter1986 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 2h 0m AliAli2001 ยท โ˜… 6.7 ยท 2h 37m Public EnemiesPublic Enemies2009 ยท โ˜… 6.7 ยท 2h 20m FerrariFerrari2023 ยท โ˜… 6.4 ยท 2h 11m

If you liked Thief

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

The KillerThe Killer1989 ยท โ˜… 7.6 ยท 1h 50m The Taking of Pelham One Two ThreeThe Taking of Pelham One Two Three1974 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 45m Lock UpLock Up1989 ยท โ˜… 6.8 ยท 1h 49m 48 Hrs.48 Hrs.1982 ยท โ˜… 6.7 ยท 1h 36m The EnforcerThe Enforcer1976 ยท โ˜… 6.7 ยท 1h 36m Sudden ImpactSudden Impact1983 ยท โ˜… 6.6 ยท 1h 57m ColorsColors1988 ยท โ˜… 6.5 ยท 2h 0m The GauntletThe Gauntlet1977 ยท โ˜… 6.5 ยท 1h 49m

Questions

How long is Thief?
Thief runs 123 minutes (2h 3m).
Is Thief worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.2/10 across 903 votes, which places it #12 of 42 films released in 1981 in this index (top 74%) and #442 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed Thief?
Thief was directed by Michael Mann. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Heat (1995), The Insider (1999), The Last of the Mohicans (1992).
Who stars in Thief?
James Caan as Frank; Tuesday Weld as Jessie; Robert Prosky as Leo Alderman; Willie Nelson as David 'Okla' Bertinneau; Jim Belushi as Barry Stratagakis; Tom Signorelli as Vincent Attaglia.
What is Thief rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Thief?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/2799.

Browse

Best of 1981Best actionAction of the 1980sBest thrillerThriller of the 1980sBest dramaDrama of the 1980sBest crimeCrime of the 1980sAll lists
MTDbยทBest films by year, genre and runtimeยทA century in numbersยทBrowse and watch trailers

Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.