Saagar Kote
Prime Video’s ‘The Pickup’ is an action comedy film that follows the lives of Russell (Eddie Murphy) and Travis (Pete Davidson), who unfortunately become part of a dangerous heist that threatens to disrupt their lives. The two unlikely partners are forced into action when their cash pickup truck is interrupted by criminals working for a boss named Zoe (Keke Palmer). The drivers are ordered to help the gang of criminals steal money from a bank, and find themselves in a chaotic mess of danger, violence, and adrenaline.
The Tim Story directorial explores themes of friendship and crime, while also delivering thrills. The film combines the elements of high-speed chases, rib-tickling one-liners, and fast-paced sequences with quirky bromance in an entertaining manner. If you enjoyed the vibe, over-the-top sequences, hilarious moments, high stakes, and the chemistry between the lead characters in the film, these movies, similar to ‘The Pickup’, will be worthy additions to your watchlist.
12. 21 Bridges (2019)
In the action thriller film ’21 Bridges,’ directed by Brian Kirk, NYPD detective Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) finds himself stuck in a city-level pursuit of two cop killers. As he delves deeper, the officer uncovers a vast conspiracy connecting his own police colleagues to criminal networks, forcing him to question who is truly the guilty party and who is being hunted for the crimes. For the first time ever, Manhattan is completely locked down during the manhunt, with all 21 bridges restricting any entry or exit from the island, leading to a dangerous scenario for the characters. Akin to ‘The Pickup,’ it features high-intensity action sequences, the drama of chases, and characters pushing against all odds to survive an ordeal. While the Eddie Murphy starrer adopts a more comedic approach, the Chadwick Boseman starrer is a darker take on the genre, connecting the two films in a unique way.
11. Heist (2015)
In ‘Heist,’ desperate to afford his bedridden daughter’s surgery, Luke Vaughn (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), an employee at Francis Silva’s (Robert De Niro) casino, conspires with fellow casino worker Jason Cox (Dave Bautista) to rob the much-feared owner. Their meticulously planned heist goes haywire during the getaway, forcing them to hijack Bus 657 with passengers onboard. This impulsive act sets off a chain of events with severe repercussions. The Scott Mann directorial is an action drama film with complex emotional character arcs. Similar to “The Pickup,’ the film looks at the motivations behind heists, while also dealing with the emotional complications arising between the characters involved. Both films feature men thrown into dangerous situations who must rely on each other to ensure survival.
10. Wheelman (2017)
Netflix’s ‘Wheelman,’ written and directed by Jeremy Rush, follows the life of the unnamed protagonist (Frank Grillo), who finds out that he has been betrayed during a bank heist. The narrative navigates his struggles as he rushes to uncover the identity of the one who put him through the ordeal, endangering his life. To save his teenage kid Katie and his ex-wife Jessica, the wheelman must go through great odds during the span of a night, which tests his love and survival skills. In ways similar to ‘The Pickup,’ the narrative delves into the journey of a character who unwillingly gets involved in a life-or-death scenario, due to the questionable motivations of others. The themes of survival and courage in the two films connect them, while they also feature high-intensity chase sequences and adrenaline-fueled moments that lead to intriguing prospects.
9. Triple 9 (2016)
In the action thriller ‘Triple 9’, former soldiers Michael Atwood (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Russel Welch (Norman Reedus) lead an Atlanta criminal organization. They find themselves blackmailed by the Russian Mob, forced to rob an extremely protected bank in broad daylight under increasingly perilous circumstances. The mission examines their will to survive, while also testing their loyalty to the group. Akin to ‘The Pickup,’ the John Hillcoat directorial delves into ideas of survival and courage, while also featuring characters who are bullied into accepting a dangerous mission, with fatal consequences. Both films have an atmospheric and thematic connection that makes them complementary.
8. Lift (2024)
Netflix’s F. Gary Gray directorial ‘Lift’ centers on Cyrus (Kevin Hart) and his crew, who are experts at art theft. The group is approached by Abby (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who intends to steal a massive shipment of gold being transferred from London to Zurich. The crew members find their skills and loyalty tested when they reluctantly accept the dangerous mission, which not only threatens their lives but also their relationships with each other. Akin to ‘The Pickup,’ the narrative follows individuals who are thrust into dangerous scenarios by external parties. Both films feature over-the-top action sequences, intense fights, and similar tonality in terms of comedy and writing. The motivations of characters in the narratives also connect them on a greater level.
7. The Italian Job (2003)
‘The Italian Job’ is a crime thriller that follows the adventures and revenge saga of a highly skilled group of thieves headed by John Bridger (Donald Sutherland). When one of their own men, Steve (Edward Norton), betrays the team and kills the leader, Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) assumes the leadership of the thieving group to avenge John by outsmarting Steve. The film explores themes of revenge, skills, the morality of criminals, and friendship. It is an homage to the eponymous 1969 British film. The F. Gary Gray directorial, in ways complementary to ‘The Pickup,’ deals with individuals who are hired to accomplish dangerous missions, while also dealing with their emotional complexities. Both films shed light on the importance of loyalty and teamwork, while also delivering intense action sequences, which become a key part of the narrative.
6. Baby Driver (2017)
In the action thriller film ‘Baby Driver,’ a skilled young driver named Baby (Ansel Elgort) finds himself trapped, working for a crime syndicate headed by Doc (Kevin Spacey). Despite the young boy’s desire to quit a life of crime and pursue love with Debora (Lily James), he finds that there’s no such thing as leaving the crime world behind without consequences. Helmed by Edgar Wright, the storyline deals with the themes of liberation, group dynamics, crime, and loyalty. Akin to ‘The Pickup,’ it features a take on how individuals can face overwhelming odds to achieve the impossible. Both films contain action sequences, life-or-death scenarios, and the idea of camaraderie that often leads to unforeseen consequences. The protagonists in both films must endure to survive their missions, despite not choosing them in the first place.
5. Fast Five (2011)
‘Fast Five’, also known as ‘Fast & Furious 5,’ is the fifth film of the ‘Fast & Furious’ action saga. The Justin Lin directorial continues the thrilling adventure of Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker), and the rest of the team as they attempt to pull off a dangerous heist in Rio de Janeiro by robbing the most influential crime lord in the city. However, DSS officer Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) begins a vicious pursuit of the team, intending to put an end to their criminal ambitions. The movie explores the world of high-speed chases, heists, team dynamics, love, and family. Analogous to the feel of ‘The Pickup,’ it features breathtaking action sequences, while also delivering witty one-liners. In strikingly similar ways, both films contain aspects of intra-group tensions and threats, and a similar flavor of humor that connects them on a higher level.
4. Den of Thieves (2018)
Christian Gudegast’s crime thriller film, ‘Den of Thieves,’ revolves around an elite unit within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as they pursue California’s most infamous crew of robbers, orchestrating a dangerous heist targeting the Federal Reserve Bank. The film primarily delves into the intricacies of executing a heist, highlighting the obstacles faced by law enforcement and the extreme measures masterminds employ to safeguard their plans and achieve their goals. Much like ‘The Pickup,’ it explores group dynamics, including themes of loyalty, individual skills, and moral considerations. Both films contain highly intense action sequences, while also dealing with the complex motivations of the different characters involved in the heist.
3. Wrath of Man (2021)
The action revenge saga ‘Wrath of Man,’ helmed by Guy Ritchie, centers on “H” (Jason Statham), a seemingly ordinary security guard for a Los Angeles truck company, who has hidden agendas, which slowly come to light and drive the narrative to a complex scenario of violence and retribution. The movie is partially based on the 2004 French film ‘Cash Truck.’ In ways similar to ‘The Pickup, it explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the execution of heists. Both films provide adrenaline-pumping scenes of action, brutality, and chaos that the characters must survive to achieve their objectives. The idea of revenge is felt stronger in the Jason Statham starrer, as opposed to the Tim Story directorial.
2. The Instigators (2024)
Apple TV+’s ‘The Instigators’ follows the journey of Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck), who team up to steal from a corrupt political figure. However, during the heist, unexpected challenges arise, leading the two main characters into further danger and mayhem, while they are chased by the police. With their backs against the wall, the two men must figure out a way to escape and survive their ordeal before it is too late. The Doug Liman directorial delves into the themes of desperation, loyalty, friendship, family, and survival. Akin to ‘The Pickup,’ it features the bravery of two men who work together against the odds to achieve their objectives. Both films contain commentaries on group dynamics and morality, while also featuring lead characters who share a complex equation with each other.
1. Ambulance (2022)
Directed by Michael Bay, ‘Ambulance’ is an action thriller about adoptive brothers Danny Sharp (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). After a perilous bank robbery, they hijack an ambulance, taking a paramedic and an officer hostage. The rest of the film takes place in a moving vehicle, leading to heightened states of mind and consequences for the characters. The narrative is packed with adrenaline-pumping chase sequences and over-the-top elements. Beyond the action, it delves into the brothers’ unbreakable bond and the gravity of their ordeal. Analogous to ‘The Pickup,’ the film contains elements of team unity, danger, and survival. Both films dive into the intricacies of complex partnerships, especially when confronting fatal dangers during missions. The thematic elements of redemption and survival connect the narratives on a greater level.
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