Is Dead Heat Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Dead Heat is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 84 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Dead Heat Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Dead Heat emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Detective Roger Mortis is killed in action while investigating a string of mysterious robberies: until he's brought back from the dead with a chemical company's secret re-animation technology. Unlike standard genre fare, Dead Heat attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dead Heat features a noteworthy lineup led by Treat Williams . Supported by the likes of Joe Piscopo and Lindsay Frost , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Dead Heat (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Dead Heat Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Dead Heat is a Action, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller, Comedy film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Dead Heat Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Dead Heat concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Dead Heat reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Dead Heat?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Dead Heat Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Dead Heat Budget
The estimated production budget for Dead Heat is $5.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Dead Heat
- Treat Williams – Det. Roger Mortis
- Joe Piscopo – Det. Doug Bigelow
- Lindsay Frost – Randi James
- Darren McGavin – Dr. Ernest McNab
- Vincent Price – Arthur P. Loudermilk
Top Highlights
Treat WilliamsDet. Roger Mortis
Joe PiscopoDet. Doug Bigelow
Lindsay FrostRandi James
Darren McGavinDr. Ernest McNab
Vincent PriceArthur P. Loudermilk
Robert PicardoLt. Herzog
Martha QuinnNewscaster
Keye LukeMr. Thule
Clare KirkconnellRebecca Smythers
Mel StewartCaptain Mayberry
Where to Watch Dead Heat Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Dead Heat is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Dead Heat stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dead Heat movie hit or flop?
Dead Heat has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Dead Heat worth watching?
Dead Heat is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Horror, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Dead Heat online?
Dead Heat is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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How Dead Heat Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Dead Heat
A bit goofy for sure but a fun horror-comedy, in the vein of Evil Dead 2. The performances from both Treat Williams and Joe Piscopo were fun. Think this is one with some good replay value. **3.5/5**
I love 80's movies but this one would be worth passing on except there is one horror make up scene (Randi dying)that might be worth the view. The dialog is clunky and the acting is pretty poor and that includes Treat Williams, who I normally like, but you can tell he was going through the motions on this one. Personally, I never cared for Joe Piscopo in any movie. But if you enjoy an 80's movie with it's vibe - the music, the fashions, the hair styles and add to it a retro red 1960's Chevy convertible then dive right in.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
