Michael Mann, the acclaimed director known for his stylized crime thrillers and dramatic features, has worked with some of the finest actors in the industry. His movies not only showcase his precise vision but also offer actors a platform to deliver powerful performances. Here is a ranking of the 10 best performances in Michael Mann movies:

1. Al Pacino as Lt. Vincent Hanna in “Heat” (1995) – In a role that is as fiery as it is nuanced, Pacino delivers an unforgettable performance as the obsessed detective.

2. Daniel Day-Lewis as Hawkeye in “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992) – With intense physicality and emotional depth, Day-Lewis embodies the frontiersman hero in this historical epic.

3. Jamie Foxx as Max in “Collateral” (2004) – Foxx offers a standout performance as a cab driver caught up in a dangerous game with a hitman, played by Tom Cruise.

4. Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley in “Heat” (1995) – De Niro brings gravitas and complexity to the role of the professional thief leading a crew on high-stakes heists.

5. Tom Cruise as Vincent in “Collateral” (2004) – Cruise breaks typecasting with his portrayal of a cold and calculated assassin, proving his versatility.

6. Russell Crowe as Jeffrey Wigand in “The Insider” (1999) – Crowe’s transformation into the real-life whistleblower is both credible and captivating.

7. Johnny Depp as John Dillinger in “Public Enemies” (2009) – Depp’s charismatic and layered portrayal of the notorious bank robber is both seductive and tragic.

8. James Caan as Frank in “Thief” (1981) – As one of Mann’s earliest films, Caan sets a benchmark with his intense performance as a safecracker trying to achieve his American dream.

9. Will Smith as Muhammad Ali in “Ali” (2001) – Smith not only physically transforms into the legendary boxer but also captures Ali’s wit, charm, and inner conflicts.

10. Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis in “Heat” (1995) – Kilmer provides a memorable supporting role with his portrayal of a professional thief balancing his loyalty to his crew with his familial ties.

Each actor brings something unique to their roles under Mann’s direction, further cementing these performances among cinema’s best. Whether it’s the intensity brought by action sequences or the subtleties of dramatic scenes, these actors leveraged Mann’s expertise to create unforgettable characters that have stood the test of time.