'Miami Vice', Originally Disliked by Critics, Ranked 'Best Action Movie of 21st Century'

According to a ranking collated by The Film Stage, Michael Mann's 2006 Miami Vice reboot is the greatest action movie of the 21st Century. The film, starring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell, is adapted from the classic '80s television show of the same name.

Miami Vice follows two detectives who go undercover as drug smugglers in Miami, Florida, in order to infiltrate a notorious crime organisation. But when their own personal issues begin to threaten their safety, the mission becomes a dangerous game of keeping up appearances.

Mann was first approached to make Miami Vice by Foxx, who had recently starred in Ali, Mann's critically acclaimed biopic of Muhammad Ali. The pair quickly agreed to make the movie together, and Farrell was brought on board soon afterwards. It was an obvious passion project for everybody involved-but, ultimately, not a very profitable one.

Miami Vice's worldwide gross of $164.2 million was impressive, but the film ended up losing money due to its huge budget. The film was made for $135 million, meaning that once distribution and marketing costs had been factored in, Universal Pictures failed to turn a profit on the action reboot.

Today, Miami Vice is celebrated as one of Michael Mann's best films, with its compelling performances, gritty storytelling, and dynamic action sequences. However, at the time of release, critics were much harsher on the film.

In 2006, the only perception of Miami Vice that audiences had was the '80s television show, which was much more lighthearted, kitschy, and pulpy. Mann's film was the opposite, with its grounded storytelling, dark character arcs, and overall serious tone; this was seen as an unfaithful adaptation, and the reviews suffered as a result.

"While Miami Vice utilizes every high-tech toy in the business, including some nifty-looking boats and airplanes," the Los Angeles Times wrote, "it also is so into its own myth and the posturings of its jargon-using characters that civilians may have occasional difficulty figuring out what people are saying and even what is going on."

Thankfully, the critical consensus softened over the years as audiences learned to let their expectations go and appreciate the film for what it is. It's Miami Vice done in the style of Michael Mann, and as Mann's career has flourished and received more appreciation over the decades, so has Miami Vice.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 6:56 AM.