Top Hood Movies

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather tells the story of the powerful Corleone crime family in New York City in the 1940s. The family is headed by patriarch Vito Corleone, whose youngest son Michael reluctantly assumes control of the family business after his father’s death. Michael attempts to maintain a more “legitimate” lifestyle than his father, but he soon finds himself falling back into the criminal underworld in order to protect his family’s business and interests. The story follows Michael’s journey as he tries to juggle his family responsibilities and duties, the rival crime families in the city, and his own personal moral code. Along the way, the film examines themes of loyalty, family, and power.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas (1990) is a crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. It tells the story of the rise and fall of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a member of the Mafia in New York City. The film follows him from his teenage years in the 1950s through his involvement in the mob over the next three decades. Along the way, Hill associates with infamous mobsters such as Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). The film also chronicles his marriage to Karen Hill (Lorraine Bracco) and the ways his criminal activities affect his family and friends. The film ultimately culminates in Hill's arrest and imprisonment. Goodfellas is widely considered to be one of the best crime films of all time.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Rated R

Scarface is a 1983 American crime drama film directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. The film follows Tony Montana (played by Al Pacino), a Cuban refugee who arrives in 1980s Miami with nothing but his ambition and a desire to succeed. He rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld, controlling a powerful drug empire and becoming a feared and respected gangster. Along his journey, he faces off with a powerful drug lord, a corrupt police force, and his own psychological demons. The film is a violent, often lurid tale of power, corruption, and redemption.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
Rated R

"Casino" is a 1995 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. Set in 1970s and 1980s Las Vegas, the film tells the story of Sam "Ace" Rothstein (De Niro), a Jewish American mobster who is sent to Las Vegas to oversee the activities at the Tangiers Casino on behalf of the Chicago Outfit. Upon arriving in Vegas, Ace meets and quickly falls in love with the beautiful and seductive Ginger McKenna (Stone). However, their relationship soon turns sour as Ginger becomes increasingly greedy and irresponsible, leading Ace to take extreme measures to keep her in line. Meanwhile, Ace's childhood friend, Nicky Santoro (Pesci), plays an ever-increasing role in Ace's life as he rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld. With his friend and business partner Lester Diamond (James Woods), the pair are soon sucked into the intense and often dangerous world of gambling and organized crime. In the end, Ace must fight for his own survival as he is left facing the consequences of his actions.

From Taylor Hackford, starring Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, Benjamin Bratt, Enrique Castillo
Rated R

Blood In, Blood Out is a 1993 American crime drama film directed by Taylor Hackford and written by Jimmy Santiago Baca. It stars Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, Benjamin Bratt, Enrique Castillo, and Edward James Olmos. The film follows the life of three Mexican-American cousins growing up in East Los Angeles: Paco (Chapa), a promising biochemistry student; Cruz (Borrego), a thug and gang member; and Miklo (Bratt), a Vietnam War veteran. As the cousins grow older, their paths diverge, leading to a violent confrontation that will forever change their lives. The film explores issues of identity, family, loyalty, and justice within the context of the Mexican-American experience.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller, John Leguizamo
Rated R

Carlito's Way is a 1993 crime drama directed by Brian De Palma. The film stars Al Pacino as Carlito Brigante, a former drug kingpin who is released on a legal technicality and is determined to stay legitimate and live a straight life. Carlito is doggedly pursued by his former associates, including his best friend, gangster Dave Kleinfeld (Sean Penn). Along the way, he meets and falls in love with a young dancer named Gail (Penelope Ann Miller). However, as Carlito attempts to clean up his past, his criminal ties and lack of financial resources ultimately prevent him from fully breaking away from a life of crime. In the end, Carlito's attempt to live a free and honest life is tragically cut short.

From John Singleton, starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Hudhail Al-Amir, Lloyd Avery II
Rated R

Boyz n the Hood is a classic coming-of-age film directed by John Singleton. Set in South Central Los Angeles, it follows the lives of three teenage boys from different backgrounds who are growing up in a tough, inner-city neighborhood. The film examines the complex issues of racism, poverty and violence, which have become all too common in many urban areas. Through the eyes of these three boys, we experience first-hand the consequences of gang violence, drugs, and police brutality. The film ultimately shows that, despite their difficult circumstances, these boys can still manage to find hope and optimism in their lives.

From Robert De Niro, starring Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra
Rated R

A Bronx Tale is a 1993 American crime drama film directed by Robert De Niro, based on the stage play of the same name. The film stars Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, and Lillo Brancato. Set in the 1960s, A Bronx Tale follows the story of Calogero Anello (Lillo Brancato), a young Italian-American boy who idolizes a local mob boss, Sonny (Chazz Palminteri). Calogero is torn between the temptations of the street life and the moral teachings of his father (Robert De Niro). As the two influences fight for his soul, Calogero learns valuable life lessons. In the end, he finds a balance between both worlds, gaining a newfound respect for his father and a deeper understanding of the world around him.

From Paul Haggis, starring Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Thandiwe Newton, Karina Arroyave
Rated R

Crash is an award-winning drama film directed by Paul Haggis. Written and produced by Haggis and Robert Moresco, it is a multi-narrative drama depicting racial and social tensions in Los Angeles. The film is composed of interlocking stories about race, class, family, and gender in the City of Angels. It features an ensemble cast that includes Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, Thandie Newton, Ryan Phillippe, and Larenz Tate. The stories are centered on the social and racial tensions of Los Angeles, with the film's central theme being the need of its characters to connect with each other in spite of their differences. Each of the characters are forced to confront their own prejudices and learn to trust and respect each other in order to gain understanding. The film won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.

From Ridley Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
Rated R

American Gangster tells the true story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a small-time New York City drug dealer, who rises to become the biggest heroin kingpin of all time. He smuggles heroin into the country by concealing it in the coffins of dead soldiers during the Vietnam War and soon becomes the most powerful drug lord in all of Harlem. As his empire grows, Lucas expands his business to other cities, and comes into conflict with a corrupt NYPD detective, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). Meanwhile, Frank's wife, Eva (Lymari Nadal), struggles to protect their family from the dangers of Frank's criminal lifestyle. Ultimately, Roberts and Lucas must face off in a dramatic climax that will determine their fate.

From Antoine Fuqua, starring Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger
Rated R

Training Day is a 2001 American crime thriller film directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. The film follows two LAPD narcotics officers over a 24-hour period in the gang-ridden neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles. Washington stars as Detective Alonzo Harris, a veteran narcotics officer on the day of his evaluation by a young, idealistic detective, Jake Hoyt, played by Hawke. As the two officers patrol the streets, Alonzo tries to convince Jake to become his protege, and join his corrupt circle of dirty cops. As the day progresses, Jake discovers Alonzo's ruthless methods and begins to question his morality and loyalty to the badge. The film follows the two officers as they battle for control of the streets and for Jake's soul.

From Directors: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes, starring Tyrin Turner, Larenz Tate, June Kyoto Lu, Toshi Toda
Rated R

Menace II Society is a 1993 American crime drama film directed by the Hughes brothers, Albert and Allen Hughes. The film follows a young African-American man, Caine Lawson, as he navigates life in Watts, Los Angeles. Caine attempts to escape the cycle of violence, crime and poverty that is a norm in his neighborhood, but finds himself dragged back in when his best friend is killed. As the film progresses, we witness Caine's journey as he struggles to survive in a world filled with drugs, gangs, and murder. Despite his efforts, Caine eventually comes to an inevitable end. The film serves as a commentary on the societal problems faced by young African Americans living in the inner city.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Sean Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, Samuel L. Jackson, N'Bushe Wright
Rated R

Fresh is a 1994 American drama film directed by Boaz Yakin and starring Sean Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, and N'Bushe Wright. The film tells the story of 12-year-old Fresh, a streetwise kid living in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood. He is caught between the conflicting forces of his drug-dealing father, his gangster brother, and his soon-to-be-paroled uncle. In the midst of all this, Fresh discovers a way to use his remarkable gift, chess, to save his father and himself. The film follows Fresh as he is taken under the wing of an elderly chess master, Nick, who helps him hone his skills to compete in a chess tournament that offers a chance for a better life. As Fresh gets closer to achieving his goal, he must face numerous dangerous obstacles from the streets, including his own family, and choose between making the wrong kind of money and the right kind of moves. In the end, Fresh must decide where his loyalty lies and how he will use his skills to survive in a harsh urban environment.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume, Alan North
Rated PG-13

From Craig Brewer, starring Terrence Howard, Ludacris, Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning
Rated R

From F. Gary Gray, starring Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Tom Lister Jr.
Rated R

From Edward James Olmos, starring Edward James Olmos, William Forsythe, Sal Lopez, Vira Montes
Rated R

From Joe Carnahan, starring Ray Liotta, Jason Patric, Chi McBride, Dan Leis
Rated R

From Charles Stone III, starring Mekhi Phifer, Wood Harris, Chi McBride, Kevin Carroll
Rated R

From Ernest R. Dickerson, starring Omar Epps, Tupac Shakur, Jermaine Hopkins, Khalil Kain
Rated R

From Abel Ferrara, starring Christopher Walken, David Caruso, Laurence Fishburne, Victor Argo
Rated R

From Bill Duke, starring Laurence Fishburne, Jeff Goldblum, Lira Angel, René Assa
Rated R

From Spike Lee, starring Harvey Keitel, John Turturro, Delroy Lindo, Mekhi Phifer
Rated R

From Stephen Milburn Anderson, starring Glenn Plummer, Byron Minns, Lexie Bigham, Vincent Craig Dupree
Rated R

From F. Gary Gray, starring Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Kimberly Elise
Rated R