Geeks logo

Top 10 Hood Movies

The best hood movies show what life is really like in raw and powerful ways.

By WatchMojoPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
Like

What happens in the hood stays in the hood. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 hood films.

For this list, we’ve chosen those movies that have given us the grittiest, most memorable depictions of living and working in the ‘hood.

Set during the America’s war on crack cocaine, Mario van Peebles’ directorial debut tackles life on the streets of New York City with smarts, vitality and thrills. Backed by an awesome soundtrack, “New Jack City” also boasts an engaging plot and tons of cast chemistry. In addition to Peebles’ acting turn, the crime flick will also be remembered for Wesley Snipes’ crime boss Nino Brown and Ice T as the undercover detective who wants to bring the drug dealer down.

Thanks to its great pace and frenetic rhythm, there isn’t a dull moment to be had in Juice. Through strong performances by rappers like the late, great Tupac and Omar Epps as the aspiring DJ, this crime drama depicts the length a person would go in the hood to garner the respect and admiration of his peers. The answer is that it always comes with a price. It’s a violent, angry but poignant look and it works.

Having just been sacked from his job, Craig and his best friend Smokey spend the day smoking up in their South Central neighborhood while dealing with the host of troubles that surround them. One of those problems is trying to figure a way to get the cash they owe drug dealer Big Worm by 10:00pm that night. The hilarious hijinks that ensue bring out the sometimes-comedic side of the hood while Friday’s energy helps set the film apart from other movies in the genre.

Director Fernando Meirelles doesn’t flinch when it comes to shooting a film about the gangsters of Rio. This Brazilian movie can be brutally violent, and all too realistic at times. Non-professional actors from the slums were cast for this feverishly gritty but unforgettable crime drama. You may flinch at times but there’s no denying Meirelles’ scenes in City of God are beautifully choreographed and the film’s four Oscar nominations as well as its important message make it all too hard to forget.

In this hip-hop flick, director Curtis Hanson brought out the intensity of Eminem so well that we think you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who could ignore it. This biopic about an inner city guy’s struggles in the hood was as raw and powerful as the Oscar-winning Eminem song for the film called “Lose Yourself.” To top things off, the thrilling rap battle that ends 8 Mile sealed the deal about Slim Shady’s dramatic abilities: the rapper really can act and then some.

A youth is beaten to unconsciousness by cops in the hood; the event makes the news and his friends vow revenge if he dies. This biting drama and suspense from director Matthieu Kassovitz does not pick or choose sides: the police are brutal, the street youth is reprehensible and the parents are absently oblivious. La Haine is a scary thing to watch, especially when the shots finally ring out, but it’s also mesmerizing, powerful, and emotional.

A rookie cop, a corrupt cop, and a society on damage control. Denzel Washington’s bad cop is one for the ages as he trains Ethan Hawke on his first day with the force. In the process, he shows him there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to police work and that the stinking corruption in their profession is present everywhere. The streets are the background for these two cops who go through a day they will soon never forget—that is if they can make it through alive. Training Day is raw, unforgettable, and filled with strong and believable performances.

Director Spike Lee wanted to make a movie that would stir things up and light a fire inside our bellies. Well, with Do the Right Thing, he made it. With this incendiary statement, Lee shows us an unblinking look at racism on the streets of New York City. Mookie is a pizza delivery boy who works for an Italian-American named Sal, who also happens to be the father of one bigoted son and one who isn’t. With two Oscar nominations and a realistic but riveting look at discrimination, Lee shows us both sides of the story in this comedy-drama that still entertains today.

In the directorial debut of Allen and Albert Hughes, a young street hustler tries to escape the rigors and temptations of the hood. Wanting to get out before it’s too late and start anew, Caine finds out it’s easier said than done, especially when your entire life—friends, family, gangs—is built around this menacing society. The Hughes brothers nailed every detail with this potent, persuasive and chilling take on life on the streets as an African-American teen.

Before our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

  • Set It Off (1996)
  • Paid in Full (2002)
  • Sin Nombre (2009)
  • Above the Rim (1994)

It may’ve been just his directorial debut, but John Singleton’s portrayal of the social problems of inner-city Los Angeles is what made Boyz n the Hood such a landmark movie. Following three friends and their struggles, conflicts and mishaps in the ghetto—the Oscar-nominated drama can be considered the originator of the hood film. With a stunning cast, incredible direction and an impeccable script—we still haven’t forgotten the sting of watching Tre, Ricky, and Doughboy hustling it up and trying to stay alive.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite hood movie? With entertaining top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.

movie
Like

About the Creator

WatchMojo

Bringing you new top 10s every day. Subscribe today on Youtube.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.