If you loved the gritty realism and intense crime drama of 'Across 110th Street' (1972), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same raw energy, urban tension, and gripping storytelling. Whether you're a fan of 70s crime cinema or just looking for your next binge-worthy thriller, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Dirty Harry (1971)
Description: A hard-edged police thriller about a rogue cop taking justice into his own hands. The film's gritty tone, moral complexity, and focus on urban crime align it with the darker, more realistic crime dramas of the era.
Fact: The iconic 'Do I feel lucky?' monologue was largely improvised by Clint Eastwood during filming.


The French Connection (1971)
Description: A tense, fast-paced crime thriller that delves into the brutal realities of police work and drug trafficking. The film's raw, documentary-like style and unflinching portrayal of violence align closely with the tone of urban crime dramas.
Fact: The famous car chase scene was filmed without permits and features real-life near-misses with pedestrians and other vehicles.


Super Fly (1972)
Description: A gritty crime drama set in the urban underworld, focusing on a drug dealer trying to escape his dangerous lifestyle. The film shares themes of crime, survival, and moral ambiguity, with a strong emphasis on street-level realism.
Fact: The soundtrack, composed by Curtis Mayfield, became a cultural phenomenon and is often regarded as one of the greatest film soundtracks of all time.


Black Caesar (1973)
Description: A blaxploitation crime film that follows the rise and fall of a Harlem gangster. The movie explores themes of power, corruption, and revenge, set against a backdrop of urban decay and systemic injustice.
Fact: The film's score was composed by James Brown, adding a distinctive funk vibe to the gritty narrative.


The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
Description: A low-key crime drama about a small-time criminal caught between the law and his underworld connections. The film's understated realism, moral ambiguity, and focus on the everyday struggles of criminals set it apart in the genre.
Fact: The movie is based on a novel by George V. Higgins, a former prosecutor whose insider knowledge lent authenticity to the story.


The Harder They Come (1972)
Description: A crime drama set in Jamaica, following a young man's descent into the criminal underworld. The film's raw energy, social commentary, and focus on an antihero struggling against systemic oppression mirror the themes of urban crime films.
Fact: The movie introduced reggae music to a global audience, with Jimmy Cliff's performance and soundtrack playing a pivotal role.


Serpico (1973)
Description: A biographical crime drama about a whistleblowing cop fighting corruption within the NYPD. The film's themes of institutional corruption and the lone protagonist's struggle for justice resonate with similar urban crime narratives.
Fact: Al Pacino's portrayal of Frank Serpico earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.


The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: A tense thriller about a subway hijacking in New York City. The film's realistic depiction of urban crime, tight pacing, and focus on a high-stakes situation make it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The hijackers' use of color-coded aliases (Mr. Blue, Mr. Green, etc.) inspired Quentin Tarantino's 'Reservoir Dogs.'


Cooley High (1975)
Description: A coming-of-age drama set in Chicago, blending humor and tragedy as it follows a group of high school friends. While less crime-focused, it shares the same urban setting and authentic portrayal of African-American life in the 1970s.
Fact: The film's soundtrack features Motown hits, which helped it resonate with audiences and become a cult classic.


Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Description: A crime drama based on a real-life bank robbery gone wrong. The film's blend of tension, dark humor, and social commentary, along with its focus on flawed characters, aligns it with the gritty urban crime genre.
Fact: The famous 'Attica!' chant was improvised by Al Pacino, referencing the recent prison riot to heighten the scene's intensity.
