10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Street Smart (1987)

Description: Similar to 'Street Smart' in its gritty, realistic portrayal of crime and law enforcement. Both films feature intense, morally ambiguous characters and a raw, documentary-like visual style. The urban setting and the focus on the underbelly of city life are also key similarities.

Fact: Won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Gene Hackman. The famous car chase scene was filmed without permits and involved real-life stunts. Based on a true story about the bust of a large heroin shipment in New York.

Description: Similar to 'Street Smart' in its raw, unflinching portrayal of crime and its impact on marginalized communities. Both films feature a blend of action and social commentary, with a focus on the intersection of race, poverty, and violence. The funky, soulful soundtrack is another shared trait.

Fact: The title song by Bobby Womack became a classic. The film was one of the first to depict the Harlem drug trade in detail. Starring Anthony Quinn and Yaphet Kotto as detectives with conflicting methods.

Description: Like 'Street Smart', this film offers a bleak, realistic look at the criminal underworld, with a focus on betrayal and survival. Both films feature understated performances and a documentary-like approach to storytelling. The sense of inevitability and doom is another shared trait.

Fact: Starring Robert Mitchum in one of his most subdued roles. Based on a novel by George V. Higgins, a former prosecutor. The film's dialogue is renowned for its authenticity and naturalism.

Description: Similar to 'Street Smart' in its depiction of a lone, principled individual fighting against systemic corruption. Both films are based on true stories and feature intense performances that anchor their gritty, realistic narratives. The urban setting and focus on police work are also key similarities.

Fact: Starring Al Pacino in one of his most iconic roles. Based on the true story of Frank Serpico, an NYPD officer who exposed widespread corruption. The film was shot on location in New York, adding to its authenticity.

Description: Shares 'Street Smart's' focus on professional criminals and the mechanics of crime. Both films feature a lean, no-nonsense narrative and a gritty visual style. The exploration of loyalty and betrayal within criminal organizations is another key similarity.

Fact: Starring Robert Duvall as a career criminal. Based on a novel by Donald E. Westlake, writing as Richard Stark. The film is a loose sequel to 'Point Blank' (1967), also based on a Westlake novel.

Description: Shares 'Street Smart's' tense, high-stakes narrative and its focus on crime in an urban setting. Both films feature a cat-and-mouse dynamic between criminals and law enforcement, with a strong emphasis on realism and suspense. The gritty, no-nonsense tone is another shared trait.

Fact: Features Walter Matthau in a rare dramatic role. The film's title refers to the subway train's designation (Pelham Bay Park to 123rd Street). The hijackers are color-coded (Mr. Blue, Mr. Green, etc.), a trope later popularized by 'Reservoir Dogs'.

Description: Like 'Street Smart', this film explores themes of corruption, betrayal, and moral ambiguity within law enforcement. Both films are based on true stories and feature complex, flawed protagonists who navigate dangerous worlds. The realistic, unglamorous portrayal of crime is another shared trait.

Fact: Directed by Sidney Lumet, known for his gritty crime dramas. Based on the true story of a corrupt NYPD detective who becomes an informant. The film's runtime is nearly three hours, reflecting its detailed, novelistic approach.

Description: Like 'Street Smart', this film delves into the world of professional criminals with a focus on realism and moral complexity. Both films feature protagonists who are skilled but ultimately vulnerable, navigating dangerous worlds. The stylish yet gritty visual aesthetic is another similarity.

Fact: Directed by Michael Mann, marking his feature film debut. Starring James Caan as a professional safecracker. The film's electronic score by Tangerine Dream was groundbreaking at the time.

Description: Shares 'Street Smart's' focus on the dangerous, high-stakes world of crime and law enforcement. Both films feature a tense, unpredictable narrative and a strong sense of place, with Los Angeles playing a central role. The films also share a similar visual aesthetic, with dark, moody cinematography.

Fact: Directed by William Friedkin, who also directed 'The French Connection'. Features one of the most intense car chases in film history. The soundtrack was composed by Wang Chung, a British new wave band.

Description: Shares 'Street Smart's' exploration of crime and corruption in an urban setting, with a focus on racial and cultural tensions. Both films feature intense, flawed protagonists and a gritty, realistic tone. The depiction of organized crime and its impact on communities is another key similarity.

Fact: Directed by Michael Cimino, known for 'The Deer Hunter'. Starring Mickey Rourke as a controversial police captain. The film was criticized for its portrayal of Chinese-Americans but praised for its bold storytelling.