If you loved the stylish crime drama 'SuperFly (2018)' and are craving more films with similar themes of power, ambition, and high-stakes action, you're in the right place. This article highlights 10 gripping movies and shows that capture the same energy, from urban thrillers to crime sagas, ensuring you'll find your next binge-worthy watch.

Boyz n the Hood (1991)
Description: This coming-of-age story delves into the challenges faced by young Black men growing up in South Central Los Angeles, highlighting systemic issues like gang violence and police brutality.
Fact: The film was John Singleton's directorial debut, making him the youngest person and first African American to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director.


South Central (1992)
Description: A story about a former gang member trying to turn his life around after prison, focusing on themes of redemption, fatherhood, and the cycle of violence.
Fact: The film is based on the novel 'Crips' by Donald Bakeer, a former gang member turned writer.


Menace II Society (1993)
Description: A gritty urban drama that explores the harsh realities of street life, crime, and survival in inner-city neighborhoods. The film's raw portrayal of violence and moral dilemmas aligns closely with the themes of struggle and ambition.
Fact: The film was shot in just 28 days and features many non-professional actors to enhance its authenticity.


Clockers (1995)
Description: A crime drama that examines the lives of low-level drug dealers and the systemic pressures that keep them trapped in the cycle of violence and poverty.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be directed by Martin Scorsese, but he stepped down to produce, with Spike Lee taking over as director.


Dead Presidents (1995)
Description: A heist film set against the backdrop of post-Vietnam War America, exploring themes of economic struggle, crime, and the impact of war on Black veterans.
Fact: The title refers to the slang term for U.S. currency, which features portraits of deceased presidents.


Training Day (2001)
Description: A crime thriller that delves into the moral ambiguities of police work in Los Angeles, featuring intense performances and a gripping narrative about power and corruption.
Fact: The film's iconic line, 'King Kong ain't got shit on me,' was improvised by Denzel Washington during filming.


Belly (1998)
Description: A visually striking crime film that blends elements of hip-hop culture with a narrative about crime, loyalty, and redemption in urban settings.
Fact: The film's cinematography is noted for its dark, moody aesthetic, which became influential in later urban crime films.


Paid in Full (2002)
Description: A crime drama that follows the rise and fall of a young drug dealer in Harlem, showcasing the allure and dangers of the drug trade, as well as the personal costs of ambition.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life stories of Harlem drug dealers in the 1980s.


Hustle & Flow (2005)
Description: A drama about a Memphis pimp who dreams of becoming a rapper, exploring themes of ambition, redemption, and the struggle to escape a life of crime.
Fact: The film's soundtrack won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for 'It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp.'


Dope (2015)
Description: A coming-of-age comedy-drama that blends crime elements with a story about a geeky teen navigating life in a tough neighborhood, highlighting themes of identity and survival.
Fact: The film's soundtrack features a mix of 1990s hip-hop and contemporary music, reflecting its unique cultural blend.
