The film is set in the South Central region of Los Angeles, California. The film follows the lives of three young males, Tre Styles, Doughboy, and Ricky Baker, from childhood to adulthood. Tre is the son of a successful businessman who wants him to have a better life than he did and tries to shelter him from the dangers of the neighbourhood. Doughboy is the brother of Ricky and is a member of the local gangster rap group N.W.A.. Ricky is raised by his mother after his father was killed in a drive-by shooting.
The film explores the strained relationship between Tre and his friends, due to Tre’s unwillingness to be more like Doughboy and Ricky. The film also explores the Code of the Streets, which is a set of guidelines that are used to maintain order within the community.
Boyz n the Hood was released on July 12, 1991, and received positive reviews from critics. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. The film was also nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture – Drama and Best Director. John Singleton became the youngest person ever to be nominated for a Best Director Oscar at the age of 24.
This is considered to be one of the most important films of the 1990s, and is considered to be a classic. The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of life in the inner city, and its exploration of race relations, violence, and fatherhood. “Boyz n the Hood” is an essential film for anyone interested in movies about urban America.
Here are some eleven other movies like Boyz n the Hood that feature the challenges of growing up Black in America.
Contents
1. The Wood (1999)
In many ways, Rick Famuyiwa’s The Wood is the mirror image of Boyz n the Hood. In South Central L.A., The Wood (named for Inglewood, California) is set a lot more positively and humorously than Boyz n the Hood was.
Roland (Taye Diggs) has serious concerns about his wedding day approaching. To help him relax, he and his two best friends, Mike (Omar Epps) and Slim (Richard T. Jones), go back to their days growing up in The Wood in the 1980s, when they attended their first school dance, confronted their first love, and roamed the streets together.
Famuyiwa’s film is a touching, nostalgic film that’s as much about friendship as it is about growing up in the ‘hood.
2. Menace II Society (1993)
Like Boyz n the Hood, Menace II Society was directed by an African American filmmaker, Allan Hughes. Hughes and his brother, Allen, wrote the screenplay for Menace II Society.
The film tells the story of Caine Lawson (Tyrin Turner), a teenager growing up in Watts, Los Angeles. Like Tre Styles in Boyz n the Hood, Caine is caught between two worlds – the world of his father (played by Laurence Fishburne), who is a criminal, and the world of his peers, who are all into gangs and drugs.
As in Boyz n the Hood, Caine’s friends aren’t always the best role models, and he struggles with the temptations of street life. Hughes’ film is an uncompromising view of life in the inner city, and was one of the first movies to realistically portray the violence and gangs that plague many urban neighbourhoods.
Menace II Society is a more violent version of boyz n the hood, with a similar storyline and setting.
3. Juice (1992)
Directed by Ernest Dickerson, Juice tells the story of four young men in Harlem who take part in a robbery that goes wrong.
Bishop (Tupac Shakur), Q (Omar Epps), Raheem (Khalil Kain), and Steel (Jermaine Hopkins) are all friends who have grown up together. They spend their days hanging out, playing basketball, and getting into trouble. When Bishop is killed during the botched robbery, the remaining three friends are left to deal with the consequences.
Juice is an intense and powerful film that explores the bonds of friendship and loyalty, as well as the violence that can exist in urban neighbourhoods. It’s a classic ‘hood movie that features some great performances from its young cast.
4. The Humane Society (1970)
Directed by George Romero, The Human Society is a horror comedy that satirises the middle class’ obsession with their pets.
The film follows the lives of the Martin family, who live in Pittsburgh. The father, Henry (Karl Hardman), is a successful businessman who is more interested in his work than his family. His wife, Helen (Marilyn Eastman), is a stay-at-home mom who is constantly trying to find ways to keep her family entertained.
Their son, Billy (Bill Hinzman), is a typical teenage boy who is more interested in girls and cars than anything else. And their daughter, Karen ( Kyra Schon), is a tomboy who is more comfortable around her family’s dogs than she is around people.
The Human Society is a funny and insightful film that offers a unique look at the dynamics of middle class families in America.
5. Do the Right Thing (1989)
Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing takes place over the course of one hot day in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn.
The film follows the lives of a variety of characters, including Mookie (Spike Lee), Sal (Danny Aiello), Da Mayor (Ossie Davis), Mother Sister (Ruby Dee), Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito), and Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn).
Do the Right Thing is a thought-provoking film that tackles a variety of issues, including race relations, police brutality, and gentrification. It’s an essential ‘hood movie that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
These are just a few of the many great movies that have been set in the ‘hood. If you’re looking for a good, gritty urban movie to watch, then these are some great options to check out.
6. Dope (2015)
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa, Dope is a coming-of-age comedy set in Inglewood, California.
The film follows the life of Malcolm (Shameik Moore), a nerdy teenager who is trying to navigate his way through the rough neighbourhood he lives in. Malcolm’s friends, Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) and Jib (Tony Revolori), are also trying to figure out their place in the world.
Dope is a fun and fast-paced film that features an excellent cast of young actors. It’s a great choice for fans of movies like Boyz n the Hood and The Human Society.
7. Baby Boy (2001)
Directed by John Singleton, Baby Boy tells the story of Jody (Tyrese Gibson), a young man who is trying to figure out his place in the world.
Jody is a struggling single father who is trying to raise his son, Junior (Darius McCrary), on his own. He’s been working hard to provide for his family, but it’s been tough since he doesn’t have any skills or experience.
Baby Boy is a moving and powerful film that offers a unique look at the challenges of being a young father. Gibson gives an excellent performance as Jody, and the supporting cast is also terrific. If you’re looking for a gritty ‘hood movie with a lot of heart, then Baby Boy is definitely worth checking out.
8. Paid in Full (2002)
Directed by Charles Stone III, Paid in Full is set in Harlem in the late 1980s.
The film follows the lives of three young men, Ace (Wood Harris), Mitch (Mekhi Phifer), and Lulu (Kevin Carroll). They’re all trying to make a name for themselves in the drug game, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.
Paid in Full is a gritty and realistic film that gives a look at the dark side of the drug trade. Harris, Phifer, and Carroll all give great performances, and the soundtrack is also excellent. If you’re looking for a movie that captures the essence of the ‘hood, then Paid in Full is definitely worth watching.
9. The 25th Hour (2002)
Directed by Spike Lee, The 25th Hour tells the story of Monty Brogan (Edward Norton), a convicted drug dealer who is about to spend the next seven years in prison.
Monty is trying to come to terms with his impending imprisonment, and he’s also struggling to say goodbye to his friends and family. The film explores a variety of themes, including friendship, love, betrayal, and redemption.
The 25th Hour is an intense and powerful film that offers a unique look at the criminal underworld. Norton gives a standout performance, and Lee’s direction is top-notch. If you’re looking for an excellent ‘hood movie, then The 25th Hour is definitely worth watching.
10. New Jack City (1991)
Directed by Mario Van Peebles, New Jack City is set in the rough neighbourhoods of Harlem and the Bronx.
The film tells the story of Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes), a powerful drug kingpin who is trying to take over the city. He’s up against a variety of enemies, including the police, rival gangs, and the mob.
New Jack City is a fast-paced and exciting film that features some great action scenes. Snipes gives an excellent performance in the lead role, and the supporting cast is also terrific. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping ‘hood movie, then New Jack City is definitely worth watching.
