100+ Movies like A Bronx Tale
Wannabes
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "Wannabes" explore the lives of young Italian-American men growing up in working-class neighborhoods with a strong Mafia presence. The protagonists, Calogero and Angelo/Paulie respectively, become entangled with local crime bosses, Sonny and Santo, who act as mentors and father figures. Despite warnings from their fathers, the young men are seduced by the power and money of the criminal underworld. Racial tensions and violence erupt, leading to tragic consequences. Ultimately, the films depict the harsh realities of life in these communities and the difficult choices the characters face between pursuing the allure of the Mafia lifestyle or following a more lawful path.
Black Souls
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "Black Souls" explore the themes of family, crime, and the allure of the criminal underworld. In "A Bronx Tale", Calogero is drawn to the charismatic mob boss Sonny, paralleling how in "Black Souls", the younger generation (Leo) is seduced by the power and violence of the 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate. Both films depict the internal conflicts within families as some members embrace the criminal life while others resist, leading to tragic consequences. The cycle of violence and revenge is a central motif, with characters seeking retribution for past wrongs, ultimately perpetuating the cycle. The films also examine the complex relationships between fathers and sons, and the struggle to break free from the influence of crime and forge a lawful path.
Gotti
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "Gotti" depict the lives of Italian-American youths growing up in the presence of organized crime in New York City. The protagonists, Calogero and John Gotti Jr., are drawn to the power and allure of the Mafia, despite their fathers' attempts to steer them away from that life. They witness acts of violence committed by mob bosses, Sonny and John Gotti Sr., which shape their perspectives. The movies explore themes of loyalty, family, and the seductive nature of the criminal underworld, as the young men navigate their relationships with the mob bosses who become father figures to them. Both films culminate in tragic events that force the protagonists to reevaluate their choices and the consequences of their actions.
The Legend of Al, John and Jack
Both "The Legend of Al, John and Jack" and "A Bronx Tale" follow the story of a young man from a working-class neighborhood who becomes entangled with the local mob boss and his criminal activities. In "A Bronx Tale", Calogero is drawn to the charismatic Sonny and his mafia lifestyle, despite his father's objections. Similarly, in "The Legend of Al, John and Jack", Calogero Buccheri (Al) has a rare condition that causes memory loss, and he is manipulated by the con men John and Jack into getting involved with the mob boss Genovese. The movies explore themes of loyalty, family, and the allure of the criminal underworld, as the protagonists navigate the conflicts between their moral values and the seductive power of the mob. Both films culminate in tragic events that serve as a wake-up call for the main characters, forcing them to reevaluate their choices and priorities.
The Many Saints of Newark
Both "The Many Saints of Newark" and "A Bronx Tale" explore the influence of organized crime on young Italian-American boys growing up in working-class neighborhoods. The protagonists, Tony Soprano and Calogero, are mentored by powerful mob figures, Dickie Moltisanti and Sonny, who introduce them to the criminal underworld despite their fathers' wishes for them to lead law-abiding lives. The movies depict the racial tensions and violence between Italian-Americans and African-Americans in their communities. Ultimately, the mentors meet tragic ends, leaving the protagonists to reconcile the lessons they learned from both their criminal mentors and their fathers as they come of age.
Kill the Irishman
Both "Kill the Irishman" and "A Bronx Tale" depict the lives of young men growing up in working-class neighborhoods with a strong presence of organized crime. They become enamored with the power and lifestyle of the local mob bosses, who take them under their wing despite their fathers' objections. The protagonists navigate the conflicts between their allegiances to the mob and their families, facing moral dilemmas and racial tensions. Ultimately, they witness the violent downfall of their mob mentors, learning harsh lessons about the consequences of a criminal life. The movies parallel each other in their exploration of the allure and dangers of organized crime, as well as the themes of loyalty, family, and the struggle to find one's path in life.
Gomorrah
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "Gomorrah" explore the pervasive influence of organized crime on the lives of ordinary people in working-class neighborhoods. The movies follow young protagonists who become entangled with local crime syndicates, depicting their initiation into criminal activities and the moral dilemmas they face. The films portray the allure of the criminal lifestyle, particularly for impressionable youth, while also highlighting the tragic consequences of violence and corruption. Themes of loyalty, family, and the struggle to maintain one's values in the face of powerful criminal forces are central to both narratives. The movies offer a gritty, realistic portrayal of the cycle of crime and its impact on communities, with characters torn between the temptations of power and wealth, and the desire for a lawful, ethical life.
Wisegal
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "Wisegal" explore the allure and dangers of organized crime in working-class Italian-American neighborhoods. The protagonists, Calogero and Patty, are drawn into the world of local mob bosses, Sonny and Sal Palmeri, despite their families' efforts to keep them away from that life. They witness violence and criminal acts from a young age, shaping their perspectives. The mob bosses act as mentors and father figures, offering opportunities but also putting the protagonists in perilous situations. Racial tensions and tragic consequences arise from the characters' involvement in organized crime. Ultimately, the films depict the harsh realities of that world while examining themes of loyalty, family, and the struggle to find one's path in life.
The Immortal
Both "The Immortal" and "A Bronx Tale" explore the themes of crime, loyalty, and the influence of mentors on young men. The protagonists, Ciro Di Marzio and Calogero, are drawn into the criminal underworld through father figures - Sonny in "A Bronx Tale" and Bruno in "The Immortal". They witness acts of violence at a young age that shape their perspectives. As they grow older, they become entangled in gang conflicts and racial tensions, testing their allegiances. Ultimately, the mentors sacrifice themselves to save the protagonists, leaving lasting impacts on their moral compasses. The films parallel the struggles of navigating criminal lifestyles while maintaining personal values and relationships.
Boricua's Bond
Both "Boricua's Bond" and "A Bronx Tale" depict the lives of young boys growing up in the Bronx, surrounded by crime and gang activity. They form unlikely friendships across racial lines, with a local criminal element serving as a mentor figure. The boys face challenges navigating the harsh realities of their environment, including racial tensions, violence, and corrupt authority figures. Ultimately, they learn difficult life lessons about loyalty, morality, and the consequences of their choices in the unforgiving urban landscape.
The Yards
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "The Yards" explore the gritty urban environments and criminal underworlds of New York City, with young protagonists caught between the influences of their working-class families and the allure of local crime organizations. The movies parallel each other in their depictions of the Italian-American communities, racial tensions, and the temptations of easy money and power offered by the mob. The protagonists, Calogero in "A Bronx Tale" and Leo in "The Yards", form father-son-like relationships with local mob bosses, Sonny and Frank respectively, who become their mentors and introduce them to the criminal life. Despite their fathers' efforts to steer them away, the protagonists are drawn to the charismatic mobsters and the opportunities they provide. Both films explore the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of one's choices. The protagonists must navigate the conflicts between their allegiances to their families and the criminal organizations, ultimately leading to tragic outcomes and the realization of the destructive nature of the mob's influence. The movies also parallel each other in their portrayals of the corruption within the city's systems, whether it's the contract-awarding process in "The Yards" or the racial tensions and violence in "A Bronx Tale". The protagonists become entangled in these larger societal issues, further complicating their moral dilemmas and personal journeys.
Nicky Deuce
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "Nicky Deuce" explore the coming-of-age stories of young Italian-American boys who become entangled with the local mafia in their neighborhoods. The protagonists, Calogero and Nicholas, are initially naive and sheltered but become fascinated by the power and allure of the mob bosses, Sonny and Paulie, respectively. They are drawn into the criminal underworld, performing tasks and earning respect, despite their fathers' wishes to keep them away from that life. The movies parallel each other in depicting the racial tensions and violence between Italian-Americans and other ethnic groups. Ultimately, both Calogero and Nicholas learn valuable life lessons about loyalty, morality, and finding their own paths, while the mafia bosses who mentored them meet tragic ends. The movies share themes of family, masculinity, and the seductive yet dangerous nature of organized crime in urban environments.
West Side Story
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "West Side Story" explore the themes of gang violence, racial tensions, and the struggle for identity in working-class neighborhoods. The protagonists, Calogero and Tony, become entangled with local gangs despite their desires for a better life. Their relationships with Maria and Jane, respectively, represent forbidden interracial romances that challenge societal norms. Tragic events unfold as the protagonists find themselves caught between the opposing forces of gang loyalty and personal morality. The climactic scenes depict senseless violence resulting from the cycle of retaliation, ultimately leading to the loss of life and a call for unity and understanding. The movies parallel each other in their portrayal of the harsh realities of urban life and the consequences of hatred and prejudice.
At War for Love
Both "At War for Love" and "A Bronx Tale" explore the lives of young Italian-American men who become entangled with the local mafia, despite their families' wishes for them to lead law-abiding lives. The protagonists, Calogero in "A Bronx Tale" and Arturo in "At War for Love", develop close relationships with powerful mafia figures (Sonny and Don Calò, respectively) who act as mentors and father figures, guiding them through the harsh realities of their neighborhoods. The stories follow their struggles to navigate the conflicting values of their families and the allure of the criminal underworld, as well as their romantic pursuits that are complicated by racial tensions and societal norms. Ultimately, both films depict the tragic consequences of the mafia's influence and the protagonists' efforts to break free from its grasp while retaining their moral integrity.
Last I Heard
Both "Last I Heard" and "A Bronx Tale" center around a young man growing up in an Italian-American neighborhood with a strong Mafia presence. The protagonist is drawn to the charismatic Mafia boss, who serves as a mentor figure despite the protagonist's father's objections. The Mafia boss takes the young man under his wing and exposes him to the criminal underworld, causing tension with the father who wants his son to live an honest life. Ultimately, the Mafia boss sacrifices himself to protect the young man from violence and tragedy, leaving a profound impact on the protagonist's life lessons and values. The movies explore themes of family, loyalty, crime, and the struggle between pursuing power and maintaining morality in an environment shaped by the Mafia's influence.
Carlito's Way: Rise to Power
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "Carlito's Way: Rise to Power" explore the lives of young men growing up in working-class neighborhoods with a strong Mafia presence. The protagonists, Calogero and Carlito, become enamored with the power and lifestyle of the local crime bosses, Sonny and Artie Bottolota respectively. They are drawn into the criminal underworld, facing moral dilemmas and racial tensions as they navigate their relationships with the mob figures and their own families. The movies parallel each other in depicting the allure of the criminal life contrasted with the desire for a lawful path, culminating in violent confrontations that shape the protagonists' ultimate choices and destinies. The central themes of loyalty, respect, and the consequences of one's actions resonate throughout both narratives.
By the Gun
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "By the Gun" explore the lives of young men drawn into the world of organized crime in their respective neighborhoods. The protagonists, Calogero and Nick, are initially enamored by the power and respect commanded by the local mob bosses, Sonny and Sal. They become associated with these criminal organizations, despite the objections of their law-abiding fathers. Over time, Calogero and Nick witness the brutal realities of mob life, including violence and betrayal. Their relationships with women from outside the criminal world, Jane and Ali, further complicate their loyalties. Ultimately, both protagonists are forced to confront the consequences of their choices, leading to tragic outcomes and the loss of loved ones. The films parallel each other in their depiction of the seductive allure of the criminal underworld and the moral dilemmas faced by those caught in its web.
The Neighborhood
"The Neighborhood" parallels "A Bronx Tale" in its depiction of a group of young men from a working-class neighborhood who become involved with organized crime from an early age. Both films explore the allure and dangers of the criminal underworld, with a central character torn between the influence of a father figure representing law and order, and a powerful mob boss who acts as a mentor and father figure from the criminal world. The stories follow the protagonists' coming-of-age and moral struggles as they navigate the harsh realities of their environment, racial tensions, and the consequences of their choices. Ultimately, both films examine the themes of loyalty, family, and the difficult path to finding one's identity and purpose amidst the pressures of their surroundings.
Deuces Wild
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "Deuces Wild" are coming-of-age stories set in working-class Italian-American neighborhoods in New York City during the 1960s. The central characters are young men who become entangled with local organized crime figures and gangs, despite their fathers' wishes for them to avoid that life. The films explore themes of loyalty, honor, and the allure of the criminal underworld contrasted with the desire for a lawful path. Key plot points include witnessing violence at a young age, romantic relationships that cross racial divides, escalating gang conflicts, and the tragic consequences of vengeance and retaliation. Ultimately, the protagonists learn difficult lessons about the harsh realities of their environment and the importance of breaking free from cycles of violence.
Run All Night
Both "A Bronx Tale" and "Run All Night" explore the themes of family, loyalty, and the allure and consequences of a life of crime in working-class neighborhoods. The protagonists, Calogero and Jimmy, are drawn into the world of organized crime through father figures (Sonny and Shawn) despite their fathers' wishes for them to live honest lives. They witness acts of violence that set them on a path intertwined with the criminal underworld. Racial tensions and tragic events force them to confront the harsh realities of their choices. Ultimately, the mentors who led them astray make sacrifices to save the protagonists, allowing them to escape the cycle of violence and build better lives for their families.