100+ Movies like Scarface
Bad Boys for Life
"Bad Boys for Life" parallels "Scarface" in its depiction of a criminal underworld and the consequences of pursuing power and vengeance. Both films center around a protagonist (Tony Montana in Scarface, Mike Lowrey in Bad Boys) who becomes embroiled in the drug trade and a cycle of violence, driven by a desire for revenge and a lust for power and wealth. The antagonists (Alejandro Sosa in Scarface, Isabel Aretas in Bad Boys) are ruthless cartel leaders who manipulate the protagonists and ultimately turn against them. Family ties and betrayal play a major role, with the protagonists' relationships with their surrogate sons (Manny in Scarface, Armando in Bad Boys) being key plot points. The films culminate in intense, bloody confrontations where the protagonists must confront the consequences of their actions and the antagonists' vengeance. Ultimately, both stories explore the destructive nature of greed, power, and the criminal underworld.
The Business
"The Business" parallels "Scarface" in its portrayal of a young, ambitious man who rises through the criminal underworld, only to succumb to greed, paranoia, and violence. Both films follow a rags-to-riches-to-ruin arc, with the protagonists starting from humble beginnings, becoming immersed in the drug trade, achieving wealth and power, but ultimately facing betrayal and downfall due to their own hubris and vices. The themes of the corrupting influence of money, the fragility of criminal alliances, and the self-destructive nature of unchecked ambition are central to both stories. The protagonists' relationships with women also play a pivotal role, leading to conflicts and tragedies. Overall, "The Business" mirrors the tragic trajectory of Tony Montana in "Scarface" through its depiction of the criminal underworld and the consequences of greed and excess.
Miami Vice
Both "Scarface" and "Miami Vice" follow the story of law enforcement officers going undercover to infiltrate powerful drug cartels. The protagonists, Tony Montana in "Scarface" and Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs in "Miami Vice", start as low-level criminals but rise through the ranks by gaining the trust of the cartel leaders. They become immersed in the lavish lifestyles of the drug trade, with Tony marrying the boss's wife and Sonny having an affair with a cartel member's lover. However, their undercover operations are compromised, leading to violent confrontations with the cartels. The movies depict the cycle of power, greed, and betrayal in the criminal underworld, ultimately resulting in the downfall of the main characters due to their own ambition and the ruthlessness of the cartels.
We Own the Night
Both "Scarface" and "We Own the Night" follow the story of a man involved in the criminal underworld who eventually turns against his former associates. In "Scarface", Tony Montana rises from a refugee to become a powerful drug kingpin, only to be betrayed and killed by his former partner Sosa. Similarly, in "We Own the Night", Bobby Green infiltrates the Russian mob to avenge his father's murder and take down the criminal Vadim Nezhinski. The movies parallel each other in their depictions of criminal power struggles, family conflicts, and the personal costs of choosing a life of crime or law enforcement. Both protagonists start outside the law but ultimately take different paths, with Tony embracing the criminal life until his violent end, while Bobby redeems himself by joining the police force.
The Punisher
Both "Scarface" and "The Punisher" follow the story of a man seeking vengeance against powerful criminal organizations after a tragic event. In Scarface, Tony Montana rises through the ranks of the drug trade to become a kingpin, only to be betrayed and attacked by a rival cartel. In The Punisher, Frank Castle's family is murdered by the Saint crime family, leading him to wage a one-man war against them. The protagonists in both films resort to extreme violence and criminal activities to achieve their goals of revenge and power. They face betrayal from those close to them and must confront the consequences of their actions. The movies explore themes of ambition, loyalty, and the cycle of violence, with the main characters ultimately meeting tragic ends due to their obsession with vengeance.
Bad Boys II
"Bad Boys II" parallels "Scarface" in its depiction of two law enforcement officers, Mike and Marcus, who become embroiled in the Miami drug trade and engage in a violent conflict with a powerful drug lord, Hector Juan Carlos "Johnny" Tapia. Like Tony Montana in "Scarface", Mike and Marcus infiltrate Tapia's criminal organization, leading to a climactic confrontation where they take down Tapia's operation and kill him. Both films feature excessive violence, drug trafficking as a central theme, and the protagonists' rise to power within the criminal underworld before their ultimate downfall. The movies share a similar gritty, stylized portrayal of Miami's criminal elements and the lengths to which law enforcement and criminals will go to gain control of the lucrative drug trade.
West Side Story
Both "Scarface" and "West Side Story" depict the tragic consequences of gang violence and conflict between rival groups. The protagonists, Tony Montana and Tony from West Side Story, become entangled in the brutal gang wars despite initially wanting to avoid violence. Their love interests, Elvira and María, serve as symbols of hope amidst the chaos. However, the protagonists' involvement in the gang conflicts ultimately leads to the deaths of their close friends and loved ones. The movies explore themes of ambition, loyalty, and the cycle of violence that plagues marginalized communities. The climactic scenes feature intense confrontations where the protagonists face retribution for their actions, culminating in their tragic demises. Despite their different settings, both films poignantly portray how gang violence destroys lives and perpetuates a vicious cycle of hatred and retaliation.
The Crew
Both "The Crew" and "Scarface" revolve around criminal organizations and the pursuit of power and wealth through illegal means. In Scarface, Tony Montana rises from a Cuban refugee to become a powerful drug kingpin in Miami, while in The Crew, four retired mobsters plan one last heist to secure their retirement. The protagonists in both films resort to violence and criminal activities to achieve their goals, facing off against rival criminal organizations and law enforcement. Themes of greed, loyalty, and the consequences of a life of crime are central to both stories. The movies also depict the lavish lifestyles and excesses that come with ill-gotten wealth. Ultimately, the protagonists' ambitions lead to their downfall as they become entangled in dangerous conflicts with powerful adversaries.
Addictions and Subtractions
"Addictions and Subtractions" parallels "Scarface" in its portrayal of an ambitious man who becomes embroiled in the dangerous world of drug trafficking, seduced by the promise of wealth and power. Like Tony Montana, Santiago starts from humble beginnings but gets drawn into the cocaine trade through his connections, initially for financial gain but eventually succumbing to the excesses of drugs, partying, and violence. Both protagonists rise to the top of the drug empire through ruthless means, betraying former allies and eliminating rivals, only to face tragic downfalls due to their addictions and criminal lifestyles. The movies explore similar themes of greed, corruption, and the destructive nature of the drug trade on individuals and society.
The Immortal
"The Immortal" parallels "Scarface" in its depiction of a ruthless criminal's rise to power in the drug trade. Like Tony Montana in "Scarface", Ciro Di Marzio starts from humble beginnings and works his way up the criminal hierarchy through violence and cunning. Both characters are driven by ambition and a desire for wealth and status, willing to betray and eliminate anyone who stands in their way, including former allies and mentors. The films follow their protagonists' ascent to becoming powerful drug kingpins, amassing vast fortunes and lavish lifestyles, only to ultimately face violent downfalls due to their own hubris and the unforgiving nature of the criminal underworld. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power and greed permeate both narratives, with the protagonists' moral descent mirroring their rise to the top of the drug empire.
Illegal Tender
"Illegal Tender" parallels "Scarface" in its depiction of an immigrant family's rise to power and wealth through the drug trade, driven by a desire to escape poverty. Both films follow the son's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a ruthless drug kingpin, fueled by ambition and a willingness to use violence. The protagonists, Tony Montana and Wilson Jr., are forced into criminal activities by circumstances, leading them down a path of escalating violence and betrayal. Their mothers play a central role, initially disapproving of their criminal pursuits but ultimately accepting the ill-gotten gains. The films explore themes of the American Dream, family loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power and greed. The climactic confrontations with rival drug lords mirror each other, culminating in brutal shootouts that leave the protagonists fatally wounded, their empires crumbling around them.
Empire
"Empire" closely parallels "Scarface" in its portrayal of a ruthless immigrant drug dealer's rise to power and eventual downfall. Like Tony Montana in "Scarface", Victor Rosa starts as a low-level criminal who seizes an opportunity to eliminate rivals and become a major drug kingpin. Both characters build vast criminal empires through violence and betrayal, only to have their wealth and power consumed by greed, paranoia, and the consequences of their actions. Their relationships with women mirror each other, with Tony and Victor both mistreating their significant others in their obsessive pursuit of success. Ultimately, their criminal ambitions lead to their tragic demises at the hands of those they had wronged, reinforcing the cyclical nature of violence and the self-destructive path of the criminal underworld depicted in both films.
Wasp Network
Both "Scarface" and "Wasp Network" revolve around Cuban immigrants in the United States who become embroiled in criminal activities related to drug trafficking and anti-Castro operations. The protagonists, Tony Montana in "Scarface" and René González in "Wasp Network", start as refugees but rise to prominence through their involvement with powerful criminal organizations. They infiltrate and work for drug lords and anti-Castro groups, respectively, eventually becoming key players themselves. The movies depict their struggles, moral compromises, and ultimate downfalls as they navigate the dangerous worlds of organized crime and political espionage. Themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of the American Dream are central to both films' narratives.
The Lost City
Both "Scarface" and "The Lost City" follow the rise and fall of a central character who becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld. In "Scarface", Tony Montana is a Cuban refugee who builds a vast drug empire in Miami, while in "The Lost City", Fico Fellove is a Cuban nightclub owner who gets caught up in the turmoil of the Cuban Revolution. The two protagonists start from humble beginnings but become corrupted by power and greed, leading to their eventual downfall. Family ties and loyalty play a central role, with both Tony and Fico having close relationships with siblings who become involved in revolutionary activities. The movies also explore themes of violence, crime, and the American Dream gone awry. Despite their criminal activities, the protagonists are portrayed as somewhat sympathetic antiheroes fighting for their own version of success and freedom.
Cocaine Godmother
Both "Scarface" and "Cocaine Godmother" follow the rise and fall of ruthless drug kingpins who build vast criminal empires through violence and corruption. The protagonists, Tony Montana and Griselda Blanco, come from humble beginnings but quickly ascend to power in the cocaine trade, becoming wealthy and feared figures in Miami. Their success is fueled by ambition, cunning tactics, and a willingness to eliminate anyone who stands in their way. However, their empires eventually crumble due to internal conflicts, betrayals, and the relentless pursuit of law enforcement. The movies depict the brutal realities of the drug trade, the corrosive effects of power and greed, and the tragic consequences of the criminal lifestyle. Despite their immense wealth and influence, the protagonists ultimately meet violent ends, serving as cautionary tales about the perils of the cocaine underworld.
Running Scared
Both "Scarface" and "Running Scared" follow the rise and fall of a criminal protagonist deeply involved in the drug trade. The main characters, Tony Montana and Joey Gazelle, start from humble beginnings but become embroiled in the violent world of organized crime and drug trafficking. They both witness brutal acts that set them on a path of criminality, with Tony witnessing his friend's murder and Joey being an undercover agent investigating a corrupt police force. Their ambition and ruthlessness lead them to gain power and wealth in the drug trade, but also bring them into conflict with dangerous criminal organizations. Ultimately, their criminal empires crumble due to betrayal, leading to intense shootouts and their eventual downfall, though Joey manages to fake his death to protect his family. The movies parallel each other in depicting the gritty reality of the drug underworld and the tragic consequences of greed and violence.
The Boys of Ghost Town
"The Boys of Ghost Town" parallels "Scarface" in its portrayal of an ex-convict rising through the criminal underworld to become a powerful drug lord. Both protagonists, Tony Montana and Danny Ortego, are released from prison and struggle to find legitimate work, leading them to partner with friends and enter the drug trade. They rapidly ascend the ranks through violence and ruthlessness, building empires and accumulating wealth and power. However, their success breeds arrogance and paranoia, straining relationships with loved ones. Ultimately, their criminal ambitions lead to their downfall as rival cartels seek vengeance, culminating in bloody confrontations that claim the lives of the protagonists and those close to them. The films explore themes of the American Dream gone awry, the corrupting influence of power, and the cyclical nature of violence in the drug trade.
Eye for an Eye
Both "Scarface" and "Eye for an Eye" revolve around the criminal underworld of drug trafficking and the rise and fall of a ruthless drug lord. The protagonists, Tony Montana in "Scarface" and Antonio Padín in "Eye for an Eye", start from humble beginnings but quickly climb the ranks of the drug trade through violence and cunning. They build vast criminal empires but ultimately face betrayal from those closest to them, leading to their downfall. The movies explore themes of greed, power, family, and the consequences of a life of crime. The plots follow a similar arc of the protagonists' ascent to power, their struggles to maintain control, and their eventual tragic demise at the hands of their enemies or their own hubris.
Ambushed
"Ambushed" parallels "Scarface" in its portrayal of ambitious criminals seeking power and wealth in the drug trade. Both movies follow the rise and violent downfall of the main characters, Eddie and Frank in "Ambushed" and Tony Montana in "Scarface", as they become entangled with ruthless drug lords. The plots depict their initial struggles as low-level dealers, their bold moves to seize control of the drug operations, and their eventual confrontations with law enforcement and rival criminal organizations. The movies explore themes of greed, violence, and the corrupting influence of the drug underworld, culminating in tragic endings for the main characters due to their criminal excesses. The presence of a corrupt police officer, Jack Reiley in "Ambushed" and Mel Bernstein in "Scarface", further highlights the pervasive corruption surrounding the drug trade.
Gotti
Both "Scarface" and "Gotti" depict the rise and fall of ruthless crime bosses in the criminal underworld. The protagonists, Tony Montana and John Gotti, start as low-level associates and work their way up through violence and cunning to become powerful mob leaders. They build vast criminal empires through drug trafficking and racketeering, accumulating immense wealth and power. However, their greed and disregard for authority ultimately lead to their downfall as they betray and eliminate their former allies. The movies parallel each other in portraying the brutal realities of organized crime, family dynamics within the mafia, and the consequences of unchecked ambition and hubris. Both Tony and John face betrayals from trusted associates and informants, culminating in violent confrontations that seal their fates.