Do the Right Thing
Film

Do the Right Thing (1989)

3 critics 45 lists ★ 7.8 TMDb 120 min Drama

Sal is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out, becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria's Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin' Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.

Movies like Do the Right Thing ↓

Where to watchStreaming availability by region · data by JustWatch

The Generation GapWhat our critics say

Kurosawa's epic established the template for countless ensemble action films, yet its depth goes far beyond spectacle. It's a nuanced study of leadership, sacrifice, and the class dynamics of feudal Japan. The meticulous character development and strategic storytelling reveal the inherent nobility and futility of struggle against overwhelming odds, a universal theme still echoed today.

from “The 11 Essential Films That Challenge and Reflect Our World” →
The Lore Architect
The Lore ArchitectMillennial

Spike Lee's searing examination of racial tension in Brooklyn on a sweltering summer day remains as relevant today as it was in 1989. It sparked crucial conversations, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about prejudice and community dynamics. The film's vibrant visual style and groundbreaking narrative approach solidified Lee's voice as an essential and provocative filmmaker, truly a masterclass in social commentary.

from “11 Movies That Proved One Film Can Change Everything” →

Spike Lee's classic is still hitting hard, decades later. It’s a blazing, uncomfortable look at racial tensions, community dynamics, and simmering anger that boils over on a scorching summer day. The conversations, the characters, the oppressive heat – it all feels so visceral and immediate. It’s a reflection of society that refuses to shy away from difficult truths. A mandatory watch, honestly.

from “12 Movies That Are So Real They're Practically Documentaries (But Better)” →

Featured in 45 lists

The 11 Essential Films That Challenge and Reflect Our World The Unfolding Narrative: 9 Films That Etched Their Golden Moment 12 Movies That Are So Real They're Practically Documentaries (But Better) 10 Films That Cast a Long Shadow: Exploring Cinema's Enduring Power 10 Movies That Are Peak Vibe Check Material 10 Movies That Changed Everything We Thought We Knew 12 Films Whose Echoes Will Forever Shape Our Shared Human Story 10 Unforgettable Visions That Shaped Modern Cinema 12 Films That Shaped Modern Cinema The Unseen Threads: 12 Films That Weave Through History, Redefining What Cinema Can Be 8 Films That Captured the Zeitgeist: More Than Just a Moment The 9 Films Streamers Are Low-Key Terrified Of

Movies like Do the Right Thing

What most often shares a list with it, according to our critics.

Parasite Parasite 2019 Blade Runner Blade Runner 1982 Citizen Kane Citizen Kane 1941 The Godfather The Godfather 1972 Seven Samurai Seven Samurai 1954 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 2004 Casablanca Casablanca 1943 Moonlight Moonlight 2016