Movies like Empire (2002)
The best movies like Empire (2002) are Paid in Full (2002), Belly (1998) and Sugar Hill (1994). If Empire hooked you with its crime and action, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedShottas (2002)7.7/10 from 389 votes
- NewestGhetto Stories: The Movie (2010)Released 2010
Paid in Full (2002)
Ace is an impressionable young man working for a dry cleaning business. His friend, drug dealer Mitch, goes to prison. In an unrelated incident, he finds some cocaine in a pants pocket. Soon, Ace finds himself dealing cocaine for Lulu. Via lucky breaks and solid interpersonal skills, Ace moves to the top of the Harlem drug world. Of course, unfaithful employees and/or rivals conspire to bring about Ace's fall.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBelly (1998)
Tommy Bundy and Sincere are best friends as well as infamous and ruthless criminals and shot-callers in the hood. Respected by many but feared by all. As the police are closing in on them and new players are looking for a come up, will their reign last?
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSugar Hill (1994)
In the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, the Mafia steps in when a drug dealer quits his partner and brother to lead a straight life with his girlfriend.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & action
SnoozefestMovies like thisState Property (2002)
A Philadelphia gang member becomes a drug kingpin and starts a feud with vicious rivals in his quest for the American Dream.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIn Too Deep (1999)
Drug lord Dwayne Gittens rules Cincinnati with an iron fist. No wonder he's known as "God" on the streets. Determined to break Gittens' stranglehold on the city is undercover cop Jeffrey Cole. But as Cole takes on an assumed identity to penetrate Gittens' criminal empire, he makes a disturbing discovery -- he kind of likes being a gangster.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHot Boyz (2000)
Injustice begets a criminal. Kool is an artist without prospects, a black belt in karate, and in love with LaShawna, poised and college bound. One night she witnesses a stabbing and discovers the victim is a cop as he dies in her arms. She's jailed for murder by the infamous Ramparts Division of the LAPD. Kool wants to prove her innocence, and Tully, the cynical detective in charge, ignores LaShawna's case but uses Kool to break up an incipient crime operation. She's in danger because the guilty parties fear that the officer talked before he died. While in jail awaiting a hearing and legal help, she's beaten to death by a rogue cop. Kool vows revenge: the Hot Boyz are born.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & crime
Shottas (2002)
A raw urban drama about two friends raised on the dangerous streets of Kingston, Jamaica. Biggs and Wayne take on the "Shotta" way of life to survive. As young boys, they begin a life of crime, eventually moving to the US where they begin a ruthless climb from the bottom. They remain bound to each other by their shottas loyalty as they aggressively take control of the Jamaican underworld.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJuice (1992)
Four Harlem friends -- Bishop, Q, Steel and Raheem -- dabble in petty crime, but they decide to go big by knocking off a convenience store. Bishop, the magnetic leader of the group, has the gun. But Q has different aspirations. He wants to be a DJ and happens to have a gig the night of the robbery. Unfortunately for him, Bishop isn't willing to take no for answer in a game where everything's for keeps.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEl padrino: The Latin Godfather (2004)
In the streets of East Los Angeles, Manny is a formidable drug dealer. Impressed by his extravagant lifestyle and prowess, his young son, Kilo, yearns to follow in his footsteps. Kilo resolves to learn how to prosper in the drug world, and his new life as a dealer begins. In a world where a man wants everything, he may end up with nothing.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNever Die Alone (2004)
A drug kingpin's rise and tragic fall is witnessed vicariously by a reporter who uses the criminal's diary as the basis for his new book.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & crime
SnoozefestMovies like thisSet It Off (1996)
Four inner-city Black women, determined to end their constant struggle, decide to live by one rule — get what you want or die trying. So the four women take back their lives and take out some banks in the process.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisState Property: Blood on the Streets (2005)
Three gangsters vie for control of the streets of Philadelphia.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & action
Waist Deep (2006)
An ex-convict gets tangled up with a gang after his car is hijacked with his son inside.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAbove the Rim (1994)
Story of a promising high school basketball star and his relationships with two brothers, one a drug dealer and the other a former basketball star fallen on hard times and now employed as a security guard.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Return of Superfly (1990)
Priest returns to New York from Paris to find his friend's murderer. With a couple of new allies, he attempts to bring the killers to justice while trying not to get into criminal activity like he did years ago.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & action
SnoozefestMovies like thisBaby Boy (2001)
The story of Jody, a misguided, 20-year-old African-American who is really just a baby boy finally forced-kicking and screaming to face the commitments of real life. Streetwise and jobless, he has not only fathered two children by two different women-Yvette and Peanut but still lives with his own mother. He can't seem to strike a balance or find direction in his chaotic life.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisI'm Bout It (1997)
I'm Bout It is a 1997 film by rapper Master P. The plot details his life in a New Orleans uptown ghetto. Master P wrote, directed and acted in the film.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & crime
Boyz n the Hood (1991)
Three friends growing up in South Central Los Angeles navigate a neighborhood plagued by violence, unemployment, and crime, each responding differently to the harsh realities of street life. As tragedy strikes close to home, their friendship, choices, and hopes for a better future are put to the ultimate test.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFresh (1994)
Death and violence anger twelve year old drug courier Fresh, who sets his rival employers against each other.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBelly 2: Millionaire Boyz Club (2008)
Born into a life of crime, G has just spent 8 years in the pen. Now out on the streets he's back to his old ways wondering if a con can ever really straighten out. Things become more complex when G hooks up with Alexis who makes her living upholding the law.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & drama
Saving God (2008)
Ex Con Armstrong Cane (Ving Rhames) returns to home a changed man looking to take over his father's old church and congregation. The neighborhood though is full of drugs and gangs. Those who are able are leaving for more prosperous areas and falling in with a slick preacher (Ricardo Chivara). Even with a dangerous gang leader (Dean McDermott) threatening his flock, Armstrong won't give up.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & drama
Street Kings (2008)
Tom Ludlow is a disillusioned L.A. Police Officer, rarely playing by the rules and haunted by the death of his wife. When evidence implicates him in the execution of a fellow officer, he is forced to go up against the cop culture he's been a part of his entire career, ultimately leading him to question the loyalties of everyone around him.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCradle 2 the Grave (2003)
Gang leader Tony pulls off a major diamond heist with his crew, but cop-turned-criminal Ling knows who has the loot and responds by kidnapping Tony's daughter and holding her for ransom. Unfortunately, Tony's lost the diamonds as well. As he frantically searches for his daughter and the jewels, Tony pairs with a high-kicking government agent who once worked with Ling and seeks revenge on him.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDead Presidents (1995)
On the streets they call cash dead presidents. And that's just what a Vietnam veteran is after when he returns home from the war only to find himself drawn into a life of crime. With the aid of his fellow vets he plans the ultimate heist -- a daring robbery of an armored car filled with unmarked U.S. currency!
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBaller Blockin' (2000)
A flashback to the early life of the narrator/ protagonist 'Tanuk' (Juvenile) shows life in the Magnolia projects in New Orleans. He bears witness to his father's demise at the hands of local gangster Garr over a debt of $2000. Fast forward to the year 2000. Beatrice (Birdman aka Baby or #1 stunna) along with Tanuk, Chopper (B.G) and Teke (Turk) meet with representatives of a drug cartel and purchase a large batch of cocaine. We then see scenes of everyday business in Magnolia with Iceberg Shorty (Lil Wayne) selling some drugs.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & crime
Shaft (2000)
New York police detective John Shaft arrests Walter Wade Jr. for a racially motivated slaying. But the only eyewitness disappears, and Wade jumps bail for Switzerland. Two years later Wade returns to face trial, confident his money and influence will get him acquitted -- especially since he's paid a drug kingpin to kill the witness.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBlue Hill Avenue (2003)
A child of a middle class home with solid moral values is lured into a world of crime and corruption.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & crime
New Jack City (1991)
A gangster, Nino, is in the Cash Money Brothers, making a million dollars every week selling crack. A cop, Scotty, discovers that the only way to infiltrate the gang is to become a dealer himself.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both crime & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGhetto Stories: The Movie (2010)
In the streets of Baton Rouge, there are only two sides of the track. In the midst of a street war of South vs. North, Marcus Hatch (Lil' Boosie) and Jai 'Savage' Carter (Webbie) find themselves as rival drug dealers struggling to make ends meet. With the streets at war, someone must suffer the consequences. This movie centers on the personal challenges, setbacks, and dilemmas of street life. Keep an eye peeled for Nicole (Hoopz) Alexander, who plays Slimm's (Tyrin Turner better know as Cain from Menace II Society) love interest and medical student, rap stars Bun B and Paul Wall also appear in supporting roles, as well as cameos by Trill Entertainment's own Foxx, Lil' Phat, Lil' Trill, and Big Head.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Holiday Heart (2000)
After losing his police officer lover, Christian drag queen Holiday Heart meets 12-year-old Niki and her drug-addicted mother, Wanda. Heart finds relief from heartache and a renewed sense of purpose when he steps in as a father figure to Niki and welcomes the two women into his life. But when Wanda becomes romantically involved with her drug dealer, Silas, it may endanger Niki and threaten to destroy the makeshift family.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Like Empire and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Empire?
The closest matches to Empire are Paid in Full (2002), Belly (1998) and Sugar Hill (1994). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Empire?
People who watched Empire most often go on to Paid in Full (2002), Belly (1998) and Sugar Hill (1994).
What is the highest-rated movie like Empire?
Shottas (2002), rated 7.7/10 by 389 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Empire?
Ghetto Stories: The Movie (2010) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Empire?
Yes: Paid in Full (2002), Belly (1998) and Sugar Hill (1994).
How are movies similar to Empire chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Empire, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.