gritty backdrop

Movies with gritty vibe

Rustin

1. Rustin

Drama History Historical Event Political Drama
6.5
20231h 48min

Overview

Activist Bayard Rustin faces racism and homophobia as he helps change the course of Civil Rights history by orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington.

Themes

Homophobia and stigma, Racial discrimination in politics, Leadership isolation and loyalty, Strategic mobilization, Nonviolent protest discipline, Activist personal risk

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Wingwomen

2. Wingwomen

Action Comedy Drama Vehicle-Driven Action Buddy Comedy
5.7
20231h 54min

Overview

Tired of life on the run, a pro thief decides to retire — but not before one easy last job with her partner in crime and a feisty new getaway driver.

Themes

Female friendship under pressure, Deception within alliances, Motherhood and crime, Crime career vs family, Ambiguous patron relationships, Loyalty in heist crews, Autonomy within crime networks

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Radical

3. Radical

Drama Professional Drama
7.8
20232h 6min

Overview

In a Mexican border town plagued by neglect, corruption, and violence, a frustrated teacher tries an unorthodox new method to break through his students’ apathy and unlock their curiosity, their potential... and perhaps even their genius.

Themes

Usa–mexico border tensions, Border town neglect, Resource constrained schooling, Teachers and students agency, Moral discussion in class, Standardized testing pressure

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
VIX
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

NYAD

4. NYAD

Drama History Historical Drama
7.1
20232h

Overview

Athlete Diana Nyad sets out at 60 to achieve a nearly impossible lifelong dream: to swim from Cuba to Florida across more than 100 miles of open ocean.

Themes

Aging as obstacle, Public doubt pressure, Trauma resurfaces memory, Team dynamics under strain, Trauma memory informs drive, Perseverance amid failures

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Dark Harvest

5. Dark Harvest

Horror Fantasy Thriller Monster Horror Survival Thriller
5.5
20231h 36min

Overview

In a small Midwestern town, a deadly annual ritual unfolds when the mythical nightmare, Sawtooth Jack, rises from the cornfields and challenges the town’s teenage boys in a bloody battle of survival.

Themes

"movie: dark harvest. genres: horror, Fantasy, Thriller, Horror, Fantasy, Thriller main themes: based on novel or book, Halloween, Harvest, Based on novel or book, Halloween, Harvest full keywords list: based on novel or book, Halloween, Harvest, Cursed town. concept analysis: the film explores the cyclical nature of violence and the burdens of familial legacy, Illustrating how traditions can trap individuals in a cycle of horror. it raises questions about sacrifice, Guilt, And the lengths one will go to break free from a cursed existence."

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

In the Land of Saints and Sinners

6. In the Land of Saints and Sinners

Action Thriller Crime Revenge Thriller Organized Crime
6.4
20231h 46min

Overview

In a remote Irish village, a damaged Finbar is forced to fight for redemption after a lifetime of sins, but what price is he willing to pay? In the land of saints and sinners, some sins can't be buried.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Loyalty under threat, Cycles of violence, Moral ambiguity under pressure, Trauma of conflict, Vigilantism versus law

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Ballerina

7. Ballerina

Action Thriller One-Person Army Revenge Thriller
6.3
20231h 33min

Overview

Grieving the loss of a best friend she couldn't protect, an ex-bodyguard sets out to fulfill her dear friend's last wish: sweet revenge.

Themes

Trauma and resilience, Secrecy and exposure, Exploitation and resistance, Evidence as leverage, Power and control networks, Vigilantism and justice

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Promised Land

8. The Promised Land

Action Drama History Historical Drama Epic Action
7.7
20232h 7min

Overview

Denmark, 1755. Captain Ludvig Kahlen sets out to conquer a Danish heath reputed to be uncultivable, with an impossible goal: to establish a colony in the name of the king, in exchange for a royal title. A single-minded ambition that the ruthless lord of the region will relentlessly seek to put down. Kahlen's fate hangs in the balance: will his endevours bring him wealth and honour, or cost him his life...?

Themes

Labor exploitation, Land ownership conflict, Colonial ambition, Legal bans and enforcement, Upheaval of settlers, Betrayal and power shifts

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Finestkind

9. Finestkind

Crime Drama Thriller Organized Crime Family Drama
6.1
20232h 6min

Overview

Two brothers from opposite sides of the tracks are reunited as adults. Desperate circumstances force them into a deal with an organized crime syndicate in Boston, and a young woman gets caught in the middle.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Class pressure and crime, Brotherly loyalty vs crime, Illicit trade risk, Law enforcement consequences, Family illness and obligation

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

It Lives Inside

10. It Lives Inside

Horror Mystery Supernatural Horror Mystic Mystery
5.2
20231h 39min

Overview

Desperate to fit in at school, Sam rejects her Indian culture and family to be like everyone else. However, when a mythological demonic spirit latches onto her former best friend, she must come to terms with her heritage to defeat it.

Themes

Youth social alienation, Family expectations conflict, Folklore as horror, Ritual containment fear, Heritage vs belonging, Cultural assimilation pressures

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.