The Best Hood Movies Of All Time

Ranker Film
Updated April 16, 2024 1.9M views 146 items
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129.1K votes
21.8K voters
11 reranks
Voting Rules
Movies must take place in an urban ghetto.

The cinematic landscape of hood films, set in and around the 'hood,' has captivated audiences with their raw portrayal of African-American urban communities. These movies delve into themes such as poverty, violence, gang life, education, drugs, sports, and music. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the emergence of iconic hood films, like Boyz n the Hood and Menace II Society.

A list of top-notch hood movies would be incomplete without mentioning hilarious classics like Friday or Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. However, over time these types of films have faced criticism for promoting stereotypes and being cliched parodies. Despite this setback, many still appreciate the quality filmmaking from that era - even some modern-day hood movies continue to entertain viewers today.

Recent additions to this genre include Straight Outta Compton, Moonlight, and Dope which can also be found on a list featuring the best hip hop movies from the 2010s. Films like Dead Presidents are featured on a compilation showcasing excellent Black heist cinema.

Hood films provide an authentic glimpse into urban Black culture while exploring various challenges faced by those growing up in such environments. Whether they make you laugh out loud or shed tears through heart-wrenching drama scenes, cast your vote for your favorites.

Most divisive: Kidulthood
Over 21.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Hood Movies Of All Time