Best movies like Metro Manila
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Seeking a brighter future in megacity Manila, Oscar Ramirez and his family flee their impoverished life in the rice fields of the northern Philippines. But the sweltering capital's bustling intensity quickly overwhelms them, and they fall prey to the rampant manipulations of its hardened locals. Oscar catches a lucky break when he's offered steady work for an armored truck company and gregarious senior officer Ong takes him under his wing. Soon, though, the reality of his work's mortality rate and the murky motives of his new partner force Oscar to confront the perils he faces in his new job and life.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: UK, Philippines
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: tense, realistic, serious, captivating, noir, neo noir, dramatic, sincere, rough, bleak
Best tv shows and movies like Metro Manila (2013):
Similar in 76%
Norte, the End of History (2013)
Plot Summary:
A man is wrongly jailed for murder while the real killer roams free. The murderer is an intellectual frustrated with his country’s never-ending cycle of betrayal and apathy. The convict is a simple man who finds life in prison more tolerable, when something mysterious and strange starts happening to him.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: Philippines
Duration: 250 min
Plot tags: philosophical, realistic, stylized, atmospheric, serious, slow cinema, contemplative, art house, black and white, cerebral
Similar in 84%
Vegetarian Cannibal (2012)
Plot Summary:
Danko Babic is an ambitious and amoral gynaecologist at Croatia's leading fertility clinic. When his colleague Bantic is appointed as head of the clinic, Babic starts a secret war to overthrow his rival. Distracted by his ruthless campaign he makes series of fatal mistakes that result in the death of a patient. A crooked coroner and a corrupt police officer cover up his misdeeds, while Babic grows increasingly dependant on drugs and alcohol. He begins performing illegal abortions on prostitutes who work for Jedinko, a gangster who controls the local drug and sex trade.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: Croatia
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: psychological, tense, bleak, rough, serious, realistic, disturbing
Similar in 90%
The Vulture (2010)
Plot Summary:
In Argentina over 8,000 people die in traffic accidents every year. Behind each of these tragedies is a flourishing industry founded on insurance payouts and legal loopholes. Sosa is a lawyer who tours the A&E Departments of the public hospitals and the police stations in search of potential clients. Luján is a young doctor recently arrived from the provinces. Their love story kicks off one night when Luján and Sosa meet in the street. She's trying to save a man's life; he wants him on his client portfolio.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller
Country: Argentina, Chile, France, South Korea, Spain
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: neo noir, tense, captivating, psychological, disturbing, noir, crime drama, bleak, serious, realistic
Similar in 75%
On the Job (2013)
Plot Summary:
On The Job is about the ambitions and passions of four men trying to make a living, for themselves and their families. It shows the parallels between two prison inmates who are contract killers, and the two agents of the law investigating the murders. As they get caught in a web of machination of corrupt government officials, their jobs lead them on a head-on collision against each other with their loved ones as collateral damage.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Country: Philippines
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, realistic, suspenseful, suspense, tense, noir, neo noir, tagalog, unpredictable
Similar in 75%
I Corrupt All Cops (2009)
Plot Summary:
In the early 1970s, the Governor of Hong Kong decided to clean up the police force. The ICAC was established, whose operation branch was headed by Yim. Bong and Unicorn also joined the ICAC. Despite threats of violence and intimidation, they managed to bring about the downfall of the empire of graft.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 598
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: Hong Kong
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: tense, captivating, atmospheric, suspense, rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful, stylized
Similar in 81%
Between the Canals (2011)
Plot Summary:
Three small time criminals from Dublin's North Inner City each aspire to be somebody in a fast changing society.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 271
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: Ireland
Duration: 74 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, psychological, tense, captivating, rough
Similar in 76%
Code 37 (2011)
Plot Summary:
A famous writer is violated in a sex-movie-theatre. He had a date with Roos, a young student who works also as a prostitute. Quickly it becomes clear that more students are active in the prostitution. Enough reason for Hannah and her team to go undercover in club Sin City, a port for everyone who avoids the daylight and for girls who pick up their customers. When Hannah and her team investigate that the owner of both the sex-theatre as Sin City are Roos' uncle, the whole case takes a personal turn. In the first place for Hannah, because she knows as no-one else how heavy family secrets can weigh.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 762
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: Belgium
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: tense, psychological, atmospheric, captivating, rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 75%
The Badge (2015)
Plot Summary:
The only difference between a cop and a criminal is The Badge. Detective Vince McKinley and his partner Martin Goulet have to solve the biggest case of their careers: a series of evidence have been stolen from their own precinct. Through out the case, Vince discovers that the person responsible could be one of his closest friend. The Badge brings a unique view on how trust and friendship can switch to blood in an instant.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 19
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: Canada
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: tense, serious, realistic, suspenseful, rough
Similar in 88%
Now or Never (2014)
Plot Summary:
As a mother, in principle, you do not rob banks. But these days, it can be a solution for the future of your home, and not to give up on your dreams. Playing the thieves can quickly become dangerous and bad encounters can turn into a love story.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 313
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: France, Belgium
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: realistic, captivating, psychological, tense, serious, suspenseful, gloomy
Similar in 86%
After the Fall (2014)
Plot Summary:
Bill Scanlin loses his job and embarks on a life of crime. As Bill stays ahead of the law, he discovers that sometimes the only thing worse than getting caught is getting away with it.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: psychological, tense, serious, realistic, captivating, suspenseful, independent film
Similar in 77%
Weapons (2007)
Plot Summary:
Weapons presents a series of brutal, seemingly random youth-related killings over the course of a weekend in a typical small town in America, and tragically reveals how they are all interrelated.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 648
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 83 min
Plot tags: rough, serious, suspenseful, disturbing, hood, crime drama, bleak, realistic, non-linear
Similar in 79%
The Bull (2019)
Plot Summary:
The 1990s. Empty shelves in the shops, an economic abyss and criminal dramas that unfold literally at every corner. The young leader of a criminal gang Anton Bykov, with the nickname “Bull”, must make money in whatever way to provide for his family. After a local shootout, Anton ends up in the police station, from where he is released at the intervention of Moscow’s crime lords. In exchange, the latter asks Anton for a small, but dangerous service.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 896
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: Russia
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: realistic, tense, bleak, serious, harsh, suspenseful, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 89%
Highway Patrolman (1991)
Plot Summary:
A naïve rookie in the Mexican highway patrol has to adapt to survive as he contends with dangerous drug-runners and widespread corruption.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 918
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: Mexico, Japan
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: neo noir, rough, bleak, serious, realistic, suspenseful, surreal, disturbing, gloomy, independent film
Similar in 78%
Blood and Rain (2009)
Plot Summary:
Taxi driver Jose begins his night shift bent on revenge after his brother's murder at the hands pf a violent gang. But when an accident brings him unexpectedly closer to his party-girl fare Angela, the damaged pair must struggle against forces already set in motion, drawing them inexorably into the rain soaked underworld of Bogota.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 332
Genere: Drama
Country: Colombia, Argentina
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: tense, rough, bleak, serious, neo noir, realistic, suspenseful, atmospheric
Similar in 89%
Manila (2009)
Plot Summary:
A tribute to filmmakers and National Artists Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal. In the "Day" segment, Piolo Pacual portrays the role of William, a drug addict who tries to rebuild his sense of self and reconnect with the people around him. For the "Night" segment, Pascual portrays the role of Philip, who works as a bodyguard for a mayor's son. The bodyguard believes that his boss considers him as part of the family but after a shooting incident, he realizes his real worth to his boss. As he struggles to hide, he is slowly consumed by the claws of darkness lurking the city.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 133
Genere: Drama
Country: Philippines
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: tense, atmospheric, touching, serious, neo noir, bleak, captivating, realistic, gloomy
Similar in 88%
Wall of Silence (2004)
Plot Summary:
The tale of a gang killing near a south-east London council estate.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 330
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: rough, bleak, serious, slasher, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 80%
Clash (2009)
Plot Summary:
"Engwkentro" follows two teenage brothers attempting to escape an unnamed city controlled by an iron-fisted mayor. They must first break away from the cycle of crime, while trying to run from rival gang leaders and the state's murderous vigilantes.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 108
Genere: Drama
Country: Philippines
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: tense, rough, serious, disturbing, bleak, realistic
Similar in 83%
Lilet Never Happened (2012)
Plot Summary:
Lilet Never Happened is the rollercoaster story of how a young girl, struggling to survive in the streets of Manila, spirals down into child prostitution. She is a fighter. She is a dreamer. She is a rebel and she thinks she can handle the world with her wits. But she has to face up to reality when she runs out of innocent dreams.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 281
Genere: Drama
Country: Netherlands, UK, Philippines
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, serious, realistic, disturbing, bleak, emotional
Similar in 76%
Stolen (2011)
Plot Summary:
A fast-paced thriller about a vital and terrifying subject - the trafficking of children - with the heart-stopping vibrancy, compassion and energy that only the fate of children inspires. This is a story that touches all our lives. And it's happening now.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 329
Genere: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Country: UK
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: tense, serious, captivating, thought provoking, realistic, bleak, suspenseful, disturbing
Similar in 84%
Common (2014)
Plot Summary:
Multi-award-winning writer Jimmy McGovern's brand new film based on the UK's controversial joint enterprise law. Jimmy McGovern's gritty drama stars Nico Mirallegro as guileless 17 year old Johnjo O'Shea, who goes from innocent bystander to accessory to premeditated murder after giving a few friends a lift.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: tense, thought provoking, serious, realistic, crime drama, bleak, gloomy
Similar in 90%
Mystery (2012)
Plot Summary:
A car full of irresponsible youths hit a woman on a rainy freeway and think she is trying an insurance scam.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: China, France
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: realistic, atmospheric, serious, emotional, tense, captivating, neo noir
Similar in 82%
Bloodlines (2005)
Plot Summary:
After Elaine Hopkin is found dead, apparent an OD suicide, her firstborn Mark wouldn't even inform his dad James Hopkin, who was locked up for murder. Kid sister Justine, a cocky uniformed cop, goes visit him, only to learn he was just released. After the autopsy concludes asphyxiation, she comprises friendly DC Jake Bannerman's official investigation by rash actions against procedure.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 117
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: tense, serious, realistic, suspenseful, rough
Similar in 84%
Monga (2010)
Plot Summary:
Set in the 1980s, “Monga” centers on five boys (Mosquito, Monk, Dragon, White Monkey and A-Lan) who join the "Gang of Princes" who are tired of being pushed around. As the "Gang of Princes" rise in stature, they come into conflict with other gangs jealous of their rising power.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama
Country: Taiwan
Duration: 140 min
Plot tags: tense, realistic, exciting, serious, captivating, heroic, hood, rough, bleak, suspenseful
Similar in 87%
Confession of Pain (2006)
Plot Summary:
A detective helps a friend investigate the mysterious death of his father.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Country: Hong Kong, China, Japan
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: tense, serious, suspenseful, rough, realistic, neo noir, crime drama, twisted, detective
Similar in 82%
My Kingdom (2001)
Plot Summary:
A powerful dynasty, headed by a charismatic, manipulative father, falls when he decides to hand over his criminal empire to his three corrupt and power-hungry daughters. Kath runs a brothel down by the docks, Tracy owns a soccer team and Jo, a former junkie -- and prostitute -- rejects her inheritance, pitting sisters Kath and Tracy against each other.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 667
Genere: Drama, Crime
Country: Italy, UK
Duration: 117 min
Plot tags: tense, rough, serious, suspenseful, realistic
Similar in 83%
The Glass Shield (1994)
Plot Summary:
J.J. is a rookie in the Sheriff's Department and the first black officer at that station. Racial tensions run high in the department as some of J.J.'s fellow officers resent his presence. His only real friend is the other new trooper, the first female officer to work there, who also suffers similar discrimination in the otherwise all-white-male work environment. When J.J. becomes increasingly aware of police corruption during the murder trial of Teddy Woods, whom he helped to arrest, he faces difficult decisions and puts himself into grave personal danger in the service of justice.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: France, USA
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: tense, harsh, rough, bleak, serious, realistic, suspenseful, disturbing, neo noir, thought provoking
Similar in 84%
Cost of a Soul (2010)
Plot Summary:
Wounded in the war, Tommy Donahue and DD Davis return home from Iraq to the slum neighborhood they grew up in. Tommy returns to his wife, Faith, whom he abandoned while she was pregnant to escape a life of crime. Tommy meets his disabled six year-old daughter, Hope, for the first time, and she begins to melt his frozen heart. While DD struggles to make an honest living, his older brother, Darnell, has risen to become the neighborhood kingpin. DD faces the pressure to save his younger brother, James, from following in Darnell’s dangerous footsteps. Tommy and DD find themselves trapped in the same slum they joined the military to escape. As they struggle for redemption, their own families become entangled in a web of crime, corruption and violence.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 214
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: realistic, tense, serious, psychological, captivating, rough, bleak, independent film
Similar in 88%
Laws of Gravity (1992)
Plot Summary:
Jimmy and Jon are a couple of Brooklyn guys who somehow never found their way into workaday society; they never found their way into big-time crime, either.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: neo noir, independent film, tense, rough, bleak, serious, realistic, suspenseful, neorealism, cult film
Similar in 90%
Blood Brothers (1993)
Plot Summary:
Blood Brothers- While coming of age in the inner city, Darryl Crawford, a young African-American man, witnesses a gang-related murder and is horrified to discover that his beloved older brother Sly is one of the perps. Darryl grapples with his conscience over informing on Sly -- but this fear becomes secondary when the remaining gang members close in on both brothers and threaten their lives.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 98
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 80 min
Plot tags: crime drama, independent film, rough, bleak, serious, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 88%
Outlaw Country (2012)
Plot Summary:
A crime thriller/family drama set against the backdrop of southern organized crime and Nashville royalty where music, love, hope and tragedy collide. Created as a pilot for a TV Series which was not taken up, this has now been aired as a TV Movie.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 715
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: realistic, serious, suspenseful, captivating, tense, independent film, rough