Best movies like Saint Jack
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Compelling character study, revolving around Jack Flowers (Ben Gazzara), an American hustler trying to make his fortune in 1970s Singapore in small time pimping. He dreams of building a fortune by running a brothel himself and returning to the States to lead a life of luxury. Savvy but not unsavory he strikes up a friendship with William Leigh (Denholm Elliot), a genial and decent auditor who travels to Singapore every year. Ultimately, the background of the Vietnam War comes into the picture as Jack is offered the opportunity by the CIA to run a brothel for the R&R activities of U.S. soldiers on leave in Singapore.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: crime drama, neo noir, independent film, psychological, tense, clever, serious, realistic, biting, suspense
Best tv shows and movies like Saint Jack (1979):
Similar in 90%
A Rage to Live (1965)
Plot Summary:
Grace Caldwell, a young Pennsylvania newspaper heiress living with her widowed mother, has trouble restraining herself when it comes to the amorous attentions of young men. As word starts to spread about her behavior, Grace becomes a major source of heartache for her mother and a big source of concern to her brother.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 695
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: independent film, serious, realistic, sexual, ambiguous ending, sexy
Similar in 77%
Mister John (2013)
Plot Summary:
After discovering his wife's infidelities, Gerry leaves London to look after his deceased brother's business and family in Singapore. Discovering a foreign world of opportunity that had not existed before gives Gerry a chance at starting over by slipping into his brother's life - both emotionally and physically. However, leaving his wife and child behind in the UK is not so easy as Gerry must choose between becoming his brother's alter ego 'Mister John' or returning to London to face his failing relationship.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 502
Genere: Drama
Country: Ireland, Singapore, UK
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: psychological, serious, captivating, realistic, tense
Similar in 79%
The Sergeant (1968)
Plot Summary:
THE SERGEANT is the story of the dark inner struggle of Master Sergeant Albert Callan to overcome the overwhelming attraction he feels for one of his charges. In the staid and stifling environment of a post-World War II army post in France, Callan's deeply repressed attraction to other men surfaces when he encounters handsome Private Swanson. Maintaining the rugged "man's man" image of a war hero, Callan barks orders to his underlings. Later, lonely in his solitude, he recalls the frightening experiences of war and the events that led to this crossroads. Filled with self-loathing and unable to act on the natural attraction he feels for Swanson, Callan's affection festers into antagonism. He pushes Swanson constantly with verbal assaults and undeserved punishments.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 683
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: retro, serious, realistic, disturbing, sexual, sexy
Similar in 83%
Transfixed (2001)
Plot Summary:
Bo is a transexual prostitute in Brussels who left home after being abused by her father. She's infuatuated with a neighbor and suspected by the police in a series of transexual murders. In order to clear herself she must turn detective.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 390
Genere: Drama
Country: France, Belgium
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: psychological, tense, serious, suspenseful, atmospheric, mind bending, realistic, gloomy
Similar in 87%
Night at the Golden Eagle (2001)
Plot Summary:
Two elderly criminals spend their final night in Los Angeles, California at the Golden Eagle Hotel prior to their departure to Las Vegas, Nevada, to lead a life without crime. Unfortunately, on the hottest night of the summer, these two ex-criminals seemingly get caught in the malice of prostitutes, pimps, drunken bums, fighting monkeys, and young runaways.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: tense, rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful, colorful, independent film, bleak
Similar in 83%
Opening Night (1977)
Plot Summary:
An actress suffers an emotional uproar in her personal life after a fan dies trying to see her.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 144 min
Plot tags: independent film, serious, thought provoking, art house, postmodern, cerebral, tense, clever, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 83%
Working Girls (1986)
Plot Summary:
A day in the life of several prostitutes in an upscale Manhattan whore house. The film is a stark portrayal of the women prostitutes, the male customers and the motivations of both. Watch as the madam manipulates her "girls". Watch as she answers the phone by saying "Hello John, what's new and different?" Watch as the "johns" try to manipulate the "girls". Part nudie exploitation, part sociological thesis.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: independent film, tense, sincere, thought provoking, serious, realistic, contemplative, talky, sexual, sexy
Similar in 85%
The System Within (2006)
Plot Summary:
Tony "Wise" Good, is an internationally famous model. He fought his way out of the inner city and rocketed straight to the top. He had it all... The career, the trophy wife, fame, fortune and all the luxuries that come with success. But his swift rise to the top did not take him high enough to protect him from the sudden fall he was about to experience. The corrupt corporate world, the government's support and participation in that corruption, and the jealousy and greed of people he knew best, all lead to a rapid downward spiral into a living hell.
IMDB Rating: 4.6
IMDB Votes: 120
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful, exciting
Similar in 84%
Hell Without Limits (1978)
Plot Summary:
Family honor, greed, machismo, homophobia, and the dreams of whores collide in a Mexican town. Rich, elderly Don Alejo is poised to sell the town for a profit, needing only to buy a whorehouse to own all the buildings and close the deal. It's owned by a man and his daughter: Manuelita is gay, aging, afraid; he cross-dresses and entertains as a flamenco dancer; he wants to sell and leave. His daughter wants to stay. The return of Pancho complicates things: he's a hothead Alejo tries to control and he scared Manuelita the year before. Things come to a head as Pancho breaks Alejo's hold on him, then flirts and dances with Manuelita and finds himself at risk of being called a "maricón.".
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: Mexico
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: art house, offbeat, serious, emotional, realistic, homoerotic, queer cinema, campy
Similar in 80%
Handsome Harry (2009)
Plot Summary:
An ex-Navy man carrying out the last wish of a dying shipmate renews contact with old friends to break the code of silence around a mysterious, long-buried crime.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: realistic, sincere, serious, captivating, emotional, psychological, atmospheric, queer cinema
Similar in 90%
Day Zero (2007)
Plot Summary:
The military draft is back. Three best friends are drafted and given 30 days to report for duty. In that time they're forced to confront everything they believe about courage, duty, love, friendship and honor. If called to serve, what would you do?.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: disturbing, psychological, sincere, serious, rough, realistic, contemplative, crying
Similar in 80%
Ivans xtc. (To Live and Die in Hollywood) (2000)
Plot Summary:
Update on Leo Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," set in contemporary Hollywood.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, captivating, suspenseful, depressing, spiritual, art house, independent film
Similar in 80%
Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989)
Plot Summary:
A gritty Brooklyn story about union corruption, violence, taboos and social norms. The stories told are of the sailors, the prostitute, the union bosses, the hooligans and the gay community set in the early 50s.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama
Country: UK, West Germany, USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: bleak, disturbing, rough, intense, social, tense, period piece, serious, emotional, realistic
Similar in 78%
In a Year with 13 Moons (1978)
Plot Summary:
This drama follows the last few days in the life of Elvira (formerly Erwin) Weisshaupt. Years before, Erwin told a co-worker, Anton, that he loved him. "Too bad, you aren't a woman," he replied. Erwin took Anton at his word. Trying to salvage something from the wreckage love has made of his life, he now hopes that Anton will not reject him again.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama
Country: West Germany
Duration: 124 min
Plot tags: disturbing, philosophical, depressing, controversial, art house, psychological, serious, emotional, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 87%
Tracks (1976)
Plot Summary:
A soldier returns from Vietnam on special assignment, accompanying the body of his friend by train to California for burial. During the trip, he falls in love with a gentle college student. But their relationship is shattered by his flashbacks to combat.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 591
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: indie film, independent film, psychological, serious, realistic, contemplative, gloomy
Similar in 80%
Some of My Best Friends Are (1971)
Plot Summary:
It's Christmas Eve 1971 in Manhattan's Greenwich Village and the regulars of the local gay bar "The Blue Jay" are celebrating. Not much has changed since Stonewall and its not all "Peace on Earth. Good Will to Men" but the times are a changin.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 356
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: independent film, realistic, semi serious, crying, queer cinema
Similar in 83%
Journey from the Fall (2006)
Plot Summary:
Thirteen years after the end of the Vietnam War, a family who was tragically affected by the war are forced to emigrate to America.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 937
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 135 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, bleak, inspirational, political, informative, realistic
Similar in 82%
The Big Brass Ring (1999)
Plot Summary:
Blake Pellarin is on the campaign trail to become president of the United States. While making a stop in St. Louis, a chance encounter brings his past back to haunt him.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 831
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: independent film, psychological, serious, realistic
Similar in 77%
Knife Fight (2012)
Plot Summary:
A political strategist juggling three clients questions whether or not to take the high road as the ugly side of his work begins to haunt him.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: realistic, witty, cynical, semi serious, talky, independent film, biting, suspense
Similar in 85%
True Colors (1991)
Plot Summary:
Two law school friends find themselves at odds when one becomes a Justice Department lawyer and the other goes into politics.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: political, talky, intense, realistic, serious, captivating, clever, tense, sincere, crime drama
Similar in 79%
The Best Man (1964)
Plot Summary:
The other party is in disarray. Five men vie for the party nomination for president. No one has a majority as the first ballot closes and the front-runners begin to decide how badly they want the job.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, cynical, political, rough, clever, witty, contemplative, biting, suspense
Similar in 76%
Daniel (1983)
Plot Summary:
The fictionalized story of Daniel, the son of Paul and Rochelle Isaacson, who were executed as Soviet spies in the 1950s. As a graduate student in New York in the 1960s, Daniel is involved in the antiwar protest movement and contrasts his experiences to the memory of his parents and his belief that they were wrongfully convicted.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 130 min
Plot tags: psychological, realistic, sincere, serious, retro, political thriller, contemplative, vintage
Similar in 84%
Red Zone (2003)
Plot Summary:
Mac and his high school gangster buddies try to take over the world of sports betting in a city filled with crime, prostitution and gambling. When the Mafia gets involved, they do whatever it takes to keep these tough young-bloods off their turf.
IMDB Rating: 4.5
IMDB Votes: 175
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 84 min
Plot tags: captivating, psychological, tense, suspense, exciting, rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 85%
Dirty Dealing 3D (2018)
Plot Summary:
A group of sexy casino dealers joins forces to try to save the sick child of one of their coworkers. When their unscrupulous boss (Michael Madsen) refuses to get the insurance company to help and then reneges on a promise to help raise the money, the ladies are left with only one option – they plot to rob their casino. But as it turns out, one of their team is not who he claims to be and his true intentions remain unknown until the night of the caper.
IMDB Rating: 3.8
IMDB Votes: 433
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: sexy, sentimental, psychological, tense, captivating, serious, realistic
Similar in 76%
Green Dragon (2001)
Plot Summary:
A tale about Vietnamese refugees sent to an orientation camp on the Camp Pendleton Marine Base in California, 'Green Dragon' focuses on a young boy and his sister. Set in 1975, the film chronicles the stories told to the two children by other refugees in the camp and of Tai Tran, who dares to introduce himself to Sergeant Jim Lance. In developing a relationship with Lance, Tran is able to improve.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: psychological, sincere, touching, emotional, independent film, serious, realistic
Similar in 76%
September (1987)
Plot Summary:
At a summer house in Vermont, neighbor Howard falls in love with Lane, who's in a relationship with Peter, who's falling for Stephanie, who's married with children.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 83 min
Plot tags: talky, emotional, sentimental, serious, realistic, philosophical, independent film, psychological, clever, light
Similar in 75%
Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Plot Summary:
A naive male prostitute and his sickly friend struggle to survive on the streets of New York City.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 118000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: disturbing, realistic, depressing, controversial, cult classic, psychological, rough, serious, bleak, grim
Similar in 85%
The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979)
Plot Summary:
Respected liberal Senator Joe Tynan is asked to to lead the opposition to a Supreme Court appointment. It means losing an old friend and fudging principles to make the necessary deals, as well as further straining his already part-time family life. But it could be a big boost to his career, so he takes it on. Helping him prepare the case is pretty southern researcher Karen Traynor, and their developing relationship further complicates and compromises his life.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: realistic, clever, serious, suspenseful, political, cynical, gloomy, biting, suspense
Similar in 84%
Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)
Plot Summary:
Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui are cell mates in a South American prison. Luis, a homosexual, is found guilty of immoral behaviour and Valentin is a political prisoner. To escape reality Luis invents romantic movies, while Valentin tries to keep his mind on the situation he's in. During the time they spend together, the two men come to understand and respect one another.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 17000
Genere: Drama
Country: Brazil, USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: political, psychological, sincere, touching, captivating, clever, emotional, talky, sexy, erotic
Similar in 89%
Power (1986)
Plot Summary:
Pete St. John is a powerful and successful political consultant, with clients spread around the country. When his long-time friend and client Ohio senator Sam Hastings decides to quit politics, he is rapidly drafted to help with the campaign of the man destined to succeed him, unknown and mysterious businessman Jerome Cade.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, clever, cynical, political, retro, talky