Best movies like Times Square
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Two ill-matched teenage girls form a punk band and soon have New York by its ears.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: cult classic, independent film, exciting, rough, serious, realistic, cynical, queer cinema, rockumentary, eighties
Best tv shows and movies like Times Square (1980):
Similar in 83%
Rude Boy (1980)
Plot Summary:
Rude Boy is a semi-documentary, part character study, part 'rockumentary', featuring a British punk band, The Clash. The script includes the story of a fictional fan juxtposed with actual public events of the day, including political demonstrations and Clash concerts.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: UK
Duration: 133 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, cynical, biting, suspense
Similar in 77%
Blank Generation (1980)
Plot Summary:
Nada, a beautiful French journalist on assignment in New York, records the life and work of an up and coming punk rock star, Billy. Soon she enters into a volatile relationship with him and must decide whether to continue with it, or return to her lover, a fellow journalist trying to track down the elusive Andy Warhol.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 432
Genere: Music, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 79 min
Plot tags: independent film, bleak, serious, realistic, cynical
Similar in 83%
Restless City (2011)
Plot Summary:
Tells the story of an African immigrant surviving on the fringes of New York City where music is his passion, life is a hustle and falling in love is his greatest risk.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 274
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 80 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, realistic, contemplative, captivating, psychological, intelligent, independent film, sincere, serious
Similar in 84%
Shout (1991)
Plot Summary:
A new music teacher in a 1955 West Texas home for wayward boys brings new vision and hope for many of the interned boys.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: independent film, sentimental, uplifting, touching, feel good, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 81%
The Taqwacores (2010)
Plot Summary:
Three years in the making, this feature documentary follows the progression of the Muslim Punk scene: from its imaginary inception in a novel written by a white-convert named Michael Muhammad Knight to a full-blown, real-life scene of Muslim punk bands and their fans.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 584
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 83 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, thought provoking, uplifting, contemplative, independent film
Similar in 86%
10,000 Saints (2015)
Plot Summary:
A sweeping multigenerational story set against the backdrop of the raw, roaring New York City of the late 1980s; adoption, teen pregnancy, drugs, hardcore punk rock, the unbridled optimism and reckless stupidity of the young—and old—are all major elements in this heart-aching tale of the son of diehard hippies and his strange odyssey through the extremes of late 20th century youth culture.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, humorous, realistic, semi serious, independent film, crying
Similar in 81%
CBGB (2013)
Plot Summary:
CBGB looks at New York's dynamic punk rock scene through the lens of the ground-breaking Lower East Side club started by eccentric Hilly Kristal (Alan Rickman) in 1973 which launched thousands of bands.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: sincere, captivating, realistic, serious, melancholic, teen, independent film
Similar in 81%
Smithereens (1982)
Plot Summary:
A narcissistic runaway engages in a number of parasitic relationships amongst members of New York's waning punk scene.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: independent film, psychological thriller, sexy, grim, indie film, serious, realistic, gloomy
Similar in 90%
A Time for Dancing (2002)
Plot Summary:
Their love of dance, and their friendship, is challenged for two high school girls when one is diagnosed with cancer.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 952
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: sincere, emotional, sentimental, touching, sad, serious, realistic
Similar in 80%
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
Plot Summary:
Tensions rise when the trailblazing Mother of the Blues and her band gather at a Chicago recording studio in 1927. Adapted from August Wilson's play.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 57000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: rough, uplifting, serious, suspense, costume drama, deep, visual, cult classic, tension, crying
Similar in 87%
The Runaways (2010)
Plot Summary:
Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, two rebellious teenagers from Southern California, become the frontwomen for the Runaways -- the now-legendary group that paved the way for future generations of female rockers. Under the Svengalilike influence of impresario Kim Fowley, the band becomes a huge success.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 51000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: stylized, sexy, teen, emotional, captivating, independent film, aesthetic, erotic, scary, lgbt cinema
Similar in 87%
Young Soul Rebels (1991)
Plot Summary:
Young Soul Rebels is a 1991 film by Isaac Julien which examines the interaction between youth cultural movements in Britain. Skinheads, Punks & Soulboys along with the political and cultural tensions between them. The film received the critics prize at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 600
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: UK, France, Germany, Spain
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, crying, independent film, queer cinema, black cinema
Similar in 76%
Fame (1980)
Plot Summary:
A chronicle of the lives of several teenagers who attend a New York high school for students gifted in the performing arts.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 24000
Genere: Drama, Music, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, realistic, serious, captivating, teen, retro, sexual, epic, light
Similar in 82%
Satisfaction (1988)
Plot Summary:
When a young rock group called The Mystery gets its first gig at a club, it's an opportunity to see what life is all about! Fresh out of high school, the rockers are hired by an exclusive beach resort thanks to a faded '60s songwriter. There, they meet with romance and adventure. But street-smart lead singer Jennie Lee faces a dilemma: pursue her budding career or finish high school.
IMDB Rating: 4.9
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Comedy, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, feel good, humorous, realistic, semi serious, light, romantic, sexy, unusual plot structure
Similar in 75%
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains (1982)
Plot Summary:
Corrine Burns retreats far into plans for her band, The Fabulous Stains, after her mother's death.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: retro, psychotronic, thinking, cult classic, independent film, clever, offbeat, humorous, realistic, witty
Similar in 84%
We Are the Best! (2013)
Plot Summary:
Three girls in 1980s Stockholm decide to form a punk band -- despite not having any instruments and being told by everyone that punk is dead.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: Sweden, Denmark
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: touching, stylized, lyrical, feel good, semi serious, atmospheric, gothic, social, steamy, sentimental
Similar in 81%
Desperate Teenage Lovedolls (1984)
Plot Summary:
Two girls rediscover their love for playing rock, find a drummer and begin practicing. When one of their mothers intervenes, they run away from home and are forced to fend for themselves on the streets against gangs and rival bands. Soon they are discovered and taken under the wing of rock manager Johnny Tremaine (played by Steven McDonald) who uses them for sex and his own aspirations of wealth. The Love Dolls set out to get revenge on those who have wronged them, and rise to the top of the rock world.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 243
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 50 min
Plot tags: independent film, offbeat, humorous, realistic, not serious, campy
Similar in 82%
Krush Groove (1985)
Plot Summary:
Russell Walker is a young, successful manager of rap performers, handling acts for the Krush Groove label, including Run-DMC and The Fat Boys. When Run-D.M.C. has a hit record and Russell needs more money to press more copies, he borrows it from a street hustler and soon regrets his decision.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: hood, black comedy, grim, serious, captivating, realistic, eighties, black cinema, cult film
Similar in 75%
Last Days (2005)
Plot Summary:
The life and struggles of a notorious rock musician seeping into a pit of loneliness whose everyday life involves friends and family seeking financial aid and favors, inspired by rock music legend Kurt Cobain and his final hours.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 24000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: psychedelic, art house, atmospheric, bleak, intense, lyrical, serious, psychological, realistic, stylized
Similar in 80%
Rock Star (2001)
Plot Summary:
Rock Star tells the story of Chris Cole and a rock band called Steel Dragon. Cole is a photocopier technician by day, and the lead singer of a Steel Dragon tribute band called "Blood Pollution" by night.Internal struggles between the Steel Dragon band members culminate with the firing of the lead singer, Bobby Beers and the starting of recruitment sessions to find a new vocalist. Loosely inspired by the true story of the heavy metal band Judas Priest.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 45000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: light, entertaining, melancholic, stylized, intense, serious, realistic, period piece, cult classic, inspirational
Similar in 87%
What We Do Is Secret (2007)
Plot Summary:
A biopic of punk legend Darby Crash and his band, the Germs.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, tense, suspense, informative, interesting, rockumentary, queer cinema
Similar in 84%
Control (2007)
Plot Summary:
Control is the biography of Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis, taking his story from schoolboy days of 1973 to his suicide on the eve of the band's first American tour in 1980.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 68000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: UK, USA, Australia, Japan, France
Duration: 122 min
Plot tags: depressing, atmospheric, black and white, stylized, sad, touching, melancholic, harsh, lyrical, bleak
Similar in 79%
Feel the Noise (2007)
Plot Summary:
After a run-in with local thugs, aspiring Harlem rapper Rob flees to a place and father he never knew, and finds his salvation in Reggaeton, a spicy blend of hip-hop, reggae and Latin beats. Puerto Rico, the spiritual home of Reggaeton, inspires Rob and his step-brother Javi to pursue their dream of becoming Reggaeton stars. Together with a dancer named C.C., they learn what it means to stay true to themselves and each other, while overcoming obstacles in love, greed and pride, all culminating in an explosive performance at New York’s Puerto Rican Day Parade.
IMDB Rating: 3.0
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags: feel good, realistic, hood, serious
Similar in 78%
The Mambo Kings (1992)
Plot Summary:
The Mambo Kings tells the story of César and Nestor Castillo, brothers and aspiring musicians who flee from Cuba to America in search of the American Dream.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: France, USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: sentimental, emotional, melancholic, serious, realistic, touching, captivating, fairy tale, romantic, sexy
Similar in 84%
Foxes (1980)
Plot Summary:
A group of friends come of age in the asphalt desert of the San Fernando Valley, as set to a blazing soundtrack and endless drinking, drugs and sex.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: stylized, social, sexual, rough, serious, realistic, gloomy, scary, road movie, sexy
Similar in 81%
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Plot Summary:
Tony Manero is a Brooklyn paint-store clerk who'd give anything to break out of his dead-end existence. In life, Tony is a peasant; on the disco dance floor, he's a king. As the soundtrack plays one Bee Gees hit after another, white-suited Tony struts his stuff amidst flashing lights and sweaty, undulating bodies. Tony's class aspirations are mirrored in his relationship with his dance partner, a secretary eager to move into the glamorous world of Manhattan.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 86000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sexy, rough, light, serious, captivating, realistic, cult classic, teen, stylized
Similar in 85%
Prey for Rock & Roll (2003)
Plot Summary:
Prey for Rock & Roll is set in the Los Angeles club scene of the late 1980s and follows the story of Jacki (Gershon) and her all-girl punk rock band, Clam Dandy. On the verge of turning 40, Jacki decides that if the band's one last shot at the big time is unsuccessful, she will give up her dreams of stardom. Along the way, the women are rocked by personal tragedies that threaten to break up the band before they can get their last shot at success.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: realistic, serious, captivating, cynical, witty, gloomy, sexual, sexy
Similar in 77%
Lackawanna Blues (2005)
Plot Summary:
In a story fueled by rhythm and blues, a young boy's life is shaped by love and the stories of a cast of characters in the boarding house where he lives in 1960s Lackawanna, New York.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, realistic, sincere, sentimental, captivating, crying, hispanic, entertaining
Similar in 88%
54 (1998)
Plot Summary:
Shane, a Jersey boy with big dreams, crosses the river in hopes of finding a more exciting life at Studio 54. When Steve Rubell, the mastermind behind the infamous disco, plucks Shane from the sea of faces clamoring to get inside his club, Shane not only gets his foot in the door, but lands a coveted job behind the bar – and a front-row seat at the most legendary party on the planet.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 34000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, sexy, serious, realistic, sexual, erotic, psychedelic, art house, deep, cult classic
Similar in 77%
Pump Up the Volume (1990)
Plot Summary:
Mark Hunter is an intelligent but shy teenager who has just moved to suburban Arizona from New York. Unbeknownst to his parents and peers, at 10pm each school night Mark takes to the shortwave radio in his basement and transforms into pirate DJ "Hard Harry". Mark's show, at once thoughtful and profane, becomes an underground hit with students at his high school, inspiring the wrath of his principal and the Federal Communications Commission [FCC].
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 31000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Music
Country: USA, Canada
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: teen, cult classic, independent film, realistic, dark comedy, funny, feel good, dark, offbeat, serious