Movies like City of Men

American History X dives into the world of gangs and neo-Nazism in Los Angeles, paralleling City of Men's exploration of the impact of gang culture on youth, though from a different cultural perspective. Its intense narrative will appeal to those seeking a similar depth and message.

Fresh is an American crime film that follows a 12-year-old boy who is a drug dealer in Brooklyn, New York, trying to find a way out of the cycle of violence, akin to the young characters' struggles in City of Men with an equally poignant storyline.

Boyz n the Hood is a classic American drama that explores the lives of three young men growing up in South Central Los Angeles, dealing with themes of friendship, violence, and hope against a backdrop of urban struggle similar to that in City of Men.

City of God is a Brazilian crime film that shares a similar setting and themes with City of Men, focusing on the violent lives of young people in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Its raw portrayal of gang culture and its stylistic direction would be appreciated by fans of City of Men.

Menace II Society is a powerful American crime drama that offers a raw look into the life of a young man in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, mirroring the gritty, violent, and emotionally charged atmosphere of City of Men.

Sin Nombre is a Mexican-American thriller that tells the story of gang life and immigration in Central America, echoing the social issues and personal dramas found in City of Men, with a focus on young protagonists and their struggles.