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Do the Right Thing

1989 · Movie · R · 120 min · ★ 7.8 · 93% critics

Drama

On the hottest day of the year in a Brooklyn neighborhood, a dispute at a local pizzeria over whose faces belong on the wall becomes a flashpoint. As residents from different backgrounds clash over respect, identity, and everyday slights, the heat and frustration push the community’s simmering tensions toward open conflict.

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Streaming on Amazon Prime Video and ALLBLK.

2 hours to watch.

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Details
Years
1989
Release date
1989-06-14
Language
English
Rated
R
Runtime
120 min
Max quality
UHD
Critic score
93/100
TMDB rating
7.8/10 (2,000 votes)
Box office
$37,295,445
Budget
$6,000,000
About

You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a provocative, debate-sparking drama about community tensions and racism that mixes humor with rising anger; Not for you if you prefer comforting stories or low-conflict viewing—try Malcolm X or 12 Angry Men for related themes.

Pros: urgent social themes; memorable street characters; humor amid tension | Cons: abrasive language; uneven storytelling; emotionally draining finale

Themes

  • new york city
  • police brutality
  • hip-hop
  • italian american
  • culture clash
  • chaos
  • heat
  • street war
  • restaurant critic
  • radio transmission
  • punk rock
  • pizzeria
  • +11 more

Awards & recognition

  • Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award — Best Director · 1989
  • Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award — Best Film · 1989
  • NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture · 1989
  • NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture · 1989
  • Academy Award — Best Supporting Actor · 1990 · nominated
Show all 16 awards →
  • Academy Award — Best Writing, Original Screenplay · 1990 · nominated
  • Golden Globe Award — Best Screenplay · 1989 · nominated
  • Golden Globe Award — Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture · 1989 · nominated
  • Golden Globe Award — Best Motion Picture – Drama · 1989 · nominated
  • Golden Globe Award — Best Director · 1989 · nominated
  • NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture · 1989 · nominated
  • NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture · 1989 · nominated
  • NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture · 1989 · nominated
  • NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Motion Picture · 1989 · nominated
  • NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture · 1989 · nominated
  • National Society of Film Critics Award — Best Director · 1989 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Spike Lee