American Me (1992)
Kernel Score: 81% · 390 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 1992-03-13
Runtime: 125 minutes
Where to watch American Me
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
During his 18 years in Folsom Prison, street-gang leader Santana rules over all the drug-and-murder activities behind bars. Upon his release, Santana goes back to his old neighborhood, intending to lead a peaceful, crime-free life. But his old gang buddies force him back into his old habits.
American Me parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that American Me is an R-rated crime drama depicting gang violence, prison life, and drug activity.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts gang-related murder and violence tied to prison drug operations across nearly two decades.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Drug-and-murder activity run by the gang leader is central to the prison storyline.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like American Me
If you liked American Me, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bound by Honor (1993) — 91%
- American History X (1998) — 91%
- Menace II Society (1993) — 85%
- Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006) — 81%
- Gangs of New York (2002) — 84%
- Bad Boys (1983) — 76%
- State of Grace (1990) — 75%
- Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Edward James Olmos as Montoya Santana
- William Forsythe as J.D.
- Pepe Serna as Mundo
- Panchito Gómez as Young Montoya Santana
- Steve Wilcox as Young J.D.
- Danny De La Paz as Puppet
- Sal Lopez as Pedro Santana
- Dyana Ortelli as Yolanda
- William Smith as Deacon
- Evelina Fernández as Julie
American Me FAQ
Is American Me good?
American Me has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 390 audience ratings.
Where can I watch American Me?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is American Me OK for kids?
American Me is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that American Me is an R-rated crime drama depicting gang violence, prison life, and drug activity.
What movies are like American Me?
If you liked American Me, try Bound by Honor, American History X, Menace II Society and Undisputed II: Last Man Standing.