Carlito's Way (1993)
Kernel Score: 87% · 3,398 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1993-11-10
Runtime: 144 minutes
Is Carlito's Way worth watching?
Must-watch. Al Pacino is quietly excellent as an ex-con trying to get out, and Brian De Palma stages the finale as a masterclass in tension. It's a tragic, underrated gangster story that scores far better with viewers than its reputation suggests.
Watch it if you
- love gangster films with a doomed hero
- enjoy Pacino without the shouting
- want a De Palma thriller with real heart
Skip it if you
- can't take violence and drug-world grit
- want a fast, light crime caper
Best for: Late-night crime fix
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Carlito's Way
- Stream: Prime Video, Starz
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Free after years in prison, Carlito Brigante intends to give up his criminal ways, but it's not long before the ex-con is sucked back into the New York City underworld.
Carlito's Way parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Carlito's Way is an R-rated crime drama about an ex-convict pulled back into gang and drug violence.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Gangster violence and criminal conflict drive the R-rated plot.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Cocaine and drug dealing are central to the 1970s underworld setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Carlito's Way
If you liked Carlito's Way, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- GoodFellas (1990) — 92%: The gold standard for New York crime stories about rise and ruin
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) — 91%: Epic, sad story of an old gangster and the past catching him
- Donnie Brasco (1997) — 84%: Undercover story where loyalty becomes dangerous
- Casino (1995) — 89%: Scorsese's long look at a criminal empire collapsing
- Scarface (1983) — 88%: Pacino in a very different, louder gangster role
- The Departed (2006) — 96%: Tense modern crime drama with a big cast and double-crosses
Director
Cast
- Al Pacino as Carlito Brigante
- Sean Penn as David Kleinfeld
- Penelope Ann Miller as Gail
- John Leguizamo as Benny Blanco
- Ingrid Rogers as Steffie
- Luis Guzmán as Pachanga
- James Rebhorn as Norwalk
- Joseph Siravo as Vincent Taglialucci
- Viggo Mortensen as Lalin
- Richard Foronjy as Pete Amadesso
Carlito's Way FAQ
Is Carlito's Way worth watching?
Must-watch. Al Pacino is quietly excellent as an ex-con trying to get out, and Brian De Palma stages the finale as a masterclass in tension. It's a tragic, underrated gangster story that scores far better with viewers than its reputation suggests.
Where can I watch Carlito's Way?
In the US you can stream Carlito's Way on Prime Video and Starz and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Carlito's Way OK for kids?
Carlito's Way is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Carlito's Way is an R-rated crime drama about an ex-convict pulled back into gang and drug violence.
What movies are like Carlito's Way?
If you liked Carlito's Way, try GoodFellas, Once Upon a Time in America, Donnie Brasco and Casino.