Do the Right Thing (1989)
Kernel Score: 89% · 1,947 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1989-06-14
Runtime: 120 minutes
Where to watch Do the Right Thing
- Stream: ALLBLK Apple TV channel, ALLBLK Amazon channel
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Sal is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out, becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria's Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin' Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.
Do the Right Thing parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Do the Right Thing is a drama depicting racial tension and a riot triggered by police brutality in Brooklyn.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts police brutality and a violent neighborhood riot as central plot elements.
- Language: Moderate — Racial tension and heated confrontations involve strong, confrontational language throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Do the Right Thing
If you liked Do the Right Thing, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bomb City (2017) — 80%
- Mean Streets (1973) — 79%
- A Bronx Tale (1993) — 87%
- Boyz n the Hood (1991) — 86%
- Midnight Cowboy (1969) — 85%
- Straight Outta Compton (2015) — 89%
- The Godfather Part III (1990) — 84%
- Falling Down (1993) — 82%
Director
Cast
- Danny Aiello as Sal
- Ossie Davis as Da Mayor
- Ruby Dee as Mother Sister
- Richard Edson as Vito
- Giancarlo Esposito as Buggin Out
- Spike Lee as Mookie
- Bill Nunn as Radio Raheem
- John Turturro as Pino
- Paul Benjamin as ML
- Frankie Faison as Coconut Sid
Do the Right Thing FAQ
Is Do the Right Thing good?
Do the Right Thing has an 89% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,947 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Do the Right Thing?
In the US you can stream Do the Right Thing on ALLBLK Apple TV channel and ALLBLK Amazon channel , watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Do the Right Thing OK for kids?
Do the Right Thing is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Do the Right Thing is a drama depicting racial tension and a riot triggered by police brutality in Brooklyn.
What movies are like Do the Right Thing?
If you liked Do the Right Thing, try Bomb City, Mean Streets, A Bronx Tale and Boyz n the Hood.