Down by Law (1986)
Kernel Score: 84% · 821 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Comedy
Released: 1986-09-20
Runtime: 106 minutes
Where to watch Down by Law
- Stream: YouTube TV, The Criterion Channel, HBO Max
- Free with ads: Fandango at Home, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A disc jockey, a pimp and an Italian tourist escape from jail in New Orleans.
Down by Law parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Down by Law is an R-rated crime drama involving prison, a pimp character, and prison escape themes.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes a prison escape and criminal elements though depicted in a low-key, artful style rather than graphic action.
- Language: Moderate — R rating and gritty crime setting suggest coarse language throughout.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Reviews reference drinking ("a mickey of JD") consistent with the film's boozy, loose tone.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Down by Law
If you liked Down by Law, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Prison Break: The Final Break (2009) — 84%
- Carlito's Way (1993) — 87%
- Le Cercle Rouge (1970) — 87%
- Accattone (1961) — 86%
- We're No Angels (1955) — 82%
- High Sierra (1941) — 79%
- The Chase (1966) — 78%
- Papillon (1973) — 87%
Director
Cast
- Tom Waits as Zack
- John Lurie as Jack
- Roberto Benigni as Roberto
- Nicoletta Braschi as Nicoletta
- Ellen Barkin as Laurette
- Billie Neal as Bobbie
- Rockets Redglare as Gig
- Vernel Bagneris as Preston
- Timothea as Julie
- L.C. Drane as L.C.
Down by Law FAQ
Is Down by Law good?
Down by Law has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 821 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Down by Law?
In the US you can stream Down by Law on YouTube TV, The Criterion Channel and HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Fandango at Home, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Down by Law OK for kids?
Down by Law is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Down by Law is an R-rated crime drama involving prison, a pimp character, and prison escape themes.
What movies are like Down by Law?
If you liked Down by Law, try Prison Break: The Final Break, Carlito's Way, Le Cercle Rouge and Accattone.