The Public Enemy (1931)
Kernel Score: 79% · 381 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 1931-04-23
Runtime: 84 minutes
Where to watch The Public Enemy
- Stream: YouTube TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Two young Chicago hoodlums, Tom Powers and Matt Doyle, rise up from their poverty-stricken slum life to become petty thieves, bootleggers and cold-blooded killers. But with street notoriety and newfound wealth, the duo feels the heat from the cops and rival gangsters both. Despite his ruthless criminal reputation, Tom tries to remain connected to his family, however, gang warfare and the need for revenge eventually pull him away.
The Public Enemy parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Public Enemy is a classic gangster drama depicting organized crime and violence.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts gang warfare, bootlegging, and killings as two hoodlums rise in organized crime.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Public Enemy
If you liked The Public Enemy, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Batman Begins (2005) — 88%
- The Outsiders (1983) — 81%
- GoodFellas (1990) — 92%
- Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) — 84%
- The Young and the Damned (1950) — 91%
- Election (2005) — 78%
- Election 2 (2006) — 82%
- Batman (1989) — 81%
Director
Cast
- James Cagney as Tom Powers
- Jean Harlow as Gwen Allen
- Edward Woods as Matt Doyle
- Joan Blondell as Mamie
- Donald Cook as Mike Powers
- Leslie Fenton as Samuel 'Nails' Nathan
- Beryl Mercer as Ma Powers
- Robert Emmett O'Connor as Paddy Ryan
- Murray Kinnell as Putty Nose
- Clark Burroughs as Dutch (uncredited)
The Public Enemy FAQ
Is The Public Enemy good?
The Public Enemy has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 381 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Public Enemy?
In the US you can stream The Public Enemy on YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Public Enemy OK for kids?
The Public Enemy is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Public Enemy is a classic gangster drama depicting organized crime and violence.
What movies are like The Public Enemy?
If you liked The Public Enemy, try Batman Begins, The Outsiders, GoodFellas and Angels with Dirty Faces.