Top 10 Youth Gang Dramas

Description: A modern retelling of "Romeo and Juliet," this musical drama pits two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, against each other in New York City.

Fact: It won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its score by Leonard Bernstein is considered one of the greatest in film history.

Description: While not strictly about youth gangs, this film explores the violent and nihilistic world of a gang leader in a dystopian future, offering a critique on free will and morality.

Fact: Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Anthony Burgess' novel was so controversial that it was withdrawn from UK cinemas for many years.

Description: This Jamaican film follows a young man who turns to crime and music after moving to Kingston, highlighting the gang culture and reggae music scene.

Fact: It was one of the first films to showcase reggae music to an international audience and helped popularize the genre.

Description: A cult classic, this film tells the story of a Coney Island gang who must make their way back home through New York City after being framed for murder at a gang meeting.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Sol Yurick, which was inspired by the ancient Greek tale "Anabasis." It has a dedicated following and inspired a video game.

Description: Based on S.E. Hinton's novel, this film captures the rivalry between two rival teenage gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, in 1960s Oklahoma.

Fact: It features an ensemble cast of young actors who would later become major stars, including Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, and Rob Lowe.

Description: This poignant drama examines the lives of three young men growing up in South Central Los Angeles, dealing with gang violence, poverty, and the quest for a better life.

Fact: John Singleton became the youngest person ever to be nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards for this film. It also launched the careers of several actors, including Ice Cube and Cuba Gooding Jr.

Description: This New Zealand film delves into the life of a Maori family, where the father's gang affiliations and domestic violence lead to tragic consequences.

Fact: It was the first New Zealand film to receive a wide release in the United States and was critically acclaimed for its raw portrayal of cultural and social issues.

Description: While focusing on historical gangs, this epic film captures the essence of gang warfare in 19th-century New York, with young men fighting for control of the Five Points.

Fact: The film was Martin Scorsese's passion project, taking over 30 years to come to fruition, and it features a massive set built to recreate the Five Points neighborhood.

Description: Set in the early '80s, this film follows a young boy who finds solace and a sense of belonging with a gang of skinheads, only to face the harsh realities of racism and violence within the group.

Fact: The film was inspired by director Shane Meadows' own experiences growing up in the Midlands. It also spawned a TV series continuing the story.

Description: A Brazilian film that vividly portrays the rise of organized crime in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on two boys who take very different paths in life.

Fact: The film was shot on location in the actual City of God favela, using many local residents as extras. It was nominated for four Academy Awards.