The Outsiders is an incredible movie of its time that explores the teenage angst and wild spirits of young men beaten by society. So if you’re looking for movies like The Outsiders, we have got you covered!
Directed by none other than Francis Ford Coppola, The Outsiders featured a talented pool of young faces. Apart from the celebration of the subculture, The Outsiders also depicts the tragic consequences of life in rural Oklahoma. Let’s get started!
Top 10 Anti-Establishment Movies Like The Outsiders
1. Rumble Fish (1983)
A small-time street thug laments the good old days of his gang when his brother was in charge, but things take a turn for the worse as he struggles to keep his head above water after his brother’s disappearance.
Directed by nonother that Francis Ford Coppola, Rumble Fish is one of his all-time greatest films that portray the lives of these outcasts who resort to violence as an escape from their situations.
If you love The Outsiders, then Rumble Fish is a must watch as both titles came out the same year, are both directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and both movies uphold the raw nature of the greaser spirit.
2. Deuces Wild (2002)
In 1950s Brooklyn, one street gang vows to keep drugs off the street after a tragic incident. But things go south when the dangerous rival gang challenges their monopoly.
Directed by Scott Kalvert’s, Deuces Wild is a small budget film that tackles some of the many aspects of the greaser culture in the 50s and 60s. So If you like movies like The Outsiders, you can’t go wrong with Deuces Wild!
3. Bad Boys (1983)
Teenager Mick O’Brien is sent to prison after accidentally killing a rival gang member in a deal gone wrong. In prison, he faces new challenges while the victim’s brother starts to attack Mick’s personal life.
Not be confused with the Will Smith version, Bad Boys is a dark and gritty film led by a young Sean Penn that explores drugs, rape, and prison.
Just like The Outsiders, Bad Boys shine the spotlight on the rarely talked about subjects of society and the ramifications. Overall, this is a must-watch for those who loved The Outsiders.
4. Rebel Without A Cause (1955)
Trouble follows Jim Stark everywhere he goes, and when he lands in a new town, it becomes even more intense. While he craves to strike a meaningful relationship, Jim gets into brawls with local thugs involving knife fights and dangerous races.
Rebel Without A Cause is led by a charming James Dean and is one of the original films that introduces us to the genre of anti-hero films.
Similar to The Outsiders, Rebel Without A Cause features young men from the fringes of the society enabling the very conditions they are brought up in.
5. Grease (1978)
A summer fling turns serious when both teens find out they are attending the same school. Sandy and the greaser Danny are leading different lives now, but can they reconcile the lost flame when conflicts arise?
Led by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in this musical drama, Grease is a must watch and is easily one of the best and most recommended movies like The Outsiders!
6. The Wanderers (1979)
A sleek portrayal of the gang subculture in the early 60s Bronx, The Wanderers revolves around the Italian teenage gang that competes against rival gangs, but comes together for a bigger cause.
Directed by Philip Kaufman, The Wanderers features a vibrant storyline and cast, not to mention the memorable 50s music which makes this an incredible watch.
Similar to The Outsiders, The Wanderers champions the spirit of youth, the insecurities, the vulnerabilities, and the cultural milieu.
7. West Side Story (1961)
The Jets and the Sharks are two rival gangs ruling the streets of New York, and when one member from each side falls in love, the drama and tribulations escalate to a climactic finish.
A classic take on the evergreen Romeo and Juliet story, West Side Story is a meticulously crafted tale of loyalty, betrayal, love, and revenge.
Led by Natalie Wood and Richard Beymar play two lovers trapped in the crossfire, West Side Story is a legendary musical that successfully captured the gang culture and other contemporary issues that plagued the streets in the 60s.
8. The Goonies (1985)
A group of kids known as the Goonies try to save their neighborhood when they find an ancient map. This soon leads them on an unimaginable adventure to find the treasure while also racing against the clock.
Richard Donner’s The Goonies is everything you can ask for in a coming of age adventure movie. It has secret maps, pirates, treasures, and invincible foes, not to mention amazing performances by stars Sean Astin and Josh Brolin.
If you loved the adventures of the greasers in The Outsiders, then The Goonies can’t be missed!
9. Dazed and Confused (1993)
Directed by Richard Linklater, Dazed and Confused revels in the spirit of the 70s and follows the stories of multiple characters on their last day of high school. Led by Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey, Dazed and Confused is largely sympathetic, funny, and most authentic to the teenage generation.
Just like The Outsiders, Dazed and Confused puts the rowdy teenagers in focus and transcends from the wildness of the last day of school and becomes the anthem of the youth.
10. Streets of Fire (1984)
A rock ‘n’ roll singer is kidnapped by a gang of bikers when the singer’s manager, her ex-boyfriend, and a soldier team up to rescue her from a shady neighborhood.
Directed by Walter Hill, Streets of Fire goes back to the wild roots of street fights, motorbike gangs, and a team of misfits on a mission. Full of flamboyance and angst, Streets of Fire is influenced by the rock and pop culture of the time.
If you’re searching for movies like The Outsiders, you will be at home with the adrenaline punch of Streets of Fire.