Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Jan 20, 2026

10 Best Movies Like Downtown '81

If you loved Downtown '81, we've curated the perfect watchlist for you based on shared genres, themes, and directorial style.

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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Downtown '81.

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#1
Mystery Train

Mystery Train

1989★ 7.3

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Downtown '81 for fans of Comedy. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

In Memphis, Tennessee, over the course of a single night, the Arcade Hotel, run by an eccentric night clerk and a clueless bellboy, is visited by a young Japanese couple traveling ...

#2
Beastie Boys Story

Beastie Boys Story

2020★ 7.5

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Downtown '81 for fans of Music. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

Here's a little story they're about to tell... Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of their band and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary experience directed by ...

#3
Last Days

Last Days

2005★ 5.5

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Downtown '81 for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

The life and struggles of a notorious rock musician seeping into a pit of loneliness whose everyday life involves friends and family seeking financial aid and favors, inspired by r...

#4
The Crimson Rivers

The Crimson Rivers

2000★ 6.9

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Downtown '81 for fans of Crime. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

Two French policemen, one investigating a grisly murder at a remote mountain college, the other working on the desecration of a young girl's grave by skinheads, are brought togethe...

#5
Dark Days

Dark Days

2000★ 7.2

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Downtown '81 for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

A cinematic portrait of the homeless population who live permanently in the underground tunnels of New York City....

#6
Extreme Crisis

Extreme Crisis

1998★ 5.6

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Downtown '81 for fans of Action. It captures a similar adrenaline-pumping atmosphere.

Hot-headed Hong Kong cop Ken Cheung (Julian Cheung) teams with die-hard Japanese Interpol agent Takami (Kenya Sawada) to stop a ruthless gang of Japanese terrorists. The crime figh...