Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Jan 19, 2026

10 Best Movies Like On the Waterfront

If you loved On the Waterfront, 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 On the Waterfront.

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#1
A Streetcar Named Desire

A Streetcar Named Desire

1951★ 7.6

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to On the Waterfront for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

A disturbed, aging Southern belle moves in with her sister for solace — but being face-to-face with her brutish brother-in-law accelerates her downward spiral....

#2
Marty

Marty

1955★ 7.4

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to On the Waterfront for fans of Drama & Romance. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Marty, a butcher who lives in the Bronx with his mother is unmarried at 34. Good-natured but socially awkward he faces constant badgering from family and friends to get married but...

#3
Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar

1953★ 7.1

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to On the Waterfront for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

The growing ambition of Julius Caesar is a source of major concern to his close friend Brutus. Cassius persuades him to participate in his plot to assassinate Caesar but both have ...

#4
The Big Sleep

The Big Sleep

1946★ 7.6

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to On the Waterfront for fans of Crime. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

Private Investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by wealthy General Sternwood regarding a matter involving his youngest daughter Carmen. Before the complex case is over, Marlowe sees m...

#5
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

1939★ 7.8

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to On the Waterfront for fans of Drama. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

After the death of a United States Senator, idealistic Jefferson Smith is appointed as his replacement in Washington. Soon, the naive and earnest new senator has to battle politica...

#6
Shane

Shane

1953★ 7.3

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to On the Waterfront for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

A weary gunfighter attempts to settle down with a homestead family, but a smouldering settler and rancher conflict forces him to act....