Mean Streets fingerprint
High energy, immersive world.
Energy
Tense and violent
- Tension7
- Violence7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Nostalgic and moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Nostalgia10
- Pathos8
- Coming of Age8
Humor
Some sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Dark Humor5
- Physical Comedy3
World
Everyday modern life, crime, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Rewatchability9
- World Immersion8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and dialogue
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Dialogue Quality9
Style
Standout cinematography and editing
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Centrality8
Energy
HighTense and violent
Mean Streets is tense and violent.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and moving. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia10Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighEveryday modern life, crime, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, crime, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and dialogue
The direction, performances, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
Find more like it
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About
Go to church on Sunday. Go to Hell on Monday.
Actors
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Mean Streets
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Mean Streets worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 96). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Mean Streets rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.
How long is Mean Streets?
1 h 52 min
Mean Streets runs 1 h 52 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Mean Streets?
Not quite. Critics rate Mean Streets higher (94) than audiences (77). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Mean Streets a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $500,000 to make and earned $3 million worldwide, 6.0 times its budget.
What language is Mean Streets in?
It was made in English, with some Italian. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Mean Streets?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Mean Streets in 72 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Mean Streets use?
TV Tropes lists 46 storytelling tropes for Mean Streets, including Mooks, Four-Temperament Ensemble, Invisible Parents.

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