Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Graphic
- brooding
- stylized
- sardonic
- late night viewing
- crime movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly find the film familiar in its gangster narrative but strikingly stylish, atmospherically controlled, and elevated by gripping performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Frank White plans to use drug profits to modernize the hospital in his old neighborhood while violently rebuilding his criminal organization.
The film is identified as neo-noir and emphasizes smouldering New York nightscapes, gang violence, and compromised institutions.
Frank White emerges from a lengthy prison sentence and attempts to reclaim a drug empire occupied by rival dealers.
A group of rogue cops independently pursues Frank White through unlawful and violent means.
Films like King of New York, and why
Scarface
Shares a neo-noir crime atmosphere, morally compromised gangsters, stylized violence, and an imposing central criminal performance.
Carlito's Way
Shares urban crime thriller tension, charismatic criminal protagonists, police corruption, and a darkly operatic visual style.
Mean Streets
Shares independent gangster filmmaking, abrasive street-level violence, grim urban mood, and morally unstable criminal communities.
Gomorrah
Shares a crime drama structure built around an ambitious underworld figure, shifting loyalties, and a tragic descent.
Movie Details
- Director
- Abel Ferrara
- Release Date
- 1990-07-18
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (830)
Cast
- Christopher Walken
- David Caruso
- Laurence Fishburne
- Victor Argo
- Wesley Snipes
- Janet Julian
- Joey Chin
- Giancarlo Esposito
- Paul Calderon
- Steve Buscemi
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, BFI Player Amazon Channel, Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is King of New York about?
- A released drug kingpin wages a violent campaign to reclaim New York while trying to turn criminal wealth into neighborhood redemption.
- What is King of New York like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of King of New York as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is King of New York violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in King of New York as graphic.
- What did critics think of King of New York?
- Critics broadly find the film familiar in its gangster narrative but strikingly stylish, atmospherically controlled, and elevated by gripping performances.
- Which films are like King of New York?
- Films with a similar feel include Scarface, Carlito's Way, Mean Streets, and Gomorrah.
- How long is King of New York?
- King of New York runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch King of New York?
- In United States, King of New York streams on Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, BFI Player Amazon Channel, Howdy Amazon Channel.
