Do the Right Thing (1989)
Racial tensions simmer and explode on a hot summer day in Brooklyn, forcing a community to confront its boiling prejudices.
Sal is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out, becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria's Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin' Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.
How intense is Do the Right Thing?
Do the Right Thing has no gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What Do the Right Thing feels like
- Tone
- grittytensepulpyearnestatmospheric
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Do the Right Thing
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Do the Right Thing for you?
Is Do the Right Thing scary?
No. Do the Right Thing is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Do the Right Thing gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is Do the Right Thing sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is Do the Right Thing OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is Do the Right Thing?
Do the Right Thing runs 2h.
Where can I stream Do the Right Thing?
Do the Right Thing is streaming on YouTube (free).
Does Do the Right Thing have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves the ending open to interpretation.
Cast and crew
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