This article discusses 10 movies like the Prime Video film Autumn Beat you must watch.
Autumn Beat, currently streaming on Amazon Prime, is directed by Antonio Dikele Distefano and tells the story of two brothers trying to break into the world of rap in Italy. If you enjoyed this film because of its deep dive into rap, the city of Milan, the juicy love triangle between the brothers and the woman they both love, or some other reason…here are 10 movies that might tickle your fancy.
10 movies like Autumn Beat you must watch
Dope (2015)
90s Hip-Hop (which is definitely not the same thing as the modern Italian rap in Autumn Beat, but still) energizes this funny, fast-paced romp about a group of Los Angeles high-schoolers fleeing from a group of thugs after a drug-dealer’s party turns violent.
Straight Outta Compton (2015)
This massively successful biopic tracks the rise and subsequent controversies of rap group N.W.A and their iconic first album–Straight Outta Compton. Strong performances and F. Gary Gray’s direction make this a must-watch for anyone who calls themselves a rap fan.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
So this film has nothing to do with rap or Italy…but there is a semi-love triangle between brothers and a woman they both love, so there’s some connection to Autumn Beat. But it’s also just an amazing film, and if you haven’t seen it yet–please, please do.
Match Point (2005)
You might be scratching your head on how a Woody Allen found its way onto a list of movies similar to a movie about Italian rap…and for the most this movie is utterly dissimilar to Autumn Beat. But it does feature a stellar love triangle, so check it out if that was one of your favorite parts of Autumn Beat.
Roxanne Roxanne (2017)
Like Autumn Beat, this is another film about a young person navigating the streets and struggling to find success in the world of rap. But with Roxanne Roxanne, it’s a 14-year-old girl in Queens, NYC who also has to provide for her family.
The Ruthless (2019)
Goodfellas but in Italy, The Ruthless tracks an ambitious teen as he rises in the ranks of the ‘ndrangheta Mafia during the 1980s. If you enjoyed the glimpses of Milan in Autumn Beat and want to see more, then check out this solid crime thriller set in the dark underbelly of the Italian city.
Reality Bites (1994)
Here’s another film that aesthetically and narratively has almost nothing in common with Autumn Beat, other than the fact it offers a solid love triangle. Plus, this is a decent and largely-forgotten film (Ben Stiller’s directorial debut!) that deserves a watch…and it won so MTV’s Best Kiss award, so you HAVE to watch it, just for that alone.
Forever Rich (2021)
A wannabe rapper in the Netherlands, Richie must restore his damaged image after being mugged and humiliated. It’s painfully long and not all that good, but like Autumn Beat, Forever Rich does reveal the world of rap in a country outside of the United States which is always interesting.
8 Mile (2002)
Arguably the best film about rap, the iconic 8 Mile stars Eminem as he struggles to live in the outskirts of Detroit and launch a career in the Black-dominated field of Hip-Hop. The album for this film went quadruple-platinum, so if you like rap, this is going to be your kind of film.
Hustle and Flow (2005)
My personal favorite film about rap, Hustle and Flow stars Terrence Howard (in his career-best performance) as a pimp in Memphis with dreams of being a famous rapper.
Do you have any other recommendations for movies like Autumn Beat? Let us know!
