Direction: Spike Lee

The best movies, series, and documentaries directed by Spike Lee. Explore exceptional titles that showcase a unique filmmaking vision.


American Utopia

2020 · Documentary · 105 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast David Byrne

Synopsis American Utopia (2020) follows the renowned filmmaker Spike Lee as he captures the essence of the former Talking Heads frontman's captivating and relevant 2019 Broadway performance. This documentary is centered around the artist's latest album and tour, both titled "American...

Max

7.8

223 votes

7.8

223 votes

Direction Spike Lee

Synopsis NYC Epicenters: 9/11-2021½ (TV Miniseries) (2021) delves into a sweeping narrative of resilience, grief, and endurance in New York City over the two decades following the September 11th tragedies. This miniseries offers an in-depth look at the profound impact of...

7.5

37 votes

7.5

37 votes

25th Hour

2002 · Movie · 134 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Edward Norton · Philip Seymour Hoffman · Barry Pepper · Rosario Dawson

Synopsis 25th Hour (2002) follows the story of Edward Norton as Monty Brogan, a drug dealer facing a seven-year prison sentence, who has just one day of liberty left. Overwhelmed by anxiety, bewilderment, and fear, Monty seeks solace from his inner...

7.5

34K votes

7.5

34K votes

Direction Spike Lee

Synopsis When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (TV) (2006) offers an up-close look at New Orleans following the catastrophic events, weaving together the individual narratives of survivors who endured unimaginable hardship. The documentary delves into the trials and...

Max

7.4

279 votes

7.4

279 votes

All the Invisible Children

2005 · Movie · 116 min. · Italy

Direction Mehdi Charef · Emir Kusturica · Spike Lee · Kátia Lund

Cast María Grazia Cucinotta · Jiang Wenli · Francisco Anawake · David Thewlis

Synopsis All the Invisible Children (2005) is a unique cinematic endeavor comprising seven short films, each highlighting the struggles of a different young protagonist. This initiative was born from a desire to shed light on the challenges faced by children globally....

7.3

1K votes

7.3

1K votes

Passing Strange (TV)

2009 · Movie · 135 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast De'Adre Aziza · Daniel Breaker · Eisa Davis · Colman Domingo

Synopsis Passing Strange (TV) (2009) follows the journey of a young African American musician who embarks on a transformative adventure to defy his mother's expectations and the conventional life he was raised in. Set in the late 1970s in South Central...

7.3

115 votes

7.3

115 votes

Do the Right Thing

1989 · Movie · 110 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Danny Aiello · Ossie Davis · Ruby Dee · Giancarlo Esposito

Synopsis Do the Right Thing (1989) unfolds on the sweltering hottest day of the year in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, where racial tensions are simmering. The local businesses, a Korean grocery and Sal's Pizzeria, become focal points for the community's...

7.3

12K votes

7.3

12K votes

Inside Man

2006 · Movie · 129 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Denzel Washington · Clive Owen · Jodie Foster · Willem Dafoe

Synopsis Inside Man (2006) follows the gripping narrative of a seasoned detective, Frazier (Denzel Washington), who finds himself in a high-stakes mental duel with a cunning bank heister, Dalton (Clive Owen), during a nerve-wracking hostage situation. As the intricate game of...

7.1

48K votes

7.1

48K votes

Malcolm X

1992 · Movie · 193 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Denzel Washington · Angela Bassett · Albert Hall · Al Freeman Jr.

Synopsis Malcolm X (1992) is a cinematic journey directed by Spike Lee, chronicling the extraordinary life of African-American icon Malcolm X, portrayed with unparalleled intensity by Denzel Washington in an Oscar-nominated role. Born Malcolm Little in Nebraska on May 19, 1925,...

6.9

10K votes

6.9

10K votes

4 Little Girls

1997 · Documentary · 102 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Synopsis 4 Little Girls (1997) explores the lives and events surrounding one of the most heinous hate crimes during the peak of the civil rights era, the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. This tragic incident resulted...

Max

6.8

78 votes

6.8

78 votes

Clockers

1995 · Movie · 128 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Harvey Keitel · John Turturro · Delroy Lindo · Mekhi Phifer

Synopsis Clockers (1995) delves into the gritty world of a young, driven individual named Strike, portrayed by Mekhi Phifer, who navigates the treacherous streets of a New York housing project as a "clocker," or drug dealer, for a local supplier named...

6.8

6K votes

6.8

6K votes

Direction Wim Wenders · Víctor Erice · Werner Herzog · Chen Kaige

Cast Chloë Sevigny · Amber Tamblyn · Ana Sofía Liaño · Pelayo Suárez

Synopsis Ten Minutes Older: The Trumpet (2002) is a distinctive cinematic exploration of the most universal theme: time. This anthology film features 15 directors, each given exactly ten minutes to present their unique vision. With unrestricted creative freedom, these filmmakers offer...

6.8

1K votes

6.8

1K votes

He Got Game

1998 · Movie · 130 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Denzel Washington · Ray Allen · Milla Jovovich · Rosario Dawson

Synopsis He Got Game (1998) follows the journey of Jesus Shuttlesworth, a highly coveted high school basketball phenom. Jesus' aspirations to reach the professional ranks are eclipsed by the shadow of his father, Jake, who is serving a life sentence for...

6.6

6K votes

6.6

6K votes

Mo' Better Blues

1990 · Movie · 120 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Denzel Washington · Spike Lee · Wesley Snipes · Samuel L. Jackson

Synopsis Mo' Better Blues (1990) begins with the young Bleek, a budding trumpet player, torn between his friends' invitations to play outside and his mother's insistence on completing his music lessons. As Bleek matures, he establishes his own jazz ensemble, The...

6.6

2K votes

6.6

2K votes

Jungle Fever

1991 · Movie · 135 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Annabella Sciorra · Wesley Snipes · Spike Lee · Debi Mazar

Synopsis Jungle Fever (1991) explores the complex dynamics of an interracial relationship when a prosperous and wedded African American architect, Flipper Purify, finds himself drawn to a white woman, Angie Tucci, who works in his office. The narrative delves into the...

6.6

7K votes

6.6

7K votes

Direction Spike Lee

Cast DeWanda Wise · Cleo Anthony · Lyriq Bent · Chyna Layne

Synopsis She's Gotta Have It (TV Series) (2017) is a captivating television series that aired from 2017 to 2019, spanning two seasons and 19 episodes. The narrative revolves around a dynamic woman named Nola Darling and her intricate relationships with three...

6.6

428 votes

6.6

428 votes

Summer of Sam

1999 · Movie · 136 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast John Leguizamo · Adrien Brody · Mira Sorvino · Jennifer Esposito

Synopsis Summer of Sam (1999) is a gripping film directed by Spike Lee that delves into the chilling atmosphere of New York City during the sweltering summer of 1977. The narrative unfolds in an Italian-American community in the South Bronx, where...

6.6

3K votes

6.6

3K votes

Bad 25

2012 · Documentary · 123 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Michael Jackson · Martin Scorsese · Mariah Carey · Sheryl Crow

Synopsis Bad 25 (2012) is a compelling documentary that delves into the enduring impact of Michael Jackson's iconic album "Bad." Directed by Spike Lee, this film showcases over 40 interviews with a diverse array of individuals, including friends, collaborators, and musicians...

6.5

312 votes

6.5

312 votes

BlacKkKlansman

2018 · Movie · 128 min. · United States

Direction Spike Lee

Cast John David Washington · Adam Driver · Topher Grace · Laura Harrier

Synopsis BlacKkKlansman (2018) follows the true story of Ron Stallworth, a pioneering African American detective in Colorado Springs. In a daring and audacious move, Stallworth infiltrates the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, aiming to disrupt their nefarious plans and...

6.5

20K votes

6.5

20K votes

Direction Spike Lee

Cast Michael Jackson · LaToya Jackson · Janet Jackson · Joe Jackson

Synopsis Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall (2016) delves into the transformative years of the legendary pop icon, tracing his ascent from his formative years at Motown Records to the groundbreaking release of his 1979 album, "Off the...

6.5

332 votes

6.5

332 votes