15+ Family Drama Movies Like “I Like It Like That”

If you’re on the hunt for movies like I Like It Like That, it simply means you’re in for a vibrant mix of love, laughter, and real-life drama. This 1994 gem delivers a perfect blend of heartwarming family dynamics, the hustle of city life, and the messy, yet relatable, ups and downs of relationships.

If you love stories that capture the essence of strong-willed characters navigating through life’s challenges with humor and resilience, here are plenty of other films that offer that same feel-good energy with a dose of reality.

Movies Like “I Like It Like That”

Related

• The 29 best family comedy movies like “The Parent Trap”.
• 50 family comedy movies like “Grown Ups”.

Crooklyn

In Crooklyn, we dive into the chaotic yet strangely heartwarming world of a Brooklyn family in the 1970s, led by Troy, a spunky 9-year-old girl trying to survive her own household. Her father, a struggling musician, is all about chasing his jazz dreams, while her no-nonsense mother juggles work and disciplining her five wildly energetic kids. Spoiler alert: the kids are always up to something, whether it’s tormenting each other or getting into trouble on the streets.

Life in their cramped brownstone is full of yelling, sibling rivalries, and the occasional emotional meltdown, but it’s all seasoned with that unique flavor of love only a big, chaotic family can offer. Throw in some classic neighborhood drama—eccentric neighbors, arguments over money, and unforgettable street games—and you’ve got a movie that’s as vibrant and unpredictable as Brooklyn itself.

But don’t let the nostalgia fool you—this family isn’t winning any “Most Functional Household” awards. Troy, stuck between being the family peacemaker and just trying to be a kid, witnesses the highs and lows of her family’s life in a way that’s both hilarious and a little heartbreaking.

South Central

In South Central, we follow the painful journey of Bobby, a young man caught in the unforgiving cycle of gang life in Los Angeles. Bobby’s life is shaped by his neighborhood, where crime and violence seem like the only way to survive. Along with his close friends, he’s pulled deeper into a world that promises loyalty but takes so much in return. His choices lead him down a dark path, landing him in prison, where he’s forced to confront the harsh reality of the life he’s been living.

While in prison, Bobby is haunted by the life he left behind, especially his young son, Jimmie. Bobby’s absence takes a toll, and outside the prison walls, Jimmie is growing up fast, drawn toward the same dangerous lifestyle his father followed. Bobby realizes that if he doesn’t change, his son might repeat his mistakes, and the cycle of violence will continue through the next generation.

The film paints a tragic picture of broken families, lost dreams, and the struggles of trying to break free from a life that seems destined to trap you. Bobby’s fight to save his son, while trying to redeem himself, becomes a painful, emotional struggle, one that feels almost impossible in the harsh streets of South Central.

Thicker Than Blood

Thicker Than Blood tells the heart-wrenching story of Father Frank, a dedicated but disillusioned priest, and a troubled teen named Lee. Set in a tough inner-city neighborhood, Father Frank has spent years teaching at a school for at-risk boys, but the endless cycle of violence, poverty, and broken homes is wearing him down. When Lee, a rebellious student with a rough past, crosses his path, the two find themselves thrown into a complicated relationship. Lee, hardened by the streets and burdened by loss, is on the brink of slipping into a life of crime.

As Father Frank struggles with his own faith and the feeling that he’s not making a real difference, he takes a chance on Lee, believing that beneath the anger and pain, there’s still a chance to save him. Their bond deepens, and Father Frank becomes a father figure to the young man. But life on the streets doesn’t let go easily. Lee faces constant pressure from gang life and the harsh realities of his environment, forcing Father Frank to confront just how much he can protect him from the dangers that surround them.

The film is a deeply emotional journey of love, sacrifice, and the relentless challenges that come with trying to rescue someone from a world that seems intent on pulling them down. As the stakes grow higher, both Father Frank and Lee are forced to confront their own demons, and the bond they share is tested in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Marriage Story

Marriage Story follows the emotional and painful unraveling of a once-loving relationship between Charlie, a successful theater director, and Nicole, a talented actress. They are a couple navigating the complicated process of divorce, made even more difficult by the fact that they still care about each other in their own ways. What begins as an amicable separation quickly becomes a heartbreaking struggle as they grapple with their own personal desires and disappointments, all while trying to be good parents to their young son, Henry.

As they move from New York to Los Angeles, where Nicole wants to restart her acting career, the distance between them grows, not just physically but emotionally. Both Charlie and Nicole find themselves caught up in the legal battles of divorce, where their once-shared dreams and mutual respect are replaced by lawyers who dig into their lives, revealing vulnerabilities and tensions. The couple, who once believed they could part ways peacefully, find themselves at odds, with their love turning into resentment and frustration.

The film is a devastating portrait of how love can fade and how even the best intentions can lead to pain. Charlie and Nicole’s journey through divorce pulls them into a whirlwind of hurt, misunderstandings, and deep emotional wounds. Despite everything, they are forced to face the consequences of their choices, leaving their relationship in a fragile state as they try to redefine what family means to them.

And there you have them folks, the best movies like “I Like It Like That”, complete with everyday family drama, the hustle of city life, and the messy, yet relatable, ups and downs of relationships.