Every Spike Lee Movie Ranked Worst To Best

Do the Right Thing is set over one day in a predominately African-American neighbourhood in Brooklyn, as racial tensions begin to escalate between Italian-American pizzeria owner Sal (Danny Aiello), his prejudice son Pino (John Turturro), and the conflicted locals with whom they frequently clash.

The growing tension comes to a violent head when local resident Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn) is killed by a police officer during a scuffle with Sal, and a riot breaks out throughout the neighbourhood.

A daring drama that assesses the issues of racism and class from every possible angle, Do the Right Thing is unflinching in its depiction of community spirit, violence and injustice, telling a story that is as timely as it is frustrating, as darkly humorous as it is tragic, and as eye-opening as it is necessary.

One of the most important film of the 80s, Do the Right Thing showcases a filmmaker at the height of his powers and refusing to take any prisoners. It's hard to watch, constantly (tragically) relevant, and despite some fierce competition remains Spike Lee's cinematic magnum opus.