Year: 2014
Runtime: 110 min
Language: English
Director: James Mottern
Budget: $10M
Set in Boston's criminal underworld, a young and impulsive mobster’s ambition threatens to unravel a fragile peace. His reckless actions lead to escalating chaos, putting lives and the organization's stability at risk. A veteran boss attempts to maintain order and control the fallout from the volatile situation, facing increasing challenges as the young man pushes boundaries.
Get a spoiler-free look at By the Gun (2014) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the shadowed streets of Boston, a tightly‑wound criminal network clings to a uneasy truce, its power rooted in unspoken codes and a steady rhythm of respect. The city’s gritty atmosphere hums with a mix of street‑level grit and old‑world tradition, where every handshake can conceal a warning and every corner might host a quiet showdown. The tone is taut and atmospheric, an undercurrent of tension that suggests any misstep could send the whole structure tumbling.
At the heart of this world is Nick Tortano, a restless and ambitious young enforcer who dreams of earning his place among the inner circle. His drive pushes him to test the limits of loyalty, constantly seeking the validation of the family that raised him. Guiding—and often restraining—him is the seasoned boss Sal Vitaglia, a veteran who has seen the fragile peace teeter on the edge and now must balance the need for order with the restless energy of the next generation.
Around them swirl other pivotal figures: Tony Matazano, a seasoned lieutenant whose relationship with Nick is anything but smooth; Ali, whose connection to the family adds a personal strand to the professional web; and George, an Irish outsider whose rough friendship offers both a mirror and a contrast to Nick’s mob life. Their interactions hint at alliances, rivalries, and unspoken histories that shape the daily grind of the underworld.
As ambition meets seasoned authority, the film sets up a clash between personal aspiration and the weight of tradition. The story promises a simmering conflict where every choice reverberates through Boston’s tightly knit criminal tapestry, leaving the audience to wonder how far a young man can go before the very foundations he seeks to climb begin to crumble.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 04:58
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories that chart the inevitable and tragic collapse of an ambitious criminal.For viewers who enjoyed the tragic arc in 'By the Gun,' this collection features movies like it that explore the violent rise and devastating fall of ambitious criminals. These similar crime drama and thriller stories share a heavy emotional weight, a dark tone, and a bleak conclusion, focusing on characters whose own actions seal their fate.
These narratives typically follow a linear, cause-and-effect structure where a character's hunger for power or status within a criminal organization sets off a domino effect of violence and betrayal. The plot is driven by escalating confrontations, often culminating in the loss of loved ones and the protagonist's own demise, emphasizing the high cost of a life of crime.
Movies in this thread are united by their focus on a specific character arc—the tragic downfall. They share a dark, fatalistic tone, a steady pacing that builds tension towards an inevitable conclusion, and a heavy emotional impact derived from the protagonist's repeated moral compromises and ultimate failure.
Immerse yourself in the tense, claustrophobic pressure of organized crime.If you liked the tense, oppressive atmosphere of 'By the Gun,' this list features movies with a similar gritty underworld vibe. These crime dramas and thrillers are set in worlds of high-stakes power dynamics, where loyalty is tested and violence is always simmering beneath the surface, creating a consistently tense and immersive experience.
Stories in this thread often center on conflicts that threaten to erupt and destabilize a criminal organization. The narrative builds a web of alliances and betrayals, focusing on the psychological strain of living under constant threat. The pacing is steady, methodically increasing the pressure until it inevitably boils over into chaos.
These films are grouped together by their shared mood and world-building. They create a cohesive experience defined by a gritty aesthetic, a tense and oppressive atmosphere, high intensity, and themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting nature of power within a closed criminal society.
Don't stop at just watching — explore By the Gun in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what By the Gun is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of By the Gun, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of By the Gun with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape By the Gun. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about By the Gun: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like By the Gun that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
By the Gun (2014) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
By the Gun (2014) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
By the Gun (2014) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like By the Gun – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Son of a Gun (2015) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Gunman (2015) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Way of the Gun (2000) Story Summary & Characters
Guns Up (2025) Complete Plot Breakdown
Gun-shy (2003) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Year of the Gun (1991) Full Movie Breakdown
Bang (1995) Film Overview & Timeline
Violent City (1970) Full Movie Breakdown
Bullet (1996) Detailed Story Recap
Hand Gun (1994) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Gun Girls (1957) Detailed Story Recap
Man with a Gun (1995) Full Movie Breakdown
Men with Guns (1997) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Gun n’ Rose (1992) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Guns (1000) Full Summary & Key Details