Newark, New Jersey. It’s got a vibe you can't fake. If you’re looking for a shiny, Hollywood-polished version of the Garden State, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want something that feels like a cold, damp sidewalk in the middle of November, you've probably stumbled across the king of newark movie at some point.
Honestly, it’s one of those projects that people often confuse with other things. "Wait, is that the Sopranos prequel?" No. That was The Many Saints of Newark. This is something else entirely. We’re talking about the 2016 indie crime drama directed by Ebb Friday and the sequel that followed it shortly after. It’s raw. It’s low-budget. And for a specific pocket of film fans, it’s basically a local legend.
What Really Happens in the King of Newark Movie?
The story is pretty classic "sins of the father" stuff. You’ve got Malcolm Graves, played by Alonzo Herran Jr., a man who is trying to do the impossible: run for mayor and go legit while his past is screaming in the rearview mirror. It’s a 1-hour and 47-minute descent into what happens when loyalty and violence collide.
You’ve seen this trope before, sure. But there’s a specific texture to how this movie handles Newark. It doesn't look like a set. It looks like... well, Newark.
The cast is actually surprisingly stacked for an indie flick of this scale. You’ve got:
- Alonzo Herran Jr. as the lead, Malcolm Graves.
- Miguel A. Núñez Jr. (you know him from Juwanna Mann and Life).
- Omar Gooding (who’s been in everything from Baby Boy to Wild & Crazy Kids).
- Clifton Powell, who brings that "Juice" energy every time he’s on screen.
It’s about a man’s past coming back to haunt him. It’s about trust. Mostly, it’s about how hard it is to actually change when the streets won't let you.
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The Confusion with The Many Saints of Newark
Look, we have to address the elephant in the room. If you search for "king of Newark movie" on Google, you’re going to see a lot of Tony Soprano.
David Chase’s 2021 film The Many Saints of Newark definitely took over the search results, but they are polar opposites. While Many Saints had a $50 million budget and the backing of Warner Bros., the original King of Newark (2016) was a grassroots effort.
One is a period piece about the 1967 riots and the origin of a TV icon. The other is a contemporary urban drama about political ambition and street consequences. If you're looking for the gritty, independent spirit of New Jersey filmmaking, the Herran Jr. version is the one that actually lived it.
Why the Sequel, King of Newark 2, Is Actually a Big Deal
Rarely does a small indie crime drama get a sequel that people actually talk about, but King of Newark 2 dropped in 2017 and it took things to a weirdly ambitious level.
This time around, Jamal Hill (who directed Brotherly Love) took the reins. The plot picks up after an assassination attempt on Mayor Malcolm Graves. He’s not just fighting for his city anymore; he’s fighting to keep his son from making the same mistakes he did.
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The cast expanded in a way that felt like a "Who's Who" of urban entertainment:
- Maino (the rapper) stepped in.
- Joseph Simmons Jr. (Diggy Simmons).
- Lillo Brancato (the kid from A Bronx Tale).
- Chuck Zito (of Oz fame).
- Even Eric Roberts showed up.
It’s sort of wild to see Eric Roberts in the same movie as Maino, but that’s the charm of these films. They aren't trying to win Oscars. They’re trying to tell a story that resonates with people who actually live in these neighborhoods.
The Realism Factor: Newark as a Character
One thing most critics (and fans on Tubi, where these movies live forever) agree on is that the setting isn't just a backdrop. Newark is a character.
The films capture a specific era of Newark's transition. You see the grime, the brick buildings, and the tension of a city that is constantly trying to reinvent itself. It’s a "hood movie," sure, but it tries to be a "political thriller" too. Does it always succeed? Kinda. The pacing can be a bit wonky, and you can definitely tell when the budget was tight.
But there’s a sincerity in the performances—especially from Alonzo Herran Jr.—that keeps you watching. You’ve probably seen these movies popping up in your "Recommended" list on Amazon Prime or Apple TV, and there’s a reason they keep circulating. They have a high re-watch value for anyone who loves the genre.
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Is it Worth Your Time?
If you’re a fan of Power, BMF, or the classic 90s era of urban cinema, then the king of newark movie is right up your alley.
It’s not perfect. Some of the dialogue is a bit on the nose. The cinematography in the first one is definitely "2016 indie" quality. But it’s authentic. It doesn’t feel like it was written by a committee of people in a boardroom in Santa Monica who have never stepped foot in New Jersey.
How to Watch the King of Newark Franchise Today
If you’re looking to catch up, here is the basic lay of the land for where these films are hiding:
- King of Newark (2016): Usually available on Apple TV, Amazon, and sometimes free-with-ads services like Tubi.
- King of Newark 2 (2017): This one is a staple on Tubi and has a massive amount of views there. It’s also on Apple TV for rent/purchase.
Check the credits carefully. There are a few "Newark" movies out there, so make sure you’re looking for the ones starring Alonzo Herran Jr. and Maino.
The best way to experience these is to watch them back-to-back. You can really see the growth in production value between the first and the second film. The sequel feels much "bigger," thanks to Jamal Hill's direction and the influx of more recognizable faces.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you’ve already finished both movies, your best bet is to look into other films by Jamal Hill, like Brotherly Love or Deuces. They carry that same DNA of street-level drama mixed with heavy emotional stakes. You should also keep an eye on Alonzo Herran Jr.’s production company, as they’ve stayed active in the Newark film scene, continuing to produce content that mirrors the gritty reality of the city.
Actionable Insight: If you're a filmmaker or a fan of the genre, the King of Newark series is a case study in how to build a franchise without a major studio. Start by watching the first film to understand the character of Malcolm Graves, then move to the sequel to see how the stakes were raised with a larger cast and a more experienced director. Keep your expectations grounded—this is indie cinema at its most raw.