Terry Malloy is a kindhearted dockworker, and former boxer, who is tricked by his corrupt bosses into leading his friend to death. After falling in love, he tries to leave the waterfront and expose his employers.

Životopisný film inšpirovaný knihou Ricka Porrella Vražda Ira: vojna, ktorá zmrzačila mafiu o bossovi írskej mafie Dannym Greenovi pri jeho ceste na vrchol kriminálneho podsvetia Clevelande konca 70. rokov 20. storočia.

Longshoreman Johnny Barnes is in love with Kitty Tracy, barmaid at her father's waterfront saloon, and he beats up Cassidy, a crooked politician who has been annoying her. Cassidy is murdered that night and Johnny is jailed for the crime. Kitty, her father Andy Tracy, and waterfront-priest Father Cameron believe Johnny is innocent but all evidence points to his guilt.