138 Punk Films to Watch Now
138 titles
- 101
Wild ZeroMovie · 1999 · 98m · Action, Science Fiction, HorrorEarth's survival depends on Guitar Wolf, a legendary Japanese garage rock band. An alien race is attacking, unleashing an undead army. Cities fall into chaos, and it's up to the band to use their music as a weapon against the invaders.
This action-packed adventure follows Guitar Wolf as they combine their wild performances with a new mission: saving humanity. The film explores friendship, courage, and the power of music in the face of destruction. With humanity's fate hanging in the balance, can Guitar Wolf use their instruments to save the world?IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.6 - 102
Bad Brains: A Band in DCMovie · 2012 · 104mBad Brains remain one of America's most important and influential bands. They uniquely blended punk and reggae, creating a sound that has never been replicated. Their influence is evident in bands like Beastie Boys, No Doubt, Nirvana, and Jane's Addiction. Despite internal challenges, the group has remained together for 30 years, despite not achieving the widespread recognition many believe they deserve. This film uses rare archival footage and original comic illustrations to tell the story of Bad Brains' complex history.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.2 - 103
Flogging Molly: Live at the Greek TheatreMovie · 2010 · 97mThis 2010 live release captures Flogging Molly's energetic performance at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12th, 2009. The DVD includes a complete 20-song concert, seven music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes, and candid interviews.TMDB 4.2 - 104
SmithereensMovie · 1982 · 94m · Drama, Music, RomanceSet against the backdrop of New York's declining punk scene, the film explores the life of a deeply self-centered person. The story follows their relationships with others in the same scene, revealing patterns of exploitation and manipulation. It examines the darker aspects of human connection, where people are used for personal benefit rather than genuine care. The film presents a stark look at emotional detachment beneath the surface of an underground subculture, prompting viewers to consider their own motives in relationships and the hidden self-interest in even seemingly kind interactions.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 105
Ramones: RawMovie · 2004 · 105mThis film features the legendary punk band The Ramones, showcasing rare concert and behind-the-scenes footage from their three-decade career. The collection includes 20 vintage live performances of iconic songs like "Blitzkrieg Bop," "I Wanna Be Sedated," "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker," and "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment." Additionally, the film presents a previously unseen 1980 television performance, other rare TV appearances, celebrity cameos, and home video footage.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.2 - 106
Green Jellö: Cereal KillerMovie · 1992 · 50mGreen Jellÿ, a punk band from Buffalo, New York, delivers their signature silly and chaotic music with songs like "The Green Jellö Theme Song," "Three Little Pigs," "Obey the Cowgod," and "Electric Harley House."IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.0 - 107
Kill Your IdolsMovie · 2004 · 75mThis 2004 documentary chronicles three decades of alternative rock in New York City. It charts the genre's evolution, from the raw authenticity of the No Wave movement to the contemporary artists striving to define New York City's sound in the 21st century.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.3 - 108
Rick James: Super Freak Live 1982Movie · 1982Rick James was a hugely influential black musician, a singer, songwriter, and producer who revitalized Motown Records in the late 1970s with his funky music. His unique Punk Funk sound transformed the label's style and defined its sound through the mid-1980s. By 1981, James was a major success with his platinum album *Street Songs* and hit singles like "Super Freak" and "Give It to Me Baby." The following year, Rick James & the Stone City Band performed in Essen, Germany, opening the Rockpalast Festival for the first time. This marked James's debut performance in Europe, introducing his American Punk Funk to a new audience, and he delivered a memorable show with his signature sound and energetic stage presence.TMDB 10.0 - 109
CBGBMovie · 2013 · 101m · Drama, MusicThis film explores the vibrant punk rock movement in 1970s New York City, focusing on the influential Lower East Side club founded by Hilly Kristal in 1973. The club became a launching pad for countless bands.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 110
There Is No Authority But YourselfMovie · 2006 · 70mThis Dutch documentary chronicles the history of the influential anarchist punk band Crass. The film incorporates archival footage of the band and includes interviews with former members Steve Ignorant, Penny Rimbaud, and Gee Vaucher.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.2 - 111
Pennywise: Home MoviesMovie · 1996 · 42mThis documentary follows the journey of a punk rock band from Southern California, showcasing their performances and life experiences.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.2 - 112
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous StainsMovie · 1982 · 87m · Comedy, Drama, MusicCorrine Burns is a young woman dealing with the loss of her mother. To cope with her grief, she starts a punk rock band called The Fabulous Stains. The band becomes her outlet for expression and a way to find meaning.
This coming-of-age story follows Corrine as she learns about being in a band and faces its challenges. With her bandmates, she experiences the highs and lows of pursuing a musical career, finding healing through music. The film explores themes of loss, grief, ambition, and friendship, set against the backdrop of the late 1970s punk rock scene.
The movie is energetic and emotionally resonant, capturing the spirit of youthful rebellion and artistic freedom. As Corrine and The Fabulous Stains gain recognition, she grows both as a musician and as a person, showing how music can help rebuild a life after tragedy.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 113
Punk's Not DeadMovie · 2007 · 93mCelebrating the 30th anniversary of punk rock, *Punk's Not Dead* explores the vibrant subculture's enduring presence. The film journeys to underground clubs, informal gatherings, recording studios, retail spaces, and large venues, showcasing where punk music and its associated lifestyle remain alive and well.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.1 - 114
Riot on Sunset StripMovie · 1967 · 87mA police captain navigates a conflict between the businesses along the Sunset Strip, who disapprove of the punk rock youth, and his own conviction in protecting their rights. His perspective shifts dramatically when his daughter becomes associated with a disruptive group of these young people.IMDb 5.1TMDB 4.3 - 115
From the Back of the RoomMovie · 2011 · 105mOften seen as the start of a new wave of feminism, Riot Grrrl didn't get much attention at the time. It helped lead to the later "girl power" movement but was largely overlooked for years. This film explores the last thirty years of women creating their own music and aims to show a fuller picture of their involvement in the DIY scene and how it shapes their lives.IMDb 7.6TMDB 4.0 - 116
SuburbiaMovie · 1984 · 94m · Drama, Music, ThrillerEvan feels lost and unimportant, trapped in a life he didn't choose, complicated by family problems. He finds a group of orphans who have created their own family, seeking love and security outside of a society that rejects them.
Their connection is strong; these outcasts rely on each other for comfort in a world that offers none. This unconventional family gives Evan the belonging he's always lacked.
But a sudden tragedy threatens to destroy them, forcing Evan and his new family to face the harsh realities of life on the fringes. They must fight to protect each other from a world determined to tear them apart.
The film examines family, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit in difficult situations. It tells the story of a young man finding hope in an improvised family, exploring love, loyalty, and the will to survive against all odds.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 117
Afro-PunkMovie · 2003 · 66mThis film isn't just about punk music; it's a direct and important look at race and identity, using the punk and hardcore scene as a lens. First-time director James Spooner sparks conversations about these vital topics within and between racial groups. Often humorous, sometimes deeply moving, it’s a powerful reflection on America. The film explores the complex experience of racial identity – what W.E.B. Du Bois called "double consciousness." What might have been a story about the band Bad Brains becomes a story about young people caught between two cultures and communities. Many of these punk and hardcore fans hadn't considered their place in either world until speaking with him, and their struggles to understand themselves are evident as they share their stories.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.3 - 118
Surf Nazis Must DieMovie · 1987 · 81m · Action, Comedy, HorrorThis intense thriller follows an elderly woman who takes action after her family suffers a tragedy. The story unfolds near rural oil fields, where a Black worker is killed by a violent gang of neo-Nazi extremists from California. Determined to seek justice, the woman – a tough grandmother – leaves her retirement home and embarks on a dangerous mission. Armed and driven by vengeance, she confronts the neo-Nazi group, risking everything to avenge her loved one and stop their terror. The film explores themes of family loyalty, justice, and challenging societal expectations about aging.IMDb 3.8TMDB 3.9 - 119
Against Me!: We're Never Going HomeMovie · 2004 · 61mThis documentary chronicles the journey of the influential punk band Against Me!. It follows their rise to prominence, capturing the band's dynamic and raw energy both on and off stage. The film explores their music, their message, and the personal struggles faced by its members.IMDb 7.6 - 120
End of the Century: The Story of the RamonesMovie · 2003 · 110m · Documentary, MusicThis documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the iconic punk band, the Ramones. Using archival footage and interviews with all members throughout their history, alongside new interviews with fellow musicians, the film follows the band's journey over two decades, from their early successes to their disbandment in 1995.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6 - 121
Rise Against: Generation Lost - How We SurviveMovie · 2006 · 46mThis DVD features an exclusive, never-before-seen documentary about the band, exploring their origins, their punk rock scene, and their relationships with family, friends, and fans. It also includes a live concert performance recorded in May 2006 at Los Angeles' legendary Troubadour, capturing their sold-out five-night stand. The DVD menu offers additional content such as behind-the-scenes footage for the "Ready To Fall" and "Swing Life Away" music videos, plus official band videos for "Give It All," "Swing Life Away," "Ready To Fall," and "Prayer Of The Refugee." Live performances include "Injection," "Like An Angel," "Black Masks And Gasoline," and "Paper Wings."IMDb 7.7 - 122
Betty Blowtorch: And Her Amazing True Life AdventuresMovie · 2003 · 98mFor two years, filmmaker Anthony Scarpa documented the all-female punk rock band Betty Blowtorch, capturing their energetic music and risky stage pyrotechnics. Unbeknownst to him, he would witness their unraveling. The film chronicles Betty Blowtorch's near breakthrough with major labels and their eventual downfall, featuring appearances by Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver), Vanilla Ice, Dez Cadena (Black Flag), Jennifer Finch (L7), Kevin Baldes (LiT), and others from the rock scene.IMDb 7.3 - 123
D.O.A.Movie · 1980 · 95m · Documentary, Music, HistoryThis documentary explores the punk scene, following its journey from a groundbreaking music movement to its eventual fade-out. It includes rare interviews with key figures like Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen, providing candid insights into their lives and viewpoints within the subculture. Concert footage captures the energy and rebellious spirit of punk, alongside news clips illustrating the era's social and political context. The film offers a compelling look at youth culture, self-expression, and how music can both connect people and challenge societal standards during punk's rise and decline.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.6 - 124
The RunawaysMovie · 2010 · 107m · Music, Drama, HistoryIn 1970s Southern California, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, two fiercely independent teenagers, form the band The Runaways. With the guidance of manager Kim Fowley, the all-female group quickly achieves widespread fame, becoming pioneers for women in rock music.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 125
The RangerMovie · 2018 · 80m · HorrorFollowing a confrontation with police at a punk concert, Chelsea and her friends go on the run, seeking refuge in a secluded family cabin in the woods. There, they encounter a vigilant park ranger who knows more about Chelsea's history than he lets on.IMDb 5.1TMDB 4.8 - 126
Joe Strummer: The Future Is UnwrittenMovie · 2007 · 123m · Music, DocumentaryFrom 1977 onward, Joe Strummer profoundly impacted countless lives as the frontman of The Clash. Four years after his passing, his influence resonates globally, perhaps more powerfully than ever. "The Future Is Unwritten," directed by Julien Temple, presents a portrait of Joe Strummer as more than just a legend or musician – he was a vital voice of his era. Drawing on a shared punk past and the close friendship between Temple and Strummer in the years leading up to his death, the film is a tribute to Strummer's life, exploring his journey both with and beyond The Clash.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 127
DudesMovie · 1987 · 90m · Adventure, ComedyTwo city punks take a road trip across the country in a vintage Volkswagen. As they travel, they discover the spirit of the American West and decide to seek revenge on a group of rednecks who murdered their friend. Along the way, they meet a resourceful young woman who runs a demolition business. She joins them on their quest for vengeance, bringing humor and suspense to this memorable journey.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.7 - 128
JubileeMovie · 1978 · 106m · Comedy, Drama, FantasyQueen Elizabeth I is unexpectedly transported to 1970s England, where she finds a world strikingly different from her own. She navigates decaying cities and a pervasive sense of unease, witnessing the sharp contrast between the splendor of the Tudor period and post-war Britain's harsh reality.
Elizabeth confronts the realization that time has changed not only her surroundings but also humanity itself. The film explores cultural displacement, historical clashes, and the enduring nature of human nature.
With stunning visuals and a thoughtful story, the movie examines the effects of time on individuals and society, prompting viewers to consider our place in history and how much has changed – or remained the same – since Elizabeth's time.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.9 - 129
Queercore: How to Punk a RevolutionMovie · 2017 · 83mThis documentary explores Queercore, a cultural and social movement that emerged from punk rock. It was defined by its opposition to societal prejudice against gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender people.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.0 - 130
Punk LoveMovie · 2006 · 96mPunk Love unfolds in the rainy landscapes of Oregon and Washington, following two lost lovers hoping for a fairytale ending. Sarah, a lonely 15-year-old in a bleak mill town, finds a glimpse of hope when she meets Spike. They fall in love and begin a life of petty crime to make ends meet and support their drug use. Spike dreams of a musical career, and a successful audition offers a chance to escape their difficult lives. But as things begin to improve, everything spirals out of control, leaving Spike and Sarah to rely only on their love to survive. Director/writer Nick Lyon's Punk Love is a contemporary fairy tale about two outcasts searching for purpose in a world devoid of compassion.IMDb 5.4TMDB 4.4 - 131
The Clash: Westway To The WorldMovie · 1999 · 80mThis 2000 documentary chronicles the British punk rock band The Clash. It received a Grammy Award in 2003 for best long form music video. Directed by Don Letts, the film blends archival footage from the band's 1982 New York trip with new interviews featuring Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon, Joe Strummer, and others connected to the group.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.8 - 132
The TaqwacoresMovie · 2010 · 83mYusef, a Pakistani engineering student living away from home for the first time, finds himself living with a group of Muslim punks in Buffalo, New York. They introduce him to Taqwacore, a fiercely unconventional Muslim punk rock subculture largely unknown in the East. As the year progresses, Taqwacore’s influence grows within the house, blurring the lines between prayer and rebellion. Yusef himself is profoundly affected, questioning his own beliefs and identity. "The Taqwacores" explores the challenges of navigating faith and belonging as a young Muslim in America today.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.0 - 133
The Cramps: Live at Napa State Mental HospitalMovie · 1978 · 20mThis film features a concert recorded on June 13, 1978, using only a black-and-white video camera and a single microphone.IMDb 8.2TMDB 5.3 - 134
Circle Jerks: My Career as a JerkMovie · 2012 · 96mThe Circle Jerks, an LA punk band, were known for causing trouble from the start. Founded in late 1979 by former members of Black Flag and Redd Kross, they became the embodiment of California hardcore punk’s look, sound, and energy. Filmmaker David Markey (director of *1991: The Year Punk Broke*, *The Slog Movie*) uses extensive interviews, rare concert footage, and historical context to tell the story of this highly influential American underground band. *My Career as a Jerk* chronicles the Circle Jerks’ journey from their beginnings and breakthrough debut album, through the 1980s independent label and touring life, to the struggles with addiction, conflicts, and injuries that ultimately led to their disbandment. But the story doesn't conclude there.IMDb 7.1 - 135
Liquid SkyMovie · 1982 · 112m · Science Fiction, Comedy, ThrillerIn a unique science fiction story set in New York City's underground punk scene, a mysterious alien searches for a rare chemical. This unusual creature, with its strange appearance, becomes involved with the city's punk subculture as it seeks a powerful brain chemical released during orgasm.
The alien explores New York's streets and clubs, forming unlikely friendships with a group of outcast punks who get drawn into its strange quest. The story examines identity, isolation, and the search for pleasure, all underscored by punk rock music. The film blends dark humor, striking visuals, and compelling storytelling, prompting audiences to consider their own desires long after viewing.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.8 - 136
The Slog MovieMovie · 1982 · 59mThis is a raw and authentic documentary, made by young fans and filmmakers, capturing the West Coast punk scene and the bands that inspired them.IMDb 7.9TMDB 8.5 - 137
Desperate Teenage LovedollsMovie · 1984 · 60mTwo girls rediscover their passion for rock music and start a band. After their mothers object, they run away from home and must survive on the streets, facing danger from gangs and other musicians. They are eventually discovered by a rock manager, Johnny Tremaine, who exploits them for his own gain. The band, called The Love Dolls, then plots revenge and works their way to rock stardom.IMDb 5.7TMDB 4.9 - 138
Repo ManMovie · 1984 · 92m · Comedy, Science FictionA young man's life changes when he takes a job as a repossession agent with a seasoned veteran. Their assignments are anything but typical, involving alien encounters, shadowy government operations, and a quest for a rare 1964 Chevy with hidden secrets. As they navigate a world of conspiracy, danger, and humor, the unlikely pair develops a strong friendship. This blend of science fiction, action, and comedy offers a fresh and exciting take on growing up.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7
