American Hardcore

American Hardcore

The History of American Punk Rock 1980-1986

Directed by Paul Rachman

Produced by Envision Films

2006100 min6.9 / 10

A passionate, energetic chronicle of punk's underground rebellion that celebrates artistic revolution and subcultural devotion through interviews, archival footage, and the raw intensity of a transformative musical moment.

Inspired by Steven Blush's book "American Hardcore: A tribal history" Paul Rachman's feature documentary debut is a chronicle of the underground hardcore punk years from 1979 to 1986. Interviews and rare live footage from artists such as Black Flag, Bad Brains, Minor Threat, SS Decontrol and the Dead Kennedys.

Questions people ask

  • Is American Hardcore scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 61% of films.

  • Does American Hardcore end with hope? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

  • Is American Hardcore violent? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

  • Is American Hardcore sad? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

  • Is American Hardcore easy watching? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

63/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity93

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise37

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love65

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like American Hardcore

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as American Hardcore

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like American Hardcore, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like American Hardcore, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like American Hardcore, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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