The Best Punk Movies

Ranker Film
Updated March 1, 2023 2.8k votes 528 voters 31.7k views
Voting Rules
Movies must have the punk rock mentality.

With over 500 movie fans voting to shape these rankings, this list of the best punk movies is a great way for fans of the genre to explore its many facets. Punk has always been about more than just loud music and leather jackets – it's an attitude, It's an unabashedly rebellious spirit that celebrates individuality and shuns conformity.

The best punk movies capture this ethos perfectly, showing us stories of outsiders breaking free from oppressive systems and constructing their own identities in spite of them. From classic cult films like The Decline Of Western Civilization or Suburbia to modern masterpieces such as American Hardcore, there's no shortage of incredible punk-inspired films out there.

These movies have captivated audiences with their raw energy and unapologetic embrace of all things alternative. They showcase characters who are fiercely independent yet also part of a larger counterculture community striving for freedom and self-expression amidst difficult circumstances. Whether you're already a fan or looking to get your first taste, these titles should be at the top of your watchlist! So why not vote up your favorites on the list?

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Ranked by
  • The Decline of Western Civilization
    1

    The Decline of Western Civilization

    Exene Cervenka, Billy Zoom, John Doe
    169 votes
    • Released: 1981
    • Directed by: Penelope Spheeris
    Released: 1981
    The Decline of Western Civilization is an American documentary film filmed through 1979 and 1980. The movie is about the Los Angeles punk rock scene and was directed by Penelope Spheeris. In 1981, ...more

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  • Repo Man
    2

    Repo Man

    Emilio Estevez, Harry Dean Stanton, Tracey Walter
    181 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Alex Cox
    Released: 1984
    After being fired from his job, Los Angeles slacker and punk rocker Otto (Emilio Estevez) lands a gig working for an eccentric repossession agent named Bud (Harry Dean Stanton). At first, Otto is ...more

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  • Suburbia
    3

    Suburbia

    Flea, Chris Pedersen, Derek O'Brien
    114 votes
    • Released: 1983
    • Directed by: Penelope Spheeris
    Suburbia, also known as Rebel Streets and The Wild Side, is a 1984 film written and directed by Penelope Spheeris about suburban punks who run away from home. The kids take up a punk lifestyle by ...more

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  • SLC Punk!
    4

    SLC Punk!

    Jason Segel, Matthew Lillard, Devon Sawa
    203 votes
    • Released: 1998
    • Directed by: James Merendino
    SLC Punk! is a 1998 American comedy-drama film written and directed by James Merendino. The film is about the young punk rock fan Steven "Stevo" Levy, a college graduate living in Salt Lake City. The ...more
  • Sid and Nancy
    5

    Sid and Nancy

    Courtney Love, Gary Oldman, Kathy Burke
    204 votes
    • Released: 1986
    • Directed by: Alex Cox
    Sid and Nancy is a 1986 British biopic directed by Alex Cox. The film portrays the life of Sid Vicious, and his relationship with girlfriend Nancy Spungen. Despite failing to recoup its production ...more
  • Rock 'n' Roll High School
    6

    Rock 'n' Roll High School

    P.J. Soles, Vince Van Patten, Clint Howard
    172 votes
    • Released: 1979
    • Directed by: Allan Arkush, Joe Dante, Jerry Zucker
    Released: 1979
    A teenager (P.J. Soles) and her friends get even with their principal to music by the Ramones.

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