So what are the best skateboarding movies to watch? Do the secrets of our culture lie in skateboarding documentaries, or are they more accurately depicted in Hollywood movies about skateboarding? As always, a critic's list is subjective, but we've compiled a list of must-watch movies and docs for a variety of reasons explained. Some are timeless, some have aged well, and some are just brainless entertainment. So start here:
1. Thrashin' (1986)
This is where it all begins: Cory Webster (Josh Brolin!), the Ramp Locals, Hook and THE DAGGERS (!), the epic joust at Bronson Ditch. If you haven’t seen this classic, you really don’t know anything about skateboarding movies. Stop reading right now, and go watch it!
The Daggers, played by Dave Duncan, Christian Hosoi, Eddie Reategui and more, spilled off the silver screen into real life, and that gang/brand is still going today! Just ask Dave! Music by the Chili Peppers, The Vandals and Devo.
“You like games, right, valley boy?”
Watch on Prime
2. Street Dreams (2009)
P-Rod and the NAC! A modern-day classic penned by Nino Scalia and financed by Rob Dyrdek, it’s the fairytale story of a skater defying his parents’ wishes and chasing the dream of pro skating. The cast is rounded out by Ryan Dunn (RIP), Terry Kennedy and more cameos than you can shake a SPoT trophy at. The Tampa motel room scenes are pure gold. This one might have gotten lampooned for its Hollywood spin on skateboarding, but they got top-notch talent in the cast here, and it’s aged well. Give it a re-watch.
Watch the whole movie below
3. North Hollywood (2021)
Now Mike Alfred (director) and Pharrell Williams (producer)’ North Hollywood could be seen as a redux of Street Dreams. Young Ryder McLaughlin, defying his dad's (Vince Vaughn!) wishes, goes off to chase the skateboarding dream. His crew are played by ripping skaters in their own right, Nico Hiraga and Aramis Hudson. Pro cameos include Jason Dill, Bobby Worrest, Louie Lopez, Andrew Reynolds, P-Rod, and Tyshawn Jones. Angus Cloud (RIP) is in here too. No slouch on the board himself, Ryder has plenty of skate clips amid the black eye, shaved head and romantic growing pains. The most recent movie on this list, go peep it. IC is the first teen movie studio.
Watch free on Peacock
4. KIDS (1995)
What was it like being a loose-living skateboarder in New York City in the mid-'90s? This heavy flick, written by Harmony Korine and directed by Larry Clark, was a stark-naked look at the sex, drugs, fighting, and partying in the city at that time. Career-breaking performances by Leo Fitzpatrick, Justin Pierce (RIP), Chloe Sevigny, and Rosario Dawson to name a few. Pro cameos from Harold Hunter, Jeff Pang, Peter Bici, Robbie Gangemi, Alex Corporan—basically the whole Zoo York/Supreme crew at the time. A must-watch. The soundtrack is really rad as well, but with a NC-17 rating, this one is a bit harder to find streaming online.
5. Mid90s (2018)
Jonah Hill’s directorial debut attempts to showcase skateboarders in the time he grew up in. Based in Los Angeles, Sunny Suljec, Na-Kel Smith, Olan Prenatt, Ryder McLaughlin (on this list twice!) turn in performances in their native LA, yet from decades before they were born. More of a coming-of-age type vibe that’ll pull your heartstrings a little, but the period-correct gear, skating, and soundtrack nail it. Jerrod Carmichael, who shows up as a security guard, provides some great comic relief.
Watch on HULU
6. Police Academy 4 (1987)
You only have to watch the intro when David Spade (stunt doubled by Tony Hawk) and his crew of misfits (basically the Bones Brigade) evade the cops on skateboards. 1980s classic cinema. Chris Miller also doubled in the scene which was filmed in Toronto, Canada, and despite the skaters wearing shorts, evidently it was freezing cold.
“This is skateboarding!”
Watch on Youtube
7. Gleaming The Cube (1989)
The dramatic skateboarding journey (and murder investigation) of Christian Slater with the supporting cast of Tony Hawk, Tommy Guerrero and others. Slater actually learned to skate, with help from Hawk, for this one. Great convo below: Mike McGill getting hit by a motorcycle and being sent to the hospital, Slater feeling like he looked like a dong with his helmet on.
Watch it on Prime
8. Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001)
One hell of an epic documentary that breaks down the genesis of modern-day street skating. The impact that Tony Alva, Jay Adams, and Skip Engblom had on our culture can not be understated and this doc, helmed by Stacy Peralta and narrated by Sean Penn, does it all beautifully. Epic interviews with all the past Dogtown riders and Z-Boys. This is a must-watch. A Hollywood remake came out a few years later with Heath Ledger, Don Nguyen and Adam Alfaro, among others cast, and it isn’t a bad watch, but the OG doc is where it’s at.
