Early 80s Punk Rock movies

I love early 80s punk rock films. Here are 6 of the best.


Ladies and Gentlemen the Fabulous Stains (81)

My favorite early 80s punk rock movie. It was actually filmed in 79 and was delayed for 2 years. Then was shelved after 1 week in 2 theaters. It disappeared for 2 decades and then found it's way into late night cable TV, where it found a cult following. It was released on DVD a few years ago and now the world has realized what an amazing film this is. A time capsule documenting the death of punk.

Diane Lane (15) and Laura Dern (13) are the in an all girl punk band. They go on tour with a British punk band, made up of Paul Simonon from the Clash and the drummer and guitar player of the Sex Pistols (6 months after Sid died). It's about the commercialism of a punk rock attitude.




Rude Boy (80)

It's a film but feels like a documentary about the Clash. The Clash are on an actual tour and is being taped playing shows, but then throughout the day, they act out unscripted scenes. The plot revolves around the roadie who continues to be a problem for everyone. The film interjects current political events and tries to relate it to the Clash in some way (unsuccessfully). It's a great watch if you love the clash and love raw city cinema of the early 80s.




Rock and Roll High School (79)

This is a great comedy that everyone should see. A girl loves the Ramones and tries to get them to play at her high school. We need to have a party and watch this... I was probably 19 the last time I saw it, sadly.




Suburbia (84)

"You gonna get a burn?"
"Sure."
"I never thought twice about getting mine."
"Oh yeah? Why's that?"
"Because I have so many scars already."

I was in high school when I saw this at a friends house. He had dedicated his life to this movie. It's about a group of squatters, living in abandoned suburban houses. Features Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers as "Rat".




The Smithereens (82)

This is a raw New York, on the streets, film. It's about a girl who's barely scraping by. I saw it a few years ago when I was hardcore into raw city cinema from the early 80s. Richard Hell, the lead singer of The Television, is surprisingly amazing.




Radio On (79)

Named after my all-time favorite song "Roadrunner" by The Modern Lovers. It features a killer soundtrack throughout the film. It's basically a quiet road movie set to constant badass punk rock. Very French New Wave. Features a great cameo by Sting (the lonely gas attendant).