I intentionally avoid plot descriptions, as synopses with spoilers are abundant in other sources. The numbers following the release year are the IMDb ratings.
The first film about skateboarding was made in the pre-polyurethane era, in 1966—a short film called Skaterdater, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. A charming little story, though I can’t quite understand why the boys are barefoot. IMDb 7.1
1. Thrashin’ (1986) 6.6
The plot is almost nonexistent, but it features a young Josh Brolin, who won an Oscar in 2015, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A classic: rival skate gangs, Romeo and Juliet vibes, stereotypical heroes and villains—everything we love about the ’80s. Don’t watch the trailer; it’s full of spoilers. If you make allowances for the film’s release year, it’s quite watchable.
2. Skater Girl (2021) 6.7
No matter how improbable the plot might seem, it’s always a pleasure to watch a young girl skate.
This movie draws public attention by featuring a skatepark in Rajasthan. They say this skatepark now allows children from different castes to interact… They also say the film was made to inspire and help young women find the courage to pursue their interests and dreams. I don’t think the film tries to paint everyone as villains or exploiters—not at all. It’s a decent sports drama with non-professional teenage and child actors, a rare gem in Bollywood. The children are simply obsessed with skateboarding, and it’s a joy to watch. A good evening movie from Netflix that features Indians skating rather than singing and dancing.
3. Gleaming the Cube (1989) 6.3
Christian Slater stars alongside legendary skateboarders like Mark Rogowski, Lance Mountain, Mike McGill, and Tony Hawk. This is more of a crime drama than a sports movie, a B-movie. However, the skateboarding scenes more than make up for the plot’s weaknesses, and if you like Christian Slater, this isn’t the worst of his films. Oh, and all of Slater’s stunts were performed by stand-in Rodney Mullen. His two-minute solo on a skateboard at the end of the movie is still incredibly impressive.
Max Perlich, Tony Hawk, and Christian Slater
4. Paranoid Park (2007) 6.7
One of Gus Van Sant’s best films, based on the novel of the same name. The ideal soundtrack and visuals make it a true work of art. This film is more for niche audiences—it’s pure arthouse.
5. Skate Kitchen (2018) 6.8
The film feels more like a documentary than a scripted drama. There’s a ton of skateboarding, and the actors are extremely natural and authentic. Most of the cast consists of real New York skaters from the streets, with Jaden Smith being the exception. Some say Skate Kitchen is a nod to Kids (1995). While two or three scenes have similarities, I wouldn’t call Skate Kitchen a lighter version of Kids. It’s a standalone film, much brighter and more positive. Fun fact: HBO has adapted the movie into a TV series called Betty (as of 2021, the second season is in production).
6. Mid90s (2018) 7.4
Jonah Hill’s directorial debut, somewhat a semi-autobiographical tale of his youth. The film fully captures the essence of the ’90s, down to the homophobia, soundtrack, and sidelined female characters. Mid90s isn’t specifically about skateboarding or skaters, but it’s still worth a watch.
7. Grind (2003) 6.0
I hesitated to include this mess (and ultimately left out Kids from 1995), but here we are. Quoting a critic from an American publication: “Grind is reminiscent of the dialogue in pornographic films, which people usually fast-forward through.”
8. Skateboard Madness (1980) 7.2
A classic film highlighting the rapid development of the sport: the evolution of board shapes, skateparks, and wheel sizes. Skateboard Madness was filmed over several years, featuring then up-and-coming stars like Peralta, Rector, and others. Essentially, it could be considered a documentary and is a must-watch as a historical overview.
9. Lords of Dogtown (2005) 7.1
A film about how counterculture turns into the mainstream. There are a few spectacular scenes, and, of course, Heath Ledger, but overall, the movie feels somewhat dull. Its predecessor, the documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys about the pioneers of the Zephyr skateboarding team, is much more vibrant. In my opinion, there’s excessive focus on the personalities rather than the sport. Nevertheless, why not watch a dramatized version of the story about the guys who turned skateboarding into a form of dynamic art?
10. Slam: Tutto per una ragazza/All for a Girl (2016) 6.1
A Netflix movie based on Nick Hornby’s book, with the setting relocated from London to Italy. The protagonist is obsessed with Tony Hawk, his girlfriend is pregnant, and now he needs to make some tough decisions. All of this unfolds against a backdrop of skateboarding. A cute, calm movie for an evening with your significant other.
11. Wassup Rockers (2005) 6.0
Director Larry Clark is a genuine voyeur-pedophile, who in addition to Wassup Rockers created the infamous films Kids, Bully, and the semi-banned Ken Park. I won’t go into much detail – watch the trailer and decide for yourself whether it’s worth your time. By the way, many of Clark’s movies feature skateboarding in the background, but it rarely leaves any lasting impression. Another example is The Smell of Us, about self-destructive skater teens in Paris – also his handiwork.