25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (2024)

Table of Contents
Summary 25 The Motivation (2013) 8 Pro Skaters Prepare For A Contest With A $200,000 Prize 24 Stay On Board: The Leo Baker Story (2022) An Exploration Of Gender In The World Of Olympic Skating 23 Pretending I’m A Superman: The Tony Hawk Video Game Story (2020) An Inside Look At The Game That Boosted The Popularity Of The Sport 22 N-Men: The Untold Story (2023) The 1975 Movement That Transformed Skateboarding 21 All The Streets Are Silent (2021) Exposing The Relationship Between Skateboarding And Hip Hop 20 Wassup Rockers (2005) Commentary On Race Relations In America From Director Larry Clark 19 The Search for Animal Chin (1987) One Of The First Skateboarding Movies With A Plot 18 Mouse (1996) Spike Jonze’s Cult Classic Slice Of Mid-90s Skateboard Culture 17 Kids (1995) A Controversial Movie Known For More Than Skateboarding 16 Plan B – Questionable (1992) The Movie That Put Plan B Skateboards On The Map 15 Street Dreams (2009) Narrative-Driven Drama Of A Skateboarder Pursuing Their Passion 14 Grind (2003) A Group Of Amateur Boarders Go To Extreme Lengths For A Sponsorship 13 Waiting For Lightning (2012) Danny Way’s Journey To Jumping The Great Wall Of China 12 Gleaming The Cube (1989) Government Conspiracies Meet Half-Pipes In A Radical Late-80s Skateboard Movie 11 Thrashin’ (1986) The Skateboard Movie That Started Josh Brolin’s Career 10 Bones Brigade: An Autobiography (2012) The True Story Behind One Of Skating’s Most Influential Teams 9 Video Days (1991) Jason Lee’s First Movie 8 All This Mayhem (2014) A Deep Dive Into Skateboarding’s Dark Side 7 Skate Kitchen (2018) The Critically Praised Female-Led Skateboarding Movie 6 Skaterdater (1966) The First Known Skateboarding Movie FAQs References

Summary

  • Skateboard movies are fan-favorite films with dramatic storytelling, whether documentary or fictional, attracting top talent.
  • Wassup Rockers
    delves deep into race and culture surrounding skateboarding, exploring social realities within the sport.
  • Movies like
    Lords of Dogtown
    and
    Skaterdater
    depict the history and evolution of skateboarding culture through iconic figures and events.

Over the years, the best skateboard movies usually belong to documentary films, many of the early examples created by skateboarding companies to help popularize this extreme sport. Skateboarding as a sport began in the 1950s when surfers in California wanted something to do when the waves in the ocean were flat. After serving as part of the counterculture in the 1970s, the sport enjoyed an explosion in popularity in the 1980s thanks to names like Jason Lee and Tony Hawk. In 2020, skateboarding broke through to the Olympics and is now a worldwide competition at the Summer Games.

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Skateboard movies continue to be fan-favorite films with viewers. They’re a certain type of genre of sports movie that is different from most and oftentimes are more dramatic in their storytelling. There are also a large number of documentary movies about skateboarding that have been made either about the professional skateboarding industry itself or about particular skateboarders. However, there are also critically acclaimed fictionalized movies about skateboarding as well. Both versions, documentary and fictional, have a huge fan base, proving to be a popular subgenre and bringing in top talent behind and in front of the camera to honor the sport.

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25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (1) Related 10 Movie & TV Characters Who Can’t Stay Off Their Skateboard

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25 The Motivation (2013)

8 Pro Skaters Prepare For A Contest With A $200,000 Prize

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Many of the best skateboard movies are documentaries, and what makes the sport so compelling to watch in this format is the combination of adrenaline-laced thrill-seeking, phenomenal risk of injury, and the incredibly unique type of athletic prowess required. All of these come together beautifully in the 2013 documentary The Motivation by filmmaker Adam Bhala Lough. The Motivation is one of the most intense skateboard documentaries when it comes to the competitive side of the culture, as it focuses on 8 pro skaters as they train to compete for a $200,000 cash prize in an NYC street tournament.

However, while the contest is the key factor linking the stories of the 8 skaters (which include the likes of Steve Berra, Chris Cole, and Eric Koston), it’s not the main reason The Motivation is such a compelling watch. Adam Bhala Lough manages to capture the individual trials, tribulations, and challenges each competitor faces on their journey, including family and financial struggles as well as difficulties with mental health. All of this leads to a surprisingly grounded and human skateboarding movie that culminates in a beyond-thrilling climax

24 Stay On Board: The Leo Baker Story (2022)

An Exploration Of Gender In The World Of Olympic Skating

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Trans athletes face many unique challenges and, unfortunately, no shortage of prejudice both from spectators and professional organizations. The 2022 documentary Stay On Board: The Leo Baker Story looks at the world of skateboarding through this lens, as it follows transgender skateboarder Leo Baker during a turbulent point in his career — his goal to represent the USA at the Olympics.

Of all the skateboarding movies of the decade so far, Stay On Board: The Leo Baker Story is arguably the most personal and intimate. It’s a near-unrivaled showcase of the struggles of an athlete in their prime whose goals and motivations repeatedly face near-destruction due to societal stigma around their identity. Leo Baker is rightly considered an icon in the world of modern skating, both because of his defiance in the face of prejudice and his phenomenal ability, and Stay On Board manages to balance its exploration of both incredibly well.

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Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story is a documentary film that chronicles the journey of professional skateboarder Leo Baker. The film explores Baker’s career struggles and personal experiences, focusing on the challenges of balancing fame with personal identity as a non-binary athlete. It provides an intimate look at the complexities of gender expression in the world of sports.

Director Nicola Marsh , Giovanni Reda Release Date August 11, 2022 Cast Leo Baker , Melissa Bueno-Woerner , Alexis Sablone

23 Pretending I’m A Superman: The Tony Hawk Video Game Story (2020)

An Inside Look At The Game That Boosted The Popularity Of The Sport

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When it comes to names that are synonymous with skateboarding even among those who have no interest in the sport, it’s inarguably Tony Hawk who is the most widely known. Not only is this due to his place as one of the best skaters of all time, but it’s also because he became the face of skate culture and introduced many to the possibilities of a board on four wheels thanks to the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater game series.

Decades after the release of the first game in the mid-90s, director Ludvig Gur made the 2020 skateboarding movie Pretending I’m A Superman, which delves into exactly how the pro-skater found himself becoming an icon of video game history. It’s definitely one of the most unique skateboarding documentaries out there, and features never-before-seen interview footage with Tony Hawk and many of the other skaters featured in the games, as well as the programmers and developers behind many titles in the franchise.

22 N-Men: The Untold Story (2023)

The 1975 Movement That Transformed Skateboarding

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Skateboarding has a history that stretches back decades, and while it reached the height of its popularity in the 1990s, it was the 1970s that many of the fundamentals of both the sport and culture surrounding it were established. One of the best skateboarding movies travels back to this point in time — 2023’s N-Men: The Untold Story by director James Martin Sweigert.

N-Men takes viewers all the way back to 1975 to explore the roots of skating, specifically focusing on a ragtag group of early skaters in downtown Sacramento. The group of Californian skateboarders formed an underground movement and would meet regularly at an embankment under the freeway, laying down new tricks and ideas which — unbeknownst to them — would become the foundations for the sport as it’s known in the 2020s. Of all the skateboarding movies out there, N-Men: The Untold Story is perhaps the one which best showcases how skating naturally evolved from a past-time perceived as antisocial to a global culture focused on daring and athleticism.

21 All The Streets Are Silent (2021)

Exposing The Relationship Between Skateboarding And Hip Hop

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While it’s considered a sport, skateboarding is a culture for most enthusiasts more than anything else, and it’s one which not only has a specific aesthetic but sound too. Hip hop and skating are intertwined in the 2020s, with Skater Rap being its own subgenre. However, this wasn’t always the case, as the 2021 documentary All The Streets Are Silent from filmmaker Jeremy Elkin shows.

All The Streets Are Silent is truly one of the most fascinating documentaries about skateboarding or hip hop out there, and it focuses on how the two subcultures became intertwined in the 1980s and 1990s. Specifically, this skateboarding movie focuses on New York, considered a spiritual mecca for lovers of both skating and hip hop. Both subcultures have their roots in the city, and All The Streets Are Silent fully explores how they eventually came together due to shared space on the streets of NYC.

20 Wassup Rockers (2005)

Commentary On Race Relations In America From Director Larry Clark

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (2)

Released in 2005, Wassup Rockers is an independent skateboard movie by Kids’ director Larry Clark. The movie follows some Guatemalan American and Salvadoran American teens in South Los Angeles who took up skateboarding and punk music. This allows them to avoid some of the violence of teen life on the streets and gives them a more creative alternative for burning their energy.

Where this movie about skateboarding stands out is its deeper message, as it’s not just about extreme sports and subculture surrounding them. Wassup Rockers shows that even when attempting to avoid danger, it is hard to completely avoid racial tensions and trouble. It also explores cultural expectations of the characters, and the friction caused when these expectations aren’t adhered to. The movie has a cast of non-professional actors and is a commentary on class and race relations in America.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (3) Wassup Rockers

A group of teenage boys choose to form their own identity shaped by the world of skateboarding.

Director Larry Clark Release Date June 23, 2005 Cast Jonathan Velasquez , Francisco Pedrasa , Milton Velasquez , Yunior Usualdo Panameno , Eddie Velasquez , Luis Rojas-Salgado , Carlos Velasco Runtime 111 Minutes

19 The Search for Animal Chin (1987)

One Of The First Skateboarding Movies With A Plot

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (4)

Released in 1987, The Search for Animal Chin might be the first skateboard movie that actually had a plot rather than just skateboarding stunts or performing a music video. The main star of the movie is the Bones Brigade, a skateboarding team that rode under the Powell Peralta banner. Bones Brigade started making skateboarding videos in 1982 and was the pioneer of this form of entertainment for the rest of the decade.

The movie itself has the Bones Brigade (which included the legendary Tony Hawk) set out to find the first skateboarder — the mythological Won Ton “Animal” Chin. Tony Hawk stars alongside Steve Caballero, Tommy Guerro, Mike McGill, Mike Vallely, Rodney Mullen, and Lance Mountain, all of whom are prominent professional skaters and names fans of the sport will no-doubt recognize. The Search for Animal Chin was directed by Stacy Peralta, who himself is a professional skater.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (5) The Search For Animal Chin

A group travels across America in search of legendary skater Won Ton Animal Chin. The missing skater remains elusive, but the team travels from Hawaii to Las Vegas and realizes that Animal Chin is alive in all of them.

Director Stacy Peralta Release Date October 28, 1987 Cast Tony Hawk , Steve Caballero , Mike McGill , Lance Mountain , Tommy Guerrero , Mike Vallely Runtime 65 Minutes

18 Mouse (1996)

Spike Jonze’s Cult Classic Slice Of Mid-90s Skateboard Culture

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Mouse stands out among skateboarding movies thanks to a key person in its creative team — Spike Jonze. Spike Jonze is one of the biggest names in filmmaking when it comes to promoting skateboard movies. His career started as a teenager when he photographed BMX riders and skateboarders. Many of his early music videos included skateboarders, as well.

In 1993, he created the skateboarding company Girl Skateboards in 1993 with Mike Carroll and Rick Howard and then worked with Howard on the 1996 skateboard movie Mouse. The movie features several real-life skateboarders of the era, including Guy Mariano and Sean Sheffey, remaining a cult classic to this day. This movie is notabley short, as many skateboarding movies are, though it remains a timeless slice of mid-90s skater culture, an era that’s widely considered among the most influential for the sport.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (7) Mouse (1997) PG-13

A short skateboarding video with music, documentary and some short parody clips that shed light on life in this sport during the 90s.

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Director Spike Jonze , Rick Howard Release Date January 1, 1997 Cast Chico Brenes , Mike Carroll , Daniel Castillo , Paulo Diaz , Tony Ferguson Runtime 38 Minutes

17 Kids (1995)

A Controversial Movie Known For More Than Skateboarding

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Rosario Dawson’s career is a highly successful one, with her most recent prominent role being Ahsoka in the Disney+ Star Wars show of the same name. However, her debut role was in one of the most controversial films ever made — director Larry Clark’s Kids.Kids is known for a lot of things, but not enough people talk about its skateboarding scenes.This is an NC-17-rated movie about teenagers living in New York City and takes place over the course of one single day.

The movie is about many hot topics, including drug use, sexual assault, underage sex, and AIDS. The main males in the movie are skateboarders, and not only use them to get around but use them as weapons at one point in an attack on a man on the streets. Kids really pushes the limits of decency, but it was critically praised, with nominations at Cannes and the Independent Spirit Awards

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (8) Kids (1995)

Kids is a 1995 drama film directed by Larry Clark and written by Harmony Korine. The film portrays a day in the lives of several teenagers in New York City as they engage in reckless behavior and confront issues such as drug use, sexual activity, and violence. The cast includes Leo Fitzpatrick, Justin Pierce, and Chloë Sevigny.

Director Larry Clark Release Date July 28, 1995 Cast Leo Fitzpatrick , Justin Pierce , Chloe Sevigny , Rosario Dawson , Yakira Peguero , Jon Abrahams Runtime 91 Minutes

16 Plan B – Questionable (1992)

The Movie That Put Plan B Skateboards On The Map

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (9)

There is a good argument that Plan B – Questionable might be one of the all-time best skateboard movies ever made — at least for the most ardent fans of the sport and those that skate themselves. The 1992 was made in conjunction with the Plan B Skateboards company based in San Diego. They have been selling their products since 1991, and this movie hit just one year after they went into business.

Plan B Skateboards is one of the most recognized and highly-regarded brand names in skating, and its reputation globally is in part due to movies like Plan B – Questionable. This company started out as a possible super team with names like Danny Way, Colin McKay, Rodney Mullen, and more. These skateboarders all appear in this movie, directed by David Scholssbach, Jacob Rosenberg, and Mike Ternasky, and introduced the kickflip underflip and casper slide to the world.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (10) Plan B – Questionable (1992)

Plan B – Questionable is a skateboarding film featuring skateboarders Ryan Simonetti, Pat Duffy, and others. Released in 1992, the film showcases the skills of its riders as they perform tricks and stunts on various skateparks and urban landscapes. Directed by Ryan Simonetti, the film is a showcase of the skateboarding culture of the early 1990s.

Director Jacob Rosenberg , Michael Ternasky , David Schlossbach Release Date January 1, 1992 Cast Pat Duffy , Colin McKay , Ryan Fabry , Sal Barbier , Sean Sheffey , Rodney Mullen , Mike Carroll , Danny Way , Rick Howard Runtime 57 minutes

15 Street Dreams (2009)

Narrative-Driven Drama Of A Skateboarder Pursuing Their Passion

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (11)

Professional skater Paul Rodriguez stars as Derrick Cabrera, a Midwestern amateur skater aspiring to reach the professional ranks in the 2009 drama Street Dreams. Alienated by family members and classmates who cannot comprehend his true passion, skating with his friends is the only place where Derrick feels at home. As he improves his skills with the desire to become noticed, Derrick perfects the one unique skating trick sure to make him famous while having a fallout with his idol.

While it is one of the best skateboard movies thanks to Rob Dyrdek’s involvement, there’s nary a review to be found for the movie, meaning the incredibly niche drama flew under many critics’ radar. In addition, the film grossed about $122,575 worldwide(via Box Office Mojo). That being said, it is an intriguing watch, and Rodriguez proves that he does have talent both on and off the skateboard. Rodriguez’s skills as a skater may not be commonly ranked as one of the best sports movies of all time, but the storyline makes it one of the best dramatized skateboarding movies.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (12) Street Dreams

Street Dreams (2009) follows Derrick Cabrera, a talented skateboarder from a small-town Midwest, who aspires to make it big in the professional skateboarding world. Facing skepticism from his family and peers, Derrick navigates the challenges and trials of the competitive skateboarding scene, tackling personal and societal obstacles. The film captures the essence of determination and the culture of skateboarding.

Director Chris Zamoscianyk Release Date June 12, 2009 Cast Paul Rodriguez, Jr. , Ryan Dunn , Rob Dyrdek , Ryan Sheckler , Terry Kennedy , Jason Reinert , Sean Malto Runtime 88 Minutes

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (13) Related 10 “True Story” Sports Movies That Completely Changed What Actually Happened

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14 Grind (2003)

A Group Of Amateur Boarders Go To Extreme Lengths For A Sponsorship

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (14)

Directed by Casey La Scala, Grind tracks a foursome of friendly amateur skaters who shadow their favorite skateboarding idol during his summer tour in hopes of being discovered and professionally sponsored. However, their trip is halted by one obstacle after another, including rejection from the idol’s manager.

The film was positively reviewed by audiences, but critics, unfortunately, didn’t feel the same. Critics lampooned the film for its gross-out humor and skateboard stunts that they didn’t feel were enough to hold up the plot. However, the brand of humor is par for the course in the best skateboard movies, and those passionate about the sport likely won’t agree with critical perception. The real appeal of this skateboarding movie is the cast, which sees a young Adam Brody (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) and Bam Margera.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (15) Grind (2003)

Grind follows four young skateboarders who embark on a road trip to compete in a major skating competition. The film explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the skateboarding subculture, featuring performances by Mike Vogel, Adam Brody, and Vince Vieluf. Directed by Casey La Scala, the movie captures the essence of skateboarding through its energetic sequences and camaraderie among the characters.

Director Casey La Scala Release Date August 15, 2003 Cast Mike Vogel , Vince Vieluf , Adam Brody​ , Joey Kern , Jennifer Morrison Runtime 105 Minutes

13 Waiting For Lightning (2012)

Danny Way’s Journey To Jumping The Great Wall Of China

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (16)

Waiting for Lightning is a documentary movie that focuses on telling the story of professional skater Danny Way. It looks at the skating industry as well, with appearances by other professional skaters like Tony Hawk throughout the movie. The film tracks Danny Way’s life and career, culminating in a 2005 attempt to jump the Great Wall of China. This central event is the anchor pinning down the rest of the documentary movie, creating a satisfying structure that ends on an intense note.

An intriguing look at Danny Way’s life and can be seen as a triumph of the human spirit.

This skateboarding documentary movie is definitively an intriguing look at Danny Way’s life and can be seen as a triumph of the human spirit. One of the best skateboard movies, Waiting for Lightning showcases Way’s enormous talent and proves how much drive and daring is required to make it professionally in the sport.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (17) Waiting for Lightning Where to Watch

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Waiting for Lightning is a documentary that chronicles the life of professional skateboarder Danny Way. Directed by Jacob Rosenberg, the film examines Way’s tumultuous upbringing, his passion for skateboarding, and his audacious ambition to jump over the Great Wall of China. Featuring interviews with fellow skaters and archival footage, the documentary highlights the risks and triumphs involved in Way’s record-breaking stunts and his impact on the skateboarding community.

Director Jacob Rosenberg Release Date March 10, 2012 Cast Danny Way , Tony Hawk , Rob Dyrdek Runtime 96 Minutes

12 Gleaming The Cube (1989)

Government Conspiracies Meet Half-Pipes In A Radical Late-80s Skateboard Movie

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (18)

Christian Slater plays Brian Kelly in Gleaming the Cube, a radical skateboarder who changes his entire lifestyle following the murder of his Vietnamese half-brother, Vinh (Art Chudabala). Until tragedy strikes his life, Brian spends his days skating empty pools, half-pipe ramps, and abandoned warehouses with his large group of friends. But a government conspiracy leads to his brother’s death, sending him into a grievous spiral where he becomes determined to discover who’s responsible for taking Vinh’s life.

One of the best skateboard movies, professional skateboarder Stevie Williams has cited Gleaming the Cube as being the first inspiration behind his prolific career. What makes Gleaming the Cube different from the other best movies about skateboarding is the scope of the storyline. Not often do government conspiracies and sports dramas intertwine, making for a truly unique addition to the genre.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (19) Gleaming The Cube Where to Watch

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Gleaming The Cube is a 1989 film starring Christian Slater as Brian Kelly, a teenage skateboarder who uncovers a conspiracy while investigating the death of his adopted brother. Directed by Graeme Clifford, the movie blends elements of action and drama, set against the backdrop of Southern California’s skateboarding culture. Tony Hawk and other professional skateboarders make appearances, contributing to the film’s authentic portrayal of the sport.

Director Graeme Clifford Release Date January 13, 1989 Cast Christian Slater , Steven Bauer , Richard Herd , Le Tuan , Min Luong Runtime 100 Minutes

11 Thrashin’ (1986)

The Skateboard Movie That Started Josh Brolin’s Career

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (20)

One year after starring in The Goonies, a young Josh Brolin took center stage in Thrashin’, a film about a teenage skater determined to win an organized competition while defeating a rival gang. Corey Webster (Brolin) is a midwestern teen staying in Los Angeles with friends, where he plans to enter and win a downhill skating competition. Corey soon falls for Chrissy (Pamela Gidley), the young sister of rival gang leader Hook (Robert Rusler). With his crew “The Ramp Locals,” Corey’s determination leads to an epic competitive showdown.

Outside of being one of the best skateboard movies of all time, Thrashin’ sees a young Josh Brolin in the beginnings of his illustrious career, and it’s clear he has talent even back then. Thrashin’ is described by The Board Sport industry as “legendary” and remains one of the most iconic of the best movies about skateboarding.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (21) Thrashin’

Thrashin’ is a 1986 film directed by David Winters. It stars Josh Brolin as Corey Webster, a competitive skateboarder who navigates rivalries and romance in the vibrant skateboarding scene of Los Angeles. Through conflicts with local skate gangs and a budding relationship with Chrissy, played by Pamela Gidley, Corey strives to prove his skills and integrity. The film is noted for its portrayal of the skateboarding culture of the 1980s.

Director David Winters Release Date August 29, 1986 Cast Josh Brolin , Robert Rusler , Pamela Gidley , Chuck McCann Runtime 92 Minutes

10 Bones Brigade: An Autobiography (2012)

The True Story Behind One Of Skating’s Most Influential Teams

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (22)

A decade after earning acclaim for Dogtown and Z-Boys, Stacy Peralta turned in another now-cult-classic skateboarding documentary called Bones Brigade: An Autobiography. The film chronicles the formation of the Bones Brigade skating team, which consists of six teenage skaters in the 1980s. The film charts how the team blazed trails and pioneered new trends in the nascent sport of skateboarding at the time, and how their influence is still felt decades later.

The film has been described as navel-gazing by some critics. However, credit is deserved where credit is due, and the team is nothing short of wildly talented. In one of the best skateboard documentary movies, the Bones Brigade performs some truly incredible tricks that have to be seen to be believed, and their impact on the skating world as it is today is unquestionable.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (23) Bones Brigade: An Autobiography

Bones Brigade: An Autobiography is a 2012 documentary film directed by Stacy Peralta. The film chronicles the story of the Bones Brigade, a skateboarding team that rose to prominence in the 1980s. Featuring interviews with team members such as Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen, the documentary explores their influence on skateboarding culture and the personal challenges they faced throughout their careers.

Director Stacy Peralta Release Date February 28, 2017 Cast Lance Mountain , Mike McGill , Tony Hawk , Steve Caballero , Rodney Mullen , Stacy Peralta , George Powell , Tommy Guerrero Runtime 91 Minutes

9 Video Days (1991)

Jason Lee’s First Movie

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One of movie director Spike Jonze’s first endeavors saw Jason Lee’s first foray into the acting world, and his role in the 1991 skateboard movie Video Days is what caused Kevin Smith to cast him in several future projects. One of the best skateboard movies despite its relatively short length, Video Days is a short film that showcases the talents of five skaters: Guy Mariano, Jordan Richter, Mark Gonzales, Rudy Johnson, and Jason Lee. The 24-minute entry focuses on various tricks that the group can perform in different locations and is definitely worth viewing for any fan of the sport.

If seeing Spike Jonze’s first movie and Jason Lee’s first film appearance isn’t enticing enough, the short film received wildly positive reviews from critics and has been cited as an important entry to the genre. The best skateboard movies are really about the outrageous stunts that are performed with finesse and skill, something Video Days showcases perfectly.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (25) Video Days Director Spike Jonze Release Date November 18, 1991 Cast Mark Gonzales , Rudy Johnson , Jason Lee , Guy Mariano , Jordan Richter Runtime 24 Minutes

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8 All This Mayhem (2014)

A Deep Dive Into Skateboarding’s Dark Side

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All This Mayhem is a disturbing documentary that looks at the darker side of the professional skating industry by focusing on and telling the story of two brothers, Tas and Ben Pappas, who became popular skaters in the industry. The two brothers are charismatic and close making them fan-favorite skaters. The movie tracks their rise to fame and their eventual downfall through drug addiction and self-destructive behavior.

All This Mayhem is certainly one of the best skateboard movies precisely because of the nature of the story. Tas and Ben Pappas aren’t the only public figures to fall from grace thanks to issues with addiction and unresolved issues, but the film documents their journey uniquely. It’s a sad film, to say the least, but the fact stands that All This Mayhem has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, exemplifying the fact that it’s one of the best movies about skateboarding.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (28) All This Mayhem

All This Mayhem is a documentary directed by Eddie Martin, detailing the rise and fall of Australian professional skateboarders Tas and Ben Pappas. Through archival footage and personal interviews, the film explores their journey in the skateboarding world, their eventual struggles with addiction, and the impact on their personal lives. Released in 2014, the documentary offers an in-depth look at the highs and lows of their careers.

Director Eddie Martin Release Date June 5, 2014 Runtime 99 Minutes Cast Tas Pappas , Ben Pappas , Tommy Caudill

7 Skate Kitchen (2018)

The Critically Praised Female-Led Skateboarding Movie

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In one of the most recent skateboard movies, Skate Kitchen features a refreshing gender-reversal of the often male-dominated subgenre. In the New York City-based movie, a shy and lonesome teenager named Camille (Rachelle Vinberg) comes of age while skating with her new female friends. Once she joins the clique of fellow skaters, Camile’s life begins to change for the better, especially when she becomes romantically interested in Devon (Jaden Smith), a cool skater from another crew.

The reason
Skate Kitchen
is one of the best skateboard movies of all time is that it’s a fresh take on the genre.

The reason Skate Kitchen is one of the best skateboard movies of all time is that it’s a fresh take on the genre. It’s incredibly rare to see a female-driven skateboard movie. The film got overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. In addition, Skate Kitchen was so well-liked that the film spawned a limited spinoff series, Betty.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (29) Skate Kitchen R Where to Watch

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A female skateboarding group is joined by a lonely suburban teenager, Camille (Rachelle Vinberg). In the midst of New York City, she begins a process of self-discovery while experiencing, for the first time, a real sense of belonging and the meaning of friendship.

Director Crystal Moselle Release Date August 10, 2018 Cast Kabrina Adams , Jules Lorenzo , Kobi Frumer , Malachi Omega , Elizabeth Rodriguez , Brenn Lorenzo , Thaddeus Daniels , Nina Moran , Taylor Gray , Judah Lang , Tom Bruno , Ardelia Lovelace , Nico Hiraga

6 Skaterdater (1966)

The First Known Skateboarding Movie

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (30)

One of the best skateboard movies of all time is actually the very first skateboard movie to ever be made. Skaterdater is a 1966 student short film by Noel Black. While there’s technically no dialogue, the movie follows a simplistic storyline of a group of skateboarding youths. Two of the boys have eyes for the same girl, so they challenge each other to a skating duel on a hilly street.

Skaterdater is an easy watch and features a catchy surf-rock soundtrack. One of the best movies about skateboarding for more reasons than its historical importance, the movie won the Palme d’Or for Best Short Film at the 1966 Cannes Film Festival and was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short. In addition, Skaterdater won prizes at international festivals in Moscow and Venice.

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (31) Skaterdater

Skaterdater is a short film directed by Noel Black that follows a group of young skateboarders as they navigate friendship, rivalry, and growing up in 1960s Southern California. The film captures the essence of youth and the universal experience of adolescence through the lens of the burgeoning skateboarding culture.

Director Noel Black Release Date June 1, 1966 Cast Michael Mel , Melissa Mallory , Gregg Carroll , Gary Hill , Bill McKaig , Gary Jennings , Bruce McKaig , Ricky Anderson Runtime 18 Minutes

Source: https://www.lsu.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment

25 Best Skateboarding Movies, Ranked - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (2024)

FAQs

What is the movie about skateboarding friends? ›

Four skaters follow their idol on his summer tour in an attempt to get noticed, get sponsored, and become stars themselves. Four skaters follow their idol on his summer tour in an attempt to get noticed, get sponsored, and become stars themselves.

What are skate films called? ›

A skate video is a movie of or about skateboarding typically showing new tricks and a series of skateboarders in a montage set to music.

What skateboard movie is set in the 90s? ›

Mid90s (2018)

Directed by Jonah Hill, “Mid90s” is a coming-of-age film set in Los Angeles during the mid-1990s. The story follows a 13-year-old boy named Stevie who finds his place among a group of skateboarders.

What is the movie about the boys who skateboard? ›

The film follows the surf and skateboarding trends that originated in Venice, California during the 1970s. The film follows the surf and skateboarding trends that originated in Venice, California during the 1970s.

What movie did Michael J Fox learn to skateboard for? ›

Fox did much of his own skateboarding in "Back To The Future," but the tricky, dangerous riding was done by his stunt double Charlie Croughwell! Come by and see our spectacular "Back To The Future" Trilogy Exhibit! Tickets: https://bit.ly/3fQ2vSGHollywoodMuseumTix.

What is the Disney show about 2 skateboarders? ›

Zeke and Luther is an American sitcom about two best friends setting their sights on becoming the world's greatest skateboarders.

What was the 70s skateboard movie? ›

Skateboard is a 1978 American sports drama film directed by George Gage and starring Allen Garfield and Leif Garrett. Tony Alva features in a cameo as "Tony Bluetile".

What do skaters call their boards? ›

Skaters generally refer to their skateboards simply as their boards. No point in getting fancy. Sometimes you hear the word "deck," but that refers specifically to the wood plank part of the skateboard. Calling a skateboard "wood" or "ride" pegs someone as a novice trying too hard to sound like a skater.

What was the old skateboard movie with Tony Hawk? ›

In 1989, Hawk appeared as a skateboarder in Gleaming the Cube. In 2002, he appeared in Neal H. Moritz's and Christopher Gilcrest's film xXx playing the role of one of Xander Cage's stuntman friends.

What is the old Disney movie about skateboarding? ›

' or 'Today, I'm gonna skate!' Brink is a 1998 Disney channel original sports movie about an inline skater who joins his enemy skate team in order to help his family through financial difficulties. This is one of those movies that I loved as a kid.

What is the highly regarded 2005 skateboarding drama? ›

Lords of Dogtown is a 2005 American biographical drama film that captures the rise of skateboarding culture in the 1970s Santa Monica and Venice, California.

Who is the famous skateboard guy? ›

Tony Hawk.

Pro Skater Tony Hawk (born May 12, 1968) is most famous for being the first skateboarder to land a 900 and the second skater to land a McTwist. Tony has his own skateboard company, a TV production company, clothing and shoe line and over 10 video games published by Activision.

Did Ben Stiller do the skateboard scene? ›

A behind-the-scenes look at the shooting of Ben Stiller's skateboarding scenes shot in Iceland. Yes, that's actually Ben on the skateboard in the close-ups, but he's on wires so if he stumbles or falls off, he can just be lifted in the air to avoid injury (a stuntman/expert skateboarder is used for the long shots.)

What is the movie about two male figure skaters? ›

Blades of Glory is a 2007 American sports comedy film directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon, written by Jeff Cox, Craig Cox, John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky, and starring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder with Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, William Fichtner, Jenna Fischer and Craig T. Nelson in supporting roles.

What is the skateboarding Disney Channel movie? ›

Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board is a 2007 American sports comedy-drama film released as a Disney Channel Original Movie. It is the sequel to Johnny Tsunami.

What is the skateboard doc on Netflix? ›

Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story.

What is the movie about skateboarding in the 70s? ›

Lords of Dogtown is a 2005 American biographical drama film that captures the rise of skateboarding culture in the 1970s Santa Monica and Venice, California.

What is the movie about friends doing challenges? ›

Buddy Games

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