archytele The Vault

American Cinema 1994

★ TMDB users: 8.3/10 from 3 votes Documentary 1 seasons · 13 eps Ended
Community & Your Rating
★ 8.3/10
Where to watch: Criterion Channel
Advertisement
Quick answer

What is American Cinema?

American Cinema is a 13-episode television series produced by PBS to commemorate 100 years of movie-going. The program serves as a chronicle of the history of Hollywood and the development of filmmaking.

Type
TV series
Year
1994
Status
Ended
Episodes
13
Runtime
55 minutes
First aired
Jan 1, 1994
Last aired
Aug 22, 1996
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Genres
Documentary
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 8.3/10 from 3 votes
Format
1 season · 13 episodes
Episode runtime
~55 minutes
Status
Ended
Availability by region

Where to watch in United States

Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.

Planning tool

How long to binge?

Estimate the schedule using 13 episodes and an average 55-minute runtime.

Trailer

No official trailer is available for this title yet.

Find the trailer on YouTube ↗

Overview

American Cinema is a 13-episode television series produced by PBS to commemorate 100 years of movie-going. The program serves as a chronicle of the history of Hollywood and the development of filmmaking. Through an analysis of the industry, the series explores the evolution of American cinema from its origins to the contemporary era. Each episode utilizes archival footage, iconic scenes from classic films, and expert commentary from film scholars and critics to examine the craft. The series also features interviews with prominent figures in the industry, including Robert Altman, Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford, Spike Lee, George Lucas, Sidney Lumet, and Julia Roberts. By combining these various elements, the production provides a detailed look at the history of the medium. The series was created to celebrate the significance of movie magic and remains a definitive record of the American film industry as presented on PBS. It offers viewers a comprehensive perspective on the artistic and technical milestones that have defined the history of motion pictures over the past century.

Advertisement

Should you watch it?

“Explore a century of movie-going through this definitive documentary chronicle of American cinema.”

Reasons to watch
  • features rare archival film and key scenes
  • includes interviews with leading filmmakers
  • provides commentary from film scholars and critics
Keep in mind
  • relies on archival material which may feel dated to some viewers
  • limited availability of complete episode details in source texts

Watch it if you want to learn about the history of Hollywood and filmmaking.

This documentary series is suitable for general audiences interested in film history.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about American Cinema — answers are spoiler-safe.

Your verdict

Is American Cinema worth watching?

Cast

Comprehensive Directory

Episode guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Spoiler-Safe Browsing Progress

Future titles & recaps blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any item to peek.
Binge Efficiency Engine

Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by serialized narrative importance. Skip standalone side quests and streamline your binge.

31%
69%
Mytharc (4): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (9): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
Season 1 · 13 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

When was American Cinema released?

The series aired in the mid-1990s, specifically starting in 1994 according to available records.

How many episodes are in the series?

The series consists of 13 episodes created by PBS.

Who is interviewed in the series?

Interviewees include Robert Altman, Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford, Spike Lee, George Lucas, Sidney Lumet, and Julia Roberts, among others.

What is the subject of the series?

The series chronicles the history of American cinema and filmmaking over 100 years of movie-going.

What materials are used in the production?

It combines rare archival film, key scenes from movies, filmmaker interviews, and commentary from scholars and critics.

■ Ended / Final Season Complete Renewal tracker

Explore American Cinema

If you like American Cinema

See all similar titles →

What viewers say

No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on American Cinema.

Advertisement