The Decline of Western Civilization 1981
“See it in a theater.... where you can't get hurt.”
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
- Director
- Penelope Spheeris
- Network
- Spheeris Films Inc.
- Where to Stream
- Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Philo
What is The Decline of Western Civilization?
Topic: Film "The Decline of Western Civilization" (1981). Role: Meticulous television and film archivist.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1981
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
- Release date
- Jul 1, 1981
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- United States of America
- Studios
- Spheeris Films Inc.
- Budget
- $100,000
- Genres
- Documentary, Music
- Updated
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 7.2/10 from 119 votes
- Episode runtime
- ~100 minutes
- Status
- Released
- Network
- Spheeris Films Inc.
Where to watch in United States
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Plex
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Stingray Amazon ChannelWith ads
Tubi TVPlex
Cineverse
Midnight PulpRent
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Google Play MoviesYouTubeWith ads
PlexPlex ChannelWith ads
PlexWith ads
PlexPlex ChannelStream
Amazon Prime Video
Sundance Now Amazon Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Qello Concerts by Stingray Amazon ChannelWith ads
Amazon Prime Video Free with AdsPlex
Amazon MX PlayerRent
Apple TV Store
Amazon VideoBuy
Apple TV StoreAmazon VideoStream
Qello Concerts by Stingray Amazon ChannelSundance Now Amazon ChannelWith ads
PlexRent
Apple TV StoreBuy
Apple TV StoreWith ads
PlexWith ads
PlexWith ads
Tubi TVPlexStream
Amazon Prime Video
fuboTV
PhiloFandor
Night Flight Plus
Fandor Amazon ChannelAmazon Prime Video with Ads
DocuramaFilms Amazon Channel
Shout! Factory Amazon ChannelQello Concerts by Stingray Amazon Channel
Cineverse Amazon ChannelFree
Kanopy
FawesomeWith ads
Fandango at Home Free
Pluto TV
Shout! Factory TV
YouTube FreePlexPlex ChannelAmazon Prime Video Free with AdsCineverseMidnight PulpTubi TVAmazon MX PlayerRent
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Trailer
Overview
Topic: Film "The Decline of Western Civilization" (1981).
Role: Meticulous television and film archivist.
Constraints:
Write ONLY verifiable facts from provided SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
No inventing/guessing (titles, names, dates, counts, awards, ratings, etc.).
Original, neutral, encyclopedic prose.
Plain text only (no markdown, no asterisks, no headings, no bullet points).
Word count: 150-190 words.
First sentence must not contain spoilers.
Use ONLY provided facts.
[1] Title: The Decline of Western Civilization (1981). Release date: 07/01/1981 (US). Genre: Documentary and Music. Runtime: 1h 40m.
[2] American documentary filmed through 1979 and 1980. Subject: Los Angeles punk rock scene. Director: Penelope Spheeris.
[3] Focus: Los Angeles punk music scene circa 1980. Featuring: Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, and X.
[4] Rotten Tomatoes: 100% Tomatometer, 84% Popcornmeter. (Note: The URL says 1988, but the title says 1981. I will stick to the 1981 context provided in the text).
[5] Director: Penelope Spheeris. Featuring: Eugene Tatu, Alice Bag Band, Black Flag
Should you watch it?
“This documentary captures the raw energy of the Los Angeles punk rock scene in 1980.”
- Features performances by influential punk bands including Black Flag and X
- Provides a rare historical record of a scene ignored by the mainstream press
- Directed by Penelope Spheeris with direct access to the era's key figures
- The raw, unpolished nature of the documentary style may not appeal to all viewers
Watch it if you are interested in the history of the Los Angeles punk music scene.
The film maintains a documentary tone with a runtime of one hour and forty minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I stream this film?
Streaming availability varies by region and platform; please check your local digital service providers for current listings.
Is this film worth watching?
The film holds a high critical rating and serves as a significant historical record of the Los Angeles punk scene.
How long is the film?
The documentary has a runtime of one hour and forty minutes.
Which bands are featured in the movie?
The film features the Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, and X.
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