This weekend is the 20th anniversary (13th as an outdoor festival) of Riot Fest in Chicago. A three-day (not entirely limited to) punk rock music fest that, over the years, has grown in popularity and the sheer size of the talent they bring in. While this year’s headliners are the more poppy blink-182, Weezer and Green Day, in the past they’d brought in some of the all-time greats, like the reunited Replacements or The Misfits and Jawbreaker. They’ve also mixed more genres into the lineup over the years too. Like bringing in hip-hop artist Run The Jewels or heavy metal legends Slayer. Plus, they have a carnival that goes along with it. All in all, it is a damn good time.
So, in honor of Riot Fest’s anniversary, here are the 25 Greatest Punk Rock Documentaries.
25. Punk Rock Eats It’s Own: A Film About Face To Face (2006)
To start things off, we have a film that was released released shortly after the band’s breakup. Or to be honest a long hiatus as the band reunited in 2008. This film examines the evolution of the band throughout its first run. It offers a thoughtful look at how the band navigated both creative pressures and the changing landscape of punk rock. Unlike many of the high-energy punk docs on this list, this film emphasizes reflection, showing the challenges of sustaining relevance, maintaining artistic integrity, and balancing personal lives with a demanding career. It’s less about chaos and spectacle, and more about resilience, making it an insightful look at the realities behind a band that’s endured far longer than most in the scene.
Available on YouTube.
24. The Other F Word (2011)
This one is an interesting take on the punk rock scene. Based off of the book by Pennywise frontman Jim Lindberg called Punk Rock Dad. The film is all about the balance of being on the road with your band and being a father who is away from their kids a lot. I, for one, think it’s really great to see the interactions of some of these band members and their families. It reminds you that they are normal people too. It’s a mix of funny, candid moments with really honest reflections about family, aging, and identity. It’s touching without being schmaltzy, and it shows a side of punk you don’t usually see.
Available on Tubi.
23. The Public Image is Rotten (2018)
An honest and unfiltered look at John Lydon and his iconic band, Public Image Ltd. This film dives into their rebellious spirit and the chaos behind their rise to fame. Sure he’s better known as Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, but he was more than just that. Lydon is candid about everything, the ups, the downs—no sugarcoating, just real talk. Sure, he comes off a bit like a pretentious prick, but that is just the way he is. No nonsense.
Available on Tubi.
22. Punk’s Not Dead (2007)
A raw and energetic doc that breathes new life into the history and spirit of punk rock. Through interviews with legendary bands like The Stranglers, The Damned, and The Adicts, as well as passionate fans and scene veterans, the film captures the raw, rebellious essence that defined a generation. Delving into the genre’s roots in 1970s Britain, and exploring how punk became a voice of dissent and a catalyst for social change. It also highlights how punk’s influence persists today, challenging notions that it’s a relic of the past. Gritty footage and authentic storytelling are some of the standouts of how this movie separates itself from the rest on this list.
Available on Tubi.
21. A Fat Wreck: The Punk-u-mentary (2016)
A fun, behind-the-scenes look at Fat Wreck Chords, the influential punk label started by NOFX’s Fat Mike and his then wife, Erin Burkett. Mixing interviews, live footage, and goofy puppet re-creations to tell the story of how a scrappy, independent label helped shape ’90s and 2000s punk is what makes it unique to a more traditional music doc. It’s lighthearted and full of personality, but it also highlights the label’s impact on keeping the DIY spirit alive. If you grew up on bands like NOFX, Strung Out, or Lagwagon, this one feels like a love letter to that era and those bands.
Available on YouTube.
20. 1991: The Year Punk Broke (2011)
A chaotic, funny, and fascinating time capsule of the moment alternative music was about to explode. Following Sonic Youth on tour in Europe with Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr, and other soon-to-be icons, the film captures both the messy backstage antics and the electric live shows. It’s great how raw it all feels, like you are hanging out with the bands and not just watching a polished rock doc. It’s a fantastic snapshot of punk and indie colliding with mainstream fame, right before everything changed.
Available on YouTube.
19. Riot on the Dance Floor: The Story of Randy Now and City Gardens (2014)
Unless you grew up in New Jersey, you probably don’t know or even care about this venue or it’s owner. But, if you did, you would know how damn important it/he was to the music scene. This legendary New Jersey club that became a home for punk, hardcore, and alternative music in the ’80s and ’90s. Through the story of promoter Randy Now, the doc captures how one run-down venue managed to host everyone from Black Flag to the Ramones to Nirvana, all while building a wild, tight-knit scene. It’s full of great stories, archival footage, and a real sense of how much heart went into keeping that place alive. For anyone who loves punk history or DIY culture, it’s a fun and nostalgic watch.
I’m just bummed that I never actually made it to a show there growing up.
18. Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché (2021)
This moving and personal portrait of the X-Ray Spex frontwoman is unique in the fact that it is told largely through the eyes of her daughter and director Celeste Bell. Blending archival footage, diary entries, and interviews to show both Poly’s fearless creativity and the struggles she faced with identity, fame, and mental health. What makes it powerful is how intimate it feels — it’s not just about a punk icon, but about a mother and artist trying to make sense of her place in the world. It’s inspiring, emotional, and a must-watch for anyone who loves punk history with real heart.
Available on Plex.
17. El Duce Tapes (2019)
Part punk, part metal, all shock and awe. A strange, grimy, and sometimes darkly funny documentary built from old VHS footage of Eldon ‘El Duce’ Hoke, the front-man of the controversial ’90s shock-rock band The Mentors. Instead of a polished band history, it’s more like a chaotic collage — mixing raw home videos, interviews, and disturbing antics that show both the absurdity and the ugliness of his persona. It’s uncomfortable at times, but that’s kind of the point: the film doesn’t glamorize him, it just lets the messy reality speak for itself. If you’re into the weirder, darker corners of punk history, it’s definitely a unique watch.
Available on The Internet Archive.
16. X: The Unheard Music (1986)
This offbeat documentary about L.A. punk band X feels more like an art film than a standard band biography. It mixes live performances, interviews with surreal visuals to capture the energy and weirdness of both the band and the era. What’s cool is how it doesn’t just tell you who X was — it makes you feel their world, from gritty club shows to the tension between punk ideals and mainstream culture. It’s a little unconventional, and maybe even a bit slow, but that’s exactly what makes it so memorable.
Available on Tubi.
15. Color Me Obsessed: A Film About The Replacements (2011)
This has to be one of the most unique music documentaries out there, because it never actually plays a Replacements song. Instead, it tells the band’s story entirely through interviews with fans, friends, and fellow musicians. At first that sounds weird, but it totally works — you end up feeling how much the band meant to people rather than just hearing it. It’s more about the spirit and chaos of The Replacements than a straightforward history, and that makes it feel kind of perfect for them.
The director, Gorman Bechard purposefully made this choice to avoid paying for expensive licensing and to offer a unique perspective on the band.
Available on Tubi.
14. ONE NINE NINE FOUR (2009)
Just a fun, nostalgic look at how punk blew up in the ’90s, with bands like Green Day, The Offspring, and Rancid suddenly breaking into the mainstream. Packed with interviews and stories that really capture the mix of excitement and tension as this underground scene hit MTV and radio. It’s both celebratory and a little bittersweet, showing how success changed the culture but also brought the music to a whole new generation.
Available on YouTube.
13. We Jam Econo: The Story of the Minutemen (2005)
While you may not initially think you know any Minutemen songs, You do. hat is unless you didn’t watch Jackass back in the day. Their song Corona, from the 1984 album Double Nickles on the Dime, was its theme song. This film dives into the lives and music of the iconic band, showing how they played a huge role in shaping the punk scene in the ’80s. A key thing about punk in the ’80s is the DIY ethos, and this film captures that and shows that the band wasn’t just about music; they had a whole philosophy around community and independence. I loved how the film not only showcases their songs, but also emphasizes their commitment to art and social issues. It’s pretty inspiring to see how they handle things on their own terms, from recording to touring.
The interviews with band members and those who knew them offer a great personal touch and really help to illustrate their impact. Plus, the editing keeps things energetic and engaging, reflecting the band’s own vibe. We Jam Econo is a must-watch if you want to feel inspired.
Available on YouTube.
12. Don’t Break Down: A Film About Jawbreaker (2017)
Jawbreaker is one of those bands that should have been HUGE back in the ’90s. But the bubble burst on them as they rose to the big leagues. This documentary takes a deep dive into that rise and fall, but also highlights the resurgence of the band in recent years. My wife did not understand my excitement when I got to see them reunite at Riot Fest in 2017. Through a mix of candid interviews and archival footage, you get a raw look at the band’s journey from the underground scene to mainstream recognition, capturing the music and the emotions and relationships that shaped their story.
What stands out is the honesty with which the members discuss their struggles, both personally and professionally. The film doesn’t shy away from the tough moments, showcasing the tensions and challenges they faced, all while celebrating the unwavering dedication of their fanbase. It’s a nostalgic ride for long-time fans but is also a solid introduction for newcomers to the band.
Overall, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates punk music or just wants a deeper understanding of the complexities behind a band that has left a lasting mark on the genre.
Available on The Internet Archive.
11. Another State of Mind (1984)
I already wrote about this one in length a little over five years ago. So you can read all about that here. It basically documents the 1982 U.S.-Canada summer tour of the Los Angeles punk bands Social Distortion and Youth Brigade. It’s another nice peak into that era of punk.
Available on YouTube.
10. Do You Remember? Fifteen Years of the Bouncing Souls (2003)
I have been a Bouncing Souls fan since the mid 90s. They were basically a local band for me since I lived like 30 minutes from New Brunswick, NJ. This documentary focuses on the band’s first 15 years, and it’s super heartwarming and emotional all throughout. They are probably the most genuine guys you can ever meet. And I was lucky enough to do that in the late 90s at a show at the House of Blues in Chicago. I still had my NJ license and showed it to a bouncer or someone, who, amazingly enough, talked to the band, and they invited me back on stage. I was shocked. They were all so gracious and down to earth. A few years later I got to meet them again on a Warped Tour I was photographing and even though they got bigger and “more famous”, they were still the same genuine dudes. To this day, they are true to their roots and write personal and high-quality, fun punk songs.
Available on YouTube.
09. Filmage: The Story of Descendents / ALL (2013)
I actually got to see this one at the Vic Theater in Chicago with a live Q&A with the band after. My wife had ZERO knowledge of the band(s) whatsoever, but when she walked out she had a great appreciation for them. Overall, it’s just a super fun and heartfelt documentary about the Descendents and ALL. One band with two heads. Well five, if you count all the various singers ALL have had over the years. And yes, I’m including the one-off collab with Tony Lombardo (original bassist of the Descendents). This film shows how a scrappy punk band with songs about coffee, girls, and growing up became a huge influence to generations to follow. Mixing live footage with great interviews that highlight both the humor and the heart behind the music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the band, it’s a feel-good look at the legacy of one of punk’s most beloved groups. The parts of the film that focus on drummer Bill Stevenson’s health issue are a real emotional rollercoaster.
Available on Tubi.
08. Instrument (1999)
Jem Cohen’s slow and thoughtful look at Fugazi is one that feels more like hanging out with the band than actually watching a typical music doc. Instead of flashy performances or hype, it shows the everyday side of their world through clips of rehearsals, touring, and showcasing the way they stuck to their DIY values. It’s not the easiest watch if you’re expecting nonstop energy, but that’s kind of the point. It does more by capturing Fugazi’s honesty and integrity as much as their music. For fans, it’s a rare and intimate portrait of a band that always did things on their own terms.
Available on YouTube.
07. End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003)
Take a dive deep into the legacy of one of the most iconic punk rock bands. Through a mix of archival footage, interviews with band members, and insights from those who were influenced by their music, the film paints a vibrant picture of the Ramones’ journey from their humble beginnings in New York City to their monumental impact on the music industry.
The film’s pacing keeps you engaged, and makes it accessible for both hardcore fans and newcomers alike. It’s a solid piece of music history for someone who is looking to understand the roots of punk culture and a poignant reminder of the Ramones’ indelible mark on music and the enduring spirit of rebellion they inspired. Overall, a must-see for anyone who appreciates rock and roll.
Available on YouTube.
06. D.O.A.: A Right of Passage (1981)
This gritty, chaotic time capsule follows the Sex Pistols’ infamous U.S. tour. With live performances by the Sex Pistols while also spotlighting bands like The Clash, Iggy Pop and Dead Boys, Generation X (with Billy Idol), The Rich Kids, X-Ray Spex, and Sham 69. Nothing about this one is polished… at all. It feels more like you’re tagging along with a shaky handheld camera through clubs, riots, and interviews. It captures how raw and unpredictable the punk scene really was. It’s messy, loud, and a little unhinged, but that’s exactly why it’s such a fascinating watch. It’s also most notably known for its famous interview of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen in bed.
Available on Tubi.
05. Salad Days (2014)
What’s great about this one is how it is a deep dive into the Washington, D.C. punk and hardcore scene of the ’80s. Very different from the L.A. scene. It’s packed with interviews from the bands and people who built that community, and you really get a sense of how DIY and politically driven the scene was. Living in the nation’s capital, it shows the way Bad Brains, Void, Fugazi and other bands booked their own shows and released their own records without media scrutiny or label constraints. The documentary feels more like a love letter than a history lesson, showing how much influence that moment in time had on punk and independent music as a whole. Ian MacKaye is a goddamn national treasure.
Available on Tubi.
04. The Punk Singer (2013)
I was never really into the Riot Grrrl movement, but I did respect it. Over the years I’ve come around to it more, and I finally watched this one not too long ago. It really opened my eyes to Kathleen Hannah and how she was a driving force behind the Riot Grrrl movement. The doc does a great job showing not just her music, but also her activism and the impact she had on feminist culture in the ’90s. It’s part history lesson, part love letter, and part personal story, where it digs into her struggles with health later on. Overall, it’s a powerful watch that makes you appreciate just how much she changed the conversation around women in punk. 100% worth the watch, even if you aren’t into punk music.
Available on PlutoTV.
03. American Hardcore (2006)
Want to feel like you just got punched in the face while watching a music documentary? Then watch this one immediately. It dives into the early ’80s hardcore punk scene and really captures just how intense, fast, and angry that music was. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything: the bands, the shows, and the fans all come across as raw and sometimes a little scary, but also passionate AF. It shows you how important the DIY and underground scene was, and how much it meant to the kids involved. If you’re curious about where hardcore came from, this film gives you that chaotic crash course you may be looking for.
Based on the book American Hardcore: A Tribal History by Steven Blush.
Available on PlutoTV.
02. A Band Called Death (2012)
This may be the best documentary about the greatest band you never heard of. It follows three brothers from Detroit way back in the ’70s. They were making music that sounded like punk before punk even existed. The crazy part is, almost nobody knew about them until decades later. What I loved most wasn’t just the music (which is amazing once you realize how ahead of its time it was), but the family story behind it — their dedication to each other and to staying true to their sound, even when it meant being overlooked. It’s one of those films that leaves you both hyped about discovering “lost” music history and really moved by the brothers’ bond.
I got a copy of the album when a press copy came to my old office touting the 1975 recording and its greatness. It really is a great seven track glimpse into that era.
Available on YouTube.
01. The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
Hands down the epitome of punk rock documentaries. Filmed between December 1979 and May 1980, this raw and wild snapshot of the early ’80s L.A. punk scene drops you right into the chaos, the sweaty clubs, the mosh pits, and the strange characters who made up that world. It is 100% unfiltered. The bands (Black Flag, Circle Jerks, X, Fear) are messy, intense, sometimes hilarious, sometimes uncomfortable, but always real. Watching it now is like time-traveling to a scene that was both self-destructive and incredibly creative. If you’re into punk or just curious about where so much of today’s alternative culture came from, it’s definitely worth the ride.
Plus, you’ll see a young Pat Smear of The Germs, Nirvana and now Foo Fighters interviewed. It really is wild to see.
Available on Tubi.
Top 25 Punk Feature Films
What do you think of the selection? What are some of your favorite punk rock documentaries? Hell, what are some of your favorite music documentaries in general? Let me know below.
Happy Riot Fest weekend!
