American Hardcore (film)

American Hardcore is a 2006 documentary film directed by Paul Rachman. It is based on the book American Hardcore: A Tribal History by Steven Blush. The film explores the history of the American hardcore punk music scene from 1980 to 1986.

The documentary features interviews with numerous figures central to the hardcore scene, including musicians from bands such as Black Flag, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Dead Kennedys, and many others. It combines these interviews with archival footage of live performances, interviews, and other related material.

American Hardcore attempts to capture the raw energy, intensity, and often violent nature of the hardcore punk subculture. It examines the music's lyrical themes, which often focused on social and political discontent, and the scene's do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos. The film also explores the regional variations within the hardcore scene, highlighting the differences between bands and scenes in cities like Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Boston.

The film received generally positive reviews and is considered a significant document of the American hardcore punk movement. It offers a firsthand account of a subculture that had a lasting impact on music and youth culture.