There are a lot of great movies that have been made for specific audiences, so it only makes sense that a lot of people have been missing out on some good films. Here is a list of some subculture films that are worth checking out.
1. "SLC Punk!" (1998)
A movie written and directed by James Merindino about two young punks in mid-1980s Salt Lake City, Utah. The film follows the life of Stevo, an anarchist college graduate, and his best friend Heroin Bob, a guy that has never done a drug in his life asides from beer and cigarettes. Steve narrates the film, explaining life in the punk scene amidst Mormon country, taking the viewers to parties, concerts, trouble-making sprees. As the scene begins to die out and his best friend falls in love, Stevo begins to question his future and tries to find a way to grow up but not "sell out" like his father did. The movie is a mix of comedy and drama, making it easy to watch in any mood.
2. "Suburbia" (1984)
A group of suburban teens run away from their homes and find each other to be a better family than the alcoholic or abusive homes some of them escaped. They squat in an abandoned house, cut each others hair, and stand up for each other when conflict arises with a gang. Residents of the town frown upon these kids, and try to find a way to get rid of them, assuming the runaways are affiliated with the violent gang that causes trouble in town. This drama shows that not everyone in this scene is violent and heartless. Fun fact: Writer/director Penelope Spheeris recruited punk rockers and street kids to play the characters in her film instead of hiring professional actors.
3. "The Crow" (1994)
This gothic fantasy horror film is the last film actor Brandon Lee starred in; he was accidentally killed eight days before the production was supposed to be finished. The movie is based on the comic book series "The Crow." The film follows a rock musician who is revived after his own death and sets on a mission to avenge not only his death, but the rape and murder of his fiancé.
4. "Deathgasm" (2015)
A New Zealand comedy horror film reminiscent of Shaun of the Dead guaranteed to make you laugh. Instead of zombies, the enemy in this film is a demon that two heavy metal fans, Brodie and Zakk, accidentally summon during band practice. The town they rock out in becomes possessed and time is running out before the demon they summoned rises to take over and destroy everything in his path.
5. "Trainspotting" (1996)
Taking place in an economically depressed Edinburgh, Scotland, this film follows the life of heroin addict, Mark Renton, and his attempt to change his lifestyle and escape his addiction. However, his friends don't have the same goal, and this makes his mission all the more difficult to achieve. The film has humorous moments as well as horrifying ones,but is all very honest to the nature of addiction.
6. "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" (2001)
No, this has nothing to do with Harry Potter's beloved owl pal. This film is comedy-drama based on the musical of the same name, following a gender-queer band leader, by the name of Hedwig, who underwent a sex change gone wrong... hence the other part of the odd title. Hedwig experiences a few hardships that are explored in the film to reveal more about her complex character. She and her band, the Angry Inch, go on tour following her recent ex who betrayed her by stealing her music. If you're curious to see the Broadway musical, beloved Neil Patrick Harris played Hedwig!
7. "Gummo" (1997)
Taking place in a tornado-stricken town of Ohio, this film observes the lives of a few young and strange residents of the devastated town. These nihilistic characters find interesting, if not destructive, ways to pass the time in town with little to do. This film is very weird, just like its characters, but that's what makes it an interesting one to watch.
8. "American History X" (1998)
A Californian neo-Nazi goes to prison for voluntary manslaughter. After having three years in prison to reflect, he changes his beliefs and leaves his lifestyle of violence and racism. As he struggles to erase his prejudices, he works to prevent his younger brother from following the same wrong path. This dramatic film explores the roots of race hatred in America, showing how destructive it becomes.
9. "Slacker" (1991)
In Austin Texas, we follow the activities of "slackers," or the unambitious souls, of a college community. Rather than doing what is expected of them and fulfilling their responsibilities, these eccentric teens choose to focus on their own personal obsessions instead. The minds of these individuals aren't unintelligent, but are too active that they are unable to direct their thoughts and turn them into action. The film itself reflects this, feeling scatterbrained and hyperactive, with a variety of tone and a narrative that isn't linear.
10. "Dope" (2015)
While it may be too soon to really tell if this film counts as underrated or not, I definitely haven't heard many people mention this movie. It involves multiple subcultures that you wouldn't normally expect in the same film. A group of high school geeks bond over their love for 1990's hip-hop culture, but form a punk band. Somehow they accidentally get their hands on drugs that were meant to be received by someone else, and everyone involved in, or attempting to bust the drug deal, begin to give these kids a lot more trouble than they were prepared for. The variety of genres meshed into one film make it a unique experience.
