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Historical documentary

The Decline of Western Civilization (1981): Cast & Ratings

The Decline of Western Civilization (1981) movie poster

The Decline of Western Civilization is a 1981 historical documentary directed by Penelope Spheeris, starring Black Flag, Alice Bag and Alice Bag Band. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $440 worldwide. Critics gave it 93 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.

IMDb rating
7.5/10
worldwide gross
$440
Metascore
93
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The Decline of Western Civilization (1981) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Original language
English
Studio
Nu-Image
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Decline of Western Civilization About?

The premise of The Decline of Western Civilization without spoilers.

In 1970s Los Angeles, the punk rock scene exploded with a rebellious energy. This documentary explores the era through the raw performances and perspectives of influential bands like X, Black Flag, Fear, The Germs, Catholic Discipline, and Alice Bag Band. Director Penelope Spheeris vividly captures the unbridled passion and chaotic spirit of West Coast punk, offering a compelling portrait of a uniquely wild and transformative period.

The Decline of Western Civilization Themes & Keywords

· 31 tags
  • national film registry
  • los angeles california
  • punk rock
  • 1970s
  • independent film
  • beer
  • self destructiveness
  • cult favorite
  • punxploitation
  • live music
  • tattoo
  • drugs
+19 more
  • band
  • punk
  • f rated
  • title directed by female
  • first of series
  • california
  • mohawk haircut
  • swastika
  • racial slur
  • nihilism
  • anti establishment
  • anti conformity
  • anti authority
  • musician
  • journalist
  • concert footage
  • compilation
  • magazine
  • tarantula
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Cast & crew

The Decline of Western Civilization Cast

Black Flag leads the cast, with Alice Bag and Alice Bag Band. Directed by Penelope Spheeris; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Decline of Western Civilization

· 6 more
From the director

More from Penelope Spheeris

More films directed by Penelope Spheeris, best-rated first: The Decline of Western Civilization Part III, Suburbia, Wayne's World and The Boys Next Door.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Decline of Western Civilization Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Decline of Western Civilization 93 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.

Box office

The Decline of Western Civilization Box Office

The Decline of Western Civilization grossed $440 worldwide.

1981 box office

Worldwide gross

$440

International
$440
Videos

The Decline of Western Civilization Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Decline of Western Civilization.

The Decline of Western Civilization 1981 Trailer HD | Documentary | Punk Rock
Details

The Decline of Western Civilization Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “서구 문명의 몰락” and “西方文明的衰落”.

Also known as
  • 서구 문명의 몰락
  • 西方文明的衰落
  • ザ・デクライン

Seen The Decline of Western Civilization?

FAQ

The Decline of Western Civilization FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Decline of Western Civilization, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Decline of Western Civilization?

The Decline of Western Civilization runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was The Decline of Western Civilization released?

The Decline of Western Civilization was released on July 5, 1981.

Who directed The Decline of Western Civilization?

The Decline of Western Civilization was directed by Penelope Spheeris.

More films by Penelope Spheeris

Who is in the cast of The Decline of Western Civilization?

The Decline of Western Civilization stars Black Flag, Alice Bag and Alice Bag Band, among 10 credited actors.

How much did The Decline of Western Civilization make at the box office?

The Decline of Western Civilization grossed $440 worldwide.

How is The Decline of Western Civilization rated?

The Decline of Western Civilization has 7.5/10 on IMDb, 93 on Metacritic and 72% on TMDB.

Does The Decline of Western Civilization have a post-credit scene?

No. The Decline of Western Civilization has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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