The Decline of Western Civilization

Name: The Decline of Western Civilization
Director: Penelope Spheeris
Genre: Documentary, Music
Released: 1981
Duration: 100 min

1h 40m · 1981 · Directed by Penelope Spheeris · 3.9 / 5 on Letterboxd

The Decline of Western Civilization (1981) runs 1h 40m, directed by Penelope Spheeris. It is one of 3,647 films in the 100 Minute Movies catalog — every one rated 3.0 or higher by Letterboxd members and short enough to finish in an evening.

The Los Angeles punk music scene circa 1980 is the focus of this film. With Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, and X.

Genres: Documentary, Music

Where to watch: Prime Video (US, checked 9 July 2026)

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