When you can’t hit the streets or the park, diving into the world of skateboarding documentaries can be the next best thing. These films offer a deep dive into the history, culture, and incredible talent that define skateboarding. From the early days to modern-day icons, let’s explore some of the most compelling skateboarding documentaries ever created. Get ready for a long session of insightful and inspiring viewing, clocking in at over 30 hours of skate content.
Best skateboard documentaries
1. The Devil’s Toy (1966)
- Director: Claude Jutra
- Duration: 15 minutes
A true relic, The Devil’s Toy is a short but fascinating glimpse into the very early days of skateboarding. This Canadian documentary, often considered an art film, captures the raw, simplistic style of skateboarding in the 1960s. With its unique video style and soundscapes, it’s a must-watch for any skateboarding history enthusiast.
2. Skateboard Kings (1978)
- Director: Unknown
- Duration: 59 minutes
This episode of The World About Us takes viewers into the heart of the Southern California skate scene of the late ’70s. Featuring legends like Stacy Peralta, Tony Alva, and Shogo Kubo, it offers a window into the era’s culture, complete with interviews from industry figures, parents, and the young skaters themselves. The inclusion of footage from Skatopia skate park adds an extra layer of authenticity.
3. Blind Video Days (1991)
- Director: Spike Jonze
- Duration: 24 minutes
Blind Video Days isn’t just a skate film; it’s a cultural touchstone. Directed by Spike Jonze, this influential work captures the essence of the 90s skateboarding scene. Its blend of low-rider Cadillac scenes, groundbreaking skateboarding footage, and appearances by future stars like Jason Lee solidifies its place as a game-changer in skate videos.
Blind Video Days
4. Dogtown and Z Boys (2001)
- Director: Stacy Peralta
- Duration: 91 minutes
Dogtown and Z-Boys is a quintessential documentary for anyone interested in skateboarding history. Directed by Stacy Peralta, it chronicles the rise of the Zephyr Skate Team (Z-Boys) in Venice and Santa Monica. The film details the influence of the surfer community, the evolution of skate styles, and the impact of the Z-Boys on the future of the sport.
5. Tic Tac 2 Heelflip (2001)
- Director: Mike Hill
- Duration: 52 minutes
This documentary is a deep dive into the history of Australian skateboarding, from the early 60s through the 90s. Tic Tac 2 Heelflip also features action from the 2000 X-Games and interviews with skaters such as Matt Mumford, Tas and Ben Pappas, Dustin Dollin, and Tony Hawk. It’s a must-see for skate historians interested in global skate culture.
6. Rodney Mullen: From the Ground Up (2002)
- Director: Unknown
- Duration: 30 minutes
This documentary explores the career of Rodney Mullen, delving into his transition from freestyle to street skating. Rodney Mullen: From the Ground Up covers the early days of World Industries and the influence of Mike Ternasky on Rodney’s career, culminating in the iconic Rodney vs Daewon Song videos.
7. Video Vortex: The LOVE Park Story (2003)
- Director: Unknown
- Duration: 33 minutes
The LOVE Park Story is a tribute to the iconic Philadelphia skate spot. This documentary showcases a decade of skateboarding at Love Park (1993-2003), featuring interviews with local skaters, activists, and legends, exploring the battles with city officials trying to shut it down.
8. Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator (2004)
- Director: Helen Stickler
- Duration: 82 minutes
A cautionary tale, Stoked delves into the life of Mark “Gator” Rogowski, a skateboarder obsessed with fame. While showcasing his initial rise, the documentary ultimately focuses on the tragic turn his life took and the negative impact he had on the skateboarding community. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of character in sports.
9. The History of Street Skating (2004)
- Director: Helen Stickler
- Duration: 32 minutes
This documentary highlights the pivotal role of Natas Kaupas in the evolution of street skateboarding. The History of Street Skating showcases Natas’ groundbreaking board slides, his influence on breaking the handrail barrier, and his impact on street skateboarding, with interviews from skaters like Mike Vallely and Kris Markovich.
10. Hot Chocolate (2004)
- Directors: Ty Evans and Spike Jonze
- Duration: 53 minutes
Hot Chocolate takes viewers behind the scenes of the Chocolate Skateboard team tour in 2003. This documentary combines interviews and voiceovers to provide insights into the personalities and lives of team members like Chris Roberts and Marc Johnson.
11. WHO CARES – The Duane Peters Story (2005)
- Director: John Lucero
- Duration: 70 minutes
Who Cares explores the turbulent life of Duane Peters, covering his battles with addiction, his skateboarding career, and his music. This documentary showcases Peters’ resilience and his ability to bounce back from adversity, as he still shreds to this day.
12. Lords of Dogtown (2005)
- Director: Catherine Hardwicke
- Duration: 107 minutes
Lords of Dogtown is a dramatic retelling of the Z-Boys’ story, focusing on their rise during the 1970s drought. It portrays the transition from surfing to skateboarding in empty pools, the introduction of urethane wheels, and the early commercialization of the sport. The film highlights the pivotal role these skaters played in shaping the landscape of modern skateboarding.
13. Rising Son: The Legend Of Skateboarder Christian Hosoi (2006)
- Director: Cesario Block Montano
- Duration: 98 minutes
This documentary explores the life of Christian Hosoi, a skater known for his unique style and flair. Rising Son covers the highs of his career, the lows of substance abuse, and his journey toward redemption. It’s a story of talent, downfall, and the possibility of a second chance.
14. Freedom of Space (2006)
- Directors: Steve Olpin and Tim Irvin
- Duration: 61 minutes
Freedom of Space focuses on the intersection of skateboarding and urban environments. This documentary dives into the social and political conflicts that arise from skateboarding in public spaces, offering a unique perspective on the culture and its impact on urban life.
15. The Man Who Souled the World (2007)
- Director: Mike Hill
- Duration: 87 minutes
This documentary tells the story of Steve Rocco, the controversial founder of World Industries. The Man Who Souled the World explores Rocco’s unorthodox approach, his rule-breaking mentality, and the impact he had on the skateboarding industry and the shift from vert to street skating.
16. Pray For Me The Jason Jessee Film (2007)
- Directors: Steve Nemsick, David Rogerson
- Duration: 82 minutes
Pray For Me delves into the life of former Santa Cruz star Jason Jessee. Through old footage, interviews, and testimonials from friends and family, this film provides a comprehensive look at his skateboarding career and personal life. The full documentary can be viewed here.
17. Lakai – The Final Flare! (2008)
- Director: Spike Jonze
- Duration: 63 minutes
The Final Flare! is an award-winning skate video directed by Spike Jonze. This film, shot in HD, showcases the incredible talent of the Lakai team and Guy Mariano’s iconic part, capturing the essence of modern street skateboarding.
18. Skatopia: 88 Acres of Anarchy (2010)
- Directors: Laurie House, Colin Powers
- Duration: 99 minutes
Skatopia explores the anarchic community created by Brewce Martin, a place where skateboarders could escape the outside world. This documentary dives into the punk-rock, Mad Max style culture and the freedom it offers, while also addressing the more controversial aspects of its leader and community.
19. Waiting for Lightning (2012)
- Director: Jacob Rosenberg
- Duration: 96 minutes
This documentary covers the remarkable life and career of Danny Way. Waiting for Lightning details his challenging upbringing, his drive to prove himself, and his groundbreaking jump over the Great Wall of China. It’s an inspiring look at the determination and ambition of an extreme sports icon.
Best skateboard documentaries
20. Bones Brigade: An Autobiography (2012)
- Director: Stacy Peralta
- Duration: 120 minutes
Bones Brigade: An Autobiography explores the history of the legendary Bones Brigade team. Directed by Stacy Peralta, the film details how he formed the team from amateur kids and how they rose to fame during the skateboarding boom of the 1980s. It’s a comprehensive history of one of the most influential teams in skateboarding history.
21. Rodney Mullen’s TED Talk (2012)
- Director: None
- Duration: 18 minutes
While not a traditional documentary, Rodney Mullen’s TED Talk provides profound insights into the mind of one of skateboarding’s greatest innovators. Mullen discusses his life, his passion for skateboarding, and the meaning it holds for him.
22. We Are Skateboarders (2012)
- Director: Ben Duffy
- Duration: 77 minutes
We Are Skateboarders explores the ongoing debate about the commercialization of skateboarding. Featuring discussions with Lance Mountain, Greg Lutzka, and Rob Dyrdek, this documentary examines the soul and authenticity of skateboarding in the modern era.
23. Freeling (2012)
- Director: Andrew Lovgren
- Duration: 26 minutes
Freeling tells the stories of a few skateboarders and their lives are shaped by the sport. This short film is an award-winner, recognized for its powerful storytelling and impressive cinematography.
24. The Motivation (2013)
- Director: Adam Bhala Lough
- Duration: 90 minutes
This documentary follows eight of the world’s top skateboarders as they prepare for the Street League championship. The Motivation provides an inside look at the dedication and preparation required to compete at the highest level of professional skateboarding.
25. We Are Blood (2015)
- Director: Ty Evans
- Duration: 91 minutes
We Are Blood is a road trip style documentary that follows skateboarders traveling the world in search of epic skate spots. With stunning footage from the US and Barcelona, this film is a visually captivating journey through the global skateboarding community. You can check it out here.
26. All This Mayhem (2014)
- Director: Eddie Martin
- Duration: 104 minutes
This intense documentary tells the tragic story of the Pappas brothers, Tas and Ben, and their rivalry with Tony Hawk. All This Mayhem showcases the darker side of the 90s skateboarding scene, exploring addiction, self-destruction, and a series of tragic events that followed.
27. “Nothing Meaner” The Story of Dean Lane Skatepark (2019)
- Director: Unknown
- Duration: 46 minutes
Nothing Meaner is a documentary about one of the oldest skate parks in the UK, Dean Lane Skatepark. It showcases over four decades of footage and stories shared by the local skaters who have shaped its history.
28. Daewon (2019)
- Director: Joe Pease
- Duration: 49 minutes
This documentary celebrates the 30-year career of Daewon Song, one of the most innovative and respected skateboarders. Daewon showcases his experimental approach to skateboarding, his humility, and the lasting impact he has had on the sport.
29. Tony Hawk: Until The Wheels Fall Off (2022)
This documentary provides a comprehensive look at the career of Tony Hawk, from his early days to his enduring legacy. Tony Hawk: Until The Wheels Fall Off features never-before-seen footage and interviews, highlighting his determination and impact on the history of skateboarding.
Other Stuff to Watch
There is plenty of great skateboarding content beyond documentaries. Here are a few more options to explore:
Vice’s Epicly Later’d
This series, especially the John Cardiel episodes, comes highly recommended by skaters and provides in-depth looks into the lives of influential figures in skateboarding.
Love Letters to Skateboarding
This is a great series with different skaters sharing their personal experiences and love for skateboarding.
Ruben vee
This selection of documentaries and videos should keep you entertained and informed while you are not skating. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or new to the culture, these films offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of skateboarding, its history, and its impact on society. These stories are sure to provide inspiration and fuel your passion for the sport.
