Graffiti, often seen as an act of rebellion or vandalism, has also been a powerful form of expression and storytelling. These films delve into the lives of artists who use the city as their canvas, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the struggle for recognition. From tales of street art battles to personal journeys of self-discovery, this collection offers a unique look at the world of graffiti through the lens of drama.

Wild Style (1983)
Description: Often credited with popularizing hip hop culture, this film follows the journey of a graffiti artist named Zoro, blending fiction with real-life graffiti artists and their art.
Fact: The film features real graffiti artists like Dondi White and Futura 2000, making it a time capsule of early hip hop culture.


Beat Street (1984)
Description: This film intertwines the stories of breakdancers, DJs, and graffiti artists in the Bronx, highlighting the cultural significance of graffiti within the hip hop movement.
Fact: It was one of the first films to showcase the full spectrum of hip hop culture, including graffiti, breakdancing, and DJing.


Style Wars (1983)
Description: This documentary captures the vibrant graffiti scene in New York City during the early '80s, showcasing the lives of young artists who battle for recognition and space on subway trains.
Fact: It was one of the first films to give a voice to graffiti artists, influencing many subsequent films and artists.


Bomb the System (2002)
Description: A gritty tale of a graffiti artist seeking revenge after his brother's death, this film explores the darker side of street art and the personal costs of living a life on the edge.
Fact: The film was directed by Adam Bhala Lough, who himself was deeply involved in the graffiti scene.


The Art of the Steal (2013)
Description: While not exclusively about graffiti, this film features a heist involving a famous piece of street art, exploring themes of art theft and the value of street art.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events involving the theft of a Banksy mural.


Graffiti Verite (1995)
Description: This documentary provides an educational look at graffiti as an art form, featuring interviews with artists, historians, and critics discussing the cultural impact of graffiti.
Fact: It was used in schools as an educational tool to discuss graffiti as art rather than vandalism.


Piece by Piece (2005)
Description: Focused on the life and work of graffiti artist Barry McGee, this documentary captures his transition from street art to gallery exhibitions.
Fact: The film was directed by McGee's wife, Margaret Kilgallen, who was also an artist.


Infamy (2005)
Description: A documentary that delves into the global graffiti scene, focusing on artists from around the world and their personal stories, struggles, and triumphs.
Fact: It features interviews with some of the most influential graffiti artists, providing a broad view of the graffiti movement.


Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
Description: Although more of a documentary, it explores the world of street art through the lens of Thierry Guetta, a man obsessed with filming street artists, including the elusive Banksy.
Fact: The film blurs the line between documentary and fiction, sparking debate over its authenticity.


Who is Bozo Texino? (2005)
Description: This documentary investigates the mysterious figure known as Bozo Texino, a hobo artist whose graffiti has been seen on trains across America for decades.
Fact: The film explores the folklore and the art of hobo graffiti, offering a unique perspective on graffiti culture.
